What do you need to study in Canada?
One of the most frequent questions we receive on a daily basis is related to: What do you need to study in Canada? In the following article we explain in broad strokes what the whole process consists of.
1. Proficiency in English or French
Canada is a bilingual country, where English and/or French are spoken, therefore, mastering one or both of these languages is extremely important.
The minimum language level required to study some education programs is B1, however, the more advanced the program, the higher the level required. Most postgraduate, master’s and doctoral programs require a C1 level.
The most widely accepted language exams among study institutions are: IELTS, TOEFL, DALF among others.
Some institutions offer a service in which the student takes a preparatory language course until he/she reaches the required level for his/her program.
Study programs in English are available throughout Canada in all provinces, while programs in French are available mainly in the province of Quebec and some cities such as Montreal and Ottawa among others.
2. Apply to a college or university program of study.
The next step is to be admitted to a program of study.
The Canadian education system offers 1, 2, 3 and 4 year programs. Diploma, Technologist, Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctoral programs. Vocational and Professional Programs.
It is important to note that each province is responsible for its own education policies, and this in turn affects the eligibility of programs to be accepted as valid programs for migration.
If your purpose is to emigrate, when looking for study programs, verify that both the program and the institution are on the list of valid institutions and programs for that purpose.
At Canada Edu Latino we can help you find the program that best suits your interests and goals.
DON’T FORGET TO TELL YOUR ADVISOR WHEN YOU INTEND TO EMIGRATE TO CANADA, YOU WILL SAVE YOURSELF BAD RATES AND MONEY!
3. Applying for a study permit.
The study permit is the mandatory document required to begin your studies in Canada.
It is processed before the Canadian immigration agency (IRCC) and is perhaps the most important step, since without it you cannot enter the country to study. It is in this step where many dreams are frustrated.
To study in the province of Quebec you need an additional permit called Certificat de Acceptation du Quebec or CAQ. You cannot study in Quebec if you do not have such a permit.
The documents and requirements necessary to process a study permit we will expand on in another article. But it is good to remember that a solid dossier is required for the permit to be approved.
Important: The study permit can be processed by the student on his own, however, our recommendation is to hire the advice of a professional to help you in this process.
4. Preparing for your stay.
Once your study permit is approved, the next step is to prepare for your stay in your destination city.
Some schools offer room service for international students, which may include food service, Internet, among others.
In addition, you must purchase health insurance for the duration of your program or at least for one year. In Canada it is mandatory to have it and it is better to do it, medical services are expensive and generally even if you have medical insurance, there are some fees or deductibles applicable.
Consult with your advisor about the alternatives available to you.
5. Preparing for the trip.
Preparing for your trip is as important as preparing for your stay. Remember that at this time there are travel restrictions that vary by country.
The airline ticket
The prices of airline tickets can become extremely expensive and can vary in unimaginable ways from one airline to another, so we recommend you buy them in advance, generally between 2 and 3 months in advance is a good time to buy or book your tickets because the cheapest fares are available and there are interesting promotions.
Luggage
Luggage is an interesting topic, because each person has their own needs, however, we give you here some tips of things you would not want to forget:
- Passport and identity documents.
- Vaccination records in case they are required.
- Certificates of vaccinations in case they are required.
- Education certificates or original diplomas that are required to be submitted to the admission office.
- Proof of payment for your studies.
- Medical insurance contract.
- Address where you will be admitted.
- Address where you will be admitted.
- Address where you will be staying, school contact number and updated address, contact person where you will be staying and an unlocked cell phone preferably if you do not want to invest in it upon arrival.
- Medications that you use frequently enough to cover at least 4 months of treatment, mainly if they require a doctor’s prescription. It will probably take some time before you can find a medical service in Canada that can provide continuity of treatment.
- Depending on the time of year you will need, a good coat or sweatshirt, a scarf, a good winter jacket or parka as they call them in Canada. If you don’t have one, make sure you get the best you can in your country but don’t spend too much and bring budget to buy one when you arrive.
- Cash (Canadian dollars, US dollars or Euros) and if possible a credit/debit card authorized for international spending. Regarding cash, we inform you that all countries have regulations regarding the amount of money you can bring into the country without having to report the legitimacy of these. In Canada that amount is 10,000 Canadian dollars. Be sure to check the exchange rate when you are traveling.
These are some basic recommendations of items you should take with you, be sure to also check the prohibited items so that you do not include them in your luggage. Check with your airline at the time you purchase your ticket.
COVID-19
Canada has imposed important measures that must be considered for travel such as: COVID19 testing before and after travel, mandatory 14-day quarantine, transfer protocol, among others. In some cases it is required to stay in an authorized hotel for the 14 days.
Be sure to check the latest measures in the official pages of the Canadian immigration agencies and those of the province where you will be arriving.
Here are some links of interest:
https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/coronavirus-disease-covid-19.html
https://www.quebec.ca/sante/problemes-de-sante/a-z/coronavirus-2019/
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/covid-19/info/response
6. What’s next?
We invite you to contact us to schedule an appointment where we will gladly assist you and clarify any additional concerns.
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We hope this article has been helpful.
See you next time.