Canada is a popular destination for international students, and for good reason. Other than the quality of life in Canada as the country is known for its high standard of living and is ranked third globally for the best quality of living, Canada offers high-quality education and research opportunities from elementary to post-secondary studies. You can choose from more than 8,000 college and 16,000 university programs.
When it comes to affordability, Tuition fees in Canada are generally lower than colleges and universities in Australia, the U.K., and the U.S. There is also the benefit of Work opportunities. Most international students are eligible to work during their studies and can get a Post-Graduation Work Permit after their studies.
In this article, we will be looking at everything you need to know about studying in Canada, scholarship opportunities and financial aid, visas, and other handy information.
Financial Aids and Scholarships in Canada for International Students
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The University of Waterloo offers more than 170 scholarships for international students, with values ranging from $1,000 to $40,000. Most of these scholarships are automatically considered for most students, including the Merit and President’s scholarships.
However, some scholarships require an application, such as the Faculty of Mathematics Global Scholarships, which offers up to 10 scholarships valued at $12,000 to $40,000.
The Faculty of Mathematics International Awards: India offers up to 15 scholarships valued at $20,000 to $40,000. The Faculty of Science International Student Scholarships offers 55 scholarships of $15,000 to $40,000. The Faculty of Engineering International Student Entrance Scholarships offers up to 20 scholarships valued at $10,000 each.
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The University of Saskatchewan offers a variety of scholarships for graduate students, including international students. However, most of the scholarships are available only to Canadian citizens or permanent residents. International students are eligible to apply for the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship. This scholarship is valued at $50,000 per year for up to three years and is awarded to students who demonstrate academic excellence, research potential, and leadership. The application deadline for this scholarship is November 2, 2023.
Please note that the information provided is current as of November 14, 2023. For more information on scholarships available to you, please visit the University of Saskatchewan’s website.
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York University offers a variety of scholarships and bursaries to international students who are currently enrolled at the university. Some of the scholarships available to international undergraduate students include:
- Global Leader of Tomorrow Scholarships: These scholarships are awarded to international students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement. The scholarship is valued at $80,000 and covers tuition, books, and living expenses for up to four years of undergraduate study.
- International Entrance Scholarships of Distinction: These scholarships are awarded to international students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement. The scholarship is valued at $140,000 and covers tuition, books, and living expenses for up to four years of undergraduate study.
- International Undergraduate Student Bursary: This bursary is awarded to international students who demonstrate financial need. The bursary is valued at $2,000.
In addition to these scholarships and bursaries, York University also offers a number of other financial supports and resources for international students. We recommend that you visit the York University website linked above for more information.
Visa Requirements for Students To Study In Canada
To study in Canada, international students need to obtain a study permit. To be eligible for a study permit, you must be enrolled at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI), prove that you have enough money to pay for your tuition fees, proof that you can afford living expenses for yourself and any family members who come with you to Canada, and return transportation for yourself and any family members who come with you to Canada. You must also obey the law, have no criminal record, and get a police certificate (if required). Additionally, you must be in good health and get a medical exam (if required) .
If you are a legal resident of certain countries, you may be able to get your study permit faster by applying online through the Student Direct Stream.
Please note that the information provided is current as of November 14, 2023. For more information on visa requirements for students to study in Canada, please visit the Government of Canada’s website
Processing Times
The average processing time for a Canadian study permit is between 9-11 weeks. However, the processing time may vary depending on the number of applications received by the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and other factors.
You can check the processing times for most applications on the IRCC website. The processing times are updated regularly and show how long it took the IRCC to process most applications in the past for each application type. Please note that the processing times shown may not reflect how long it will take to process an application you submit today.
Studying in Canada can be a great way to excel in your chosen apart amongst other benefits. With the scholarship opportunities and financial aids mentioned in this article, we really hope we were able to help in your quest.
