Study in Canada

Education system in Canada

Canada offers two types of higher education: Research-oriented education (such as universities, which award both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees) and technical-based education (such as community colleges and technical, applied arts or applied science schools, which award certificates, diplomas, associate’s degrees and bachelor’s degrees).

Postgraduate studies in Canada

Canada is a global leader in research and has a long history of developing innovations such as the electric wheelchair, IMAX film and the JAVA programming language. Pursuing your postgraduate career in Canada means that you will be exposed to great minds and a stimulating learning environment.

Pre-master’s

A pre-master’s is a support program that helps students with a bachelor’s degree to make an easier transition towards their master’s studies.

The point of a pre-master’s is for students to get introduced to the theories, concepts of the field of study and get familiar with the requirements, teaching style, and learning methods that are typically used in Canada. You will develop a background in one area of study and will be fully prepared for a master’s degree.

Master’s

In Canada, like in the USA, master’s degrees are also known as 'grad' programmes or simply 'grad school'. It is a second level degree that is done after you’ve earned a bachelor’s degree. A master’s in Canada usually results in a MA (Master of Arts) or MSc (Master of Science).

Canadian Master’s programmes usually take between one and two years to complete although there might be additional internships or job placements.

PhD

In most cases you'll need to hold a master’s degree in order to gain admission to a standard Canadian PhD programme. PhD study in Canada has more in common with the UK than the neighbouring USA. Whereas the US PhD normally begins with one or two years of taught classes and examinations before a student defines their thesis topic, a Canadian PhD is often more research-focused from the outset.

Most courses require at least three years of full-time study and research, but some students study for longer, with a typical maximum registration of six years.

Cost of studying in Canada

The cost of studying in Canada can vary depending on your level of study. College and vocational schools will cost you between CAD 10,000 and CAD 18,000. While with universities, you’re looking at anything between CAD 12,000 and CAD 30,000.

The cost of living can vary depending on the province. On average it’s approximately CAD 12,000 per year.

Getting a Canadian student visa

To study in Canada you will require a study permit. This document, which is issued by the Canadian government, allows foreign nationals to study at designated learning institutions (DLI). Your study permit is not a visa. It won’t let you enter Canada, so you may also need a visitor visa or an electronic travel authorization (eTA).

Health insurance

All international students in Canada must have health insurance. Medical coverage available to international students varies from province to province. In provinces where international students are not covered under provincial health care plans, students must arrange for private health insurance coverage.

Working in Canada (as a student)

You may work part-time for up to 20 hours per week so long as you meet the following eligibility requirements:

• You’re a full-time student at a designated learning institution.
• You’re enrolled in a post-secondary academic, vocational or professional training programme or your study programme is at least six months long and leads to a degree, diploma or certificate.
• You’ve started studying.
• You have a Social Insurance Number (SIN)

Post-study opportunities in Canada

The Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWPP) allows students who have graduated from eligible Canadian designated learning institutions (DLIs) to obtain an open work permit to gain valuable Canadian work experience.

How long the PGWP is valid for depends on your length of study. If you programme was longer than eight months but shorter than two years, it will be valid for up to the same length as your study programme. If your study programme was more than two years then your PGWP will be valid for three years.