Are you preparing to study in Canada? If yes, you’ve reached the right destination.
Based in Kathmandu, Canadian Study Center has been assisting hundreds of students in Nepal in finding the right colleges and universities in Canada along with getting admission in their desired institutions in Canada.
Canada has been on the No.1 choice among international students since the past few decades. Here, we will guide you on various aspects like applying to Canadian universities/colleges as an international student, student life in Canada, top programs and courses offered by universities in Canada and many more.
Let’s get started!
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Consider following points before you apply
- If the institution is a DLI
- Application Deadline
- English Language Proficiency Requirement
- Academic and Other Admission Requirements
- Location
- Tuition Fees
- Living Expenses
- Tuition fees deposit
- Refund policy i.e. non-refundable amount in case of visa refusal, deadline to submit a refund application, required documents and time for refund processing etc.
Applying to Canadian Universities/Colleges as an International Student
Canada has been welcoming international students from countries all over the world irrespective of their culture, ethnicity, diversity, economic background, etc. This is why, the number of students applying to universities and colleges in Canada has been ever increasing. So, why are you interested to study in Canada from Nepal? If you are looking for a guide on applying to Canadian Universities/Colleges as an International Student, here we have provided full details on why study in Canada and some of the best universities and colleges in Canada.
Choosing a Program and University/College
After you are done with choosing the university depending on your criteria, now you need to choose a program of your choice. If you have already decided the program you want to study, you can get started with collecting information regarding the course.
While choosing a program and university/college, it is very important to consider the quality and content of the programs and the reputation of the university and/or program. In addition, you need to analyze what the academic program of the university offers you in the future, for example the possibility of doing a PhD or research after graduating from your Master’s.
Also, evaluate the quality of each university’s education and the number of international ranking websites have been put into place. For rankings, you can refer to the international rankings provided by the Shanghai, the Times, as well as Elsevier in The Netherlands.
You should also research about the colleges and universities in websites of universities and programs you are interested in. Have a look at specific courses, curriculum, required or recommended reading etc. Finally, you can compare the programs to see what they emphasize and how they differ.
But if you are not sure on what you want to study, here are the top 10 programs you can choose from:
Top 10 Programs You Can Choose From
- Business
- Education
- Biology
- Computer Science
- Engineering
- Environmental Science
- Mathematics
- Medicine
- Nursing
- Psychology
Recommended Canadian Universities You Can Choose From
If you are clear on what program you want to undertake, you can get started with shortlisting the universities in which you want to study. You can Google some of the top universities in Canada. There are numerous colleges/universities in Canada that provide various program at varying fee structures. Here are some of the best universities in Canada you can choose from:
- The University of Winnipeg
- University of Manitoba
- University of Saskatchewan
- University of Regina
- University of Prince Edward Island
- University of Alberta
- University of Calgary
- University of Toronto
- York University
- University of British Columbia
- Laurentian University
- Wilfrid Laurier University
- University of Waterloo
- Memoria University of Newfoundland
- Grant Macewan University
Recommended Canadian Colleges You Can Choose From
If you are applying for colleges in Canada, here are some of the best colleges in Canada that provide best programs and courses at affordable rates:
- Cambrian College
- Fanshawe College
- Seneca College
- Humber College
- George Brown College
- Sheridan College
- Red River College
- Northern Light College
- Sault College
- Centennial College
- Loyalist College
- NorQuest College
- Georgian College
- Canadore College
- Lambton College
- Confederation College
- Langara College
Basic Requirement of all colleges and universities in Canada:
- Resume
- Academic transcript and certificate
- English Language Proficiency Test Result
- Statement of Purpose
- Passport Copy
How to Apply to Canadian Colleges/Universities
#1 Basic Requirements for Application as an International Student
Applying to a university/college in a foreign country is definitely a tedious task that requires much time and effort. So, if you want to study in Canada, make sure that you start you planning at least a year in advance. You need to take time to research on finding the best colleges and universities that meet your requirement and also get your documents ready. Keep in mind that the requirements of the colleges and universities in Canada might vary according to the provinces in Canada.
However, here are some of the basic requirements of all the colleges and universities in Canada:
- Resume
- Academic transcript and certificate
- English Language Proficiency Test Result
- Statement of Purpose
- Passport Copy
#2 Select the University/College and Course of Study
Finding the right college/university in Canada is the most difficult part of your process to study in Canada. While choosing the college or university, you need to focus on your budget and the course/program you are willing to apply for. In order to select the college/university, you need to have a look on the designated learning institutes (DLI) list. It contains the list of universities in Canada for international students for masters as well as other levels. While selecting the college/university, do keep in mind that every program and university has a different fee structure.
#3 Language Proficiency Test
Since it is mandatory to have English/French language proficiency for international students, you need to obtain certain score in these languages to prove your language proficiency. If you are taking an English language proficiency test, IELTS score is accepted by all universities in Canada. You can also go for the Cambridge English: Advanced or TOEFL tests.
Also, if you are applying for colleges/universities in Canada where French Language is preferred, you need to take a French language proficiency test. The most common test is the TEF exam but you could also take DALF, DELF, or TCF.
Make sure to book for the tests in advance to ensure you get a date and have the perfect test results back in time to apply.
