India to Canada Study Abroad: Step-by-Step Process

India to Canada Study Abroad: Canada is one of the most sought-after education destinations in the world. According to data from the Times of India, over 226450 Indian students went to Canada for study in 2022. But what is it that makes Canada one of the most desirable places to study? Let’s find out.

There are numerous reasons why students across the globe prefer to study in Canada. Canada has the highest quality education, affordable tuition fees, plenty of courses to choose from, numerous job opportunities, and liberal government policies related to post-study work permits.

If you want to study in Canada but don’t know where to start, you have come to the right place. This article will take you through a step-by-step process for how to pursue your dream course in Canada.

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India to Canada Study Abroad

Following are the major steps in the India to Canada Study Abroad process:-

Step 1: Choose a course from a Designated learning institution (College/University)

It should be noted that only Designated learning institutions are allowed to accept international students This seemingly simple step required a fair share of research for the following two reasons:-

• Every province in Canada has a different set of guidelines for international students.
• Every college/ university has different prerequisites and eligibility criteria for accepting international students.

You must browse various college/university websites to figure out which is the best fit for you. For more information, you can check the official website of the Canadian government.

Step 2: Prepare all the documents required by the college

The student must gather every necessary document to be presented to the institution once they have chosen the college or university where they wish to pursue their studies. The majority of the required documents are common, even though requirements between universities may vary. Below-mentioned is a list of the documents needed by Canadian institutes:-

• Statement of Purpose (SOP)

SOP is an essay that describes, in a detailed fashion, why the candidate wants to study the specific course he/she has chosen at their institute. It is one of the most important documents in the application process, as it gives the admission committee an idea about your personality, goals, aspirations, and purpose for studying at their college/university. One must curate his/her SOP carefully and creatively.

• Letter of Recommendation (LOR)

The LOR is a document provided by one of the faculty members of the institute where the candidate studied or is studying. In this letter, the faculty member writes about the candidate’s academic excellence and professional and personal qualities which make the candidate a sincere student. The faculty member writes this letter based on their experience with the candidate.

• Academic Transcripts

A transcript is a detailed record of all the subjects the student has studied in his/her previous institute. It contains a list of all the subjects along with details of marks obtained or grades obtained in each subject. A transcript is basically elaborate proof of one’s education.

Students who are applying for Bachelor’s are required to submit mark sheets for classes 9,10,11 and 12. Whereas students applying for Masters or PG Diploma need to submit transcripts of their Bachelors.

• IELTS/TOEFL

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is the most common English language proficiency test accepted in most Canadian institutions. It should be noted that the band requirements for each college vary. However, most of the colleges/universities need an overall band score of 6.5.

TOEFL is another English language test. Its full form is a Test of English as a Foreign Language. Some colleges in Canada accept TOEFL scores as well.

• Proof of Funds

All the candidates applying to study in Canada have to provide proof of funds. It is usually a bank statement that can show that the student has enough funds to support his/her survival and pay tuition fees in Canada.

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Step 3: Take a Language Proficiency Test

This is an important India to Canada Study Abroad requirement. All international students are required to take a language proficiency test (IELTS/TOEFL). This is to ensure that the student can understand the language and interact with the professors and other people in Canada. Different colleges have different band requirements for the language proficiency test. Check the necessary requirements of your college carefully.

Step 4:- Apply to your college

Once you have arranged all the necessary documents:-

• Visit the official website of your college/university.
• Click on International Student Application.
• Register as a new applicant on the portal.
• Fill out the application form according to the instructions.
• Upload and submit the necessary documents.
• Await your college or university’s acceptance letter.

Keep in mind that international application portals open about a year in advance. You must therefore submit your application at least six or twelve months prior to the start of the course of study.

Canada has three significant intakes:- Simply put, Intake is a certain cycle or period of year when Canadian institutes accept students. The major Canada intakes are fall and winter intakes. Canada intakes students from September to January; this is called the fall intake in Canada. Similarly, Canada takes students in another cycle of the year, which is between January and May. This cycle is called the Winter Intake.

