Things To Know About Studying In Canada: The A to Z List

There are things to know about studying in Canada if you consider moving to the country for higher education. Compared to other countries, Canada stands out as a study destination due to its diverse courses, strong work and immigration opportunities, and accessible financial support for international students. Knowing its learning environment, social and cultural beauties along with life advice will make your journey more pleasant and memorable!

Pre-Arrival Academic Preparation

The first thing to do is to find a school or program that fits you. Or you can choose where you would like to live in Canada, and research any schools or programs there that are available and suitable for you. When researching or applying, it’s important to show that you are genuinely interested in the schools or programs—demonstrating your interest can positively impact your chances of admission.

In Canada, entrance requirements vary by province and school. So, whichever you choose, there are some common academic preparations you must finish before you come to Canada.

Verify Academic Credential Equivalency

Educational institutions in Canada will evaluate academic credentials from your home country. You are required to submit documents or transcripts that have been translated into French or English.

Here is a summary of the requirements by education level:

• For pre-university programs: You must complete the 11th-grade program with a GPA above 6.5
• For college or university programs: You must graduate from high school with a GPA of 6.5 or higher or finish a pre-university program in Canada with enough credits earned (at least 70 to 80% of the subjects)

Besides, to be eligible for a master’s degree, a student must have finished and earned a degree in the same field from a university in their home country.

Understand Program Requirements

Academic credentials are the basic requirement for every program. There are other things you need to fulfill or provide to prove your eligibility for the course.

To apply for a study permit, you must obtain a Letter of Acceptance from a Canadian designated learning institution (DLI). All programs will require you to submit your study permit and immigration documents, including a Letter of Acceptance, student visa, and proof of funds. You must also provide proof that you meet all eligibility requirements, such as academic credentials and language proficiency. Additionally, there are other special papers you need to submit like a Provincial Attestation Letter, medical exam and/or police certificate.

Among all, the proof of language proficiency is one of the most common and important requirements.

Prepare for English/French Proficiency Tests

The two most popular languages in Canada are French and English. Demonstrating English proficiency is a crucial requirement for international students, as most educational programs and instructional materials are offered in English.

Besides, English is a more popular choice made by international students, so let’s see what kind of English tests are widely accepted.

• IELTS Academic: The minimum requirement is an overall band of 6.5 with no band below 6.0.
• TOEFL iBT: The minimum requirement is an overall score of 89 with 22 in each of Speaking and Writing.
• PTE Academic: The minimum requirement is an overall score of 65 with no part below 60.

Additionally, there are other options for your consideration:

• CELPIP (Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program): The minimum requirement is a score of 7 or higher on the CELPIP General test for each of the four skills
• CAEL (Canadian Academic English Language Assessment): The minimum score required to meet our English facility requirement is an overall score of 70 and no part below 60.
• Duolingo English Test: The minimum requirement is an overall score of 120, with no subscore below 100.
• Cambridge English C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency: The minimum requirement is an overall score of 180, with at least 170 in each component.

You must demonstrate English proficiency when you apply for a study permit or admission to a Canadian institution.

10 Things To Know About Studying In Canada

Education System in Canada

According to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Canada is among the top 3 countries in terms of per capita spending on public post-secondary education. After high school, students can choose to pursue different courses and programs:

• Certificate level (1-year duration)
• Diploma level (1 or 2-year duration)
• Advanced diploma (2 or 3-year duration)
• Bachelor degrees (4-year duration)
• Postgraduate diplomas/certificates (1 or 2-year duration)
• Master’s degrees, available after a bachelor degree (1 or 2-year duration)
• Doctorate or PhD (4 or 7-year duration)

In Canada, the academic year typically starts in early September and lasts until the end of April or early May. The structure of the school year is important for international students, as it determines when you can participate in co-op programs, apply for work permits, and take advantage of on- or off-campus employment opportunities during and after your studies.

Generally, the winter session is split into two terms, one from January to April and the other from September to December. From May to August, a variety of summer study options are available. A small number of Canadian schools also provide year-round education.

