Advantage Canada
- One of the most prosperous countries with one of the highest per capita income
- Stable and strong economy
- Progress political environment
- Low crime rates
- Excellent health-care system and social security network.
- High life expectancy
- Low living costs
- One of the lowest inflation rates in the industrialized world
- Multicultural society making it easy to integrate
- Extensive Public transportation
- Lenient visa requirements
- Canadian Immigration is one of the simplest immigration systems in comparison with
other countries.
- Two thirds of the 5.4% p.a. increase in population is due to immigration.
- Canada has a policy for skilled professionals as well as Business Immigrants.
- Canada allows a person to live and work anywhere in Canada, and confers upon that
person a Permanent Resident status.
- A person who is a Canadian Permanent Resident may apply for Canadian Citizenship
after 3 years.
- Canada has a large selection of universities and colleges located in every region
of the country.
- Canadian universities are of a consistently high quality, regardless of location
or area of study as they are mainly publicly funded.
- Wide variety of internationally-respected programs from undergraduate to doctorates.
- Canada is a multicultural nation and students feel at home in the diverse campuses.
- Canada also offers graduates the opportunity to work in Canada for a calculated
period of time in a field related to your course of study, and often this leads
to Permanent Residency.
- Students can work up to 20 hours per week, on campus for first 6 months and off
campus part time after that.
- On completion of 1 year program students can work up to 1 year and for 2 years program
they can work for 2-3 years. This way they can recover their expenses incurred for
study.
- Longest coastline along Atlantic, Arctic and Pacific oceans with beautiful beaches
and waterfronts where you can enjoy various water sports like boating, rafting,
canoeing etc.
- A wide variety of landscapes ranging from the famous Rocky Mountains, the vast expanse
of the Prairies, the Great Lakes and rivers with many National and Provincial Parks
to protect the environment.
- Enchanting winterscape with a whole array of winter sports like skiing, snowboard,
ice skating, snowmobile and much more.
- The stunning colors of autumn foliage with magnificent display of blazing reds,
pinks, yellows and rust enthrall the visitors who come from all over the world in
this season.
- Canada has sophisticated, safe and clean cities that are multicultural and offer
a wide range of cultural activities, including museums, galleries, live theatre,
dance and music performances and concerts.
Advantage India
India is one of the fastest emerging economies in the world and it is the largest
democratic country with a total population of 1.2 billion citizens. With its rapidly
growing economy the emerging Indian middle class is being seen as an indispensible
force in today’s globalized world.
India is the tenth largest economy in the world and the third largest purchasing
power parity (PPP). India has one of the highest percentages of young population
and now Indians are aware that studying abroad equips them to attain success in
the global market.
As India is becoming a major partner in global economy, especially in Asia, Indians
now place great importance on higher education. The number of Indian students going
abroad for higher studies has been growing rapidly. The number of students has increased
by 256% in the last decade. In the year 2010-11 more than 200000 Indian were studying
abroad in various graduation/post graduation courses, PhD programs and trade courses.
Most of the developed countries’ governments are allocating large amounts in their
educational budgets to attract foreign students in their respective countries. Asians
account for 52% of all students studying abroad worldwide. The largest number of
international students is from India, China and Korea. 77% of students go to do
higher education in OECD countries.
It is a common practice for foreign universities to participate in open house academic
seminars to create awareness and attract Indian students and offer instant admissions
and scholarships in major Indian metro cities.
India has a large network of secondary educational institutes which are at par with
international standards. Many of them are English medium institutes. Social and
cultural traditions in India places great emphasis on education. Parents give the
highest priority to the education of their children and they provide full support
to achieve their children’s educational dreams. Due to the growing global awareness,
students in India are eager to pursue their educational dreams and acquire international
degrees. Today’s generation is aware of international ideologies and concept of
global citizenship and responsibilities. They find it easy to adapt to the culture
of a developed country.
Indian students can have two fold objectives to study in Canada which has one of
the lowest academic expenses in developed countries. Firstly, to study in a recognized
University or college in Canada and have the opportunity to gain practical experience
as required by law and acquire permanent residency to contribute to the growth of
Canadian economy. Secondly, to come back to India with a globally accepted degree
and international experience and have a cutting edge advantage in the competitive
job market.
With one of the lowest tuition fees, reasonable cost of living and high standard
of education which is recognized all around the world Canada is one of the best
destination for education for Indian students.
Living in A Homestay
The Homestay program allows international students a chance to live with a Canadian
family. This offers several benefits. They stay with a family where they get the
opportunity to witness and experience Canadian culture first hand. They can practice
English and witness the daily life.
