As an international student, here’s everything you need to know about life in Canada
Here are the explanations to the most frequently asked questions regarding studying in Canada by overseas students
Whether you’re thinking about studying in Canada as an international student or have already been accepted and are preparing to move, you’re probably intrigued about student life in Canada.
We’ve got you covered on everything from how to secure a study permit to how to make friends once you’ve arrived. Here are the solutions to the most frequently asked questions regarding studying in Canada by overseas students.
What is the procedure for obtaining a study permit?
An acceptance letter from a designated learning institution is required to apply for a study visa. You may be required to have an interview with a consular officer in your home country, as well as a medical examination and a police certificate.
In order to be granted a study permit in Canada, you must demonstrate that you have the resources to finance yourself while in the nation. On top of your tuition, you’ll need at least $10,000 (plus more if you’re bringing family and/or studying in Quebec). A Canadian bank account in your possession, a guaranteed investment certificate (GIC), proof of a college loan, bank statements, a letter from a person providing you money, or proof of funding via a scholarship are all acceptable forms of proof of finances.
Many students purchase a GIC in order to speed up the study permit application procedure. The Scotiabank Student GIC allows you to invest anywhere between $10,000 and $50,000 and receive your money in monthly instalments over the course of a year.
Is there any COVID-related travel restrictions?
In general, students moving to Canada must have a valid study permit (or a letter of introduction demonstrating study permit approval) and be enrolled in a designated learning institution with a COVID-19 preparedness plan that has been authorized. Even if you’ve had all of your vaccinations, you may be required to quarantine for 14 days once you arrive.
Because COVID travel restrictions are continually changing, it’s advisable to consult the Canadian government’s COVID travel page for students and international workers before leaving your home country.
Many students purchase a GIC in order to speed up the study permit application procedure. The Scotiabank Student GIC allows you to invest anywhere between $10,000 and $50,000 and receive your money in monthly instalments over the course of a year.
Are you qualified for financial aid or scholarships?
The good news is that you will be qualified for scholarships and financial assistance in Canada even if you are an international student. Keep in mind that financing isn’t always guaranteed, and you may need to do some research to figure out what you’re qualified for and how to apply.
Many graduate programmes will offer a financial package that includes scholarships and bursaries if you are a graduate student at a Canadian university. You should also check with your school’s financial assistance office to determine whether any international students are eligible for any scholarships or bursaries.
Additional information can be found online; Canada is a wonderful place to start.
Where do you look for a place to stay?
While many colleges provide dorms for overseas students, if your school does not provide accommodation or if you are not offered a dorm space by your school, you will be on your own to find a place to stay. Inquire at your school’s international student office about where to find flats or rooms to rent in the city you’ll be moving to.
Read the CMHC’s renter’s handbook for information on the rental process in Canada and what to search for, in a lease contract before signing one.
How does the banking sector work in Canada?
Although banking in Canada differs from that in your own country, getting started is quite simple. Banks such as Scotiabank have accounts specifically created for international students, as well as helpful branch employees who may assist you in setting up your account. To open an account, you’ll need your study permit or temporary visa, a government-issued photo ID, and evidence of school enrolment.
The Scotiabank StartRight® programme 1 includes no monthly account fees2 on an authorized chequing account, unlimited no-fee international money transfers3, an unsecured credit card with a $5,0004 credit limit to help you develop credit, and secure online and mobile banking 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
How do you get healthcare in Canada?
Some provinces in Canada cover international students’ medical expenditures as part of their provincial health insurance policies, while others require students to acquire private health insurance. Many colleges require international students to get their own private health insurance. If you have documentation of additional private health care, you may be eligible to opt out.
Your school will assist you with this process, but if you’re curious about which jurisdictions cover international students under provincial health insurance, this Canadian government website can direct you to the province’s website.
Are you able to work?
You’re probably wondering what the restrictions are for international students who want to work to finance their school fee or gain relevant work experience. The answer is that you can work, but only in certain places and for a certain amount of time.
International students can work on campus if their study permit allows it, but they can only do so when their programme begins, not before or after they finish. Your employment could be your school, a student organization, or a private company that provides services on campus. You may also manage your own business if it is actually located on campus and you are able to perform several jobs.
You can work as many hours as you like on campus as an international student, but you’ll need to apply for a Social Insurance Number. You may also be able to work off-campus for up to 20 hours per week and in co-op employment, but only if your degree requires a co-op placement in order to graduate. During designated breaks, such as the summer, the winter holidays, or reading week, you are also eligible to work full-time off-campus. You can work overtime or two part-time jobs that sum up to more than an average workweek during those periods, but you must be a full-time student before and after the break to be eligible for full-time employment.
What are some of the best ways to get active in student life and make friends?
While knowing how to handle life as a Canadian student is vital, the people you meet will most likely influence how much you enjoy your time in the country.
Participate in student clubs, study groups, intramural events, and activities organized by your dorm residence. Social events for international students are frequently held by your school’s international student office, where you can meet others who have also moved to Canada to study and are seeking friends.
What are some of the best ways to get active in student life and make friends?
While knowing how to handle life as a Canadian student is vital, the people you meet will most likely influence how much you enjoy your time in the country.
Participate in student clubs, study groups, intramural events, and activities organized by your dorm residence. Social events for international students are frequently held by your school’s international student office, where you can meet others who have also moved to Canada to study and are seeking friends.
What strategies do you use to deal with culture shock?
There is always a learning curve when moving to a new country. There are many cultural and social practices that are likely to be quite different from what you are used to, and you may find yourself missing friends and family. Allow yourself plenty of time to adjust and make friends with other international students in your situation.
After studying in Canada, what are your residence options?
Are you interested in working in Canada when you graduate? Graduates of select approved educational institutions are eligible to apply for a Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP). Your programme must be longer than eight months to be eligible. If your programme is more than eight months but less than two years, you may be eligible for a work permit for the same amount of time. If your programme lasts more than two years, you’ll be eligible for a three-year work permit.
You can apply for permanent residence and citizenship when you get a job and start working in Canada.
It’s not as difficult as you may think.
It can be intimidating to move to a new nation to study, but it is much easier than it appears. Making a strategy for what you need to do, including all essential document dates, can help you assure a smooth application and transfer.