Canadian Education Rankings

Canada’s educational system is well known around the world. It has always made it high in the top or many charts about Best Education Systems. According to the nonprofit organization World Top 20 (WT20), Canada is ranked 19th in terms of the World Best Education Systems in 2025.

Language of Study in Canadian Universities

French and English are the two official languages of Canada. Accordingly, these are the 2 main languages of study in Canadian universities. Therefore, international students must demonstrate his proficiency in either English or French, which is the common requirement, to be admitted.

As we’ve discussed, there are many options for English placement tests. Meanwhile, DALF, DELF, or TCF are available for French students to take, with TEF being the most popular test. We recommend you visit the university’s website to see what tests are acceptable.

Requirements to Study in Canada for International Students

High academic records in your home country is a prerequisite for admission to a Canadian school. Besides, you may need to prove your proficiency in using English or French, depending on the course language. Meeting the prerequisites for a Canadian school also includes academic, language, and health requirements. All these requirements will prove you are academically qualified to attend a university in Canada.

In addition to academic requirements, there are legal requirements with obtaining a study permit (also called a student visa) being the main point. International students must be in good health and may need to pass a medical examination as part of the application process. In addition, international students must show proof of health insurance which is mandatory for enrollment at most educational institutions and upon arrival to enter Canada.

Documents Required for Studies in Canadian Universities

As the requirements are already set, you need the right documents to fulfill them. For academic requirements, you need to obtain your academic transcripts, any certificates or honors, CV (if any), and language proficiency test scores.

To apply for a Canadian study permit, you need:

• A valid passport
• An acceptance letter (original or copy) from a designated learning institution (DLI) as proof of admission
• Proof of your financial ability for tuition, living expenses, and return transportation
• Other documents like a provincial attestation letter (PAL), a letter of explanation, a medical exam, and police certificates depending on your situation

You can submit your application either online or as a paper application, depending on the requirements of the institution or the government process.

Top Study Majors for International Students in Canada

Canada provides a top-notch education system in general but there are some majors being a huge favorite for international students. The demand of these courses are aligned with the job market and global needs. Thereby, the list of highly sought-after courses in Canada is as follows:

• Engineering
• Computer Science & Information Technology
• Business Administration & Management
• Medicine & Health
• Environmental Science & Sustainability
• Architecture & Urban Planning
• Finance & Accounting
• Law
• Nursing & Healthcare Management
• Psychology & Counselling

These top majors offer you a wide range of different yet relevant programs to choose and various scholarship opportunities. Besides, having a degree in those fields will give you better chances at finding a good job.

Top Canadian Universities

There are 223 public and private universities in Canada, according to the Council of Ministers of Education. All offer high-quality teaching systems and a diverse, friendly environment for international students.

Yet, we will narrow the list down to some of the best Canadian universities that offer the top study majors mentioned earlier.

• University of Toronto
• University of British Columbia
• University of Waterloo
• McGill University
• University of Alberta
• Queen’s University
• McMaster University
• University of Montreal
• Dalhousie University

These top universities are located in major Canadian cities such as Toronto, Vancouver, Waterloo, Montreal, Edmonton, Kingston, Hamilton, and Halifax. Choosing the right Canadian city can impact your study experience, as each city offers different opportunities, quality of life, and cultural environments for international students.

Costs of Living and Studying in Canada

Canada typically has cheaper costs of living and studying for foreign students than the US and the UK. Yet, they are still a huge expense. Tuition fees are a major component of the cost of studying in Canada, and the government website EduCanada states that the cost of an undergraduate degree ranges from CAD $7,000 to CAD $36,100 annually.

When applying for a study permit, you must demonstrate that you have enough funds to cover your tuition fees and living expenses. You will account for any applicable student, administrative, application, or permission costs in addition to your tuition. Besides, the costs of accommodation, food and health insurance will be your responsibility. There are also financial support options, such as scholarships and grants, available to help manage these costs. And don’t forget to budget extra money for things like traveling, social and entertainment events.

