Canada is known to have high-quality education with comparatively lower costs of living. The standard of living in Canada is high too. International students are not discriminated against rather they get the same rights and protections as other Canadians. To top it all up, studying in Canada can act as a safe passage to permanently live there. If you too aim to study in Canada for any of the above-stated reasons, keep reading the article to know how to do so.
- The Intakes
A student intake refers to the admission of students to different universities and colleges in a single program offering. For example, in India, the academic calendar for higher studies spans from June/ July each year to May / June next year. This means that in India, the intake for admissions is once every year. However, in Canada, students are admitted in three waves. Hence, Canadian higher education offers three intakes each year. This is to ensure that those students who could not be admitted to desired universities and colleges on the first attempt will get a chance to do the same in the other two without wasting the whole year.
The three intakes are:
- Fall Intake – Fall intake is also known by the name of September intake and is the most voluminous of all three. It is voluminous because, during the fall intake, the maximum number of seats are offered by the maximum number of institutions. It is preferred by the students to take admission during the September intake because of the higher chances of admission. Students enrolling at this time are naturally 4 to 5 months ahead of the other two batches. This gives them all the more time to study better and to also settle more familiarly in a foreign destination. The pleasant weather acts as a cherry on top!
The application window for September intake is open from August to October of each year. The deadlines for filling out the forms are different for different universities and colleges. Hence, be cautious lest you miss the deadline.
- Winter Intake – It is a continuation of the fall intake that takes place in the months starting from January to April. It is called the January intake too. Fewer students get a limited number of seats from a limited number of institutes. The applications for this round would open from September to November. The deadlines will vary again.
- Spring Intake – It may also be known by the name of Summer Intake or May intake. It offers even fewer seats and few institutes and hence, is the least preferred of all intakes. You will not get the most desirable colleges in this intake. While you will be enrolled in May, the application window opens from October to February. The deadline for most colleges is February. This time around the summer break starts making the intake all the more non-preferred. Plus, students hardly have any time to complete their academic year when enrolled in this program.
- Do Your Research
It is expected for students to start their preparation a year before the September intake. This time should start with a mental assurance that you wish to study in Canada. The next step then would be to do your research. Be sure about which course you wish to pursue. You may keep your choices open for two to three of them. It is fairly easy for students to change their courses later, but it is better to be sure of what you wish to study. If you plan to settle down in Canada post-education, make sure to weigh the scope of your course in Canada. Then come to some conclusion or a short list of targeted universities and colleges. Know their requirements well, especially their IELTS requirement. Have a clear about the expenditure and the funding sources. Scholarship programs run too.
- Language Proficiency Test
The language test to study in Canada can be taken either in English or in French. For the English language, tests such as IELTS, TOEFL, and Cambridge English: Advanced. IELTS is the most popular language test. In French, you may take TEF, TCF, DALF, or DELF. most universities usually ask for minimum criteria of a 6.0 IELTS score with no bands less than 5.5 and 80 in TOEFL. The general criteria stand at 6.5 IELTS and 88 TOEFL. However, it is suggested to examine the criteria specific to universities as they may differ.
- Acceptance Letter
It is the mandatory document for a study permit. It is an official letter sent to a student who has secured his/ her admission to a particular tertiary program. It must be from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) and must specify the start and end dates of your program of study.
- How to Fill the Form
Well, you can’t apply to all the colleges hoping that you will get admission to at least one of them. The average application form cost is $100 which can be tremendously high when converted to a domestic currency. Shortlist a few colleges in a way that comprises two to three best colleges in Canada along with some who might not be the best but are good enough. It is better to have a realistic approach. Do not forget your documents. You will need to have an essay or writing sample, a statement of purpose, a letter of recommendation, a letter from a bank stating your funds, your language proficiency certificate, a transcript, and other documents.
Conclusion
After all of this is done, do not forget your study visa application. You can apply for the visa online or through an office. Your acceptance letter is the key to your visa. Other required documents for the same are a Passport, affidavit of financial support, PCC, and medical test report. There is another fee for a study permit letter which will cost you $150. The processing time shall be 3 to 12 weeks. Hence, you should not keep things on an anchor for too long. A new program called SDS was launched in 2019. Make sure to research it as well!