Study in Canada

Canada is well-known for the quality of its education system, as well as a welcoming society and affordable living. The country ranks third globally in number of international students, with 642,000 students in 2019.

After your move to Canada, you have a wide range of options, from language training to college and university. Here’s a brief description of the most popular programs to study in Canada.

Language training (ESL/FSL): With your student visa for Canada, you can enrol in English (or French) classes if you want to improve your language skills. These courses are usually offered by private schools, and the majority of these institutions have partnerships with universities and colleges. You can study in Canada as a language student first, and then continue your post-secondary education once you reach the level required by the university or college. 

College: there are many options of public and private colleges to attend on a Canadian study visa. These programs have either a duration of 1 year (certificate) or 2 years (diploma). You can pick from a variety of interesting programs, such as: business administration, IT, engineering, tourism, culinary arts, trades, and more. 

If you become enrolled in a public college, you will be eligible to apply for a post graduation work permit (PGWP). It means that you can continue working in Canada once you graduate, and you can count this Canadian work experience towards a future application to become a permanent resident. The length of your post graduation work permit will depend on your program:

• 1 year certificate: 1 year PGWP 

• 2 years diploma: 3 years PGWP

University: the key differences between university and college is the length of the program, as well as the type of certification you will receive, though both are valuable and professional forms of education. In university, you can enrol in an undergraduate bachelor's degree or postgraduate Master's degree/PhD. A university degree can be specialized with a specified major, or generalized. Undergraduate degrees are generally 3-5 years, and graduate degrees require about 2-3 years only after successful completion of an undergraduate degree from a qualified institution. You can also do the first two years of your education in college, and then transfer to a university to complete the last part of your degree. 

You will have the same advantages as a college student with regards to a post graduation work permit if you attend a public university.  You will likely receive a 3-year PGWP. 

As you can tell, Canadian study visas allow for the freedom to create your own education and career path, and study or specialize in your areas of interest. We can help you study in Canada. Maritimes Immigration can assist with your study permit application if you already received a Letter of Acceptance from a Canadian institution.