Scholarship Options for International Students in Canada

It is evident from the previous sections that an international student may have to deal with the great expense while studying in Canada. Understanding the students’ concern, many scholarships are offered to lower costs and help them focus on their academic goals.

Scholarship availability varies based on many factors but there are 2 main types of scholarships in Canada:

• Government scholarships: Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship Program, Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships, Global Affairs Canada International Scholarships, etc.
• University-specific scholarships: Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship,  McCall MacBain Scholarships, University of Waterloo International Funding, etc.

Note that the government scholarships are mainly for postgraduate students and quite limited in number compared to university-specific scholarships. 

In fact, the most commonplace to win a scholarship in Canada is from universities themselves. They offer a wide range of scholarships and grants for different level of study (from Bachelors to Master’s or PhD)

Internships & Job Opportunities After Graduation

The need for qualified graduates is considerable due to Canada’s aging population and booming economy. That makes employment prospects both during and after studies very promising. After graduation, students can find employment in Canada in a few different ways.

Many Canadian universities and colleges offer co-op programs, which are work-integrated learning opportunities that allow students to gain work experience while studying. Co-op programs are a valuable way to gain work experience, earn money, and build industry connections before graduation. Participating in co-op programs can significantly enhance your employment prospects and help you gain Canadian work experience even before you finish your degree.

For example, the post-graduation work permit (PGWP) program may let you remain in Canada for up to three years following your studies. This program allows graduates to gain Canadian work experience, which is highly valuable for professional development and can improve your chances of becoming a permanent resident. In fact, 3 out of 10 foreign students who arrived in Canada after 2000 are now permanent residents. Gaining Canadian work experience through the PGWP or co-op programs is an important step toward qualifying for various immigration programs.

You could also apply for a work permit through an employer. To facilitate that, your employers must fulfil their responsibilities, including obtaining a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Meanwhile, you will need to submit all the required documents along with your application.

Understanding Canadian Laws & Student Rights

Know Your Work Rights as a Student

If your study permit specifies that you are permitted to work both on and off campus, you can work as an international student in Canada.

You don’t need a work permit to work on your school’s campus if you:

• Are a full-time post-secondary student
• Have a valid study permit or maintained status
• Have a social insurance number (SIN)

International students are permitted to work off campus for up to 24 hours a week without a work permit as of November 8, 2024. During scheduled breaks, such as summer or winter holidays, you are allowed to work full-time, which is a great opportunity to gain work experience and earn extra income. Make sure you fulfill all the eligibility requirements for working while pursuing your education, including:

• Being a full-time student at a designated learning institution (DLI)
• Enrolling in a post-secondary academic, vocational or professional training program or a secondary-level vocational training program (Quebec only)
• Attending a study program lasting for at least 6 months long and leads to a degree, diploma or certificate
• Having started studying
• Having a social insurance number (SIN)

You cannot work off campus if you are on an authorized leave of absence from your studies or if you are transferring institutions and are not enrolled in classes. Only once you have resumed your studies can you go back to work.

Familiarize Yourself With Tenant Rights 

International students’ rights as a tenant are proved under Residential Tenancies Act. Yet, it will not generally cover students living in a university or college residence.

As a student with housing access rights and protections, you have:

• Rights against discrimination based on race, ethnicity, nationality, or any other protected grounds
• Rights for privacy in your rented accommodation
• Rights to require landlords to maintain the property in a good state of repair and ensure it meets health and safety standards
• Protections against rent increases 
• Protections and rights related to eviction

We always suggest that you should get legal help if you get into any form of housing problem while in Canada. To assist tenants in navigating housing related legal issues, numerous provinces provide tools including legal aid clinics and tenant information services.

Understand Academic Integrity Rules 

The dedication to honesty, trust, justice, respect and accountability in all academic endeavors is known as academic integrity. Accordingly, it is a significant offense to engage in any kind of academic dishonesty or misconduct to gain academic credit or benefit.