Meals and a private, furnished room are provided in the home.
On Campus Housing (Residence)
Many schools offer on-campus housing ranging from shared condominiums to dormitory-style
housing. The cost for these may or may not include a meal plan and or other utilities
such as phone and Internet connection.
This is usually limited in number and you have to apply early to avail it
Staying in university accommodation is often the best option for new students –
especially international ones as this is the best way to meet other students and
experience campus life. Lecture halls, other students and support services will
all be within the campus. With 24 hours security University residence is also a
particularly safe choice for newcomers.
Off Campus Housing
There are landlords who wish to host students in their rental accommodations. This
is ideal for students who wish to live independently. Usually they live with other
students and share the costs. A list of approved landlords or rentals might be available
from the university office.
If you choose to live off-campus, prices may be lower but will include the additional
cost of furnishings, hydro, electricity and/or other miscellaneous expenses.
There are scholarships, Grants, and Bursaries that are available to international
students as well as ones that are specifically for Indian students.
Scholarships are usually based on academic excellence, financial need and specific
areas of study. Those based on merit are automatically awarded.
Some scholarships are available at time of admission and others are based on ongoing
academic excellence. Although you have to show that you have sufficient funds to
cover your costs at the time of admission there are some scholarships which take
into consideration any change in circumstances after arrival and supplement the
costs.
For updated information please check with the university to which you are applying.
Types of Scholarships
- President’s Entrance Scholarship
- Interest subsidy
- Loan programs
- External Awards
- PhD and Post-Doctoral Awards
Some universities which have scholarships for Indian students are listed below
Simon Fraser University
PhD and post-doctoral levels scholarships:
Canada has established some scholarships to encourage the best students to study
and do research in Canada. This is to attract talent from all over the world so
that they can make valuable contribution to the nation and the world.
All international students in Canada are required to have health insurance. Health
insurance must be arranged before arrival. The Government of Canada does not pay
for the medical costs of foreign students. Students can enroll in a compulsory university
or college health plan, pre-register in a provincial insurance coverage plan, or
through the purchase of health coverage from a private health insurance company.
In provinces where international students are not covered under provincial health
care plans, students must arrange for private health insurance coverage.
Contact the Institute to which you are applying to receive more information about
medical coverage and health insurance.
In Canada provincial medical insurance coverage available to international students
varies among the provinces.
The public health care system will generally cover doctor’s visits, some hospital
stays and medical procedures. Prescription eye glasses, dental treatment and non-prescription
drugs are not covered and can be paid for through the purchase of private insurance
coverage.
Provincial Insurance Coverage Plan
Alberta
Health Care is available to international students payable on a monthly basis, but
International students will need to purchase separate coverage to offset the costs
of dental visits, medication and ambulance services.
British Columbia
International students studying for more than six months in British Columbia are
required to enroll in the Medical Services Plan (MSP). MSP coverage starts after
a three-month waiting period. The waiting period includes the rest of the month
in which you arrive in BC, plus two full calendar months. International students
with more than 12 months residency in British Columbia can apply for premium assistance.
Manitoba
International students studying in Manitoba are eligible after six months stay.
Ontario
In Ontario, international students attending an Ontario university or affiliated
college are required to participate in the Ontario's mandatory University Health
Insurance Plan (UHIP). Coverage includes basic medical services.
Saskatchewan
International students in Saskatchewan are eligible for medical insurance through
the province. Coverage starts the day you arrive in Saskatchewan if you have directly
from your country of origin and have not been in another Canadian province longer
than three months. You must provide proof of full-time enrollment at an accredited
educational institute; a valid Study Permit issued by Citizenship and Immigration
Canada, and have a Saskatchewan residence address to apply for a Saskatchewan health
services card.
Optometrists, dentists, medication and ambulances are not covered.
Newfoundland
Since June 11, 2007, the Provincial Government extended health care coverage under
the province's Medical Care Plan (MCP) to international students undertaking full
time post-secondary studies in Newfoundland and Labrador. To be eligible for this,
the student must have an official study permit by Citizenship and Immigration Canada
issued before coming to Canada and valid for at least 12 months. International students
will be eligible for coverage while visiting (30 days or less) outside the province
only during the period specified on their study permit. Coverage will become effective
from date of enrollment.
Nova Scotia
In Nova Scotia, international students with a study permit will not receive coverage
until the 13th month of their residence in the province. International students
who have been in Nova Scotia for twelve consecutive months, and who have not left
the province for more than 31 days during this period are eligible to apply for
Medical Services Insurance (MSI), Nova Scotia's provincial medical insurance. Application
may be made on the last day of the twelfth month, and the insurance may become valid
on the first day of the thirteenth month.
