Douglas Olsen
International students in Canada must have a study permit to complete a program longer than six months. Students with a study permit may be able to register for part-time courses or programs. However, there are several implications to consider when studying part-time. For instance, part-time students are not eligible for health insurance as part of their tuition fees and must purchase it separately. Part-time enrollment can also impact a student's legal ability to work in Canada, as well as their eligibility for loans, residence, and awards. Additionally, international students must maintain full-time status during their studies to be eligible for a post-graduate work permit. Students who switch to part-time without an acceptable reason may lose their study permit.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Part-time study | Allowed for international students, but with conditions |
| Part-time work | Not allowed for international students |
| Health insurance | Not included in tuition fees for part-time international students |
| Summer semester | Can be studied part-time without affecting study permit |
| Other semesters | Studying part-time may affect eligibility for Post-Graduation Work Permit |
| Full-time equivalent | Possible with a letter of explanation from the university or a doctor's note |
| Last semester | Allowed to be part-time without affecting work permit eligibility |
| Co-op work term | Allowed to take some classes part-time |
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What You'll Learn
Part-time study permits
International students intending to study in Canada must have a study permit for programs lasting longer than six months. Prospective international students on a visitor visa or work permit may register for part-time courses or programs lasting less than six months, provided the program does not exceed the length of their authorized stay in Canada.
International students with a study permit may be able to register for part-time courses or programs. However, there are several implications to consider:
- Impact on residence eligibility: Part-time enrolment may affect your eligibility to stay in student residence.
- Financial aid eligibility: Studying part-time may impact your financial aid eligibility.
- Academic planning: Part-time enrolment may have consequences for your academic planning.
- Work eligibility: Part-time international students are not eligible to work on or off-campus for the remainder of the term and must stop working immediately. You can only resume working once you are enrolled full-time.
- Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP): Studying part-time may affect your future eligibility for a PGWP. IRCC policy requires you to have studied full-time in all academic terms to qualify for a PGWP. However, you may be a part-time student in your final term of studies without negatively impacting your PGWP eligibility, provided you were continuously enrolled full-time in all other required terms.
- Health insurance: As a part-time international student, you do not have health insurance as part of your tuition fees. You must purchase emergency and hospital insurance from a private insurance company.
- Tuition fees: International students are subject to international tuition fees, which are typically higher than domestic rates.
- English proficiency: Depending on the course or program, you may be required to demonstrate English writing and/or speaking proficiency.
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Impact on work eligibility
International students in Canada are subject to different rules and requirements when it comes to work eligibility, especially if they are studying part-time. Firstly, international students must have a valid study permit to complete a program longer than six months in Canada. This study permit outlines the conditions for working while studying. For instance, a study permit may stipulate that an international student can only work 20 hours per week off-campus. As of November 8, 2024, students are allowed to work off-campus up to 24 hours per week without a work permit, provided they meet other requirements.
However, part-time enrolment can impact an international student's legal ability to work in Canada. For example, at Simon Fraser University, it is stated that studying part-time in the Fall and/or Spring terms may impact eligibility for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). According to IRCC policy, students must have studied full-time in all academic terms to qualify for a PGWP. Additionally, if an international student is enrolled part-time, they are not eligible to work on or off-campus for that term and must stop working immediately. They will only be able to resume working once they are enrolled full-time again.
There are certain circumstances where part-time study does not impact work eligibility. For instance, international students can study part-time during the summer semester without affecting their study permit or post-graduation work permit eligibility, as long as they enrol full-time for the Spring and Fall terms. Additionally, if an international student is in their final semester and only has 1-3 classes left, which would classify them as part-time, immigration allows this, and there is no negative impact on their ability to work.
Furthermore, international students intending to undertake a study program that includes a required co-op or internship placement will need to obtain a work permit. They may also be able to apply for a PGWP to continue working in Canada after graduation, depending on their eligibility. It is important for international students to consult with an International Student Advisor or an immigration specialist before deciding to study part-time to understand the potential implications on their work eligibility fully.
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Health insurance
As an international student in Canada, you will need health insurance for the duration of your studies. While Canada is known for its free healthcare, these services are primarily available to Canadian citizens and permanent residents. As international students do not pay taxes, they do not have access to the public healthcare system and must have private healthcare to access the system.
The healthcare policy varies across the 13 provinces and territories of Canada. Some provinces offer health insurance for international students under provincial health plans, while others do not. Each province also varies in the medical expenses and pre-existing medical conditions covered. The majority of provinces require students to register for private health insurance plans, which can often be done through their school.
If you are enrolled in full-time studies for at least 12 months, you may be eligible for free basic health coverage through the province's Medical Care Plan (MCP). MCP provides only basic coverage, so students are encouraged to explore extended health coverage through their educational institution or another private insurance provider.
In provinces that do not offer health insurance for international students, you must arrange private insurance in your home country that can then be extended to Canada. It is recommended that you get private health insurance while you wait for full coverage, which can take up to three months.