Some examples of academic dishonesty or misconduct that you must avoid:

• Replicating or summarizing someone else’s work without giving due credit
• Translating a piece of writing without citing it
• Submitting the same work for 2 or more separate assignments or courses
• Bringing unapproved notes or technological devices to a test
• Giving or receiving unapproved assistance with homework or exams

Safety, Weather & Emergency Essentials 

Prepare for Canadian Winters 

Long winters are what makes Canada “the Great White North.” Yet, it may be a huge challenge for international students, especially those coming from a warmer climate. Here are some tips to help you embrace the cold:

• Wear warm clothing with layerings to protect you from the cold winds
• Plan properly and stays updated about the weather as the winter can cause terrible situations and disrupt your daily life
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle by getting enough sleep, eating healthily and staying hydrated
• Set up a cold-free home by meaning all the cracks and holes and use an electric fireplace to keep the space warm 

With good preparations, you can stay healthy to go out and enjoy Canada’s winter activities, which include skiing, ice hockey, skating, and more. Having fun and remaining positive are also good ways to cope with the coldness and distress during this gloomy weather.

Learn Local Emergency Numbers 

Unexpected events will constantly arise and have potential to adversely affect your life and study. Therefore, you should get ready by having access to the right resources and one of the basic ones is learning the local emergency numbers.

Examples are “416-808-2222” for Toronto, “613-236-1222” for Ottawa, “1 888 310-1122” for Ontario.

Besides, there are some national hotlines for you to contact in case of emergencies:

• For Urgent & Emergencies: “911”
• For suicide prevention: “1-833-456-4566”
• For Canadian HealthLink: “811”

Download Safety & Transit Apps 

It might be difficult to adjust to a new environment as an international student in Canada. Luckily, technology facilitates your effort and helps you overcome any barriers. There are a number of apps that improve your safety and manage your transposition.

• Google Maps: For finding local eateries, stores, and attractions and getting comprehensive instructions for public transportation
• Canada Weather: For getting local weather updates in real time and receiving alert for extreme weather events to avoid
• Mint: For managing your personal financial accounts to keep you informed and stay alert if anything wrong happens

Cultural Expectations & Etiquette 

Understand Canadian Classroom Culture 

Many overseas students experience Canadian culture for the first time, not just in terms of language but also weather, social customs and, especially classroom culture. Canadian classrooms bring together students from different cultures, creating a multicultural environment that enriches the learning experience and broadens your perspective.

The culture of Canadian classrooms may differ from your country’s. Thus, we are here to help you get familiar with in advance.

• Class Engagement: You are encouraged to participate in the class discussion, which is the main agenda. Your active engagement can be a part of your final grade.
• Communication With Professors: They prefer you to call them by their first name, which might seem disrespectful in some countries. Yet, it is fine in Canada.
• Assessments: Tests can be conducted throughout your term or only during mid-term or in final exams. You can get access to faculties; exam banks to help prepare with your tests.
• Project/Group Work: You will be required to work on projects like report writing, research paper or presentations. These are like your high school homework but definitely harder. These assignments are to test your ability of communication and leadership.

Learn Basic Canadian Social Etiquette

Canadians are well-known for being courteous, amiable and respectful. This is the core in their social etiquette. Let’s gain a solid understanding of interaction standards and social etiquette:

• Always say “please” and “thank you”
• Actively listen to responses
• Be mindful of others’ personal space and avoid approaching them too closely
• Leave a tip of 15 to 20 percent of the bill in restaurants
• Avoid interrupting people when they speak

Your experience as an international student in Canada will become more comfortable when you embrace cultural differences and maintain an open mind. Building a sense of community by connecting with peers, joining clubs, and participating in campus activities can greatly enhance your experience and help you feel supported.

Get Familiar With Local Slang & Expressions

It may take some time to grasp Canadian English slang and distinctive “Canadian-isms.” Fortunately, many Canadians are willing to assist newcomers and clarify their terminology. Don’t be hesitant to ask questions if you are confused or even make cultural misconceptions about Canadian culture and language. They are open-minded and instead of feeling offended, they may find it amusing and funny.

