Imagine earning a degree that not only gives you a qualification but also lets you work while you study - all while setting you on the path to permanent residency. Sounds too good, right?
Well, Canada offers that and more. Let us examine why studying in Canada makes sense.
Why should you choose Canada?
There are multiple reasons why Canada should be your top destination to study abroad. Here’s why:
Quality education
Canada is home to several world-class universities, including McGill and the University of Alberta. In fact, the latter counts a Turing Award recipient among its professors. It strengthens your learning by giving you access to the top experts in science, technology and humanities.
Safety and inclusivity
Canada is known to be one of the safest countries in the world and values diversity. Hence, as an international student, you will feel welcomed and well supported here. You will also be able to experience different festivals throughout the year.
Earn while you learn
The biggest advantage that Canada offers is allowing you to earn while you study. Your study permit lets you do so. In addition, universities also provide co-op programs, internships and placements that not only help you earn money but also give you the opportunity to gain practical experience.
Useful skills
You have numerous career opportunities to gain skills and experience in Canada. If you choose to return to your home country, it will still turn out to be beneficial for you.
Adventure
In Canada, you will experience a diverse cultural landscape, supported by reliable and convenient travel options wherever you go. Irrespective of where you live, you will be able to discover various cities, landscapes and picturesque towns.
Quality of life
Apart from being a safe place, Canada will provide you with a good quality of life - this essentially means you will get clean air and water, top-notch healthcare and infrastructure.
Career prospects
Once a student obtains a post-graduate work permit, they become eligible to work in Canada for three years. They can apply for permanent residency once they complete one year of employment.
How does this work?
Universities in Canada typically have three admission seasons - fall, winter and summer. Of these, fall is the more popular intake, offering a higher number of courses. The above-mentioned reasons make Canada an attractive option for students across the world.
Students apply for the courses at least 6-9 months before the classes start. This early preparation becomes a crucial advantage, as students who start sooner secure better scholarships, stronger applications and, overall, more options.
What is the admission process to apply to Canadian universities?
An admission package to universities consists of multiple things:
Eligibility examinations
International students must take English proficiency exams such as TOEFL/IELTS/ PTE Academic/Duolingo and possess a valid score at the time of application. GRE/GMAT score requirements vary based on the program. For MBA and management-related programs, a GMAT score may be considered, but the requirement itself varies based on the university.
Statement of Purpose (SoP)
Universities expect a Statement of Purpose from students to help the admission committee understand them better. This may usually be in two different forms - an entire document or specific questions. A research intent letter may be required in case of PhD admissions. They measure how well you are able to articulate your goals and link them with the program outcomes.
Letter(s) of Recommendation (LoR)
Many programs expect students to share at least 1 to 2 letters of recommendation - one from a professor and the other from an employer (if you are applying after gaining some work experience).
Other documents
These include your school/UG degree/ prior PG degree transcripts (depending on the stage of life in which you apply), degree certificate and other documents the university considers necessary for its admission process.
Each university has a separate deadline for specific programs. Hence, remember to adhere to that. Some universities offer flexible deadlines for international students, so make sure to check and note them accordingly. Do remember that starting early will give you an advantage in the sense that you can apply to universities in the second half of your stipulated period, in case you end up receiving no offers in the first half.
What happens after you apply?
Once you have applied and submitted your documents, the universities take about 6-10 weeks to evaluate them, depending on the program type, intake and volume of applications. As soon as you start receiving offers, focus on the following:
- Compare and evaluate your options carefully. Make your choice based on the following factors: program quality, curriculum, internship and job prospects, location, alumni strength, rankings and overall university reputation. Keep in mind that the choice you make now will strongly impact your future.
- Evaluate the scholarships given and check your offer for entrance scholarships, merit scholarships and research/teaching assistantships.
- If the amount is low, you can negotiate with the university for additional scholarship support.
- After finalising your university choice, you will be expected to pay a deposit amount to reserve your seat for the upcoming academic year. This amount varies depending on the institution.
- This will be followed by arranging for loans and the visa process.
What about scholarships? How to arrange for funds?
While getting admission to a Canadian university is exciting, arranging the funds for your degree can feel like a huge challenge. Begin by reviewing your eligibility for entrance scholarships, merit awards and research or teaching assistantships provided by your university.
If you haven’t received a scholarship, fret not - there is still hope in the form of various external scholarships and government-supported funding options like:
- Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
- EduCanada - Study in Canada Scholarships
- McCall MacBain Scholarship
- Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)
- Trudeau Foundation Scholarships (for doctoral students)
Many students are unaware of the amount of financial support available. With the right timing, preparation and guidance, obtaining funding becomes far more achievable.
Canada offers everything a student could hope for - top universities, work opportunities and a clear route to PR. The only missing step is getting your application right.
However, the entire process right from applications to proof of funds, can feel overwhelming for anyone starting out. Handling documents, deadlines, SOPs and scholarships alone often leads to missed opportunities, but the right support ensures you stay ahead at every step and build a smooth pathway toward your Canadian education. This is why expert guidance becomes so valuable.
Your path to Canada begins with a single step. Make that move today and position yourself for scholarships, admits and long-term success.
Start now, stay ahead and let your journey begin.
