Studying in Canada - 10+ Things International Students Need to Know

Studying in Canada - 10+ Things International Students Need to Know

Studying in Canada has increasingly become the destination of choice for many international students, as the country boasts around 90 universities and nearly 200 colleges with world-class educational quality. Notably, Canada also implements numerous supportive policies and attractive incentives for international students and immigrant communities from all over the world. To better understand studying in Canada, including its educational programs and admission requirements, let’s explore the following information with Second Citizenship.

Is Studying in Canada a Good Choice?

Du học Canada là ước mơ của nhiều người

Studying in Canada is a dream for many people

Canada is currently one of the world's top study destinations, attracting a large number of international students thanks to its advanced education system and attractive support policies. According to updates from the Canadian government, the country aims to welcome 437,000 international students by 2025 while maintaining steady growth in the coming years. This presents an excellent opportunity for those seeking a high-quality learning environment and expanded future development prospects.

As a member of the G8 and the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Canada boasts a developed economy and provides numerous benefits for its residents, particularly in the fields of education and healthcare. With its cultural diversity and two official languages, English and French, international students can easily integrate and take advantage of effective learning and communication opportunities.

Thanks to these outstanding advantages, Canada has increasingly become an ideal study destination, attracting thousands of young people from around the world, including Vietnam.

Canada là đất nước có lượng sinh viên quốc tế đông đảo

Canada is a country with a large number of international students

Explore Programs for International Students in Canada

Canada's education system is internationally recognized for its cultural diversity and exceptional training quality. From kindergarten to postgraduate studies, Canada offers a wide range of academic programs tailored to the academic and career needs of students worldwide. Most programs are taught in English, enabling international students to gain specialized knowledge while improving their language skills.

Du học tại Canada

Studying in Canada

Education in Canada is highly regarded according to international standards such as PISA, with outstanding achievements in mathematics, science, and reading comprehension. Degrees from Canadian institutions are equivalent to those from top universities in the United States and the United Kingdom, opening up global career opportunities for graduates.

1/ Secondary School Programs in Canada

Canada has a diverse secondary school system, including both public and private schools, offering programs that combine culture and English. Before enrolling, international students wishing to study at the high school level in Canada typically have to take an English proficiency test to assess their level and identify areas that need improvement.

  • Academic Performance: Students from middle school to high school must have an average grade of 6.5 or higher for the last two years.
  • Language Proficiency: There is no mandatory language requirement, but students should be able to use English or French to ensure an effective learning experience.
  • Age: Students under 18 years old need to have a guardian during their studies in Canada.

Private Secondary Schools

Private secondary schools in Canada are strictly regulated according to government standards, providing a high-quality learning environment. These schools are known for producing talented individuals in fields such as politics and business. Parents can choose flexible programs that align with their children's abilities and career aspirations, helping them maximize their potential.

Public Secondary Schools

The public secondary school system in Canada is managed by local governments, with different international student admission policies. Some schools offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) program, which is recognized across North America and equivalent to the first year of university. International students can explore more information through online sources or study abroad consultants to choose the most suitable program.

2/ College Programs

Môi trường học tập quốc tế

International Learning Environment

Canada places a strong emphasis on college education, with 175 institutions belonging to the Association of Community Colleges (ACCA). These institutions are designed to meet the needs of high school graduates with clear career goals as well as university graduates who want to enhance their professional skills for better job prospects.

Many university graduates choose to attend college in Canada for more specialized career training. This is an opportunity for them to gain practical experience, improve their skills, and feel confident as they enter the job market. Canadian colleges excel in areas such as mining, tourism, hospitality, and information technology.

College programs in Canada come in various forms, including vocational colleges, community colleges, university colleges, or university transfer programs. Students can choose the program that best aligns with their academic goals and career development.

Requirements:

  • Degree: High school graduation.

  • Academic Performance: Average grade of 6.5 or higher in high school.