New Brunswick
International students do not qualify for provincial health coverage (Medicare).
UNB policy states that all international students who have student or applicable
visas must purchase international health insurance. . It is mandatory for International
students to participate in the UNB offered International Student Health plan. This
is because the above persons do not qualify for provincial health coverage (Medicare).
Prince Edward Island
A person who is a foreign student, tourist, transient or a visitor to PEI does not
qualify as a resident of the province and so is not eligible for hospital and medical
insurance benefits.
Quebec
International students studying in Quebec are required to enroll in the health care
plan of the university or college at which they are attending for themselves and
their accompanying dependents. You are automatically registered for the group health
insurance plan applicable to foreign students. The premium in determined according
to the terms and conditions of the university.
Canada Study Permit & Work Permit
International students require a Study Permit to study in Canada for a course or
program with duration of more than six months.
Requirements:
An acceptance letter from a qualified Canadian educational institution
Sufficient funds to pay for tuition, living costs and return airfare
Temporary Resident Visas for entry into Canada.
Have no record of criminal activity (a Police Certificate may be required)
Are not a risk to the security of Canada
Are in good health (a medical exam may be required)
you must satisfy the immigration officer who reviews your application that you will
leave Canada after your temporary stay
Citizenship and Immigration Canada requires that you must have enough money to cover
tuition and living expenses. But in certain situations you may be eligible to work
temporarily in Canada while you study. This will help you earn while you study.
You may also be able to gain Canadian work experience after you graduate.
Spouses and dependents of international students are eligible to work in Canada
while their partners study.
Working on campus
With a valid study permit you can work for the institution or any other business
located within the campus. To qualify for this you have to be enrolled as a full-time
student at a public university, a community college, a collège d’enseignement général
et professionnel (CEGEP), a publicly funded trade or technical school or a private
institution authorized to confer degrees.
Working off campus
For this you need a valid study permit, work permit and be a full-time student at
a recognized postsecondary educational institution. You can work up to 20 hours
per week during academic session and full time during holidays. You can work in
any occupation and can change employers.
Off-Campus Work Permit Program participating institutions: for more details
Click Here
Co-op and internship programs
For some courses work experience is part of the curriculum. You will need a work
permit as well as a valid study permit. To get work permit you have to prove that
the work experience is necessary to complete your program. This can be done by providing
a letter certified by a responsible academic official of the institution.
The work experience cannot be more than 50% of your total program of study.
click here
to know more
Working after graduation
Citizenship and Immigration Canada’s (CIC)
Post-graduation Work Permit Program (PGWPP) provides Canadian
work experience to eligible foreign students graduating from a participating Canadian
post-secondary institution. These recent graduates can work for up to 3 years under
the PGWPP.
This can also help you apply to become a permanent resident of Canada.
click here to know more
# Staying in Canada Permanently
Permanent Residency and Immigration
After completing your study you may wish to stay on in Canada. There are a number
of programs available.
Canadian Experience Class
Under the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program, international graduates can now obtain
a three year open work permit on which they can work for any Canadian employer in
any industry. They are not required to have a Canadian job offer at the time of
application.
Skilled Canadian work experience gained through the PGWPP helps graduates qualify
for permanent residence in Canada through the
Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
International PhD students who wish to become permanent residents of Canada can
submit applications for processing as Federal Skilled Workers. They must have completed
at least two years of study toward the attainment of a PhD and remain in good academic
standing at a provincially recognized post-secondary educational institution in
Canada. Foreign nationals graduating from a Canadian PhD program within the preceding
12 months are also eligible.
Federal Skilled Worker Program
If you have the requisite skills and experience to meet Canada’s labor market needs,
you may qualify for permanent resident status in Canada under the Federal Skilled
Worker Program. Federal skilled workers (FSW) are selected as permanent residents
based on their education, work experience, knowledge of English and/or French, and
other criteria that have been shown to help them become economically established
in Canada.
click here
Quebec has its own criteria for selecting its own skilled workers. If you want to
apply to Quebec, please use the following link.
Read more
Provincial Nominee Program
If you have the education and work experience needed to make an immediate economic
contribution to the province or territory that nominates you and intend to settle
in that province you can apply under the Provincial Nominee Program.
click here
Graduates wishing to stay on in Canada may also qualify for other immigration programs.
For those wanting to seek other options, the Come to Canada tool is a good way to check their eligibility.