Studying in Canada: The ultimate 2023 guide for international students

With a reputation for being safe, friendly, and welcoming to people from all over the world, Canada is the perfect place to start fresh and begin a new chapter in your life, whether it be for school, work, or adventure.

To help assist with your move, we've created this guide with essential information that provides everything you need to know about schooling in Canada. Discover useful tips on how to secure new accommodation and employment opportunities, the steps required for setting up a bank account and acquiring health insurance, as well as the typical cost of living in Canada.

As an international student, you will have the opportunity to experience a unique educational system that offers excellent affordable academic programs with various scholarships and research opportunities.

 

‍Why Canada

For several reasons, Canada stands out from other countries and has become a top destination for international students

International students have ample opportunities to work and immigrate after completing their studies. This helps them kick start their careers right from the jump. Not just opportunities but also Canadian universities offer an array of courses such as undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate studies at an affordable rate compared to other countries. For those facing financial hardship, they can apply for scholarships or grants which are offered by the Canadian government specifically for these international students.

Before you can study in Canada as an international student, you must meet certain requirements:

‍

Get accepted into a Canadian school: First, you must apply and be accepted into a Canadian school before you can apply for a study permit.

Obtain a study permit: Once you have been accepted into a Canadian school, you will have to apply for a study permit. You will need to provide proof of acceptance, proof of funds, and other documents.

Proof of English proficiency: Most Canadian schools require international students to demonstrate proficiency in English. This is usually done through an English language proficiency test, such as IELTS or TOEFL.

Proof of financial support: You will need to demonstrate that you have enough funds to cover your tuition fees and living expenses while studying in Canada.

Medical exam: You may be required to undergo a medical exam to ensure that you are in good health before you can study in Canada.

Steps to Take Before Moving to Canada

Moving to a new country can be overwhelming, and there are several things you need to do before leaving your home country. Here are some steps to take before moving to Canada:

Research

Before applying, you’ll need to research the country and the city where you will be studying. You need to know about the culture, climate, cost of living, and other essential things to make your transition smoother. You’ll need to consider the city to have information on the quality of life it offers, promising job market and the benefits it provides you. Here are the top 5 cities in Canada for International students:

1.    Montreal

2.    Toronto

3.    Vancouver

4.    Ottawa

5.    Quebec

Apply for a Study Permit

To study in Canada, you need to apply for a study permit. You can apply online or through a Canadian visa office in your home country. You need to provide a letter of acceptance to a Canadian designated Learning Institution, proof of funds, and necessary documents.

Arrange for Accommodation

You need to arrange for accommodation before moving to Canada. You can choose to live on-campus, off-campus, or with a host family. You need to research your options and choose the best one for you.         

Applying to Canadian Universities and Colleges

To apply to Canadian universities and colleges, you need to follow these steps:

Research

You need to research the universities and colleges you are interested in. You need to know about the academic programs, admission requirements, and application deadlines.

Apply

You need to apply to the universities and colleges you are interested in. You can apply online or through a paper application. You need to provide your academic transcripts, proof of language proficiency, and other necessary documents.

Wait for Acceptance

After applying, you need to wait for the universities and colleges to respond to your application. If you are accepted, you need to confirm your acceptance and pay a deposit.

Preparing for Canadian Culture and Lifestyle

Canada has a unique culture and lifestyle, and it is essential to prepare before moving to the country. Here are some tips to prepare for Canadian culture and lifestyle:

Make Friends

Making friends is an essential part of Canadian culture. You need to be open to meeting new people and making friends. You can join clubs, sports teams, or other extracurricular activities to meet new people.

Finding Housing as an International Student

Finding housing can be a challenging task for international students. Here are some tips to find housing as an international student:

On-campus Housing

Many Canadian universities and colleges offer on-campus housing for international students. On-campus housing is an excellent option for international students as it provides a convenient and safe living environment.

Off-campus Housing

You can also choose to live off-campus. You can rent an apartment, a room in a shared house, or a basement suite. You need to research your options and choose the best one for you.

Homestay

Homestay is an excellent option for international students who want to experience Canadian culture and lifestyle. Homestay allows you to live with a Canadian family and learn about their culture and lifestyle.

Working While Studying in Canada

As an international student, you can work part-time while studying in Canada. Here are some things to know about working while studying in Canada:

Work Permit

To work in Canada as an international student, you need to apply for a work permit. You can apply for a work permit online or through a Canadian visa office in your home country.

Part-time Work

As an international student, you can work up to 20 hours per week during the school year and full-time during scheduled breaks.

Co-op Programs

Many Canadian universities and colleges offer co-op programs that allow international students to gain work experience while studying. Co-op programs provide an excellent opportunity to gain practical work experience and improve your language skills.

Healthcare and Insurance for International Students in Canada

Canada has a public healthcare system that provides medical services to all Canadian citizens and permanent residents. As an international student, you need to have health insurance to cover your medical expenses. Here are some things to know about healthcare and insurance for international students in Canada:

Medical Services

Canadian healthcare covers most medical services, including doctor visits, hospital stays, and emergency services.

Insurance

You need to have health insurance to cover your medical expenses in Canada. You can choose to purchase private health insurance or enroll in a health insurance plan provided by your university or college.

Insurance Coverage

Your health insurance coverage will depend on the insurance plan you choose. You need to know about the coverage, deductibles, and limitations before purchasing insurance.

Set Up Your Finances in Canada

Setting up your finances in Canada is an essential part of studying abroad. Here are some tips to set up your finances in Canada:

Open a Bank Account

You need to open a bank account in Canada to manage your finances or use an alternative like Pesa to send money back home or receive money from anyone for free. You do not need to worry about payment delivery because you will receive payments within minutes and it’s completely free and secure. You can download the app on Google play store or Apple store.

‍

‍

Budgeting

Budgeting is an essential part of managing your finances in Canada. You need to create a budget and stick to it to avoid overspending.

Scholarships and Grants

The Canadian government offers various scholarships and grants to international students. You need to research and apply for these scholarships and grants to reduce your financial burden.

Volunteer

Volunteering is an excellent way to meet new people and give back to the community. You can volunteer in your community or on campus.

Exploring Canada as an International Student

Exploring Canada is an excellent opportunity for international students to learn about the country's culture and lifestyle. Here are some tips to explore Canada as an international student:

Travel

Canada has many beautiful places to visit, including national parks, mountains, and lakes. You can travel to these places during your breaks or weekends.

Learn about Canadian History

You can learn about Canadian history by visiting museums and historical sites. Canada has a rich history, and it is an excellent opportunity to learn about it.

‍

Studying in Canada is an excellent opportunity for international students to experience a unique educational system and culture. Canada has a reputation for being safe, friendly, and welcoming to people from all over the world. By following the tips provided in this guide, you can make the most of your experience and have a successful academic journey in Canada. Sign up now to learn more about studying in Canada and how we can help you achieve your academic goals.

‍