There is one more Canada intake period, which is not very common but sometimes open for admission of international students. This Canada intake is called the Spring or summer intake which stretches from May to August. While most of the students are admitted in the fall intake, many students apply for the winter intake too. Canada intakes are easier during winter intake as the competition is less and the rate of acceptance is therefore high.

Step 5: Apply for your study permit

Once you receive your official letter of acceptance, it’s time to apply for your study permit. International students are required to get a study permit from the Canadian government to be able to study in Canada. International students need to apply online for a study permit before entering Canada. Students need to apply through an online portal on Canada’s official website, IRCC.

Step 6: Prepare for your arrival in Canada

Once you have received your study permit and visa, it is time to start preparing for your arrival in Canada. International students must prepare well in advance before their arrival in a foreign country like this. Preparation would mean arranging for accommodation, arranging some cash (CAD), and managing finances and bank accounts for later use.

An effective India to Canada study abroad plan requires careful analysis of your budget and finances. Major expenses for International students in Canada include the following:-

• Tuition fee: Ranges from 11 lacs to 24 lacs INR yearly, depending on the course
• Accommodation: Usually ranges from 600 CAD to 1000 CAD per month which roughly means around 36k to 60k INR.
• Groceries:- 3500 CAD per year which converts to 2.15 lacs INR.

The hourly wage for part-time workers/students is sufficient to cover your expenses. All you need to do is be a little vigilant while managing money.

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Step 7: Arrive in Canada

Once you land in Canada, you will come into contact with a Border Service Officer at the airport. He will check your documentation and inquire about your trip to Canada in general. You will be permitted to enter Canada once he has finished a thorough inspection and is satisfied with your papers & answers

It must be evident to you by now that Canada is the most preferred country to study for international students, especially Indians. It is one of the best study destinations in the world majorly because of the high standard and quality of life it has to offer. Moreover an incredible scope for progress in professional life. A successful India to Canada study abroad visit involves careful analysis of all the above-mentioned aspects and wise judgment.

India to Canada Study Abroad: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Which English language proficiency tests are accepted by Canadian institutes?

IELTS is one of the most widely accepted English Language proficiency tests accepted in Canadian institutes. However, TOEFL and the Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP) are also accepted in Canada. The results of tests taken on Duolingo are now also approved by Canadian colleges and universities.

• Can students work full-time during their studies in Canada?

Students are only allowed to work part-time during their studies. A student can work for a maximum of 20 hours per week. However, once the study is complete, they can apply for a full-time work permit.

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• How can I continue working in Canada after the completion of my course?

Once the study is complete, students can apply for a PGWP which stands for Post Graduate Work Permit. PGWP allows graduate students to work full-time in Canada. Students, who study for a period of 1 year like a diploma, are eligible for one year of PGWP. Whereas those who have studied for a period of 2 years like a 2-year programme, are eligible for a PGWP of 3 years after the completion of study.

• How can I find cheap or affordable accommodation in Canada?

It is very easy to find affordable rooms and flats in Canada. Students can find cheap accommodations on platforms like kijiji, and facebook. There are many easily available dorms, and basement rooms in Canada. The rent can range from 500 CAD to 1000 CAD per month.

• What are the most common jobs for students in Canada?

Some of the common jobs for students are restaurant servers, forklifters, packaging helpers, Salad makers, etc. to name a few. Some jobs require specific certifications before you can apply for them. For example, the job of security guard pays a good amount and requires a test to be cleared by the candidate.

• Can I stay in Canada after my study permit expires?

Students must apply for a Post Graduate Work Permit prior to the expiry of their study permit. Immigrants can stay in Canada only if they have a valid study permit or work permit.

• How can I apply for PGWP?

Students can apply for a graduate work permit on the official site of the government of Canada here. Log in with your GCkey credentials, submit the transcripts, and wait for your work permit.

• What is (DLI) Designated Learning Institute?

Designated Learning Institutes are the schools, colleges, or universities that are approved by the Canadian government to accept/host international students. Only these institutes can accept international applicants for study. The list of DLI institutes is available on the official website of the government of Canada here.