STUDYING IN CANADA

NUMBER OF UNIVERSITIES AND STUDENTS 

  • Approximately 180 universities spread over 10 Provinces and 3 Territories.

  • 2 million students (figures provided by University Affairs 2018) including 28% international students. 

  • 86% of international students study in the provinces of British Columbia (15 universities), Quebec (18 universities three of which are Anglophone) and Ontario (23 universities).

QUALIFICATIONS OBTAINED

  • Each province and territory is responsible for its own education system.

  • Bachelor's degree in 3 or 4 years depending on university and programme of study.

  • Master's degree usually in 1 year.

SUBJECTS OF  STUDY

  • Organised in academic majors and minors.

  • This makes it possible to combine disciplines, giving flexibility.

  • The year is divided into semesters, which permits two intakes a year.

ADMISSION PROCEDURES

  • Selective admission.

  • Centralised, for instance for the province of Ontario: online portal  OUAC (Ontario Universities’ Application Centre).

  • Registration procedures are carried out by each Institution, as in Quebec.

  • No limit on number of applications.

ADMISSION CRITERIA

  • Candidates are selected on the basis of school reports (Première and the first two Terminale), and in addition, a motivation letter, written reference and CV nay be requested for some programmes.  

  • A copy of marks achieved in the French Baccalauréat must be provided, and these marks must accord with the school transcript.

SUBMISSION OF APPLICATION

  • Varies from one university to another.

  • In most cases, before 1st February for the Fall semester intake and before 1st November for the Winter semestre intake.   

  • In order not to rush your application, it is recommended that you start working on it in the October of Terminale.

REQUIRED LEVEL OF PROFICIENCY IN ENGLISH 

  • Le IELTS (International English Language Testing System) or  TOEFL (Test Of English as a Foreign Language).

  • With a minimum score depending on your subject.

TUITION FEES

  • Between 55,000 et 60,000 CAD a year (2019 figures).

  • For Quebec, with a French passport, approximately 10,000 CAD a year (2019 figures).

ACCOMMODATION

  • On campus for the first year.

  • for subsequent years, on campus or in shared accommodation. 

JOBS FOR STUDENTS

  • Off campus,  as of 1 June 2014 with a study permit: 20hrs per week, and full time during university holiday. However, there are certain criteria which must be met. 

  • On campus, there may be work opportunities depending on the university.

VISA

  • It is mandatory to obtain a study permit.  

  • Application cannot be made until the student has received their admission letter from the university. 

  • Applicants must show that they have sufficient financial resources to support themselves during the whole of their studies.

  • In Quebec, candidates will be required to submit a CAQ (Quebec Acceptance Certificate), which must be applied for before the study permit. 

  • Biometrics expansion could be required (since 31-July-2018)