Canada’s education system is known for being one of the best in the world. Young people travel from all over the world to study at Canada’s well-known universities, such as the University of Toronto, or prestigious colleges such as the Centennial College.   

There are many benefits of studying in Canada. Multiculturalism is something Canada stands out for, and the institutions are no different. The diverse culture is something that the schools celebrate, and most even have organizations or clubs in place to positively promote diversity.   

Advantages of Studying in Canada

• Affordable Tuition Fees

Canada has some of the most affordable tuition fees for international students compared to many other English-speaking countries, such as the United Kingdom or Australia. When compared to the USA, for example, there is a significant difference. Undergraduate courses in the USA start at around $23,000 per year, while Canada ranges from $5,000-$20,000.

• Financial Aid

Canada does provide financial support to those international students who need it. There are various Canadian universities that provide support for students who are securing their Master’s or Ph.D. studies, and most universities offering general scholarships to international students. 

• Great Student Visa Process

The Canadian study permit allows foreign nationals to study at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI), which is a school approved by a provincial or territorial government to host international students. The permit was usually only needed if your studies are longer than six months. However, due to COVID-19, everyone needs a study permit. The Canadian study permit is valid for the length of your study program, with an extra 90 days.     

Eligibility for Study Permit

You can study in Canada if you: 

1. Are enrolled at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). 
2. Prove you have enough money to pay for your tuition fees, living expenses, and return transportation for yourself and any family members who come with you to Canada. 
3. Obey the law, have no criminal record, and get a police certificate (if required). 
4. Are in good health and get a medical exam (if required).
5. Prove to an officer that you’ll leave Canada when your study permit expires. 

The Canadian study permit also allows you to work on-campus or off-campus. To learn how you can apply for a Canadian study permit through the Student Direct Stream (SDS), click here.

• Able to Work and Study

International students can work up to 20 hours per week while studying in Canada without having to apply for a work permit, on the condition that they meet the requirements to do so.   

On-campus means you can work at all the buildings on your school campus. For example:  

• Teachers assistant
• Tutor
• Bookkeeper

Off-campus example jobs: 

• Server
• Barista
• Dog Walker

How Many Hours Can You Work Off-Campus?

During school semesters, you can work up to 20 hours per week. During scheduled breaks in the school year, you can work full-time if you’re on a scheduled break. 

• International Students Can Immigrate to Canada

International students can eventually immigrate to Canada through programs such as the Post-Graduate Work Permit and the Canadian Experience Class.

Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP)

The Post-Graduate Work Program (PGWP) is designed to help international students who have completed a qualification from a DLI get an open work permit that will allow them to work for any employer in Canada.

This is an excellent way for international students to live and work in Canada. The open work permit validity is based on the length of the study program, with the maximum number being three years.

You will have a maximum of 180 days after receiving your final marks to apply for the PGWP. If your study permit happens to expire before you can get the final marks, you need to apply for a visitor record to stay in Canada longer or leave Canada and apply for your PGWP.    

The Post-Graduate Work Permit program will allow you to gain beneficial Canadian work experience and, therefore, qualify for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). Qualifying for the CEC means that you could be one step closer to being a permanent resident in Canada.  

Requirements for Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP)

To qualify for the Post-Graduate Work Permit, you must have:   

• Completed a study program (degree, diploma, or certificate) at a DLI for at least eight months;
• Been a full-time student in Canada for each semester; and
• Graduated from a public post-secondary school (college, trade/technical school/university; or
• Graduated from a Canadian private school that provides degrees under provincial law (as long as it leads to a degree as authorized by the province). 

There are certainly more benefits of studying in Canada than just these few mentioned. If you are interested in creating a brighter future for yourself, learn how you can study in Canada and what are the requirements for a study permit at CanadianVisa.org.