What Are The Requirements to Study in Canada?

Along with Australia, the U.K, and the U.S, Canada has become one of the most popular study destinations, attracting thousands of international students every year. 

Some pertinent factors influencing students’ decisions to study in Canada include top-notch education, immigration possibilities, a lively campus environment, and post-graduate employment opportunities.

If you want to study in Canada, the knowledgeable counselors at Global Reach will be happy to help you navigate the various requirements and submit a strong application to Canadian universities.?

Read ahead to learn more about the prerequisites for studying in Canada. 

Let?s get started.

#1. English Proficiency   

You need a high IELTS score to study in Canada. 

One of the first requirements to study in Canada is to meet the English proficiency standard. International students must show proof of their English language proficiency, and IELTS is Canada’s most widely accepted credential.?

To study in Canada, one must have at least a 4.5 IELTS score for a certificate program and a 5.5 to 7.0 IELTS score for an undergraduate or graduate degree.

If your IELTS score is insufficient, do not worry because you can enhance your language proficiency by taking rigorous English courses like the English as a Second Language (ELS) program.   

To ensure that you ace your IELTS test and realize your dreams of studying in Canada, consider the IELTS test preparation course in Thimphu.?

Canada also accepts additional English proficiency tests like the TOEFL, the Academic Pearson Test of English (PTE), and the Advanced Cambridge English (CAE).??

#2. Academic Performance   

A spotless academic performance report is crucial to study in Canada.

You must complete academic prerequisites to study in Canada. You will need to fulfill various academic requirements depending on your education level, including high school, vocational training, undergraduate, and postgraduate.

Here are some of the academic criteria that you must meet to study in Canada

  • All international students must take a placement exam in English.
  • High school transcript with high GPA and English proficiency certificate.
  • Undergraduate: High school diploma and certification of English language proficiency.
  • Postgraduate: Academic qualifications, proof of English language proficiency.

International students who do not meet the prerequisites for undergraduate or graduate study can enroll in preparatory courses that last eight months to a year, depending on the college or university to which they apply.

#3. Financial Capability

Consider your financial status to study in Canada.

To study in Canada, you must meet what is considered important – financial stability. International students must display their financial stability to enroll in the course of study in Canada, including tuition, living expenses, and travel costs. 

The Canadian embassy has the right to inquire about your financial resources to provide proof of your financial capability.

If you are sponsored by the Canadian Government Scholarship or any other sponsor, you must submit a letter of support as proof of your ability to finance your studies.   

  • Documentation proving the financial capacity to cover costs, including living expenses and tuition fees for the course duration.
  • Evidence that you or the sponsor make the required minimum annual income to support your living and studying expenses.
  • An official letter from the Canadian government attesting to a scholarship award. 

#4. Study Permit And Visa  

Canadian student visa requirements to study in Canada

A study permit is an authorization for international students to study in Canada provided by the Canadian immigration authorities. Without obtaining a valid study permit, exchange students are denied from enrolling in Canadian universities. 

To obtain a study permit, you must carry the Letter of Introduction and all appropriate paperwork.

Upon arrival, you must present your passport and the letter of introduction to an Immigration Officer at the airport, who will validate and grant you a study permit if they are deemed sufficient. 

Requirements For Canadian Student Visa   

Requirements for Canadian Student Visa to Study In Canada?

Once you receive the college acceptance letter, you are liable to apply for a student visa. It is best to start your student visa application to study in Canada at least 3 months prior.

For example, you must start the visa application process around June to enroll in the September intake. 

Here are some important Canadian Student Visa requirements to study in Canada: 

#1. A Valid Passport  

A valid passport is required to apply for a study permit. You must have a passport that is valid for the duration of your planned stay in Canada.

#2. Proof of Acceptance by a Designated Learning Institute (DLI)

You will need the acceptance letter from DLI, which is a university approved by the Canadian Immigration Department. You will also require a CAQ (Certificate of Acceptance), which will be properly notified if you apply for Quebec.

 #3. Evidence of Financial Capability

You’ll need to present a financial valuation when applying for your study permit. You will have to show evidence that you’re financially able to provide for your living and learning expenses.

According to Canadian Immigration, you’ll need at least CAD 10,000 for each year of your stay. In addition to the aforementioned requirements, students must demonstrate that they have the necessary resources for a return trip.

#4. Passport Size Photographs 

Two passport-sized photos (not older than 6 months) are required if you choose to submit your application offline to study in Canada. For an online application, you must obtain a digital photocopy that is no more than 4MB in size.

Other prerequisites include:

  • A consistent neutral face expression.
  • A plain background.
  • No headgear (unless for religious purposes).

Note: The image’s dimensions must be at least 35 mm by 45 mm. 

#5. Medical Fitness Certificate

You’ll need to undergo a medical examination from a certified physician in your home country to study in Canada. 

The panel doctor will do a thorough physical examination and recommend blood work and a chest x-ray for you. The doctor will send the results of your examination after it is done.

#6. English Language Proficiency Test Score 

Although it is not necessary to obtain your English Language Proficiency Score at the time of application, we strongly advise that you take the test and receive your results before beginning the visa application process. 

Your English language competency score is required to verify your admission to the Canadian University. All accepted tests include TOEFL, IELTS, and CAE.

 #7. Statement of Purpose (SOP)

When applying for a Canadian Study Permit, you must write a statement of purpose outlining why you are visiting Canada and why you have chosen the specific university.

The SOP helps universities determine whether applicants can pursue the program for which they have applied, whether they are truly interested in it, and whether they can significantly benefit from the course provided by the univeristy.

#8. Credit Card

If you’re making an online application, you’ll need a credit card to make your visa payments. The Canadian visa application fee is CAD 160. Remember that the system only accepts credit cards?no debit cards are supported.

Bottom Line  

Every Canadian university is distinguished by its impressive facilities, advanced courses, and vast campuses. We hope to have answered all of your questions and provided all the information you need if you intend to study in Canada.?
Do you want to learn more about the requirements to study in Canada? Read, What Is The Grading System In Canada? to learn more about the GPA criteria to study in Canada.