Study in Canada: Step-By-Step Guide for Indian Students
Almost every Indian student aspires to study abroad, attend a prestigious university, live an independent life in a foreign country, and start a new phase of their life. Canada happens to be one of the top prospects for such aspiring students. 26 of Canada's universities rank in the QS World University Rankings 2019 and 26 of them in the World University Rankings 2019. It’s clear that the country has one of the best education systems in the world.
Canada offers many types of courses like diplomas, undergraduate, postgraduate, vocational, master's, or even certificate courses. The duration of these courses is between 1 and 5 years. Qualifications from the Canadian education system are recognized across the world.
Canada has student intakes throughout the year. However, it varies from one course to the next. Regardless of whether you enroll for fall, summer, or winter intakes, it is preferable that you start making plans to study in Canada almost a year in advance or at least half a year before your academic year begins.
Here’s a step-by-step guide for Indian students to study in Canada
1. Pick you universities
Depending on your interests, eligibility, and qualifications, you can shortlist at least 10 universities that offer courses suited for your stream of study. Every university or institute is different and has its own set of benefits. Hence, you should go through multiple options before narrowing it down to one. Plus, it is always best to have backups.
2. Plan your finances
When you are planning to move to study in Canada from India, you also have to consider the finances, which are not just limited to the term fees of your academic year. The expenses include food, travel, accommodation, visas, online tests, etc. Even with a 100% scholarship, you will have many expenses covered by yourself. Hence, while you are picking your universities, you should take your budget into consideration and explore your ways to arrange finances through options like savings or loans.
3. Prepare for the entrance tests
Depending on your course and the institute, there is a chance that you will need to appear and pass some entrance exams with a minimum required score. They could be as generic as courses like GMAT, SAT, GRE, etc. Preparing and appearing for these entrance exams might take at least a year’s time. You may not be able to clear these in a single attempt. But that’s completely okay. All you need to be careful about is that you plan everything ahead. Hence, make sure to go through the eligibility criteria of your preferred universities and start preparing for entrance exams if required.
4. Take the English proficiency test
Throughout Canada, English and French are the two languages that are prevalent. However, this also depends on the territory you choose. If you decide to go to a university that has English as its primary language, you will need to take an English proficiency test. The PTE test for Canada is the most standardized test accepted across the globe. To get admission into any Canadian Designated Learning Institute (DLI), you will need a good score on your PTE test. This is a mandatory SELT test to get a regular permit to study in Canada for Indian students.
5. Send your application and wait for confirmation
Now that you have cleared all the eligibility requirements, you can send your application to the universities, and all that’s left for you to do is wait. If you get accepted into multiple universities, then you have to narrow it down to one. After that, you can begin the process of applying for a study permit.
6. Apply for a student visa
You can apply for a visa online through the government of Canada’s website. Make sure you have soft copies of all the documents like admission papers, identity proofs, guaranteed investment certificates, bank statements to prove that you have sufficient funds, medical examination certificates, etc. For more details, you can check the website. Make sure you have all the documents before sending your application, as an incomplete application may lead to a delay in approval or rejection.
7. Select your accommodation preferences
Once you have your Canadian student visa in hand, you can start planning your accommodation. You can choose to stay on the college campus or live by yourself. Here, budgeting and your comfort zone play a huge role. If you are on the campus, you have a safe, secure environment and you do not have to do much by yourself. But if you decide to live outside the campus by renting your own place, you will be responsible for house hunting, laundry, groceries, cooking, cleaning, etc. If that is something you want and you are capable of, then you should definitely go for it.
8. Get ready to soar
Once everything is in place, it’s time to book your flight tickets, pack your bags, and say your farewell. Make sure that you do not enter the country before your visa permit begins. Get all the essentials you need and prepare for the new chapter of your life.
Moving away from education can be a difficult decision. But what comes after may be life-changing and ultimately prove to be the best decision of your life. Studying in Canada is a precious opportunity, and if you get it, you should make the most of it.