How to apply to universities and colleges in Canada as a international student

Immigrating to a new country brings both delights and challenges. Newcomers who come to Canada to study have extra steps to take in their academic and immigration journeys.

Canada is a top destination for students looking for top-quality education in a multicultural environment. It's renowned for its outstanding university programs and research institutions. Not to mention, Canadians in general are known for being friendly and welcoming.

This article provides tips and guidance for international students applying to Canadian colleges and universities.

• Researching Canadian programs and institutions
• Understanding admission requirements for international students
• Preparing and submitting your application
• Securing a permit to study in Canada
• Financial planning and scholarships
• Adjusting to life in Canada

Researching Canadian programs and institutions

Every student should deeply consider their life goals, personal interests and career aspirations when researching college and university programs. There's a variety of programs available. Canada has a lot to offer when it comes to unique educational pathways and resources.

There's so much to consider when deciding on your post-secondary programs. It's recommended to work with an education counsellor to help you make your decision. Most counsellors are associated with specific institutions. It's possible to find professionals who will help you explore a variety of schools. That way you can choose the program that best aligns with your goals and aspirations.

EduCanada is the official Government of Canada website for international students and researchers. It is an invaluable resource for learning about Canada’s education system, finding specific schools, and applying for scholarships.

Global ranking systems are a great tool for researching schools. They rank schools and individual programs based on educational quality and output of research. Factors for ranking include academic reputation, employer reputation, student-to-faculty ratio, citation, funding and student satisfaction.

Speaking of student satisfaction, student reviews and platforms such as Quora and Reddit are excellent ways to learn about a school from a student's point of view. Just like any business, patrons have a way of reflecting on their experiences in a candid and uncensored manner. Reviews can often be the best way to uncover the most accurate, current updates about schools, faculty and programs.

Canada offers regional diversity as you can choose to study in an urban or rural setting. Canada is a bilingual country, many Quebec and Maritime schools offer programs in both French and English.

Understanding admission requirements for international students

Most of the admission requirements for Canadian colleges and universities remain the same for international students.

However, students coming from other countries must also perform an English and/or French proficiency test through an approved institution such as IELTS, TOEFL, or TEF.

Academic transcripts are a must. Specific programs will also have their own prerequisites. Review your program’s requirements thoroughly to ensure you’ve completed the necessary prerequisites before applying.

Preparing and submitting your application

Apply as early as possible to avoid stress and to maximise scholarship opportunities. Here are the main steps in applying for an educational program.

Gather the required documents

• Academic transcripts (translated and notarised if needed).
• Proof of English or French language proficiency (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL, TEF).
• Letters of recommendation—especially effective when the letter-writer’s position is relevant to your desired program.
• Statement of purpose (SOP)—should be compelling and written with conviction.
• Resume or curriculum vitae (CV)—highlight the areas of experience and skills needed for your desired program.
• Standardised test scores (if required—for example SAT, GRE, GMAT).
• Portfolio (for creative programs)—make yourself stand out uniquely. Admissions committees have to review thousands of applications and portfolios that stand out are noticed and appreciated.
• Valid passport.
• Proof of financial support.
• Application fee payment receipt.

Securing a permit to study in Canada

You must apply for your initial permit to study in Canada—while you are still outside the country. Your application has to be approved before you come to Canada.

As of January 22, 2024, applications require a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL). PALs are letters from a province or territory that confirm that a student has been granted admission to a school.

Students exempt from the PAL

• Students enrolled in primary and secondary school.

• Students enrolled in master's or doctoral degree programs.

• Students applying for a study permit extension or to restore their status.

• Students who have a work permit, unless they received it through International Experience Canada.

• Students who are family members of a study permit or work permit holder.

• Students visiting or exchange students studying at a designated learning institution (DLI).

• Students whose application was received before 8:30 a.m. EST on January 22, 2024.

• Students at a school participating in the Francophone Minority Communities Student Pilot.

• Students at a federally designated military college.

Process for applying for a study permit

1. Create an IRCC account on their website

2. Complete the online application.

3. Upload the required documents needed to your account. These include:

• • Letter of acceptance
  • Proof of funds (i.e. bank statement)
  • Biometrics (your photo and fingerprints, used for identification)

Financial planning and scholarships

Post-secondary school isn’t cheap. Unfortunately, tuition is normally higher for international students. Tuition amounts vary greatly depending on your school, and whether you are attending an undergraduate or postgraduate program.

Annual tuition costs for international students can range from CA$15,000 to CA$40,000+ per year.

International students often don’t have the benefit of living with family while they complete their post-secondary studies. Location and lifestyle choices will affect the total expenses. Living expenses for international students can range from $12,000 to$24,000 per year. These estimates do not include health insurance.

Many international students rely on scholarships, part-time work and strict budgeting to keep costs down while they complete their studies in Canada.

Adjusting to life in Canada

Because of Canada’s multicultural foundation, it is easy to find environments, events and even groceries that feel like home—especially in the bigger cities.

Unless you are arriving from a northern country, perhaps the biggest adjustment to life in Canada is the cold seasons lasting from October to May.

Other than preparing for the weather, there are other resources for newcomer students, such as international student support groups. Schools also offer international orientation programs tailored to students who have just arrived in Canada.

If you are struggling to adjust, counselling is also an option. Students get discounts for counseling and colleges and universities have counselors available onsite.

Canada is known for having schools that create a welcoming environment for international students. That being said, enjoy Canada, and your new school, and good luck with your studies!