After selecting an educational institution and study program in Canada, prospective international students will need to receive admission to their school of choice.
Preparing an application to a Canadian study program is a crucial step in the journey to becoming an international student in Canada. While the exact admission requirements and procedures vary from school to school, the following factors should all be taken into consideration when preparing an application. It is important to note that prospective students wishing to study in Canada must first apply to a study program at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
Language Requirements
Canada’s two official languages are English and French. To qualify for an academic program, most English-speaking schools may ask students for whom English is not a first language to either pass an English examination test, such as Teaching of English as a Foreign Language test (TOEFL), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or the Canadian Academic English Language test (CAEL), or enroll in their own language program, or at an ESL partner school. French-speaking institutions may ask for a recognized French test, or the institution may have its own language assessment methods.
Entrance Requirements
There is no Canada-wide entrance test for post-secondary study programs. Each institution sets its own admission standards and assesses the qualifications of each applicant individually. It is important that an applicant verifies that he or she meets the admission requirements of an intended study program before submitting an application. Candidates may contact individual institutions for further information, or consult the relevant website.
Application Deadlines
Application deadlines vary from school to school, with some schools accepting applications only at certain points during the year. After an application is submitted, it may take four to six months to receive a decision from a school. It is important to apply to a program well ahead of the intended start date, in order to ensure the applicant has enough time to obtain a Study Permit and travel to Canada before the study program begins. This process can take between eight and 15 weeks. It is a good idea to begin gathering the necessary documents and information approximately one year in advance.
Academic Year
The academic year usually runs from September to May. Some schools are on a semester or trimester system, with all courses available even in the summer. Other institutions may offer a more limited course selection and timetable during summer months, and it is often optional to enroll in summer courses. Some programs also have a January intake.
Studying English or French as a Second Language
Prospective international students studying either French or English as a second language at a private institution in Canada can verify that the program is of good quality on the Languages Canada website. This organization provides a quality assessment of the language schools across Canada and offers lists of approved programs and members.
Institution/Program Recognition
In Canada the provincial and territorial governments are in charge of education. Through provincial legislation, colleges are regulated and designated, and universities are given the right to grant degrees. International students are required to pursue studies at a DLI; this status is regulated by the province in which the institution is located. Before applying to an institution, prospective international students should verify that the desired institution is a DLI. For a full list of all DLIs by province, please refer to the Designated Learning Institution List.
While there is no governmental ranking of Canadian universities and colleges, many education publications and popular media sources rank Canadian institutions highly on lists of higher education institutions worldwide.
Distance Education
Individuals unable to come to Canada to study at a post-secondary institution may wish to consider the many online programs offered by Canadian universities and colleges. These programs can provide individuals a head start on a Canadian degree, diploma, or certificate by taking some courses online before arriving in Canada. With these courses completed, a student may arrive in Canada to attend an institution for the second or third year of a study program.
Financial Assistance
Individuals who need help to finance their Canadian studies may, as a first step, contact the government of their country of citizenship. There may be scholarships, low-interest loans, or other awards you qualify for. In addition, the financial aid office of the university or college you wish to attend may be in a position to offer assistance. Certain institutions may have financing options available to international students.
In order to determine if credits can be transferred from another post-secondary institution, it is important that a student contact the Canadian university or college he intends to transfer to, as each institution has its own policy regarding transfer credits. A student’s current educational institution may have an agreement with certain institutions in Canada to allow for credit recognition.
Application
Once a prospective student has selected a Canadian university or college, he or she may refer to that institution’s website or contact the office of admissions for information on how to apply. Many institutions receive applications electronically online. In general, an applicant may receive a decision on an application within four to six months after the application deadline. Successful applicants will receive a Letter of Acceptance, which may be used in the application for a Canada Study Permit.
For more information, please visit the following sites:
Alberta: Alberta Learning Information Service – Electronic Application Service
British Columbia: Post-Secondary Application Service of British Columbia (PASBC)
Ontario:
- Ontario Universities Application Centre
- Ontario Colleges Application Service
Quebec (cégeps)
- Montreal region
- Quebec City region
- Saguenay/Lac St-Jean region
