university College at University of TorontoSo you want to study in Canada, but you need just a few more facts before committing to the full experience? Here are a few of the many reasons why others have chosen Canada for their study abroad experience.

Did you know that some international students with Canadian credentials and Canadian work experience may apply for permanent residency without having to leave Canada? For more information about the possibility of immigration to Canada once your schooling is complete, please call us.

DETERMINE YOUR ELIGIBILITY– STUDY IN CANADA

In most cases, you must obtain a study permit if you want to study in Canada.

To be eligible to study in Canada

You must have been accepted by a designated learning institution in Canada.

You must prove that you have enough money to pay for your:

  • tuition fees
  • living expenses for yourself and any family members who come with you to Canada and
  • return transportation for yourself and any family members who come with you to Canada.
  • You must be a law-abiding citizen with no criminal record and not be a risk to the security of Canada. You may have to provide a police certificate.
  • You must be in good health and willing to complete a medical examination, if necessary.
  • You must satisfy an immigration officer that you will leave Canada at the end of your authorized stay.

Exceptions

in some cases, you do not require a study permit to go to school in Canada

  • If you wish to study in a short-term course or program
  • Foreign representatives to Canada
  • Members of foreign armed forces
  • Foreign nationals who are Registered Indians in Canada

RENEWING YOUR STUDY PERMIT

If you want to extend your stay in Canada as a student, you must complete the Application to Change Conditions or Extend Your Stay in Canada. Check the expiry date on your study permit, and make sure you apply before that date. You should apply for renewal at least 30 days before your current permit expires.

 RESTORING YOUR STATUS

In some cases, you may apply to restore your status as a student within 90 days of losing it. You may only apply if you have continued to meet the requirements under which you were allowed to enter and stay in Canada and you have met all the conditions imposed on your permit. After you apply to restore your status, you may stay in Canada until a decision is made on your application but you are not allowed to study until your status has been restored

WORK AND STUDY IN CANADA

Gain valuable work experience and supplement your spending allowance with a student job. While you must supply sufficient evidence that you can pay for your tuition and living expenses before you arrive in Canada, there are a number of student work permit programs for international students and their spouses/common law partners that make working in Canada possible. Working in Canada can go a long way towards helping you establish business contacts for the future and can even help you immigrate after graduation.

JOBS FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS IN CANADA
On and Off Campus Jobs

Call us to find out if you’re eligible to work on campus or off campus without a work permit while completing your studies.

 Work off campus

Study permit holders in Canada may gain work experience by working off campus while completing their studies. As of June 1, 2014, you may qualify to work off campus without a work permit. If you qualify, your study permit will allow you to:

  • work up to 20 hours per week during regular academic sessions and
  • work full-time during scheduled breaks, such as the winter and summer holidays or spring break.

Working in Canada without prior authorization is illegal. Make sure that your eligible before you accept any job.

 Social Insurance Number

You need a Social Insurance Number (SIN) from Service Canada to work in Canada or to receive benefits and services from government programs.You must have a specific condition or remark printed on your study permit in order to apply for a SIN for off-campus work.

Internships and Co-op Programs

If you’re looking to gain valuable international work experience while you’re studying in Canada, a co-op or internship program might be right for you!

Many Canadian colleges and universities offer these work placement programs as a means of enhancing the curriculum with real world industry experience. Typically, students spend alternating semesters learning in the classroom and then applying that knowledge through on the job work in their field of study.

Co-op or internship programs are an excellent way to:

  • Make supplementary money for each upcoming academic semester;
  • Bolster your resume with work experience; and
  • Gain invaluable business contacts.

Call us to find out if you’re eligible to work as a co-op student or intern.

STAY IN CANADA AFTER GRADUATION

Gaining valuable work experience in Canada after graduation can go a long way towards helping you permanently immigrate here. The following programs can help facilitate this process for eligible candidates:

Post-Graduation Work Permit

The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWPP) allows students who have graduated from a participating Canadian post-secondary institution to gain valuable Canadian work experience. Skilled Canadian work experience gained through the PGWPP helps graduates qualify for permanent residence in Canada through the Canadian Experience Class.

CANADIAN EXPERIENCE CLASS

After you have lived in Canada for some time, you may have good English or French skills, the right kind of skilled work experience, and be used to Canadian society. The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) was created to help people like this take part in the Canadian economy.

PROVINCIAL NOMINEE PROGRAM

Almost all of Canada’s provinces and territories can nominate people to immigrate to Canada. These people have the skills, education and work experience they need to contribute to the economy of that province or territory.

