Studying in Canada presents an exceptional opportunity to pursue academic excellence amidst breathtaking landscapes and multicultural cities. Renowned for its world-class education system, Canada boasts prestigious universities and colleges offering a diverse range of programs.
Beyond academics, international students can experience a vibrant and welcoming society, gain valuable work experience through authorized permits, and potentially pave the way for permanent residency after graduation. If you’re looking to broaden your horizons, develop your skills, and thrive in a supportive environment, then studying in Canada might be the perfect path for you.
In this article, we will explore some scholarship opportunities available for international students. We’d also touch a bit on the type of VISA required as well as admission process.
Financial Aids and Scholarships in Canada for International Students
The University of Waterloo offers a number of entrance scholarships to high-achieving students admitted directly from high school. These scholarships are awarded automatically based on your admission average, and no separate application is required. Here are some of the entrance scholarships offered by Waterloo:
- President’s Scholarship: Awarded to the two highest-achieving students in each Faculty (with an admission average of 95% or higher). The value of the scholarship is $2,000.
- Dean’s List Scholarships: Awarded to students with an admission average of 90% – 94.9%. The value of the scholarship varies depending on the Faculty.
- Entrance Scholarships for International Students: The University of Waterloo offers twenty scholarships valued at $10,000 each to outstanding international students admitted to Year One of an undergraduate degree program. International students admitted with an admission average of 90% or above will be automatically considered for these scholarships.
The University of Saskatchewan (USask) offers several scholarship opportunities for graduate students, providing financial support to those pursuing Master’s or Doctoral degrees. Here’s a breakdown of some of the options available:
University of Saskatchewan Graduate Scholarship (USGS):
- This is a prestigious scholarship specifically for high-performing students entering a research-based graduate program at USask.
- Value: Provides $30,000 per year for PhD students and $25,000 per year for Master’s students, along with a $5,000 travel allowance that can be used throughout the award.
- Eligibility: Open to students with a minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA) equivalent to an 80% on the USask grading system. Selection is based on academic excellence and research potential.
- Application: Students do not need to submit a separate application for this scholarship. They are automatically considered upon applying to a USask graduate program.
York University in Toronto, Canada, offers several scholarship programs specifically designed to support international students pursuing undergraduate studies.
Here’s a breakdown of some of the major York University International Student Scholarships:
Global Leader of Tomorrow Scholarships:
- Value: Provides a prestigious scholarship worth $80,000 over four years (approximately $20,000 per year) for undergraduate studies.
- Eligibility: Highly competitive, awarded to exceptional students demonstrating outstanding academic achievement, leadership potential, and a strong commitment to community service.
- Application: Requires a separate application form and supporting documents submitted alongside your application for admission to York University. The deadline for applications is typically February 15th.
International Entrance Scholarships of Distinction:
- Value: Ranges from $5,000 to $10,000 per year for undergraduate studies.
- Eligibility: Awarded automatically to high-achieving international students admitted directly from high school with a strong academic record.
- Application: No separate application is needed. Students are automatically considered based on their admission application.
In addition to these scholarships and bursaries, York University also offers several other financial supports and resources for international students. We recommend that you visit the York University website linked above for more information.
Visa Requirements for Students To Study In Canada
The most crucial visa document for international students in Canada is a study permit. This permit allows you to stay in Canada and attend a designated learning institution (DLI). DLIs are universities, colleges, CEGEPs (pre-university colleges in Quebec), vocational schools, or private language schools approved by the Canadian government to host international students.
Documents Needed for a Study Permit Application:
- Valid Passport: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in Canada and has enough blank pages for any required visas.
- Proof of Acceptance: You’ll need an acceptance letter from a designated learning institution (DLI) confirming your enrollment in a full-time study program.
- Proof of Financial Support: This demonstrates you have sufficient funds to cover your living expenses and tuition fees while studying in Canada. Financial documents like bank statements, proof of employment with income details, or a letter from a sponsor covering your expenses might be required.
- Medical Exam: In some cases, you may be required to undergo a medical examination by a physician approved by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
- Police Certificates: A criminal background check from your home country and any other countries you’ve resided in for six months or more in the past ten years might be required.
Processing Times
The average processing time for a Canadian study permit usually takes between 5 to 10 weeks. This period begins from the day that Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) receives your complete application and continues until they make a decision. Keep in mind that this is an estimate, and individual cases may vary.
This can also be affected by the country of citizenship, time of the year, and completeness of the application.
If you’ve already applied, you can check your application status on the official IRCC website. Remember to plan and apply in advance to ensure a smooth process for your study permit.
By exploring these scholarship opportunities and presenting a strong application, you can increase your chances of receiving financial support to pursue your graduate studies in Canada.
