Step-by-Step Process to Study in Canada in 2023-24

Introduction

If you want to study abroad in Canada but don’t know where to start, this blog is for you!

Canada is a highly sought-after study-abroad destination for a large number of Indian students. To be more specific, as of 2023, nearly 320,000 students went to Canada for higher studies.

Huge, isn’t it?

Being the best study-abroad destination for Indian students, Canada offers a globally recognized education system, top-ranked institutions, diverse course options, vast career prospects with high living standards, and multiculturalism.

Before embarking on your study abroad journey in Canada, it is important to make sure you have the right amount of information related to the application process.

Understanding the process will simplify the application process. So read on to discover the crucial steps to follow to study in Canada in 2023-24.

Let’s get started with an important question – Why study in Canada?

Why Do Indian Students Choose To Study In Canada?

1️⃣ Top-Quality Education

One of the top reasons to study in Canada is their academic excellence. Provincial governments of Canada responsible for education ensure that the quality of education never drops in universities and colleges of Canada.

Even 26 of Canada’s universities are ranked top in the QS World University Rankings 2023, whereas 30 of them are ranked in THE World University Rankings 2023. From diverse course options to universities, students get a number of options to choose from as per their interests and eligibility.

2️⃣ Cultural Diversity

People in Canada are very warm and welcoming. Moreover, for a long time, Canada has been welcoming students from different countries, creating a multicultural environment for international students. This allows students to embrace diversity and experience different festivals, cultures, and lifestyles throughout the year.

3️⃣ Affordability

Affordable education in Canada is another key reason why a large number of Indian students choose Canada as their study-abroad destination. Tuition fees in Canada are relatively low, plus students are allowed to work to support their expenses.

Moreover, eligible students can also apply for a wide range of scholarships in Canada available for Indian and international students.

4️⃣ Work While Study

Canada offers international students an opportunity to work both part-time and full-time to pay for their expenses.

Students are also not required to get any additional work permit to work in Canada, the study permit is enough to do a part-time job

According to the new work rules for international students, students are allowed to work more than 20 hours per week off campus.

To add more, students apply for 3 years of post-study work permit after completing their graduation.

5️⃣ High-Quality Life

Canada is ranked top for one of the safest and most peaceful countries in the world. International students in Canada have the same rights as any other Canadian citizen.

The clean air, clean water, lower population, and competition enhance the quality of life in Canada. Moreover, the country offers good education infrastructure to international students for a better experience.

Before we get to the application process, let’s understand the different types of intakes in Canada.

Intakes In Canada

Canada Universities Intake
September Intake	January Intake	May Intake
Also known as Fall Intake	Also known as Winter Intake	Also known as Summer Intake
Primary intake	Secondary intake	For limited universities only
All courses are available	Majority of courses are available	Selected courses are available
Huge numbers of applications are accepted	Fewer applications are accepted compare to september intake	Very limited applications are accepted
Maximum scholarships options available	Limited scholarships options available	Least scholarships options available
Deadline for application: December – March	Deadline for application: September – November	Deadline for application: October – February

You must have chosen the intake!
It’s time we know the documents and eligibility requirements to study in Canada.
Let’s get into the details.

Admission Requirements To Study In Canada

Documents and eligibility requirements to study in Canadian universities vary depending on the university and course. However, below are the general documents students need to submit for admission:

• School leaving certificate [ For Bachelor’s Program ]
• Bachelor’s degree certificate [ For Master’s Program ]
• English language proficiency proof
• Valid passport
• Statement of Purpose for Canada
• Letter of recommendation [ If needed ]
• Resume [ If required ]

English Language Proficiency Requirements To Study In Canada

International students are required to submit English language proficiency scores to universities in Canada. To get this score, there are various types of exams available that students need to appear in.

Let’s discuss some of the common tests and their score requirements.

1️⃣ IELTS

This is one of the most popular English language tests that measure students’ command of four skills of English on a scale from 1–9.

The four skills are Listening, Writing, Reading, and Speaking. The minimum IELTS score requirement to study in Canada is 6.0.

2️⃣ TOEFL

This is an internet-based exam, and the score of TOEFL is accepted in almost 70% of places in Canada. The average TOEFL score requirement in Canadian universities is 80- 100.

3️⃣ PTE

This is a computer-based exam that tests the reading, listening, speaking, and writing abilities of students. The minimum PTE score requirement in Canadian universities is 60 overall and a minimum of 60 in each section.