On average, yearly premiums for health insurance in Canada range from CAD 600 to 900.
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Academic risk
International students in Canada are required to have a study permit for programs longer than six months. This permit mandates that they remain full-time students for all regular semesters. Failure to comply with this requirement, without a valid reason, can result in the loss of the study permit.
There are, however, certain circumstances under which international students can study part-time. For instance, during the summer semester, which is not considered a regular semester, and in the final semester, where only a few classes remain. In addition, health issues that prevent students from handling a full course load can be considered a valid reason for part-time study.
Despite these exceptions, there are risks associated with part-time study for international students in Canada. The most significant risk is the potential loss of the study permit, as previously mentioned. This can occur if the student fails to maintain full-time status without an acceptable reason.
Another risk is the impact on the student's ability to work in Canada. Part-time enrolment can affect eligibility for on- and off-campus work, as well as the ability to work during scheduled breaks. To maintain work eligibility, international students must be enrolled in a minimum number of credits, typically nine, which varies depending on the institution and semester.
Additionally, part-time study can have financial implications. It may affect eligibility for financial aid, loans, awards, and scholarships. It is recommended that students consult with their institution's relevant departments to understand the potential impact on their financial situation.
Furthermore, part-time enrolment can impact residence eligibility. International students studying part-time may not be allowed to live in on-campus residences. This can result in additional costs and inconveniences associated with off-campus accommodation.
Lastly, there is a long-term risk associated with the student's intention to stay in Canada after graduation. The requirement for a post-graduate work permit includes maintaining full-time status during the study. Part-time study, without valid reasons, can increase the risk of a post-graduation work permit application being rejected.
In conclusion, while there are exceptions that allow international students in Canada to study part-time, there are also academic risks involved. These risks include the loss of the study permit, impact on work eligibility, financial implications, residence eligibility, and potential difficulties in obtaining a post-graduation work permit. It is essential for international students to carefully consider these risks and seek advice from their institution's international student advisors before enrolling part-time.
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International student advisors
- Study Permit Requirements: International students in Canada typically need a study permit for programs longer than six months. Advisors should inform students that their study permit requires them to maintain full-time status during regular semesters. Dropping below full-time status without valid reasons can result in the loss of their study permit. Advisors should also inform students about the specific courses or programs that allow part-time enrolment, such as those lasting less than six months or during the summer semester.
- Immigration and Work Permit Implications: International students' decisions to study part-time can have significant implications for their immigration status and work eligibility. Advisors should explain that studying part-time during the fall and spring terms may negatively impact their ability to obtain a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). However, part-time enrolment in the final term of studies generally does not affect work permit eligibility, provided full-time enrolment in all other required terms. Advisors should also clarify that part-time students are not eligible for on- or off-campus work during the term and scheduled breaks before and after, unless specific criteria are met, such as enrolling in a minimum of nine credits.
- Financial, Residential, and Academic Considerations: Advisors should discuss the potential financial implications of part-time enrolment, including eligibility for financial aid and loans. Additionally, part-time students may be affected in terms of their residence eligibility. Advisors should also recommend that students consult the relevant departments to understand the academic planning considerations related to part-time studies.
- Health Insurance and Fees: International student advisors should inform part-time international students that health insurance is typically not included in their tuition fees. They should advise students to purchase private health insurance to ensure coverage. Advisors should also clarify the fee structure for international students, which may differ from domestic rates.
- Temporary IRCC Policies: Advisors should stay updated on temporary policies implemented by the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that may impact international students' ability to study part-time. These policies can include exemptions or special considerations for certain groups, as seen in the example provided by Seneca Polytechnic. Advisors should guide students in understanding their eligibility under such temporary policies.
- Support Services: International student advisors are encouraged to promote the support services available to international students. This includes services that can address specific concerns, such as the impact of dropping courses or withdrawing from a term. Advisors should direct students to relevant resources, such as the International Student Advising service, to ensure they receive accurate and timely information.
In conclusion, international student advisors play a vital role in ensuring that international students are well-informed about the implications of part-time studies in Canada. By providing comprehensive guidance, advisors can help students make informed decisions regarding their enrolment status and navigate the complex landscape of immigration, academic, and personal considerations associated with part-time studies.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, international students can study part-time in Canada, but they must have a study permit for programs longer than six months. Studying part-time can impact your legal ability to work in Canada and your eligibility for financial aid and residence.
Studying part-time may affect your eligibility for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) and your ability to work on or off-campus. It is recommended that you consult an International Student Advisor before enrolling part-time.
Yes, you can study part-time during the summer semester without impacting your PGWP eligibility. You can also study part-time in your final term without any negative impact on your ability to work or your PGWP eligibility, provided you were continuously enrolled full-time in all other terms.
If you plan to enrol part-time during your program, contact an International Student Advisor or an Immigration Specialist in advance. You may also need to consult the relevant departments to discuss any potential implications for financial aid, residence, academic planning, and other considerations.
