Indian Students: Easy Entry To Canadian Universities?

Canada is a popular destination for international students, including those from India, due to its high-quality, affordable education and favourable immigration policies. The country's top-ranked universities, multicultural environment, and extended work opportunities make it an attractive study destination.

However, the competitiveness of admission varies across Canadian universities. While some institutions have high acceptance rates, making them more accessible, others are more selective, with lower acceptance rates.

For Indian students, the application process may involve meeting specific academic standards, providing English language proficiency test scores, and submitting additional documents such as letters of recommendation and statements of purpose.

This topic will explore the ease of admission for Indian students into Canadian universities, considering factors such as acceptance rates, application requirements, and the overall attractiveness of Canada as a study destination.

Academic Requirements for Indian Students

Canada is a popular choice for Indian students, with its high-quality education, affordable fees, and excellent job opportunities. The country's top universities, such as the University of Toronto, McGill University, and the University of British Columbia, are ranked highly worldwide. To gain admission to these prestigious institutions, Indian students must meet certain academic requirements.

For undergraduate programs, a competitive acceptance rate of around 43% is common, with some programs having rates as high as 60% for students with perfect English language skills. A minimum GPA of 3.7 (93%) is typically required for most undergraduate courses, while more competitive courses may require a GPA of 3.8 (96%). Additionally, students must provide proof of English language proficiency through tests such as IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE.

For postgraduate programs, the requirements vary depending on the university and program. At the University of Toronto, an average GPA of 3.6 on a 4.0 scale (equivalent to 91%) is expected, while the University of British Columbia suggests an aggregate of 65-76% for graduate admissions. Some universities may also require additional test scores, such as a GMAT score of 650+ or a GRE score of 320+.

Indian students applying to Canadian universities should also be prepared to submit various documents, including academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and proof of financial support. The specific requirements may vary depending on the institution and program, so it is essential to carefully review the application guidelines for each school.

Overall, Indian students aiming to study in Canada should strive for strong academic performance and ensure they meet the necessary requirements for their desired programs. With careful planning and a comprehensive application, they can increase their chances of gaining admission to their chosen Canadian universities.

English Proficiency Tests

• International English Language Testing System (IELTS): The IELTS is the world's most popular English proficiency test, recognised by over 700 Canadian organisations and trusted by more than 12,000 organisations worldwide. It was the first test recognised by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and Immigration Quebec as proof of English language proficiency for government programs. The test has four parts: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. The speaking section is always carried out face-to-face with a trained examiner. There are two types of tests: Academic and General. If you plan to study at the undergraduate or postgraduate level, you should take the Academic test. If you're applying for an immigration program, you should take the General Training test.
• Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP): The CELPIP was designed specifically for Canadian English, which includes elements of British and American English, as well as Canadian accents. There are two types of tests: the General Test and the General LS Test. For immigration purposes, you must take the CELPIP – General Test.
• Pearson Test of English (PTE): The PTE is a new English test developed to meet the language proficiency requirements for Canadian immigration applicants. Like the IELTS and CELPIP, the PTE assesses your skills in reading, writing, listening, and speaking.

The scores from these tests are usually valid for two years.

Other Standardised Tests

In addition to English proficiency tests, Indian students may also need to take standardised tests like:

• Graduate Management Aptitude Test (GMAT): Used to measure the abilities of MBA aspirants, assessing their mathematical, English, and reasoning skills.
• Graduate Record Examinations (GRE): Required for students applying to graduate schools for MA or MS programs. Many business schools also accept GRE scores for MBA admissions.
• Law School Admission Test (LSAT): A standardised test that is an integral part of the law school admission process in Canada.
• Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT): Measures literacy and writing skills needed for academic success and is typically taken by high school students aspiring to pursue undergraduate courses.

Test Fees and Preparation

The standard fees for the English proficiency tests are:

• INR 16,250 for IELTS
• INR 16,036 (US $195) for TOEFL
• INR 15,900 for PTE

For GMAT, GRE, and SAT, the fees are:

• INR 22,750 (US $275) for GMAT
• INR 18,850 (US $228) for GRE
• INR 8,600 ($104) for SAT

Preparation time for these exams depends on your existing English language proficiency and can range from 2 to 4 months.

Test Scores

While the test scores required vary across universities and programs, here are some average scores accepted by Canadian universities:

• Average GMAT score: 540
• Average GRE scores: 151 for Verbal, 146 for Quantitative, and 3.5 for Writing
• Average LSAT score: 162

Application Process

Indian students make up a large portion of the international student body in Canada, and with good reason. Canada boasts a strong economy, top-ranked universities, and abundant job opportunities, making it one of the most sought-after study destinations in the world.