  • Language Proficiency: PTE score of 50+, IELTS score of 6.0 or higher, or TOEFL iBT score of 80 or more.

  • Age: Over 18 years old.

  • Other Requirements: Some fields of study may require additional diplomas or proficiency tests.

3/ University Programs

Canada có nhiều trường đại học top đầu thế giới

Canada is home to many top-ranked universities in the world

Canada is home to over 95 prestigious universities, many of which are ranked among the top in the world. One unique aspect of the education system here is the use of both official languages, English and French, offering international students a broader range of study options.

These two languages are applied simultaneously in federal institutions, courts, and parliaments. Both citizens and international students have access to services and benefits from the federal government in either of these languages. As a result, international students can choose programs taught in either English or French, with degrees recognized globally, opening up international career opportunities.

Canada’s higher education system offers a variety of choices, including bachelor's, engineering, doctoral programs, and professional certificates. Admission is based on application review rather than entrance exams, making it easier for international students to apply. Tuition fees and living costs vary depending on the university, province, and type of program.

The academic year at Canadian universities typically starts in September and ends in May, similar to the academic schedule in Vietnam. Some institutions operate on a two-semester or even a three-semester system, with a summer break from June to the end of August, along with shorter breaks between semesters.

Requirements:

  • Degree: High school graduation.

  • Academic Performance: Minimum average grade of 7.0 or higher in high school.

  • Language Proficiency: PTE score of 60+, IELTS score of 6.5 or higher, or equivalent language proficiency certificates.

  • Age: Over 18 years old.

  • Other Requirements: Depending on the field of study, students may need to meet specific criteria set by individual provinces.

4/ Postgraduate Programs

Cơ hội việc làm hấp dẫn

Attractive Employment Opportunities

Studying in Canada at the postgraduate level is an ideal choice for those looking to advance their careers and enhance their professional skills. These programs focus on research, allowing students to pursue a Master's (Master), Doctoral (PhD) degree, or postgraduate certificates, depending on their personal goals.

Admission Requirements for Postgraduate Programs in Canada:

  • Study Goals: Achieve a Master's, Doctoral (PhD) degree, or postgraduate certificate.

  • Degree Requirements: A completed undergraduate degree with a minimum of "Good" standing.

  • Academic Performance: A minimum GPA of 7.0 or higher in university studies.

  • Language Proficiency: PTE score of 65+, IELTS score of 7.0 or higher, or equivalent language certificates.

  • Additional Requirements:

    • Completion of standardized tests such as GRE or GMAT for fields like Business Administration.

    • Submission of a personal statement or portfolio (depending on the program).

    • Recommendation letters from former professors or work supervisors.

    • A detailed statement outlining study plans and professional experience.

The level of education chosen by Vietnamese international students in Canada

Đa dạng các chương trình học tại Canada

A variety of study programs in Canada

Most Vietnamese students choose to pursue college programs in Canada, surpassing other levels of education such as high school, university, or postgraduate studies. This trend is driven by several notable benefits:

  • Short study duration: College programs typically last 2-3 years, allowing students to save time and enter the job market sooner. After graduation, students can also easily pursue higher education if they wish.

  • Affordable costs: Tuition fees for college programs range from 17,000 to 25,000 CAD per year, which is about one-third lower than university costs, making it more affordable for many Vietnamese families.

  • Wide job opportunities: College programs in Canada focus on practical skills and applications, combined with Co-op programs (study and work). This helps students gain practical experience and have a competitive advantage in the job market.

Updated requirements for studying abroad in Canada

Hãy nắm rõ điều kiện để đi du học Canada

Please understand the requirements for studying abroad in Canada

To become an international student in this country, you need to meet several important requirements aside from financial capability:

Requirements regarding age and academic qualifications

In addition to meeting the English proficiency requirements, specifically the required IELTS score for studying in Canada, students must also meet the age and academic qualifications set by the respective programs.

Secondary School Program

  • Age: From 13 to 19 years old.

