FAQs for Indian students to study in Canada

 Do I need a study permit to study at a Canadian educational institution?

• Canadian colleges, universities, technical institutes and other educational institutions encourage applications from qualified international students. If you are going to study in Canada for more than six (6) months, you need a study permit.

How is the ranking of the Canadian institutes done?

• Most educational institutions in Canada are publicly funded and provide quality education with worldwide recognition and acceptance.There is no official or recognized ranking for educational institutions in Canada. 

When are the intakes for Canada?

• For most universities the primary intake is in September / Fall Session. Few universities do allow r a January / Winter Session intake. For Colleges, there are usually 3 intakes in a year: September; January; May.

When can I start my admission procedure?

• It is very strongly recommended, for universities, Students should start prepare atleast 6 months before the intake.For colleges, students should prepare atleast 3 months before the intake. 

Is IELTS compulsory for admission?

• Yes, It is not only compulsory for the admission process but also  essential for the visa process.

What kind of funds do I need to show?

• Student must satisfy a visa officer that he/she  has sufficient funds available for your studies, including tuition, living costs and transportation, without working. It is highly recommended that student must provide verifiable documentary evidence of immediately available funds in a credible financial institution According to Citizenship and Immigration Canada guidelines, student will require approximately $10 000 Canadian per year, not including tuition fees, to cover your living expenses.

For more details check http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/study/study-how-documents.asp

How many hours can I work while studying?

• 20 hours per week and full time during vacation.

Are there scholarships / loans available to international students?

• Since education is highly subsidized in Canada. There are very few scholarships at the undergraduate level. There are many more opportunities for scholarships at the graduate (MA) and post-graduate (PhD) level. Based on the performance universities do grant scholarships to the students

As an international students can I bring my dependent to Canada?

• Yes,  Canada has very generous immigration policy, allowing dependents ( the spouse and minor children) to accompany international students to Canada to work and study. 

What is the application process for the dependents ?

• An international student may bring his or her dependents to Canada by one of two routes.

1. One option is student and dependent family members to submit their visa applications concurrently. 
2. Another option is for the student to wait until he/she has received a study permit, and then submit applications for his or her accompanying dependents.

When applying for a study permit, student must provide information about all family members that will be accompanying the student to Canada. In order for their application to be approved, the student and his or her family will have to demonstrate that they have sufficient funds to support their stay in Canada. In addition, applicants may be required to undergo a medical examination and submit Police Clearance Certificates and IELTS score.

As a student, you will require an additional $4 000 for the first dependent, and $3 000 for each subsequent dependent, in addition to return airfare.

Has Brand Canada Successfully Lured Indian Students

In 2013, 14000 Indian students entered into Canada, this is nearly four times more Indian students entered in Canada in 2008. Though the absolute number of Indian students studying in Canada is small as compared to those Indian students studying in US, UK and Australia but 400% jump (from 3853 to 14000) in last 5 years (2008-2013) reveals "How Brand Canada has successfully lured Indian students" 

Why is Canada has emerged as one of the favorite study destinations for Indian Students

1. Easy work permit after graduating as compare to UK and US

• Indian students graduating from Canadian universities are encouraged to take up employment in the country. The Canadian “Post-Graduation Work Permit” program offers students work permit for a period of time equal to the duration of the course or, for the maximum of three years.

Duration of Study (Year)	Post-Graduation Work Permit  (No. of Years)
1	1
1..5	1.5
2	3
3	3
4	3

• The table above illustrates, if a student completes a one year course in Canada, then he/she will be granted a one year post-graduation work permit. If a student studies for 2 years or more, then he/she will be granted a three year post-graduation work permit. The students can later apply for permanent residency in Canada
• On the other hand, UK has tightened its visa rules for the Indian students. The country has discontinued a two-year post-study work permit. Foreign graduates will be allowed to remain in the UK only if they have skilled job offers under the Tier 2 work permit category. 

Read Articles:  FAQs for Indian students to study in Canada

2. World class education infrastructure

• Canada's education system is excellent and ranks among the best in the world. The Canadian government has granted funds to these universities for research and development. Canadian government spends on education close to 5.5% of its GDP, which is one of the highest in the world. 
• Canada's high academic standards and rigorous quality controls mean that the students will earn high quality education. The degree earned is recognized across the world. The Canadian government and industry together support research including: telecommunications, medicine, agriculture, computer technology and environmental science.

3. Value for money

• Despite of providing the world class education, Canadian universities charge the lowest tuition fees compared to other universities in English-speaking countries.
• International students are permitted to work in Canada while they study – both on and off-campus. This permit allows students to work for 20 hours per week. This applies to all full-time students enrolled at a public university, community college, vocational college, a publicly funded trade or technical school, or a private institution.
• Scholarships availability, possibility of good savings after expenditure on education and high employ-ability after the degree makes Indian students to choose Canada as their favored destination

4. Safest country

• The United Nations ranked Canada as one of the safest and best places in the world to live. 
• Canadians are very friendly and open nature. As an international student in Canada, you’ll enjoy all of the same freedoms which protect Canadians – respect for human rights, equality, and a stable and peaceful society. 
• There has been no racists attack on Indians as experienced unlike in other English speaking countries

For Indian students, Canada offers a great potential to grow and to explore higher education. Easy work permit and permanent residency are benefiting Canada as global education destination.