Canada is fast emerging a prominent place for students to pursue their higher education from. Study in Canada comes with a lot of opportunities with the expanding brand image and educational quality of Canadian institutions. This is also further accentuated by America’s regressive policies that some perceive anti-immigrant. Canada also, apart from Australia, has the highest number of quality universities that don’t require qualifying exams such as GMAT or GRE for entrance. This is also one of the most lucrative options for students willing to pursue their higher education in Canada. AS it is, you can refer to this article to know what you can expect when you study in Canada.
Universities and Applications:
Unlike universities in Europe, Canada has only Winter semester, starting towards the second or third week of September. But this really isn’t a moment of rejoice because Canadian application procedures start about 15-18 months prior to the commencement of classes. With the quality of education that study in Canada is purporting to bring, you can be sure that top universities would be bombarded with applications by the time half that period is finished. Therefore it is advised that you start applying about 12-14 months prior to the commencement of the classes depending on which university you have taken. If we were to give a tentative timeline, you should shortlist universities by second week of July and start applying for those universities. It is best to write the qualifying exams like GMAT, GRE, TOEFL, IELTS by the second week of June so that you will have enough time to consider whether you want to take the exam again or you are satisfied with the score you obtained. From November to April next year, you are going to receive a lot of mails. Ensure that you only give the mail that you use a lot because you need to reply to all those mails as soon as possible.
Finances and Visa:
Canadian Visa takes about a month. However, to be on the safe side, it is best to apply for the visa about 2 months before your classes commence so that there won’t be any last minute rush. While there isn’t a requirement to show proof of funds, it is advised to keep your finances in order because sometimes, they might as that in the visa process as well. Canada offers one of the most lenient off-campus working permit for students. This will cover a lot of your expenses. However, you should remember that living in Canada is not as cheap as people make it out to be. Therefore, if you need to apply for any scholarships, you have to do so before November or December so that you can communicate the same accordingly should the need arise.
Accommodation:
Study in Canada affords the ability to stay in an on-campus accommodation. This is mostly because of the ease of access to the classes. You’re free to choose an accommodation outside college too. However, if you do so, it is best if you start looking for them early on because you’d be hardpressed to find vacant ones for the programme timetable that you’re looking for.
Categories: Study Abroad