Studying in Canada as an International Student: A Comprehensive Guide

Canada has become a booming center for international students whose dreams include staying in the country where they finish their studies. With its world-renowned education system, direct path to permanent citizenship, and thriving labor market, Canada is no longer an ignored global destination for a degree. Universities in Ontario offer career-focused education with hands-on and hands-on training in applied fields such as business, technology, arts, health sciences, skilled trades and more. Programs come in different styles and grant many types of credentials, from 1-year certificates and 2-year diplomas to 4-year bachelor's degrees.

Universities are also known for their small class sizes, inclusive and welcoming campuses, and numerous student services and supports. Universities in Ontario are also where education and industry come together, supporting innovative research projects in a variety of fields, including agriculture, computer technology, environmental science, medicine, telecommunications and many more. The dollar also means you'll get more bang for your money when it comes to living expenses, such as rent, utilities, food, and transportation. Of Ontario's 27 universities, six are located in cities across Canada-U.

S. Canada is known for being diverse and inclusive, and here you'll find everything from ethnic food and cultural celebrations to support and services for newcomers. Student advisors at any of the universities in Ontario can help you connect with clubs and ethnic organizations in your area. You've probably heard that Canadians are friendly and polite, but what you might not know is that Canada is consistently among the best places in the world to live according to the United Nations.

We are home to stable and peaceful communities and have low and steadily declining crime rates. If you have already decided that studying in Canada is the right choice for you, please use our program search tool to explore programs or visit our How to Apply to University as an International Student page and follow the instructions to begin your application. As an international student, you are not eligible for financial aid from the Canadian government. If you are applying for a degree program, you may be eligible for financial assistance from the United States federal student aid program.

Check with the university (s) you are applying to find out if they participate in this program. Once enrolled at a university in Ontario, international students usually qualify for the same awards and scholarships as other students. Canadian Government Regulates Admission of International Students to Canada. These rules are subject to change. Contact the Canadian Embassy in Washington or Citizenship and Immigration Canada for more information.

Once you have received a letter of acceptance from a university in Ontario, you will need to apply for a study permit (Form IMM129). You can apply for a study permit online or you can get a paper application from a visa application center. There is an application fee to apply for a study permit (see the Citizenship and Immigration Canada fees page for more information). The information and links on this page are for international students only. If you are currently studying in Canada with a valid study permit, you are considered an international student.

If you are a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada, please visit our How to Apply to an Ontario College page for the steps required to apply for admission as a Canadian candidate. All primary and secondary schools in Canada are IDL and can admit students from foreign countries. IELTS is likely to be your best option for an English language proficiency test, as all universities and colleges in Canada accept it. You may want to consider investing in college admissions counseling for international students in order to maximize your chances of admission. Tuition for international students studying in Canada will depend on the type of program and where you choose to study. You should not expect to finance any part of your studies in Canada through money received from part-time employment while attending college. Canada makes it easy for international students to become permanent residents if they want to stay in the country after working in Canada for one year.

As one of the world leaders in higher education, Canada offers students a variety of opportunities and experiences.

Simon Gooch
Simon Gooch

"Simon Gooch is a seasoned professional with a passion for transforming the landscape of international education. With over two decades of experience in the education industry, he has excelled in roles that encompass student recruitment, market development, and educational consulting. Currently serving as the Global Sales Director for ELS Educational Services, Inc., Simon's commitment to expanding educational access is evident in his work overseeing agent sales worldwide, with a particular focus on ELS centers across the USA. His career journey also includes founding Seed Educational Consulting Ltd, a B2B and B2C agency dedicated to helping students from Africa pursue higher education opportunities in various countries. Simon's strong leadership, exceptional agent relationship management, and proficiency in opening new and emerging markets have played pivotal roles in his successful career.Simon's academic background further strengthens his expertise, a fluent French speaker holding a First-Class degree in French and Modern European Studies from the University of East Anglia. His specialties lie in customer relationship management with a clear focus on agents, parents/students, and university partners. Simon's remarkable track record in developing emerging markets, particularly in Russia, the Middle East, and Africa, showcases his ability to drive consistent and long-term growth in these regions. With a deep commitment to educational access and international collaboration, Simon Gooch continues to make a significant impact in the field of international education."