Canada has a well-funded public education system that is run on a provincial level; however, the features vary by province. The Federal Government of Canada oversees education in Canada, ensuring that instruction is consistent across all provinces and territories.

Private and public education programs exist in Canada, with the government spending up to 6% of GDP on education subsidies ranging from kindergarten to post-secondary education. The educational system is divided into three sections, which are as follows:

Primary

Secondary

Post – Secondary level

Except in Ontario and Quebec, where children begin school at the age of four, schooling is available for children in all other states and provinces until the age of five. Kindergarten attendance is optional in some provinces, and each has its own set of requirements.

Life as an international student in Canada

The 500,000 international students who move to Canada for college and university studies each year are only the tip of the iceberg. Thousands more come here to attend elementary or secondary school, exchange programs, or language school. As a student, Canada is an excellent place to develop and thrive.

Learn about what Canadians do for fun and what other international students think of Canada. Learn about living, studying, and working in Canada from us and real students.

A typical school day in Canada

What will your day be like if you decide to study in Canada? Much depends on the level of study you are at. Choose your desired level of study to see how a typical day might look.

University or college (undergraduate)

In Canada, higher education includes both college and university. Each provides distinct opportunities for learning and development. Your days at college or vocational school will be filled with career-focused learning that is very practical. In addition to classes, you may be required to shoot and edit your videos in broadcasting or work with patients if you want to be a dental hygienist. If woodworking is your profession, you might spend the day designing and building kitchen cabinets. In short, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to put your skills to the test in real-world settings.

Your days at university will be filled with lectures, labs, tutorials, and workshops. This is what university life is all about a mix of learning and doing that will help you prepare for your future career. Students can meet with their professors and instructors during office hours to discuss assignments or questions. Each class also has at least one teaching or lab assistant, who is usually a graduate student in your field and is available to help students with extra learning support.

Graduate or postgraduate (Master’s and Ph.D. degrees)

As a graduate student in a master’s, Ph.D., or doctoral program in Canada, you will attend classes and spend a significant amount of time conducting original research or conducting fieldwork for your final research project, thesis, or dissertation. Under the expert guidance of Canada’s renowned professors, researchers, and instructors, you will thrive. You could also work as a teaching, research, or lab assistant on campus.

Student life is an important part of your experience at every level of higher education in Canada. College and university introduce you to friends and colleagues who will be valuable contacts for the rest of your career. You’ll most likely have a fun and active social life, whether it’s meeting friends for coffee, going out to pubs or clubs, exploring your city outside of school hours, or traveling across Canada with friends during your study breaks.

The Advantages of Studying in Canada as an International Student

World Class Education 

A degree from a Canadian university or college is highly regarded and internationally recognized.

The safest country in which to live and settle down

Canada tops the list of the world’s safest and happiest countries to live in. It provides international students with the exposure they seek while studying abroad.

Full-time Employment Opportunities Throughout Canada

International students in Canada are permitted to work up to 20 hours per week while studying and full-time during summer and winter breaks.

Low Course Fees and Living Expenses

For undergraduate programs, tuition fees can range from CAD 12,000 to CAD 20,000 per year. The average annual cost of living is CAD 12,000 in Canada.

Who Can Apply?

In Canada, there are opportunities for everyone, regardless of age, grades, or English test scores. Be a student, with or without IELTS, with low grades – one can select from the options below. Each post-secondary school has its own set of rules for applying, including the level of English or French required for admission.

Post-secondary schools are:

Designated learning institutions

Provinces and territories approve (or “designate”) schools that can enroll international students. These schools are known as designated learning institutions (DLI).

If you need a study permit, your acceptance letter must be from a DLI. If it isn’t, we will refuse your application.

All primary and secondary schools in Canada are DLIs. You can search a list of post-secondary schools, such as colleges and universities, and language schools that have been designated.

More Details at: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/study-permit/prepare.html

How to Apply for Admission to a School, College, or University

Once you’ve decided on a school, college, or university, you must apply to attend. Each school has its own set of rules for applying.

Make certain that you apply at least:

To study at a primary/secondary school, college, or university, you must start early. Every year, Canada welcomes hundreds of thousands of students. If you want to study in Canada, you should start as soon as possible.

  “The Early Bird Catches the Worm”

• If you want to study at a primary or secondary school, you should apply six months in advance.
• If you want to study at a postsecondary institution, college, or university, you should apply a year in advance

To learn how to apply, contact the school where you want to study. They will provide you with a list of all the documents you must submit. Your school will be able to inform you of:

• Application Fees
• Intuition Fees
• Health Insurance
• Estimated Rent and Cost of Living in Canada
• Language Test Requirement.

Fill out the application forms for your preferred school or schools. To submit them, follow their instructions.

If you are accepted as a student, the school will send you an acceptance letter. This letter is required when applying for a study permit.

Health coverage

Foreign students’ medical expenses are not covered by the Canadian government.

Foreign students’ health insurance varies depending on where they live. For more information on health insurance, contact the school to which you are applying.

Study Permit: Who Can Apply?

Eligibility Requirement:

You can come to Canada If you fulfill the following requirements:

• Enrolled at a DLI
• Demonstrate that you have enough money to pay for
  • Your Intuition Fees
  • living costs for yourself and any family members accompanying you to Canada
  • Return transportation to Canada for yourself and any family members who accompany you.
  • Obey the law, maintain a clean criminal record, and obtain a police certificate (if required)
  • Are in good health and have a medical examination (if required) and
  • Demonstrate to an officer that you intend to leave Canada when your study permit expires

The Student Direct Stream allows you to obtain your study permit more quickly.

If you are a legal resident of certain countries, you may be able to obtain your study permit more quickly if you apply online through the Student Direct Stream.

Your accountability:

You must do the following while studying in Canada:

• Make progress toward the completion of your program
• Respect any conditions on your study permit and
• Stop your studies if you no longer meet the requirements.

Depending on your circumstances, your study permit may include conditions such as

• If you are permitted to work in Canada
• If you are permitted to travel within Canada
• Whether an immigration medical examination is required

Study permit: How to apply

In most cases, you must apply for a study permit before coming to Canada. Some Canadians are eligible to apply for a study permit. In some cases, you can apply at the port of entry when you arrive in Canada. Make certain you understand the options available to you.

Prepare your documents

When applying, you should submit

• A letter of acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) You will attend
• As many of the required documents for a complete application as possible
  • We won’t be able to finalize your study permit until you’ve completed the application process.
  • Delays in processing will occur if documents are not submitted on time.
• A letter of explanation for any missing documents as a result of COVID-19

You must provide a valid Québec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) or a letter of approval for your CAQ if you plan to study in Quebec.

Apply online:

You must apply for a study permit online, whether you are outside of Canada or already in Canada. You can only apply on paper if you:

• have a disability that makes it impossible for you to apply online
• hold an identity or travel document for non-national residents, refugees, or stateless persons