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO STUDY IN CANADA?

Imagine studying marine biology on Canada’s West Coast, learning French-Canadian history in Quebec, or attending culinary school in Halifax! Match your interests with schools and programs in Canada that deliver exciting multicultural experiences taught by some of the world’s leading instructors.

Looking for other diverse opportunities to study abroad in Canada, including: language schools, elementary and secondary schools, or distance and online education?

Other Postsecondary Resources

The Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials also maintains a Directory of Universities, Colleges and Schools in the Provinces and Territories of Canada. For program listings maintained by provinces and territories for the postsecondary institutions under their jurisdiction, refer to Recognized Postsecondary Education Programs in Canada.

Other Education Programs

For more information on programs offered by non-postsecondary institutions, click any of the following links:

Important: Changes to the International Student Program

  • Limit the issuance of study permits to applicants who will be studying at a designated learning institution, including institutions that are designated by provinces and territories on the basis of meeting minimum standards;
  • Require students to actively pursue their studies while in Canada; and
  • Allow full-time international students enrolled at designated institutions in certain programs to work part time off campus and full time during scheduled school breaks without a work permit.

HELP YOUR SPOUSE OR PARTNER FIND A JOB
call us to find out how your spouse or partner can apply for a work permit while studying in Canada.

Scholarships for International Students

With strong academic grades and well-rounded experiences, you might just qualify for one of the many scholarships, programs or funding opportunities created for international students just like you who choose to study abroad in Canada.

The following pages on the International Scholarships website are a great way to learn more about these scholarships and find out just what you need to apply:

OTHER FINANCIAL AID FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTES

When you retain our services, we communicate directly on your behalf with the schools where you have submitted applications. Some of them may have scholarships or awards for international students intended to recognize high academic achievement, leadership or financial need. You may also find that there are scholarships available through your own government or local business associations. It is very important that you have a plan to meet your financial needs while studying in Canada before beginning your studies. While studying abroad in Canada is less expensive than going to university or college in other countries, many international students also choose to supplement their studies.

More Information

How Much Does It Cost to Study Abroad in Canada?

Studying in Canada is a rewarding investment in your future with access to a premier education, exciting cross-cultural experiences, and a globally recognized degree. Not unlike going to school in your own country, university or college in Canada for international students requires some degree of planning and financial commitment before you arrive, and while you are here.

Affordable Tuition

Studying abroad can be expensive, but Canada offers the lowest tuition rates for foreign students compared to the U.K., Australia, New Zealand and the U.S. This means you can pursue your studies in a globally recognized program of your choice at one of Canada’s top universities for nearly half of what it would cost to attend an equally reputable program at a private U.S. university.

The following table shows the minimum amounts that you will need.

Number of persons All provinces except Quebec Quebec
Single student Tuition plus $10,000 for a 12-month period (or $833 per month) Tuition plus $11,000 for a 12-month period (or $917 per month)
+ one family member $4,000 for a 12-month period (or $333 per month) $5,100 more for a person 18 years of age or older for a 12-month period (or $425 per month)$3,800 more for a person under 18 years of age for a 12-month period (or $317 per month)
+ each additional family member $3,000 for a 12-month period per dependent child of any age (or $255 per month) $5,125 more for a person 18 years of age or older for a 12-month period (or $427 per month)$1,903 more for a person under 18 years of age for a 12-month period (or $159 per month)

If there are foreign-exchange control measures in your country, you must provide proof that the exchange control authorities will allow you to export funds for all of your expenses

Accommodation

If you are planning to study in Canada, you will need somewhere to live. Many schools offer on-campus housing ranging from shared condominiums to dormitory-style housing. The cost for these may or may not include a meal plan and or other utilities such as phone and Internet connection. If you choose to live off-campus, prices may be lower but will include the additional cost of furnishings, hydro, electricity and/or other miscellaneous expenses.

Other Costs of Living

Student life isn’t all about studying. Whether you want to head out with friends, travel to the other side of the country, or explore the many cultural events our cities have to offer, you’ll need to set aside some extra spending money.

Some international students choose to study and work in Canada to help cover the cost of these extra expenses.

GREAT DOMINION SERVICE OFFER FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

We are committed to help you in your studies in Canada. We take the time to familiarize ourselves with your schooling background, understand your academic ambitions, know your skills and learn about your education projects in Canada. We are a “One Stop Shop” for international students and we handle the whole process, starting with the application, the study permit to later apply for permanent residence if that is the objective. Working together to complete your project and make sure it becomes a reality is our main focus.