  • Academic qualifications: Pass the entrance exams (English, Math, etc.) of each school.
  • Minimum GPA: Private schools above 6.0, public schools above 7.0.

College Program

  • Academic qualifications: Completed high school.

  • Language proficiency: PTE certificate 50+ or IELTS from 6.0 and above.

University Program

  • Age: Over 18 years old.

  • Academic qualifications: Graduated from college or high school with a PTE certificate of 60+ or IELTS from 6.5 and above.

Master's Program

  • Age: Over 18 years old.

  • Academic qualifications: Bachelor's degree with a GPA of 3.0/4.0 (equivalent to 7.0/10.0), along with PTE 65+ or IELTS from 7.0, with all skills above 6.5.

Postgraduate Program

  • Age: Over 18 years old.

  • Academic qualifications: Completed college or university, PTE 65+ or IELTS from 7.0, with all skills above 6.5.

Requirements for the admission letter

Đáp ứng các điều kiện được nhà trường đưa ra

Meet the requirements set by the institution

To study in Canada, you need to receive an admission letter from the institution you plan to attend. This requires you to prepare a complete application package and submit it to your chosen school. The application package includes:

  • Passport: Must be valid.

  • Application Form: Complete and accurate information in the form.

  • Academic Documents: Transcripts and highest degree certificates translated into English or French (if required).

After paying the application fee, if accepted, you will receive an admission letter from the school. This letter will specify:

  • Personal Information: Full name, date of birth, address.

  • Course Information: Course name, level, start and end dates.

  • Fees: Required payments to prepare for enrollment.

Health requirements

Đáp ứng các yêu cầu sức khoẻ

Meet the health requirements

One of the important requirements for studying in Canada is a health check-up. You need to complete the health check at least 2 weeks before submitting your application. The necessary documents for the health check-up include:

  • Identification: Original national ID card or citizen's identity card.

  • Passport-sized photos: 4 photos, 4x6 cm, with a white background, taken within the last 6 months.

  • Eyeglasses or contact lenses: If you have any refractive errors.

  • Previous health check records: If available, bring them along.

Requirements for English proficiency

Before becoming an international student in Canada, you need to meet the English proficiency requirements set by the institution. The level of requirement may vary depending on the program you apply for.

Secondary School Program

Schools in Canada typically do not require English proficiency certificates such as PTE or IELTS. However, some schools may require international students to take an English proficiency test before starting their official courses. If your English level is not sufficient, the school will arrange for you to take English courses to improve your skills before beginning the official program.

College, University, and Postgraduate Programs

Institutions require different English proficiency levels depending on the program. The minimum you need to achieve is PTE 42+ or IELTS 5.0. If you do not meet the school's English requirements, you can enroll in the institution's English language courses before starting your main program.

Financial requirements

Đáp ứng yêu cầu về tài chính

Meet the financial requirements 

In addition to ensuring you have enough financial resources to cover your study abroad journey in Canada, you also need to provide documents proving your financial capability. These documents include:

  • Savings Book: Along with a bank statement showing the current balance.

  • Employment Documents: Employment contract, salary statements, personal income tax documents, and social security-related documents.
  • Business License or Tax Receipts: From the past 6 months (if your parents own a business).

  • Property Ownership Certificates: For assets such as real estate, vehicles,...

How much does studying abroad in Canada cost?

Các chi phí khi đi du học tại Canada

The costs of studying abroad in Canada

One of the important issues that international students need to consider when studying in Canada is finances.

Costs for preparing to study abroad in Canada

Before traveling to Canada, you will need to prepare the costs related to the procedures and initial requirements:

  • Application processing fee: 10 – 20 million VND.

  • Admission letter application fee: 1.8 – 3.5 million VND.
  • Visa application fee: 3.5 million VND.
  • Medical examination fee: 2.5 – 3.5 million VND.
  • Study insurance fee: 7 – 9 million VND/year.
  • Flight ticket fee: 25 – 35 million VND.

