Guide to Study Abroad in Canada

Guide to Study Abroad in Canada

Studying in Italy, Germany, or France is a wonderful experience, but it’s not always a walk in the park: as an international student from the U.S., you’ll encounter the language barrier, a potentially confusing new culture, and a ton of bureaucracy, all of which can put a damper on your experience.

On average, an undergraduate course in Canada costs half of what it costs in the U.S., ranging from $4,500 to $13,000 per year. While international transplants often have to pay slightly higher fees, the average international student still only shells out about $16,700 per year for their studies in Canada, which is 30 percent less than the $25,000 per year that out-of-state tuition costs at public universities in the U.S. It’s no wonder that about 9,000 U.S. students per year decide to go north to college. That number is also rising: Since the 2016 presidential election, applications from Americans have increased by as much as 80 per cent at some Canadian universities.

Interested, huh? Here is our complete step-by-step guide on studyingabroad in Canada.

1. Decide where you want to live
As the second largest country in the world by landmass, Canada offers various landscapes, climates, and cultures. If you’re not a fan of the cold, you should head to the western parts of British Columbia, where there’s a moderate oceanic climate. The cities of Victoria and Vancouver are the least icy in the country. Vancouver is also great for skiers: On a five-hour trip, you have access to six ski resorts.

2. Research Your College Options
Canada is home to ninety-two universities and 175 community colleges. In total, they offer over ten thousand different undergraduate and graduate programs, many of them world-renowned. This year, twenty-six Canadian institutions entered the annual “Times” Higher Education Magazine’s World University Rankings. Some of the most reputable Canadian schools are the University of Alberta, the University of British Columbia, the University of Toronto, the University of Montreal, and McGill University. Other notable schools include the University of Calgary, Concordia University, McMaster University, Queen’s University, York University, and the University of Waterloo.

If you like the idea of a Canadian education but prefer to be in a warm climate for at least part of your studies, you should look into the Canadian University of Dubai. While CUD is located in the United Arab Emirates, the university operates under the Canadian system. This means thattransferring credits between Canadian institutions is easy.

3. Apply to Multiple Schools
Applying to a Canadian university is very similar to applying to an American one, with an emphasis on high school grades, personal essays, and letters of recommendation. It’s a good idea to apply to multiple schools, from safety schools to matches and outreach. Check each school’s application process separately.

4. Get a Student
Visa All international students who enroll in a school in Canada need a student visa, which is known as a Canadian study permit. The application costs $115 and can be done online through the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website.

You will need to provide a scanned copy of your approval letter from your university, as well as proof of finances to support your studies in Canada. You may also need a police certificate stating that you have no criminal record. Americans generally do not need to submit medical records. Be sure to apply well in advance of the start date of your studies. The processing time for study permits for U.S.

5. Moving to Canada
Take your flight or start your car, cross the border and arrive in your new Canadian college town!

There may not be much Greek life to speak of as it is not typical in Canada, but instead you can participate in many other university activities and enjoy all the new experiences of living in another country.