Guest Post: Canada Dreamin’ – How to study in Canada

The following is a guest post by Bevan Berning, an immigrant professional and owner of Pathway Visas.

With the rising cost of education, some people have been tempted to avoid going to college altogether. But the truth is that the benefits of a college education outweigh the costs.

Employers still prefer job applicants who are degree holders. In fact, in many countries, the demand for college graduates is so high that the supply can barely keep up. In terms of wages, college graduates can obtain higher wages. Other benefits of a college degree include personal satisfaction, increased opportunities for advancement, and the development of vital skills before employment.

And if you are investing in your future (and not just in a college education), wouldn’t it be better to study in one of the best institutions in the world?

Why study in Canada?

Canada’s educational system ranks as one of the best in the world. In fact, in the latest Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) report released by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Canadian students performed well in key subject areas, including science, mathematics, and reading, well above established standards.

PISA is a triennial international survey that evaluates the educational systems of participating countries by testing the knowledge and skills of 15-year old students.

Another key area where Canada stood out in this international survey would be the opportunities given to immigrant students.

Apart from these, there are other key reasons why you should consider studying in Canada.

Compared to the tuition fees in other English-speaking countries, the tuition fees in Canadian institutions are relatively lower. Students can choose from a diverse range of degrees and diplomas that are internationally recognized.

If you earn a degree from one of Canada’s colleges or universities, you can work in Canada for up to a year after graduation. Students currently enrolled in an institution can work inside the campus even without a work permit.

In terms of safety and stability, Canada ranks as one of the best. It also boasts of excellent healthcare.

A holistic approach

But if there is one key area that sets the Canadian educational system apart from the educational system in other countries, that would be the country’s emphasis on holistic education.

Compared to their peers in other countries, Canadian children are said to be happier because of the emphasis on holistic education instead of on getting good grades. For Canadians, education of children is the responsibility of the community and not just the schools and individual families.

Canada’s best

Which schools should you consider for your college education?

McGill University, located in Montreal, boasts of the highest number of Nobel Prize winners and Rhodes scholars.

The University of Toronto, on the other hand, has earned renown for its research innovations.

The University of British Columbia is ranked the third leading university in the country and is ranked 45th in the world.

The Université de Montréal is considered as one of the country’s leading research centers and boasts of 9,300 international students enrolled.

If you are keen on getting a medical degree, one of the schools that should be on your list of prospective schools is the McMaster University.

Other leading institutions in the country are the University of Alberta, University of Calgary, University of Waterloo, Western University, and Queen’s University.

Studying in Canada – the requirements

In order to study in Canada, you will need to be accepted in one of the designated learning institutions in the country. Upon acceptance in one of these institutions, you will need to provide proof that you have enough resources to pay for your tuition as well as for living expenses and return transportation.

You may also have to secure and provide a police certificate which will prove that you are a law-abiding citizen who poses no risk to the country’s security. Prospective students should also be of good health and willing to undergo a medical examination. Finally, you must prove that you will leave the country at the end of your authorized stay.

However, there are some instances wherein you will not be required to secure a student permit in order to study in the country.

If you are planning on taking a short-term course which lasts six months or less, you do not have to get a student permit.

Family or staff members of foreign representatives to Canada accredited by the Global Affairs Canada (GAC) are also exempted from getting a study permit.

Members of foreign armed forces under the Visiting Forces Act do not need to apply for a study permit; the same goes for Registered Indians in Canada.

If you want to learn more about these requirements, Canada immigration consultants in Dubai are ready to provide you with assistance.

Author Bio:

Bevan Berning is an Immigration professional and owner of Pathway Visas, an Immigration Agency dealing mostly with skilled immigration to Canada and Australia. Bevan’s enthusiasm for the industry has kept in the Immigration field for the past seven years. Bevan is South African by birth and has been residing in Dubai for the past eight years.