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Applying for School in Canada

Picking the Right School for You

Photo 2828Picking a university or college should be exciting, not intimidating or stressful. To make the process easier, we have designed the simple, 4-step Canadian School Finder that will match your personal interests and background (cultural and academic) with suggested programs available at the many post-secondary institutions in Canada.

Canada is home to many of the highest-rated institutions and programs of higher learning in the world, but it is also a land of socio-cultural diversity with technological savvy. This diversity is reflected in higher education, where schools can vary in size and scope, with programs that appeal to traditional and cutting-edge fields alike.

As a prospective student, you want to make sure you cover all your bases during the application process. Don't panic, this is not only manageable, it is easily accomplished if you know about all the resources available to you as a prospective international student in Canada.

Application Process: In a Nutshell

There are several steps that will apply to all applicants, regardless of their country of origin. Here are some of the things to keep in mind:
  • Documentation
    1. Legal documents (passport, visa, study permit, academic records, official forms, etc.)
    2. Health records (e.g. certificates for immunizations and vaccinations, medical and dental files) & prescriptions (e.g. medication, eyeglasses or contact lenses, etc.)
    3. Academic records
    4. Contact information (emergency contacts, both at home and in Canada)
  • Fees (VISA application, academic application, etc.)
  • Deadlines (academic, VISA, etc.)
With those factors in mind, according to the Canadian government, there are 10 steps to the application process:
  1. Check the application processing times
  2. Obtain and print the application
  3. Determine where you will submit your application
  4. Collect the documents you need to apply
  5. If studying in Quebec, check the provincial guidelines
  6. Complete your application for a study permit
  7. Pay the correct processing fee
  8. Check your application
  9. Submit your application form
  10. Supply additional information or documents

Recommendations and Tips for the Application Process

When you complete the 4-step Canadian School Finder questionnaire to the right of the screen, LearnHub provides you with a detailed list of available programs and schools throughout the country. To go directly to the Canadian School Finder, go here.

Study Permit Requirements

A Study Permit allows you to work part-time on campus and to apply for renewal from within Canada. To apply for the Study Permit you will need:
  • Proof of acceptance
    • You are expected to submit your original letter of acceptance (sent to you in college/university stationery and with an offer of entrance into a specific program or curriculum description). Make sure to keep a copy of this letter for your files.
  • Proof of identity
    • You should bring your passport or equivalent travel document (and the same applies for any dependents coming with you). Be prepared to provide customs with 2 current passport photos per traveller, with respective signatures on the back of each photo.
  • Proof of financial support
    • You should provide customs officers with one or more of the following as evidence of your financial status in Canada:
      • recent bank statements (last 4 months), proof of balance in a Canadian bank account (if already active),
      • bank draft in exchangeable currency,
      • proof of tuition and/or residence fee payment,
      • a letter from the person funding your education (if applicable), and
      • proof of student awards (loans or scholarships) from the institutions providing them.
  • Letter of explanation
    • You should attach a letter outlining any special details and circumstances behind your application, especially when applying for a study permit you intend to use in the not-so-near future.
      • An example of a useful application of this letter would be for a student seeking language training before the start of a particular academic program.

Want to Know More About Studying in Canada?

For more insider tips about studying in Canada, visit the following relevant lessons and activities:

Ten Reasons to Study in Canada
Studying English in Canada
From the Idea to the Institution, part I
From the Idea to the Institution, part II
From the Idea to the Institution, part III
On Immigration: Information for Indian Students
How to Choose an MBA Program
Test: Is Studying Abroad Really For You?
Discussion: Reasons to Study in Canada

Don't forget to see the suggestions the Canadian School Finder has for matching academic programs and universities that fit your interest and background profiles.

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