A Newcomer’s Guide To Canada’s Higher Education System

Canada is home to some of the world’s top universities. According to the 2024 Times Higher Education’s World University Rankings, 31 Canadian institutions are among the best in the world.

With eight universities in the top 200, Canada offers several opportunities for a world-class education for international students.

Many of Canada’s universities are renowned for promoting a global outlook by recruiting international students and staff and encouraging international collaborations, so there will be a large community of overseas staff and students at any university in Canada.

When considering a university in Canada, it is essential to factor in the financial aspects of your education. From tuition fees to living expenses, there are several financial considerations to navigate.

Admission

Begin by submitting your transcripts from your previous educational institutions. Ensure they are translated into English or French and evaluated by a recognized credential assessment agency like WES (World Education Services).

Along with your transcripts, you must also submit proof of English or French proficiency (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL, TEF). Don’t worry if you need to improve your language skills, as some institutions offer conditional admission. Additionally, some programs may require additional standardized tests, such as the SAT, GRE, or GMAT, but these are manageable with the right preparation.

Graduate programs often require letters of recommendation and personal statements to assess prospective students’ academic and personal qualifications.

Application

Remember, application deadlines are crucial and vary by institution and program. International students often need to apply several months in advance, so it’s important to be aware of these deadlines and plan your application accordingly.

Canadian colleges have several intakes or times when you can apply. These include September, January, and May intakes, with September being the most popular.

Ontario and British Columbia have a centralized university application system where you fill out forms and upload documents. In all other provinces, you apply directly to your institution of choice, which means you will pay a separate application fee for each university. 

After acceptance, you must apply for a study permit, providing proof of funds, a letter of acceptance, and a valid passport.

Finances

Although funding support is available, most international students must plan on self-financing most of their Canadian education and living costs.

Tuition fees for international undergraduates vary significantly. According to Statistics Canada, they can range from C$11,000 to C$59,000 per year, depending on the field of study and institution of choice. Graduate tuition fees are higher.

Explore scholarships and financial aid for international students, including entrance scholarships based on academic merit or need-based aid. Universities often offer attractive scholarships to prospective and current students, so be on the lookout. If you are unsure about what to study, it might be worth checking out which subjects come with scholarships. 

The Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship Program provides funding for students from other Commonwealth countries.

As with the visa application, the first step is to stay on top of deadlines and due dates.

You may be eligible to work part-time on or off campus during your studies to help cover living expenses. When you arrive, you will receive a temporary resident permit. It allows students to work in Canada for a few hours a week.

It is also vital to remember that tuition won’t be your only expense. You must also consider accommodation, food, transportation, and health insurance expenses, which vary by city.

Living off campus is a great way to live independently and discover the unique tapestry of different communities. However, do your research on housing options and on laws governing landlord-tenant relationships. You must know your rights and responsibilities as a tenant.

Healthcare

Most provinces require international students to have health insurance. Some institutions automatically enroll students in a health insurance plan, while others may require you to purchase a plan separately. Canada has a government-funded healthcare system that is available to permanent residents and citizens.

However, it can be expensive for an international student with no coverage. Fortunately, most universities include comprehensive health coverage plans in the tuition. Understanding these plans and what they cover will be helpful for you in emergencies and save you money. Some universities might have lists of preferred care providers who accept university health cards. Make sure you are familiar with the system.

Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, and Saskatchewan cover international students under provincial healthcare plans, but the coverage depends on the length of the student’s stay and the country they arrived from. International students planning to study in Quebec, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, or Yukon must arrange private health insurance.

Adjustment and Support Services

Many institutions have orientation programs that offer sessions for international students to help them adjust to life in Canada and understand the academic system. They also provide tutoring, writing centers, and academic advising, which are available to help you succeed.

Mental health support and counselling services are available to help students cope with the stress of adjusting to an unfamiliar environment. A quick way to adjust is to join student clubs and associations that can help you connect with others with similar interests or cultural backgrounds. This interaction is good for the mental well-being of students as they have left family and other support networks in their home countries.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

Academic Integrity is critical. Plagiarism and cheating are taken very seriously in Canada. Familiarize yourself with the institution’s academic integrity policies.

Be aware of your rights as an international student, including your rights under immigration law and your protections under Canadian law.

Career goals

Research how the programs you choose align with your career goals. Consider the institution’s reputation, faculty expertise, resources, and employment outcomes for graduates.

The five key industries in Canada’s economy are services, agriculture, technology, energy, and manufacturing.

Different provinces offer different opportunities. For example, Alberta is Canada’s energy province, with leading oil and gas, energy, science, and engineering industries. Some provinces, such as Manitoba, even have a dedicated stream for international students to help meet the needs of their industries. Many Canadian universities will have dedicated career services and mentoring to help you find your feet professionally.

Many institutions offer co-op programs or internships that allow students to gain valuable work experience while studying.

It might be worth considering your next steps after university. After completing your program, you may be eligible for a Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP), which allows you to work in Canada for up to three years.

Graduates from Canadian institutions often have a pathway to Permanent Resident status through programs like the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) under the Express Entry system.

Finally, know all about the weather. Be prepared for all four seasons, but invest in a warm coat, winter boots, gloves, and thermals, as winters are frigid. Be on the lookout; you might find yourself in friendly banter with a stranger about the weather—a hot topic of conversation in Canada.

As a newcomer, you are entering an institution of higher learning in Canada, which requires careful planning. However, it can be a rewarding experience that opens numerous opportunities for future career and personal growth. By prioritizing these factors, you can make a well-informed decision and smoothly transition into higher education in Canada.