#4 Start Applying for Universities/Colleges
The application process for colleges and universities in Canada depends on the college/university and the course/program you choose. After you select the college/university, start reaching out to them so that they can send you their own application packs that will explain their thorough application process. The application fee for each program at each university can range from around CA$100 (US$78) to CA$250 (US$195).
#5 Apply For Study Permit
While a Canadian visa allows you to live in Canada, a study permit allows you to study and work in Canada. So, as soon as you get accepted by a college/university in Canada, you need to apply for a study permit. You can apply for a Canadian study permit either online or at your local visa application center.
Documents required for study permit:
- Acceptance Letter from DLI
- Valid Passport
- Academic documents
- Proof of funds
- Other supporting documents
The best thing about being a student in Canada is that the international students can work for up to 20 hours per week. With this, you can earn while you study in Canada. This can help cover your cost of living. Regarding employment, about 73% of people aged 15 to 64 in Canada have a paid job, above the OECD employment average of 67%.
So, got admission to your dream college/university in Canada? Congratulation! Now, your next step to study in Canada is to obtain a study permit for Canada. A Canadian student visa allows you to live in Canada as an international student, whereas a Canada study permit allows international students to study and work in Canada. So, after your application has been accepted by a college/university in Canada, the first step will be to apply for a Student Visa. This visa is provided by the Canadian High Commission and facilitated by the Visa Application Centers.
You may also be required to provide other evidence which could include your biometrics, which will cost you CA$83 (US$65), and/or an interview.
Learn About Student Life in Canada
While choosing a foreign country for higher studies, it is very important to consider the student life in that country. Having a better student life refers not only to quality education and access to infrastructures, but also to factors such as safety, transportation and accommodation, etc. Many international students who have studied in Canada or are studying in Canada have never ending positive feedback about international student life in Canada.
Since the number of international students in Canada are increasing, the Government of Canada and education institutions are coming up with different plans to enhance student experience, making it easier for interested international students to work and live in the country after their programs.
Student life in Canada is recognized by the vibrant and lively college life. Apart from academic classes, colleges and universities in Canada also organize events, fests, and other activities throughout the year. To assist international students, most of the colleges and universities in Canada have departments assigned to international students which help them settle in. This department is responsible for providing international students with required support, helping them secure accommodation, navigate public transit, apply for health insurance and providing all the necessary support they need to thrive in the country.
As an international student in Canada, you’ll get to experience a multicultural environment. With thousands of international students migrating to Canada every year for higher studies, you’ll be studying in a country with students from diverse religions, races and cultures. This is proven by the fact that Canada has the 7th largest student population in the world, with 265,000 international students studying at various levels of education.
The best thing about being a student in Canada is that the international students can work for up to 20 hours per week. With this, you can earn while you study in Canada. This can help cover your cost of living and tuition fees. Regarding employment, about 73% of people aged 15 to 64 in Canada have a paid job, above the OECD employment average of 67%.
Regarding quality of life, Canada ranks above the average in housing, subjective well-being, personal security, health status, social connections, environmental quality, jobs and earnings, education, and skills. Many of the Nepali students choose to study in Canada because of the sense of safety and security the country provides. Canada is considered to be one of the safest places to study as the country faces very low crime rates and cases of racial discrimination.
Similarly, in terms of cost of living, Canada is considered to be very affordable compared to other countries. As an international student, you need to arrange finance for accommodation, food, travel, etc. When it comes to accommodation, on campus accommodation provided by the colleges and universities is considered to be the best option. Some of the affordable accommodation option for students are dormitory, home stays and off-campus accommodation.
The government of Canada also provides immigration option to international students. Being an international student in Canada can help get you Canadian permanent residence by greatly increasing your chances of being selected by an existing Canada immigration program.
Scholarships in Canada for International Students
The Government of Canada along with various colleges and universities in Canada provide various scholarship programs for international students. You might be delighted to know that various colleges and universities in Canada have been providing Nepalese scholarships to students from Nepal who are financial weak. However, you should know that these scholarships are provided not only on the basis of financial limitations. One should have strong academic background as the scholarships are provided on the basis of academic excellence.
These scholarship funding for international students are highly competitive, limited, and provided mostly for postgraduate level. The various scholarship programs in Canada include scholarship in Canada for bachelor, scholarship in Canada for masters, MBBS in Canada on scholarship, PhD scholarship in Canada, and many more.
Scholarships for Nepalese Students in Canada
Here’s the list of scholarship programs available for Nepalese students in Canada:
- Y Louie And Lohn Entrance Awards
- Quest University Scholarships
- York University’s VISTA Masters Scholarships
- University of Alberta Scholarships
- UBC Vantage College Awards
- Affiliated Fellowships at University of British Columbia, Canada
- University of British Columbia, Canada (UBC) General Awards
- Trent University’s International Global Citizen Scholarships and Awards
- Ontario Trillium Scholarships (OTS)
- Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) Program
- The University of Winnipeg – President’s Scholarship for World Leaders
- Humber International Entrance Scholarships
- Natural Resources Canada Postdoctoral Research Program
- Graduate Bursaries at Simon Fraser University
- David Johnston Lebovic Foundation Awards
- Dunlap Postdoctoral Fellowships in Astronomy and Astrophysics at University of Toronto
- Ryerson Image Center Research Fellowships in Canada
You can go through these scholarship programs and find out which one will be best for you and apply accordingly. For more details on universities and colleges in Canada, programs available and scholarship opportunities, you can contact Canadian Study Center.