One of the best services Canada offers is its quality educational system. Whether at the Primary, Secondary, or Post-secondary level, the country has been recognized, and many world ranking systems have it listed among the top 100 best schools in the world.
However, it is worth noting as an international applicant that you should understand the kind of school to apply to when considering studying in Canada, especially if you want to reside and work in the country.
So sit back and find the answers you have been looking for about choosing the right school in Canada for an international student.
What the Government Says About International Students
The influx of international students into Canada has boosted the nation’s academic portfolio. As a result, more international students now find it comfortable studying there. Over one million international students arrived in Canada in 2023. And this is even a 22% decrease from the previous year.
However, it has been noted that this increased intake has been abused by both the students and the country’s regulatory bodies, which only receive international students as a means to increase revenue when there are limited resources to allow for their academic success.
Also, due to the increase in international students’ arrival, the country has been under pressure to provide better housing, adequate health care, and other services that create a conducive environment for learning.
This has led the government to develop protective measures to maintain the country’s educational integrity.
As a result of this, an announcement was made by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Honourable Marc Miller. He said:
“…Today, we are announcing additional measures to protect a system that has become so lucrative that it has opened a path for its abuse. Enough is enough. Through the decisive measures announced today, we are striking the right balance for Canada and ensuring the integrity of our immigration system while setting students up for the success they hope for.”
Implication of the Government’s New Policy
Knowing the governmental policy guiding the educational system is important. It will help you choose the right school in Canada for an international student.
This new policy was introduced in January 2024, and it intends to drastically reduce the average intake of international students to an estimated 360,000. Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will share this number among the designated learning institutes in provinces and territories.
This indicates that the application processes involved would take a different turn. According to the government, it will last for the next two years.
International Students’ Qualification Process according to the New Policy
To qualify to be accepted into any school in Canada, international students must submit a Study Permit Application to IRCC containing an Attestation Letter acknowledged by their institute of choice.
Remember that the designated learning institutes in each province and territory have already been allotted several students they should accept. When this number is exceeded, the school will reject the international student’s admission request, and an Attestation Letter will not be issued. Without this, it will be impossible to proceed with the application process.
However, this should not stop you from applying to study in Canada. You have 360,000 options to explore! With the right documents, available resources, and information, you can be an international student in Canada in 2025 or less if you begin this year.
Necessary Information on Choosing the Right School as an International Student
There is a popular quote that says, “Information is a tool. When well utilized, it can bring you your desired expectations.” This is not far from the truth in this matter, either. You should pay attention to this section, especially if you wish to reside, work, and obtain permanent residence.
As an International Student, you need to give time to evaluate the following:
1. Define Your Intent
Before choosing your school, decide why you want to study in Canada. Ask yourself the following questions:
- Do I want to reside in Canada after my studies?
- Do I wish to work in Canada upon graduation?
- Do I wish to return home upon graduation?
These questions will influence your choice of School and Province to settle in when making your decision.
If your reasons for studying in Canada are not just to study alone, you must be careful about your choice of learning institute.
2. Designated Learning Institutes
Designated learning Institutes are designed to host international students and provide them with every government-supported program. Not all Institutions are accredited by the government of Canada, so students must apply to recognized institutions. This is one thing to consider while choosing the right school in Canada as an international student.
One requirement for applying for Permanent Residence through the Canadian Experience Class program is to have an educational history in Canada. This background should be found within the country’s accepted learning institutes.
Also, not all learning centers permit you to work after graduation. These designated learning institutes can be found in the different provinces and territories of choice. You can find them here.
4. Province or Territory of Choice
Since each province has Designated Learning Institutes, you may want to consider which territory to settle in when choosing the right school for your studies in Canada.
Each province has unique interests, such as quality of living, employment policy, governmental interest for the residents, and ease of immigration. Take time to learn about this and settle for the territory that best aligns with your interests and academic pursuits.
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3. Required Cost of Success
This is not only limited to the expenses required for the admission process; it also covers the necessary documents that should be within your reach to be eligible to be an international student in Canada. These include:
- Cost of Admission Process
- Health Insurance fee
- Rents for Housing
- Tuition fee
- Attestation Letter
- Language Proficiency Test (e.g. IELTS)
- Valid Travel Documents, e.g., Passport, Valid Visa or Green Card
- Immigration Medical Report
- Proof of Fund.
Count your cost before you sail. The cost of most of these requirements is dependent on the province or territory you choose for study. So, contacting the school and inquiring before leaving the application process is advisable.
Conclusion
If you desire a quality education as an international student, it is important to pursue it in places that offer it. With the right information, choosing the right school in Canada can be easy.
Canada has long been committed to providing students with this reality, from making policies that have the students at heart to providing designated learning institutes engineered to meet their specific educational needs, offering them healthcare and health insurance services, and providing them with an environment conducive to learning.
With these many opportunities, it is, therefore, up to you to choose the right school for study based on your intent, choice of territory, and the cost of the application process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Obtaining a student permit, without which an immigrant may not be allowed to enter the country, takes an average of 3 months.
According to Statistics Canada, an average tuition fee of about C$36,100 for an international student to undergo an undergraduate program per year is required.
This is due to the high quality of education the nation provides. Along with the lower cost of living and smooth admission process compared to other parts of the world.
Yes, you can study for free. However, the provision is only reserved for children (students) in the primary and secondary levels of education. Post-secondary students’ education comes at a fee, except for scholarships.
Ontario is considered to be the best choice for international students. This is because it houses most of the best universities in Canada, which are recognized globally, such as the University of Toronto, Queen’s University, and McMaster University.
