Why study in Canada?
Canadians place great importance on learning, and have developed one of the world’s finest education system with high standards. The country spends more on education (as a percentage of GDP) as compared to the OECD (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development) average, and is the second highest among G-8 countries.
Quality of Life
Canada is currently ranked 4th on the United Nations Human Development Index, an annual survey that uses a number of factors (life expectancy, literacy, education, standard of living, and GDP per capita) to determine quality of life. It also includes abundance of fresh water, comfortable population density, low incidence of violent crime and a health care system that is a model for the world.
Canada also has the highest ranking cities in North America for living according to the Mercer Human Resource Consulting Worldwide Quality of Living Survey 2007. This ranking is based on two important criteria of safety and stability. Five Canadian cities ranked within the Top 25 cities in North America include Vancouver, Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal and Calgary.
Internationally recognized degrees
All public and private recognized and authorized post-secondary institutions in Canada have been given the authority to grant academic credentials by their provincial or territorial governments, through charters or legislation that ensures or enables mechanisms for institutional and program quality. At the provincial and national levels, Canadian professional-regulatory bodies (for example, in the fields of nursing, architecture, and engineering) participate in the establishment and review of postsecondary curriculum standards. Accreditation reviews are conducted through analysis of reports and on-site visits.
There are a number of organizations in Canada that promote quality and the use of high academic standards in post-secondary programs such as the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada (AUCC), the Association of Canadian Community Colleges (ACCC) and the Association of Accrediting Agencies of Canada (AAAC). Higher education degrees from Canada are accepted and respected worldwide.
Competitive tuition fees
By studying in Canada, you can receive a high quality education in a friendly and welcoming environment for a reasonable cost.
Education System in Canada
Canada is a federation of ten provinces and three territories. Under the Canadian constitution, provincial governments have exclusive responsibility of all levels of education. There is no ministry or department of education at the federal level.
Canada's three territories, Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut, do not have the same constitutional status as the provinces, but with respect to education, the federal government has delegated this responsibility to the territorial governments, which, in turn, cooperate with the provinces to deliver postsecondary programs.
At the post-secondary level, Canada offers a range of education institutions:
University
University Colleges
Community Colleges
Career Colleges or Technical Institutes
Type of qualifications
Certificate
This is a post senior secondary qualification awarded on successful completion of a program which is usually one year in duration. These programs are typically offered by colleges.
Diploma
This is a post senior secondary qualification awarded on successful completion of a program which is usually one to two years in duration. These programs are typically offered by colleges.
Bachelor degree
This undergraduate program is a post senior secondary qualification awarded on successful completion of three to four years of study. These programs are typically offered by universities and lead to graduate level studies.
Bachelor degree (Honors)
This undergraduate program comprises a higher degree of concentration in the honors subject, as well as a higher level of academic achievement. At some universities, an honors degree may require an additional year of study.
Master degree
This graduate program is awarded on successful completion of two years of study. These programs are offered by universities and could comprise a combination of coursework and research.
Doctorate or Ph.D.
This graduate program is the highest qualification awarded on successful completion of four to seven years of study. The program comprises some coursework, but primarily assessed on original research and thesis submitted. The degree is generally known as a Ph.D.; however, doctoral degrees may also be granted in particular fields of study such as music (DMus) or law (LLD).
The academic year
The academic year usually starts in September and ends in May. Each academic year normally comprises two semesters, the second semester commences in January. Some institutions have a trimester system which comprise three semesters in an academic year and therefore offer multiple intakes in January and May.
A limited number of specialized programs are offered in the summer session that commences in May.
Study costs in Canada
One of the most important aspects of choosing an overseas study destination is the total cost in terms of tuition and living expenses.
Tuition fees
Studying in Canada is comparitively affordable for international students. Tuition fees in Canada vary across programs, universities and provinces. Generally degrees in professional schools like law, medicine and the MBA will have a higher tuition fee.
Undergraduate program tuition fees: CAD 6,000 – 25,000 per year
Graduate program tuition fees: CAD 6,500 - 32,000 per year
The program duration in Canada range from 3 - 4 years for undergraduate programs and 1 – 2 years for graduate programs.
Living expenses
Living expenses vary and are dependent on lifestyle preferences and city of residence. The larger cities and urban areas such as Montreal and Vancouver are more expensive. Living expenses include costs for accommodation, health insurance, food, laundry, utility bills, clothing, social trips, traveling and entertainment.
Estimated living expenses: CAD 4800 – 9600 per year
7 steps:
Program and Institution selection :http://www.aucc.ca/canadian-universities/our-universities
Take necessary admission tests ( GRE,GMAT,IELTS ): Few programs in Canada require you to undertake an admission test as part of assessment of your application. Your counselor will recommend and refer you to take the exam based on your profile and admission requirements. Once you receive your test results and the same has been dispatched to your shortlisted institutions, your counselor will follow-up with the institutions to ensure that all your documentation is in order.
Application submission
Receive offer letter
Pay fees and get acceptance
Prepare documents to apply for student permit ( Visa )
Prepare for studying and living in Canada
Thank you and best of Luck.
