Have you ever thought about studying in Canada? For know that this is not only possible, but it is much more uncomplicated than you think. Below we list everything you need to know before packing your bags and embarking on your professional evolution.
Is it expensive to study in Canada?
The amounts charged to study in Canada vary greatly, as it depends on several variables. For language courses, the values to study in Canada will depend:
- Course duration;
- Type of language course;
- Accommodation;
- Didactic material;
- Health insurance;
- Additional services, such as airport pick-up and pick-up;
For example, language schools offer courses of about 1,000 Canadian dollars for a 1-month course, up to 10,000 Canadian dollars for a one-year course. You can also apply for a scholarship at one of the country’s educational institutions. But it is worth noting that during the selection process few vacancies are opened for foreigners and the process is very competitive and difficult. The main requirement is to speak fluent English or French. In addition, it is the student who must arrange the registration, as it is usually not done through the exchange agencies. A good alternative for those who want to study in Canada, is to take a short language course (four weeks). When opting for a language course package, the complete course, student accommodation, didactic material and health insurance will be included.
Cost of living
A very important detail is that the country requires proof that the student will be able to pay for the course and his stay in the country until completing his training. This proof required by the Canadian government is CAD$1,500 per month. The country understands that this is the minimum amount to live in the main cities of Canada, paying for housing, food, transportation, entertainment, internet and the like. This proof is usually done through the presentation of bank statements.
What are the basic requirements to study in Canada?
Studying in Canada is less bureaucratic than in the United States, a neighboring country and a popular destination for studying in English. But there are some basic requirements that need to be highlighted. Here’s what they are:
- Level of English: Must be proven by TOEFL or IELTS certificates to be able to study high school, undergraduate, graduate or MBA in Canada. You can do proficiency in Brazil, in official institutions such as large universities, or participate in the Pathway, a program that allows universities to teach English to foreigners.
- Level of English for language courses: Language courses do not require prior knowledge in English or French. That is, it is the best option for those who want to improve English or French in Canada! The school itself will make a test with the student to know their level of language to start the studies, which range from the basics of the language, to the advanced level
- Student Visa: As soon as you are admitted by a Canadian university, college or high school, the institution will issue a letter of admission for the student to take a student visa. The visa will be taken after admission and not during the selection process. During this period the student can travel to Canada on a tourist visa.
- Tourist visa for language course: if you take an English or French course lasting up to six months, a student visa is not required. For this an ordinary tourist visa is enough. If the course exceeds this period, even if it is a language course, a student visa will be required.
- Proof of income: even if the student stays in Canada funded by his parents or some other relative, it is mandatory to prove that he will be able to stay in the country, which includes not only the payment of an institution, but also of lodging and food. This is a way for local government to prevent immigrants from arriving in the country unable to stay or return to their respective countries, thus increasing the rate of poverty and inequality.
What are the advantages of studying in Canada?
To study in Canada is to have much easier in every way of your stay. Check out the advantages now:
- More affordable prices: When compared to the United States, Canada offers much more economical prices.
- High quality of life: Canada has some of the best cities in the world to live in, especially Ottawa and Vancouver, and the latter is also considered the fifth safest city in the world. The minimum wage in the country is also high, being up to 7 times higher than that of Brazil. In addition, university students can use public transport for free, even foreigners.
- Ease of obtaining a visa: Getting into Canada is much easier than in the U.S. In addition, obtaining a student visa with the right to work, is also much simpler and faster than in other countries.
6 reasons to study in Canada
If you still have doubts about whether or not you will study in Canada, we have separated a list with 6 reasons that will convince you to choose your exchange destination. Here’s what they are:
- The way to pronounce English in Canada is much cleaner, without accents, allowing better understanding for those who still do not feel very safe in a second language;
- When studying in Canada, the student can also take the opportunity to learn French, since the country has as official languages French and English;
- Canada is one of the top ten countries for immigrants worldwide, according to research by HSBC;
- Canada is a safe country with complete infrastructure in health and education, which raises it to the level of a high standard of living;
- The country has beautiful places and world-renowned sights such as the CN Tower, Banff National Park, Niagara Falls and Butchart Gardens. So it is possible to study and enjoy the free time enjoying one of the most beautiful landscapes in the world;
- The seasons are well defined. Unlike Brazil, in Canada you can travel certain of what awaits you at each time of the year. If on the one hand the country has one of the harshest winters in the world, reaching -15ºC, on the other hand the summers are hot and depending on the region, they are very reminiscent of Brazil.
How do I study and work in Canada?
Canada allows foreign students to work in the country enjoying the same labor rights as native workers. The exception is salary, which may be different in some companies, according to legal provisions. This is a great way to insert or relocate yourself in the job market. To enjoy this benefit, the student who wants to study and work in Canada needs to take a course with a minimum of six months of duration, in addition, the course must be geared towards his professional life. For example: marketing, business administration, information technology, etc. An interesting fact, is that the visa that allows you to work in the country is valid after the completion of the course for the same period of training. For example, if the college course lasted a year and a half, the student has another year and a half to continue in Canada working with the same visa, after completing their studies.
Study in Canada with a trusted agency
It is essential that the traveler has the support of a partner exchange agency on time before taking this important step in life. Studying in another country is not an easy task at first, after all, you do not know the rules, places and prices. However, by having a specialized team, the traveler can rest easy! After all, all the bureaucratic part is solved by those who already understand the subject! Allowing much more security for those who have just arrived in a new destination! In short, all the step by step said above is facilitated if you have a great support behind the student. Therefore, Optima recommends you to get out of your comfort zone and start planning your exchange, counting on a serious company with more than 10 years in the market. We have different language exchange packages, high school, undergraduate, graduate, master’s and MBA.