Study in CANADA

A beautiful country endowed with a diverse culture, Canada, is a North American country. It is like a paradise for foreign students who aspire to further their studies in various fields of education.

Every year, approximately 200,000 students from various countries go to study in Canada. Studying in Canada is an exciting and rewarding experience.

Why Canada?
Canada’s education reputation is based on quality and recognized for excellence across the entire education sector. Canadian credentials are valued around the world. That’s why international educators often consider Canada for research and collaboration partnerships.

Applying for Visa
Before applying for a study permit, you must have been accepted at a school, university or college in Canada. Almost all colleges, universities and technical schools have their own set of rules on how to apply, and what level of English or French is required to be accepted.

Prerequisites
‘The applicant must prove that he-she has enough money to pay for:
1. tuition fees
2. living expenses
3. return transportation
‘You must be a law-abiding citizen with no criminal record and not be a risk to the security of Canada. You may have to provide a police certificate.
‘You must be in good health and willing to complete a medical examination, if necessary.
‘You must satisfy an immigration officer that you will leave Canada at the end of your authorized stay.

Expenses
The following table shows the minimum amounts that you will need.

‘All provinces except Quebec
Tuition plus $10,000 for a 12-month period (or $833 per month)

‘Quebec
Tuition plus $11,000 for a 12-month period (or $917 per month)

Exceptions
You do not need a study permit if you plan to take a course or program in Canada that lasts six months or less. You must complete the course or program within the period authorized for your stay in Canada.

Working On-Campus
As a foreign student, you may work in Canada without a work permit if:

‘You have a valid study permit for Canada

‘You will work on the campus of the university or college where you are registered as a full-time student in a degree-granting course of study. Your employer could be your educational institution itself or a private business located on campus.

Note: If you are eligible for on campus employment, an officer at the port of entry to Canada should write the following on your study permit: “May accept employment on the campus of the institution at which the holder is registered in full-time studies.’

Working Off-Campus
If you study in Canada and want to work off campus, you must apply for a work permit.  This can only be done from within Canada.
The Off-Campus Work Permit Program allows certain foreign students to work off campus while completing their studies. To qualify, you must be a full-time student enrolled at a participating publicly funded post-secondary educational institution or in an approved program at an eligible privately funded institution.

Scholarships
With strong academic grades and well-rounded experiences, you might qualify for one of the many scholarships, programs or funding opportunities created for international students in Canada.
Following scholarships are available for Pakistani students:

How to Apply to Your Desired Institution
Once you have chosen a place to study you will need to apply to that institution. Always keep mind the following instructions:

‘Apply at least six months in advance to primary and secondary schools. University and college students should apply a year before they want to start their studies.

‘Contact the institution where you want to study to learn how to apply. They will give you the right application forms and be able to tell you about:
1. the cost of applying;
2. tuition fees;
3. health insurance;
4. rent and how much it will cost to live in Canada;
5. language tests.

Fill out the application form for the school or schools of your choice, and submit it according to the instructions provided. If the school admits you as a student, they will send you a letter of acceptance.

Visa Application Centres (VAC) in Pakistan
There are three VACs in Pakistan located at:
1. Islamabad: 14-B, Sadiq Plaza, G-9 Markaz
2. Karachi: 43/1/D, Razi Road, Block-6, P.E.C.H.S
3. Lahore: 20/20 A, Ex American Centre Building, Opp Ganga Ram Hospital, Queens Road

Note: As of June 13, 2013 all applications should be submitted either online or through the VAC. It is much better to apply online or through the VAC (either in person or by mail) as applications submitted directly to the visa office will take longer to process.