Learning local slang and expressions can also make it easier when making friends and help you integrate into Canadian culture more smoothly.

Moreover, you should know that about 25% of the Canadian population speaks French with most French Canadians residing in Quebec, parts of Ontario and the Maritime provinces. Therefore, it is usually advisable to learn some common French phrases. Anyway, multilingual speakers are usually considered very attractive!

After You Arrive: Settlement Essentials

Apply for Your SIN 

A SIN (Social Insurance Number) is a nine-digit number used by the Canadian Government. You must have one whether you want to work on or off campus.

To apply for a SIN, you must have one of these conditions printed on your study permit:

• May work 24 hours per week off campus or full-time during regular breaks if meeting criteria outlined in paragraph 186(v) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR).
• May accept employment on or off campus if meeting eligibility criteria, per paragraph 186(f), (v) or (w) of the IRPR, and must cease working if no longer meeting these criteria.

If those conditions are not included in your study permit, you can request to have them added in case you are qualified to work. Besides, before you apply to Service Canada for a SIN, you must ask for an amendment to your study permit.

Set Up Your Phone Plan 

For students, mobile phone carriers provide a wide range of plans and packages with a pay-as-you-go option or an annual contact option. All the companies offer comparable services with prices ranging from $50 to $200 per month.

Go to the provider’s store to buy and set up your phone plan. You must show proof of address and a photo ID issued by the government, such as a passport. Certain providers will check your credit score to make sure you pay your bills on time and have good credit.

With a phone plan, you can enjoy pre-paid telephone services or getting access to the internet. Even better, international calling and texting are available to help you stay in touch with your family back home.

Open a Canadian Bank Account 

One of the things you should do after you arrive in Canada for studying is opening a Canadian bank account. You can do this by visiting a branch in person or by choosing to apply online, which many banks now offer for added convenience. Follow these steps to set up your bank account:

• Step 1: Gather necessary documents (Passport, Study permit, Letter of acceptance, travellers’ checks) and possibly, things like your local home address or an active phone number.
• Step 2: Choose a bank/credit union, especially ones that offer special deals for international students
• Step 3: Pick your account type (Chequing account, Savings account or Foreign currency account) based on terms, fees and benefits tailored to students.
• Step 4: You will receive a debit card with a PIN to pay bills or draw money from ATMs

With a bank account, you can access many services like signing up for a credit card, transferring money online or integrations between your account and your mobile devices for mobile banking.

Register With a Local Health Provider

Health care is crucial when making plans for your life as an international student in Canada. You have to check whether your province or territory offers health care coverage if you are an international student.

If yes, you will be able to visit doctors and hospitals in that province or territory for free. Yet, dentists, chiropractors, physiotherapists, and other similar treatments are not covered by this type of health insurance.

Note that you may need to live in Canada for a certain amount of time before you are eligible for free health coverage in provinces and territories that provide it to international students.

Your university will ask you to purchase private health insurance in areas of Canada where international students are not eligible for free health coverage. For example, all overseas students in Ontario are required to have health insurance through the University Health Insurance Plan.

Long-Term Planning for Your Stay in Canada 

Find a Part-time Job

Working while studying in Canada is common and legal when you want to make some money to cover several costs or earn real experience. There are many part-time work options available for international students, including:

• Jobs on campus (working at athletic center, the library, etc.): $11.45 – $16 CAD/hour 
• Barista: $13.26 CAD/hour on average
• Sales assistant: $17 CAD/hour on average
• Waiting staff: $12.20 CAD/hour on average
• Dog walker: $13 CAD/hour on average
• Teaching assistant: $25.15 CAD/hour on average

You may work up to 20 hours a week off-campus during the semester if you are a full-time student at an approved educational institution. You can then work full-time during scheduled periods, such as summer vacation. As an international student in Canada, you can also be self-employed. 