Steps to Apply

Research and Shortlist Universities and Courses

The first step is to identify universities and courses that align with your interests and career goals. Consider factors such as location, reputation, programme options, and tuition costs.

Check Admission Requirements

Admission requirements vary across universities and programmes. Typically, you will need to submit academic transcripts, standardised test scores (e.g., SAT, ACT, TOEFL, or IELTS), letters of recommendation, and a personal statement or essay.

Submit Your Application

Once you've decided on the university and programme, visit the university's website and locate the application portal. Carefully fill out the application form, providing all the required information and supporting documents, such as transcripts, test scores, letters of recommendation, and personal statements.

Apply for a Study Permit

After receiving an offer from a Canadian university, you can apply for a study permit, which functions as your student visa. This process typically involves submitting documents such as proof of acceptance from the university, a valid passport, and financial documentation.

Prepare for Interviews

Some universities may require video interviews as part of the admissions process. Prepare for these interviews by familiarising yourself with common interview questions and practising your responses.

Apply for Scholarships (Optional)

Canadian universities offer various scholarships for international students based on academic merit, financial need, or extracurricular achievements. Research and apply for relevant scholarships to help fund your studies.

Obtain Health Insurance

Health insurance is mandatory for international students in Canada. Ensure you have adequate health insurance coverage before your departure.

Prepare for Departure

Make sure you have all the necessary documents, such as your passport, letter of acceptance, proof of funds, and medical records. Familiarise yourself with the cultural norms and expectations in Canada, and be prepared for potential culture shock.

Key Documents Required for the Application Process

• Academic transcripts/mark sheets of Class 10 & 12
• Statement of Purpose (SOP)
• Letters of Recommendation (LORs) from previous employers or professors
• Extra-curricular certificates/achievements
• Financial statements and proof of funds
• Passport-size photographs and a scanned copy of your passport
• Standardised test scores (IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE)

Scholarships

Canadian Government Scholarships

These scholarships are in the form of awards presented to meritorious students and are sponsored by the Government of Canada. They are offered to inspire students to push their limits and break past them to excel and succeed in their respective fields. Here are some popular scholarships offered by the Canadian government:

• IDRC Research Awards: Applicants pursuing a Master's or Post-doctoral degree in a Canadian Institute are eligible for this scholarship. It offers a stipend of INR 9,09,805.05 to provide travel and research support to the winners.
• Canadian Studies Post-Doctoral Fellowship: Applicants must have successfully completed and presented a thesis in the past five years and must not be employed at the time of applying for the scholarship. The fellowship provides a monthly stipend of INR 1,51,598.15 along with an airfare allowance of INR 6,06,392.60.
• Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship: Applicants must be enrolled in a postgraduate-level degree program in Environmental science, Social science, or Health Studies. This fellowship provides a net amount of INR 42,45,756.90.
• Ontario Graduate Scholarships: Applicants must be pursuing a degree program at the University of Toronto or any other university that is associated with OGS. This scholarship provides a net amount of INR 9,09,794.74.
• Vanier Graduate Scholarships: Applicants who are deserving of the scholarship and can prove their leadership skills are eligible for this scholarship. It offers a net amount of INR 30,32,574.67.
• Quebec Provincial Government Scholarship: Applicants studying in a Master's program in a Canadian University present in Quebec are eligible for this scholarship. It offers an amount of INR 15,16,269.93 per year for doctoral students and an amount of INR 21,22,993.95 for post-doctoral students.
• Ontario Trillium Scholarship: Doctoral students from around the world who are studying in Ontario are eligible for this scholarship. Each scholarship is worth INR 24,26,301.39 annually and is renewable for a maximum of four years. 75 scholarships are awarded each year.
• Partnership Grants by Social Science and Humanities Research Council in Canada: PhD candidates enrolled in specific humanities courses at one of Canada's qualifying universities are eligible for this scholarship. It is worth up to INR 12,12,785.20.

Non-Government Scholarships

Apart from the scholarships offered by the Canadian government, there are various non-government organisations in the form of trusts, charities, clubs, and associations that offer scholarships to students seeking financial aid for their specific courses. Here are some popular non-government scholarships:

• Trudeau Scholarships and Fellowships: International applicants pursuing a doctoral degree in Canada are eligible for this award. It offers a net amount of INR 36,39,418.20 as part of 15 awards.
• Anne Vallee Ecological Fund: This scholarship is for international students pursuing an animal science doctoral degree at the University of British Columbia or the University York Quebec. It offers a net amount of INR 90,985.46.
• Canada Memorial Scholarship: Applicants hailing from UK countries who are seeking to pursue a postgraduate study program in Canada are eligible for this scholarship. It offers a net amount of INR 10,32,157.00.