4️⃣ CAEL

Similar to IELTS and PTE, the CAEL exam tests the four skills, namely listening, writing, reading, and speaking. The score is evaluated on a scale of 10 to 90, and the average score requirement is 60.

Requirements For A Master’s Degree To Study In Canada

Requirements to study Master’s in Canada depend on the university and course you have chosen. Although the basic requirements are:

• 4 years bachelor’s degree [70% average marks]
• 2-3 years of full-time work experience
• GMAT score
• TOEFL / IELTS score [minimum score requirements depends upon course and institution]
• Resume/ Portfolio [depend upon course]

Requirements For A Bachelor’s Degree To Study In Canada

Requirements to study Bachelor’s in Canada depends on the university and course you have chosen. Although the basic requirements are:

• 70% in 12th grade
• TOEFL / IELTS score [minimum score requirements depends upon course and institution]

Requirements For A Diploma Course To Study In Canada

Requirements to study Diploma in Canada depend on the university and course you have chosen. Although the basic requirements are:

• 60% in 12th grade
• TOEFL / IELTS score [minimum score requirements depends upon course and institution]

Requirements To Apply For Student Visa In Canada

The basic eligibility criteria to apply for a  student visa in Canada are as follows:

• Must be registered at a designated learning institute (DLI)
• Should not have criminal past [ Provide Police Certificate ] 
• Must be a law-abiding citizen 
• Must not be a threat to the security of Canada
• Show intent to return 
• Must be able to prove sufficient funds to support education and living expenses in Canada
• Should have a valid medical certificate 

Step-By-Step Process To Study In Canada

Step 1. Understand The Requirements

The first step is to determine and understand rules and regulations, admission requirements, document lists, and various other requirements of Canadian universities and the courses they offer.

Step 2. Prepare Finances

The next step is to establish your budget and prepare for finances for study abroad in Canada. Check the scholarship and loan options available.

Step 3. Choose A Course

Research various courses and finalize an ideal course to apply based on your interests, career goals, and academic experience.

Step 4. Find A University

Finding a university in Canada isn’t enough; you must ensure that the university you have selected is on the list of Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs).

It is compulsory for international students to select institutions from a DLI list. So, choose the right university; otherwise, the study visa will be invalid.

Step 5. Take Language Test

To apply for the selected course in your desired university, you will have to prove your English proficiency. There are various tests available, such as IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE.

IELTS is one of the most preferred tests by international students. Choose the test as per your requirement and score at least the average required score to make sure your application does not get rejected.

Step 6. Start Applications

It’s time to begin your university application process. Shortlist the universities and carefully fill out the application form with accurate information and documents.

Step 7. Receive Acceptance Letter

After the Canadian universities have processed and accepted your application, you will receive an acceptance letter from the university, which is crucial for future steps.

Step 8. Apply For A Student Visa

After receiving your acceptance letter, it’s time to apply for a Canada student visa. You can apply for your visa application online or visit your nearest local visa application center.

Your visa application forms must be filled and signed properly and accompanied by essential documents.

Step 9. Travel Time

After your visa application is processed and approved, you should start planning your trip to Canada. Make sure to book your flight tickets considering the start date mentioned in your student visa application. You won’t be allowed to enter Canada before that date.

Step 10. Immigration Formalities

The final step is the immigration formalities, where at the port of entry, the immigration officer will verify your student visa and check other documents.

After verification, the officer will allow you to enter Canada.

Top Universities Of Canada To Apply In 2023-24

• McGill University
• University of Waterloo
• University of Calgary
• University of Northern British Columbia
• University of Regina
• Ontario Tech University
• International Business University (IBU)
• Nipissing University
• Cape Breton University
• Yorkville University

Best Courses To Study In Canada

• Engineering
• Information Technology
• Computer Science
• MBA
• Nursing
• Finance
• Economics
• Accounting
• Project Management
• Psychology
• Management
• Health Sciences
• Hospitality Management Studies
• Financial Accounting
• Agriculture
• Forestry
• Biomedical Engineering
• Communication
• Dentistry
• Physiotherapy

To Wrap Up

We hope you are now familiar with the study in Canada requirements and process.

Handling the entire study in Canada process can be daunting, but with proper guidance and support, the process can be a piece of cake.

If you want to begin your journey to study in Canada, it’s the right time to get started.

Flyway Immigration is a leading study-abroad consultant in Ahmedabad and Surat. We have a team of highly qualified consultants and visa experts holding years of experience in helping students choose the right university/course, secure admission, and apply for the visa process.

Have queries? Speak with our counselor today.