Build Your Local Network 

Building a local network in Canada is important for your new life adjustment and future career success. Through networking, you can gain important contacts, chances, and insights that will help you both during your study or after graduation.

The welcoming nature of the Canadian family and community can make it easier for international students to adjust and feel at home, as Canada values family reunification and fosters a supportive environment for students and their loved ones.

Take into consideration the following actions to start your networking journey:

• Utilize Existing Connections: Contact classmates, family, friends, and alumni who are already in Canada. Make use of those connections to help you build a new life or ask for advice quickly in case of urgency.
• Tap Into Online Platforms: There are so many social platforms where you can meet and establish professional relationships, platonic or even romantic relationships. Yet, you need to be careful of scammers and the advice is don’t share anything too personal.
• Join In-Person Gatherings: You can attend school or alumni events, sports or social clubs, and workplace events. They are supposed to be a better and safer way to meet people. Meeting them directly in real life not only provides you with networking opportunities but also a chance to enhance your interpersonal skills and communication.

Learn Your PR Pathway Options

If you think Canada is a great place for your career development after graduation, you can look for pathways to be a permanent resident. There are some routes that bridge the gap between your education pursuit and permanent residency in Canada.

For eligible international students from certain countries, the Student Direct Stream (SDS) offers a fast-track option for study permit applications. The SDS provides faster processing, allowing students to receive their Canadian study permits more quickly if they meet specific requirements, such as country of residence and financial documentation. Programs like the Nigeria Student Express are also designed to support expedited application processing, making it easier for students to begin their studies and eventually transition to permanent residence.

**Note:**The Post-Graduation job Permit (PGWP), which is commonly a condition for PR programs, is a crucial first step that enables graduates to obtain significant Canadian job experience.

Below is the key pathways to permanent resiliency for international students:

• Express Entry (The Federal Fast Track): Designed for efficiency and speed, this system is Canada’s premier immigration route for skilled professionals. Applications are often processed in 6 months or less.
• Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs): With the exception of Quebec and Nunavut, each province and territory has its own PNP that is designed to meet particular labor demands in the area. Each year, these initiatives welcome more than 100,000 immigrants.
• Quebec Immigration Programs: Quebec’s own immigration system offers PR programs to international graduates of Quebec universities who have a job offer or suitable work experience in the province.
• Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP): Talents in Canada’s four Atlantic provinces—New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island—is the focus of the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP). Foreign graduates who receive a job offer from a designated employer in these areas can obtain the PR status via this program.

Final Words

Canada provides the ideal setting for dreaming, developing, and succeeding because of its cutting-edge educational system, exposure to the world, and student-centric culture. Canada offers international students high-quality education, a multicultural society, affordability, and opportunities for work and immigration, making it a top destination for those seeking both academic and career growth. Moving to a new country for education brings both challenges and excitement, from navigating the application process to adapting to a different culture. Studying in Canada as an international student provides a unique experience, with access to diverse communities, support services, and pathways to permanent residency. Getting a degree has never been the only goal of studying in Canada. It is now about getting a long-term career future in the country thanks to its PR pathways.

Understand these things to know about studying in Canada, you can start planning your Canadian education journey today!

FAQs 

1. What are the reasons to study in Canada?

Canada is a great country overall with a top-notch education system. Yet, that’s not the only reason why international students opt for it. The other reasons are:

• Racial Diversity
• Cultural Richness and Vibrancy
• Seamless Immigration Support
• Global Recognition of Canadian Degrees

2. Are there both English and French classes in Canadian universities?

Yes, there are. Canada leads the globe in language instruction and is a multilingual nation. French and English are taught as first and second languages at Canadian universities. It is likely that studying in Canada will increase your academic and professional development and help you become more proficient in language.

3. How long do study permit applications take to process?

Processing times for study permit applications can vary depending on your country of residence and the time of year. It’s important to check the current processing times on the official Government of Canada website and apply as early as possible to avoid delays.