Canadian Student Visas: Free University Education Explained

Canada is a popular destination for international students, offering a wide range of experiences and opportunities. The country has a great education system, a welcoming community, and plenty of job opportunities for graduates. However, studying in Canada can be expensive, with tuition fees comparable to those in Australia, the UK, and the US. International students must also pay for their living expenses, which can be high, especially in large cities like Toronto and Vancouver. In addition, students need to obtain a Canadian study permit, which serves as a student visa, and meet other visa requirements, such as proof of financial support. While there are no tuition-free universities in Canada, there are ways to reduce the cost of studying, such as enrolling in a low-tuition university, finding a part-time job, or applying for scholarships.

Student visa requirements

To study in Canada, you will need to obtain a Canadian study permit, which serves as a student visa for the duration of your stay. This is required for courses that are longer than six months. Applying for a study permit costs CA$150 (~US$114).

You must apply and be approved for a study permit before you arrive in Canada. Here are the documents you will need to apply for a study permit:

• A letter of acceptance from a designated learning institution (DLI)
• A provincial attestation letter (PAL) from the province or territory where you plan to study. This is not required if you are enrolling in a master's or doctoral program.
• Proof of financial support
• Proof of your current immigration status, if you are not a citizen of the country from which you are submitting your application.
• Your fingerprints and photograph (biometrics).

You can apply for your study permit in one of two ways:

• Via a visa application centre in your country
• Online, whether you are inside or outside of Canada.

In some cases, you can apply when you arrive in Canada at the port of entry.

If you want to work during your studies, you’ll need to apply for a work permit.

Basic Entry Requirements

To enter Canada, you must meet some basic requirements. You must:

• Have a valid travel document, like a passport
• Have no criminal or immigration-related convictions
• Convince an immigration officer that you have ties—such as a job, home, financial assets or family—that will take you back to your home country
• Convince an immigration officer that you will leave Canada at the end of your visit
• Have enough money for your stay

Student Visa Application Fees

The fees for a student visa application are as follows:

• Individual applicant: CAD $85
• Families applying at the same time: maximum total fee of CAD $170
• Groups of 3 or more performing artists and their staff who apply for work permits at the same time: maximum total fee of $CAD 255

Processing Times

It can take up to 3 months to get a study permit.

Cost of living

The cost of living in Canada varies depending on location and spending habits, with large cities like Toronto and Vancouver being more expensive. According to the 2019 Mercer Cost of Living Survey, Toronto and Vancouver are the most expensive Canadian cities to live in, with rent being particularly high in both cities.

The type of accommodation also affects living costs. The three main types of student accommodation are homestay, university accommodation, and private accommodation, with costs ranging from CA$3,000 to CA$7,500 per year for on-campus accommodation. Private shared accommodation can cost around CA$8,400 per year, excluding bills. University accommodation often includes meal plans, allowing students to purchase food from the university's food outlets.

• Eating out at a restaurant: CA$16 (~US$12) per person
• One-way ticket on local public transport: CA$3 (~US$2.27)
• Loaf of bread: CA$2.86 (~US$2.17)
• Cinema ticket: CA$13.50 (~US$10.22)
• Monthly gym fee: CA$48.25 (~US$36.54)

Additionally, international students in Canada need to purchase compulsory health insurance, which costs approximately CA$600-800 (~US$455-607) per year. Warm winter clothing is another necessary expense for those not already accustomed to cold climates.

The average monthly cost of living in Canada for international students is between CA$600 and CA$800 for groceries and other daily expenses, excluding accommodation. This cost can be reduced by cooking at home instead of eating out and shopping at second-hand stores. Students can also take advantage of their International Student Identification Card to access discounts on restaurants, stores, public transportation, and gadgets.

Scholarships

While tuition fees in Canada are lower than in some other countries, scholarships are still available and worth applying for. Scholarships, grants, and bursaries are offered at both the undergraduate and postgraduate levels by universities, the Government of Canada, provinces, territories, and other organisations. Many scholarships are competitive and have limited funding, so it is essential to apply early.

Application fees

To study in Canada, you will need to obtain a Canadian study permit, which serves as a student visa for the duration of your stay. You do not need a Canadian study permit if your course or program lasts six months or less. Applying for a study permit costs CA$150 (~US$114).

The application process for a Canadian study visa involves the following steps:

• Get accepted by a designated learning institution (DLI)
• Gather required documents
• Make an account online
• Complete the application
• Pay the fees
• Submit your application
• Attend a biometrics appointment
• Wait for processing

The fees for a Canadian study visa are broken down as follows:

• CA$150 study permit application fee
• CA$85 biometrics charge
• CA$155 for a work permit, if applicable

The University of British Columbia, for example, charges undergraduate Canadian students CA$70.50 (~US$53.40) and international students CA$118.50 (~US$89.70). You may be able to get this fee waived if you are an international student from a developing country.

Scholarships

University of Waterloo Scholarships

The University of Waterloo Scholarship is a fully-funded scholarship for international students pursuing undergraduate, master's, or PhD studies. The scholarship is valued at up to $10,000.

Université de Montréal Scholarships

The Université de Montréal Scholarships are tuition fee exemption scholarships. International students worldwide are eligible to apply for undergraduate, master's, or PhD studies. These scholarships provide up to $27,300 per year.

Douglas College International Student Scholarships

The Douglas College International Student Scholarship is an undergraduate scholarship for international students. It covers up to CAD 7,000 of tuition fees. A maximum of five eligible recipients are chosen each academic year.

University of Saskatchewan Graduate Scholarship

The University of Saskatchewan Graduate Scholarship is a fully-funded scholarship for international students pursuing master's or PhD studies. It provides up to $20,000 for PhD students and $16,000 for master's students.

Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship Program

The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship Program offers 37 fully-funded scholarships for international students pursuing undergraduate studies. It covers tuition, books, incidental fees, and full residence support for four years.

UBC Undergraduate Scholarships

The University of British Columbia offers two types of undergraduate scholarships for international students: the Outstanding International Student (OIS) Award and the International Major Entrance Scholarships (IMES). The number and level of these scholarships awarded each year vary depending on available funding.

Dalhousie University Scholarships

The Dalhousie University Scholarship is a fully-funded scholarship for international students pursuing master's or PhD studies. It is valued at $30,000 and covers monthly stipends, accommodation costs, fee waivers, and health insurance.

York University Scholarships

The York University Scholarship is a fully-funded undergraduate scholarship for international students. It provides recipients with $35,000 per year to support their undergraduate studies in Canada, totalling $140,000 for four years.

University of Toronto Scholarships

The University of Toronto offers the Pearson International Scholarship, which recognizes outstanding international students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement and creativity and are leaders within their schools. The scholarship provides full funding for four years for all successful applicants.

University of Calgary International Entrance Scholarship

The University of Calgary offers entrance scholarships for international students entering their first year of an undergraduate degree program in the Fall Term. Scholarships of $60,000, $15,000 (renewable annually), and $10,000 (non-renewable) are available.

University of Winnipeg Scholarships

The University of Winnipeg offers partially-funded scholarships for international students at the undergraduate, master's, or diploma level. 53 scholarships are available, ranging from $3,500 to $5,000.

McGill University Scholarships

The McGill University Scholarships are fully-funded scholarships for international students at the undergraduate, master's, or PhD level. It provides up to $8,500 for undergraduate students and a modest amount of bursaries for master's and PhD students.

Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship

The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship Program is a fully-funded scholarship for international PhD students. It is valued at $50,000 per year for three years.

International Leader of Tomorrow Award

The University of British Columbia offers the International Leader of Tomorrow Award to international students with excellent academic records and financial need. Winners receive awards proportional to their financial need, as determined by tuition, fees, and living costs minus the financial contribution they and their families can make annually.

Donald A. Wehrung International Student Award

The University of British Columbia also offers the Donald A. Wehrung International Student Award, a need-based scholarship that recognizes outstanding international undergraduate students who have achieved academic excellence under difficult circumstances.

Global Leader of Tomorrow Scholarship

York University offers the Global Leader of Tomorrow Scholarship, which awards $80,000 ($20,000 per year) to international students pursuing full-time undergraduate studies. The scholarship is renewable for up to three years, provided high academic standing is maintained.

International Entrance Scholarship

York University also offers the International Entrance Scholarship, which awards $140,000 ($35,000 per year) to international students pursuing full-time undergraduate studies. The scholarship is renewable for up to three years, provided high academic standing is maintained.

Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarships

The Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation offers doctoral scholarships to international students pursuing PhD degrees at Canadian universities. The annual value of this scholarship is up to $60,000, including a travel allowance of $20,000, per scholar for a maximum of three years.

Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship Programs

The Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships program is a fully-funded scholarship for international students. The fellowship provides a value of $70,000 per year for two years.

Joint Japan World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program

The Joint Japan World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program is a fully-funded master's scholarship for international students. It covers full tuition, accommodation, economy class air travel, and a monthly living stipend.

Robert S. McNamara Fellowships Program

The Robert S. McNamara Fellowships Program is a fully-funded scholarship for PhD studies, providing up to $42,750 net per fellow for an eight-month fellowship.

KILLAM Postdoctoral Research Fellowship

The KILLAM Postdoctoral Research Fellowship is open to international students and offers an annual stipend of $60,000 for a maximum of two years, along with a travel research allowance of $4,000 over two years and other benefits.

UBC Four Years Doctoral Fellowship Program (4YF)

The University of British Columbia offers the Four Years Doctoral Fellowship Program (4YF), a fully-funded scholarship for international PhD students. It provides a

Part-time jobs

Understanding Work Permit Requirements:

• As an international student in Canada, you may be able to work off-campus without a work permit. However, it's essential to ensure you meet the eligibility requirements, as outlined by the Government of Canada.
• To work off-campus without a work permit, you must be a full-time student at a designated learning institution (DLI), enrolled in a post-secondary academic, vocational, or professional training program that is at least six months long and leads to a degree, diploma, or certificate.
• Additionally, you need to have started your studies and obtained a Social Insurance Number (SIN).
• As of November 8, 2024, students are allowed to work off-campus up to 24 hours per week without a work permit.
• During scheduled breaks, such as winter or summer holidays, you can work an unlimited number of hours.

Job Opportunities:

• On-Campus Jobs: You can find job postings on your university's career services website or bulletin boards. These jobs may include positions in administration, research, or campus services.
• Retail and Service Industry: Many international students find work in retail stores, restaurants, cafes, or customer service roles. For example, Tim Hortons often hires students and offers flexible hours.
• Tutoring: If you have strong academic skills, you can offer tutoring services to fellow students or even school students.
• Freelance or Remote Work: Consider using online platforms to find freelance work in areas like content writing, graphic design, or programming. Websites like Indeed or Upwork offer a variety of job postings.
• Internships: Look for internships related to your field of study. These can provide valuable experience and sometimes lead to full-time employment.

Other Tips:

• Language Skills: Bilingualism is an asset in Canada, so if you speak multiple languages, look for opportunities that value this skill.
• Network: Attend career fairs, join student clubs or associations, and connect with alumni to expand your network and learn about job opportunities.
• Prepare your Resume and Cover Letter: Ensure your application materials are tailored to each job and highlight any relevant skills or experience.
• Understand Tax Requirements: As an international student employee in Canada, you will need to understand your tax obligations. You may be eligible for a tax refund at the end of the tax year.

Frequently asked questions