Note: These fees may change over time.

Costs during study time

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees in Canada vary depending on the type of institution you choose. The average tuition fee at public universities ranges from 7,500 – 22,500 CAD/year, while private institutions tend to have higher fees.

Here are some tuition fee references for Canadian provinces:

  • Nova Scotia: Tuition fees range from 15,864 CAD to 19,134 CAD/year. Notable schools include Acadia University (17,884 CAD/year) and Dalhousie University (17,661 – 19,134 CAD/year).
  • Ontario: This is one of the regions with higher tuition fees, with schools such as Brock University (26,558 CAD/year) and Carleton University (25,503 – 33,757 CAD/year) for undergraduate programs. The master's program tuition ranges from 13,060 to 30,762 CAD/year.
  • Québec: Tuition fees at schools like Concordia University (17,530 – 19,581 CAD/year) and McGill University (17,421 – 20,229 CAD/year) range from 11,728 to 18,110 CAD/year for master's programs.
  • Alberta: At schools like Athabasca University and MacEwan University, tuition fees range from 14,330 – 21,888 CAD/year, fitting the average budget.
  • British Columbia: Tuition fees at Kwantlen Polytechnic University are approximately 19,741 CAD/year, representing the region with high-quality education.

Note: Tuition fees may change based on the field of study, level of education, and the policies of each institution. In addition to tuition, international students also need to budget for living expenses, insurance, study materials, and other miscellaneous costs to ensure a full academic experience in Canada.

The cost of studying abroad for one year

Chi phú du học Canada cho sinh viên quốc tế

The cost of studying abroad in Canada for international students

The cost of studying in Canada varies significantly between cities and programs:

Tuition Fees
  • High School: Tuition fees range from 12,000 to 16,000 CAD per year, which is approximately 204 to 272 million VND.
  • College: The average tuition fee is between 9,000 and 15,000 CAD per year, equivalent to 158 to 263 million VND.
  • University and Master's Programs: Tuition typically ranges from 19,000 to 35,000 CAD per year, equivalent to 320 to 600 million VND.
Living Expenses

International students studying in Canada need to prepare financially for living expenses, including rent, dormitories, food, entertainment, and other costs. The living expenses in Canada are generally lower than in many other countries, especially when compared to large cities like New York or London.

Students typically spend 500 to 600 CAD per month on rent, and 700 to 900 CAD per month on other expenses such as food and entertainment. Major cities like Montreal and Toronto have significantly more affordable living costs compared to other global cities.

On average, the total living expenses (excluding rent) for students in Canada range from 675 to 875 CAD per month. Rent costs vary depending on the type and location of accommodation but typically range from 550 to 600 CAD per month.

Conclusion 

It is evident that studying abroad in Canada has become an ideal choice for many Vietnamese students due to its high-quality education system, diverse learning environment, and vast career opportunities. Particularly, the affordable tuition and living expenses, combined with part-time work opportunities and the chance to experience a multicultural society, make Canada an attractive destination for those looking to develop themselves and build an international career.

However, to embark on your study abroad journey in Canada, you need to prepare thoroughly, including handling paperwork, securing an acceptance letter, completing a health check, and meeting the requirements for finances, English proficiency, and other necessary documents. This requires support and advice from trusted experts, helping you navigate and smoothly pass through these critical steps.

Quoc Tich Thu Hai takes pride in being a reliable partner in providing consultation and support for citizenship and visa procedures. We offer comprehensive services, helping you not only learn about second citizenship but also assist with study abroad, immigration, and visa matters. With a team of experienced professionals and in-depth knowledge, Quoc Tich Thu Hai will accompany you in preparing all the necessary steps for studying abroad in Canada, from obtaining a visa to supporting the required documents, so you can fulfill your dream of studying in the land of maple leaves.

Contact us today at quoctichthuhai.com for consultation and assistance in preparing your study abroad application for Canada. Start your journey to conquer your study abroad dreams now!

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