Institute-Specific Scholarships

There are also scholarship opportunities offered to students enrolled in specific courses by the Institute in which they are pursuing their degree. These scholarships are incentives for students to focus on their academics and coursework without the burden of financial pressure. Here are some examples:

• Haskayne School of Business MBA Entrance Scholarships: International applicants are eligible for this scholarship award. It is offered based on merit, GPA, and GMAT scores. It offers an amount of CAD 5,750 per year, with a net value of CAD 11,500 for two years.
• Ivey MBA Scholarships: International applicants with excellent professional experience, leadership skills, academic performance, and high GMAT ratings are eligible to apply for this scholarship. It offers a net award stipend ranging from CAD 10,000 up to half the tuition fees.
• Alberta School of Business Claude Winspear MBA Award: Students pursuing a full-time MBA program at Alberta University are eligible for this scholarship. It offers a net amount of CAD 10,000 for the entirety of the MBA program.
• Sauder School of Business Global Business Leader of Tomorrow Scholarship: MBA aspirants in Canada who wish to evolve into leaders in Business and related fields are eligible for this scholarship. It offers an amount ranging from CAD 10,000 to CAD 15,000.

While scholarships are popular for Master's, doctoral and post-doctoral programs, there are quite a few scholarship awards available for Bachelor's courses as well. Here are some prestigious institutions that offer scholarships in Canada for Indian students pursuing a Bachelor's degree:

• York University International Student Scholarships
• Lester B Pearson International Scholarship Program at the University of Toronto
• University of Calgary International Entrance Scholarship
• University of British Columbia Scholarships for International Students
• Humber College International Entrance Scholarships

Canada is one of the top choices when it comes to pursuing a Master's degree, and there are a plethora of scholarships available for Indian students. These scholarships range from fully funded ones to tuition fees and research assistant stipends. Here are some popular scholarships for Master's courses:

• Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships: This scholarship is awarded by the Government of Canada to meritorious students who aspire to pursue a doctoral degree at a Canadian institution. It is offered for a duration of 3 years (non-renewable) and the amount is 50,000 CAD per year.
• University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowships: This fellowship offers an amount of $18,000 (INR 10,53,65

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Canada depends on the student's location and social life. Here is a breakdown of the costs an international student should consider:

Accommodation

The type of accommodation chosen will impact the overall cost of living. On-campus accommodation is convenient and offers an opportunity to buy a meal plan. Universities prioritize first-year students for on-campus housing. The average cost of on-campus accommodation is between $400 and $800 per month.

Off-campus accommodation includes homestays, dormitories, and renting. Homestays provide a friendly and secure environment, with a private room and meals arranged by the school. Dormitories are usually located near the school campus, with shared or private rooms, and gender-separated facilities. Renting can be a way to save money on rent, but students should budget for transportation expenses. The cost of renting varies, but students often share accommodation to keep costs down, typically spending between $3,000 and $7,500 per school year.

Utilities

Utilities such as electricity, water, gas, and internet are additional costs that students should consider.

Textbooks and School Supplies

Textbooks can be costly, with prices ranging from CAD 250 to CAD 350 for engineering courses, and even higher for law, medicine, and pharmacy. Students can save money by buying used books, purchasing digital versions, or enrolling in a library membership.

Airfare

Students should also budget for airfare when travelling back to India.

Other Costs

Other costs that may vary from person to person include car rental and car insurance.

On average, a student in Canada spends approximately Rs 7.1 Lakh per year. However, expenses can be higher in metropolitan cities like Toronto or Vancouver, with costs reaching up to CAD 15,000 per year. In contrast, students living in the suburbs can expect to spend around CAD 8,000 to CAD 10,000 per year.

Insurance

International students in Canada are required to have basic health insurance and/or extended health insurance. Insurance policies should cover medical expenses, personal accidents, dental treatment, study interruption, and passport loss, among other things.

Budgeting Tips

International students should create a budget and set saving goals to ensure they do not overspend. It is important to understand the difference between needs and wants and to prioritize spending on necessities. Students should also look for earning opportunities, such as participating in market research, freelance writing, blogging, or online tutoring.

Discounts

International students can take advantage of deals and discounts offered by restaurants, stores, and public transportation. Telecommunications providers also offer discounts, and an International Student Identification Card can help students access these deals.

Frequently asked questions