Admission Procedure and Standards International Students in Canada

Canada has experienced rising levels of an international student population every year. With the aim to uphold a high caliber of education and provide good job opportunities, Canada offers quality education with a multitude of courses for international students. The admission procedure varies from institutions/universities and provinces/territories.  The admission application procedure can occupy considerable time, so, you should start at least one year in advance to compile the indispensable information and documentation.

Admissions in Canada – Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

• According to the Canadian educational system, one needs to complete a secondary education in order to enter an undergraduate course and a three year bachelor’s degree to apply for a post-graduate course. Besides, some universities demand for a four year program equivalent to that of a Canadian Honours Degree to consider you for any Master's disciplines.
  
  
• Along with completing academic essentialities, admissions in Canada need an English Language Proof. You necessitate to pass an English Language proficiency test such as IELTS or TOEFL. Additionally, apart from English, French is also employed as a paramount language of instruction so; students should know this language as well.
  
  
• Proof of financial backing to fund your expenses and living in Canada are mandatory.
  
  
• The Standardized tests such as SAT, GRE, GMAT, TOEFL or IELTS must be completed with good scores.
  

Academic Requirements

The academic requirements (including evidence of English or French language skills) will vary depending on the level of education and province in Canada. Institutions can have different entry requirements, so one should read the course information on their website carefully and contact them.

Entry requirements for different levels of study:

• English and French language - Entry requirements vary between institutions and provinces.
  
  
• Schools - Entry requirements vary between schools depending on the state or territory you will be studying in.  The Academic performance and ability is taken into consideration during the application process.
  
  
• Higher Education Undergraduate - To gain entry into a Canadian undergraduate course you will need to hold a Canadian Higher Secondary Certificate of Education (Year 12), or the overseas equivalent. Some undergraduate courses may also have specific pre-requisite subjects.
  
  
• Higher Education Postgraduate - As well as the satisfactory completion of at least one degree at undergraduate level, your institution may get hold research ability or relevant work experience into consideration.
  

Procedure

Most universities in Canada commence their study programs in September until July. Consequently, admissions for international students must begin as early as in April to make a head start. You must start at least a year in advance i.e. before the commencement of the session. Any queries regarding the details of the course must be put forth during the early stages of applying procedure. You can avail application forms by air mail, email, air mail or one can even download the same from the university website.  Once you've adjudicated on a course and an institution, it's time for you to apply for admission.

Application process

• Direct to the education provider
  To apply direct, download the application form from the website of the education provider, if you are applying for courses at more than one institution, you will need to submit a separate application to each institution.
  

Documentation

You will need to prepare supporting documentation to send with your application. The documents vary depending on the provider, course, province and qualification you're studying for. The most significant documents include:

• Academic Records: It includes scores and official certificates and transcripts.
• Bachelors or Master's Degree certificates or/Provisional certificates.
• English Proficiency certificate (IELTS or ToEFL).
• Standardized test scores like GRE, GMAT (for post graduate courses).
• Work history (for postgraduate and doctorate programs)
• Letters of Recommendation, Admission essay, and Statement of purpose.
• Certificates or documents which verify previous study or work experience if you are seeking course credits. These must be translated into English or French.
• Study/Work Permit proof

Receiving your Acceptance Letter

If the application is successful, you will receive an ‘Acceptance Letter.  On receiving this, you need to pay a certain percentage of the fees within a stipulated time period, to confirm your admission. During enrollment/registration, you must carry copies of the study/work permit, acceptance letter, and any other details that are required for admission. The fees varies according to the university you have chosen.

The Acceptance letter is a contract between you and the institution. It sets out the course that you will be enrolled in, the fees you need to pay, enrollment conditions, and the refund payable if you don’t finish your course with that provider. This contract is very important – if you don’t start your course, or finish your course, the written agreement will be used to determine if you will get a refund.

Internationals applicants are likely to receive an offer or rejection by early April, depending on the original submission of documents.

Visa application

All international students are required to get Student Authorization i.e. student visa before leaving for Canada for studies. International students must also meet the conditions of the Canadian Immigration regulations. Usually, it takes at least two months to process a student visa.

In order to get a student visa, you need to submit a finished application form to the immigration officer of the Canadian Embassy and High Commission nearest you. There are also certain documents that you may need to submit along with your student visa application.

Student Visa Requirements -Documents

• A Completed student visa application form
• Completed questionnaire form for researchers and post graduate students
• The Canadian university acceptance letter including the proposed study plan.
• If you are going to study in province of Quebec institute, it’s a must to also have the Certificate of Acceptance from the province of Quebec
• TOEFL/IELTS scores
  

Two passport sized photographs and a Valid passport.

• Bank Draft for visa processing fees
• Receipt of the insurance premium which one has to submit to the visa authorities.
• Medical Reports: Canadian high commission official may also ask for medical the examination report, particularly if a student is applying for a study programme over six months duration.
  

Interview Process

Once you have submitted the completed application form along with the above listed documents, an immigration officer at the Canadian embassy/ consulate/ high commission may ask for an interview.

Education Costs

The tuition fees for international students for an undergraduate bachelor’s degree course per year vary depending upon the province, ranging from $4,462 to $15,870; and a postgraduate master’s degree ranges from $1,896 to $29000. (Note: The Nos. are subject to change)

Financial Aid

Each University has different sums that a student can borrow for long term loans. Long term financial aid loans are for the following uses:

• Class costs
• Living costs
• Other school related costs
  

How to Apply for Financial Aid

Every Provincial University has their own way to apply for financial assistance. Contact the prospective Universities by phone for more information or go the Universities website and locate financial aid and/or loan information sections.