Visas and requirements

Be aware that an application for international study can be a slow process, and can take up to 7 weeks processing time. You need to be making your decision and getting your application off as soon possible.

Study abroad in Canada is of course a big thing, and requires plenty of thought, but it also requires a visa once you’ve decided for sure that this is the road you want to take. The visa you need to apply for is a student visa, or study permit, and you need your offer of acceptance from your chosen Canadian university to be able to kick start this process. You’ll also need your application fee, evidence that you are able to cover yourself financially during your time, such as to pay for tuition fees and day to day living costs, as well as a ticket home. Once this is sent off, you just need to sit and wait.

Character and health checks will be made during the processing time, which may include a police check, but it’s generally nothing to worry about.

It’s also worthwhile checking with your university about any extras that are needed, as Canada, being the huge country it is, has varying procedures throughout its 10 territories, so it’s always worth checking, to make sure any extras or variations are sorted out prior to your application. A form filled in wrong or document not sent off can delay your application, which if you’re applying for a popular course, could be the difference between you making it in or not.

And studying in Canada opens up many opportunities to work in North America when you graduate. If you complete a 1 year (2 academic semesters) program, you are likely to be eligible for a 1 year post-graduate work permit, whilst completing a study program of 2 or more years (4 academic semesters) in Canada will make you eligible for a three year work permit. You can also work part-time during your studies – making it easier to get great work experience, and save money.

The advantages of earning your degree in Canada are huge and varied, and everyone will have their own reasons for picking this large and diverse country to obtain their degree. The low cost of study and living will be a huge pull for many, but the double language situation will add a huge boost to your CV. If you’re willing to learn French, if you’re a native English speaker, or English if you’re a French speaker, you will not only stand a better stead of getting in at your chosen university, especially if it is bilingual, but you will also show flexibility to employers. Having two languages on your CV is massive boost in the job market, especially if you decide to stay on and work after your degree in Canada. Having both languages at your disposal will make you a valuable commodity to large businesses.

Do your research, choose your university carefully and ensure you have all your paperwork in order. Once you apply, and the wait is over, you can really begin to look forward to not only studying in a beautiful and vibrant country, but also to a life experience quite like no other.