Are you planning to pursue a Master’s degree abroad and not sure if Canada is the right choice? Let us help you by telling you everything there is to know about studying in Canada for Pakistani students.
Canada, a country in North America, contains internationally recognized universities that provide a great learning experience. More than 30 Canadian universities have been included in the list of the top 300 universities in the world. These universities and colleges offer a wide range of applied arts, science, and technology programs with a wide range of study options.
Here’s everything you need to know about applying to Canadian Universities:
Popular Degree Programs in Canada
Canadian universities offer several subjects students can study during the course of their degree. The most popular degree programs in Canada are:
- Masters in Environmental Sciences
- Masters in Psychology
- Masters in Computer Science
- MBA degree
Top Universities in Canada:
Some of Canada’s top-ranked universities offer great scholarships in Canada for Pakistani students:
- University of British Columbia
- Royal Roads University
- Thompson Rivers University
- Brock University
- Mount Allison University
- University of Regina
- University of Toronto
Fully funded scholarships for Pakistani students 2020 without IELTS in Canada
If you want to study in Canada without IELTS or TOEFL, you must consider applying to these top-ranked universities in Canada that do not require TOEFL or IELTS exams for affirmation:
- Brock University
- Carleton University
- University of Winnipeg
- University of Regina
- Commemoration University
- Concordia University
Fully Funded Scholarships to Study in Canada
1. Natural Resources Canada Postdoctoral Research Program
The Postdoctoral Research Program provides scientists who have recently obtained a doctoral degree in natural sciences with the opportunity to work with research groups.
Click here for more details.
2. Canada-ASEAN Scholarships and Educational Exchanges for Development (SEED)
The Canada-ASEAN Scholarships and Educational Exchanges for Development (SEED) program provides students scholarships with short-term exchange opportunities for study or research in Canadian post-secondary institutions
Click here for more details.
3. Ontario Trillium Scholarships (OTS) in Canada
Ontario Trillium Scholarships (OTS) in Canada is a partial funding opportunity for students to pursue Post Doctoral degrees.
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4. Canadian Francophonie Scholarship Program (CFSP)
The Canadian Francophonie Scholarship Program (CFSP) is a scholarship program designed to build institutional capacities by training employed nationals from developing countries of La Francophonie.
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5. Prime Minister of Canada Scholarships
PM of Canada Scholarships supports up to 3,000 students annually to study Masters and Ph.D. degree programs in Canadian Universities.
Click here for more details.
6. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship
The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships offers up to 166 scholarships annually.
Click here for more details:
How to Apply to Canadian Universities?
Students must go through the following steps for applying to Canadian universities:
- Research and shortlist university options that match your interests and criteria.
- Confirm if your shortlisted universities fall under Designated Learning Institution (DLI), which means that their identity in Canada is that of a reputable university. This confirmation also helps you not be a victim of forgery in the field of education.
- Compare shortlisted university options in terms of degree programs (make sure the program is offered in English), offerings, culture, scholarship in Canada for Pakistani students, and majorly fees. Studying abroad can be expensive, so make sure to calculate and compare the tuition fees, cost of supplies, accommodation, and many other daily expenses to find the best fit.
- Select the university that ticks all the right boxes and apply as per guidelines mentioned on its official website.
How can you improve your chances of getting accepted to Canadian Universities?
Here are some tips to improve your application prospects:
- Canadian institutions are often looking for candidates with more than 70% grades. Keep your scores up as the higher your grades, the higher your chances of getting into a top university.
- Students over the age of 25 who have graduated at least two years before applying for a Master’s must provide information about their current job to the university.
- Canadian universities require proof of English proficiency in the form of various credentials or other work. Tests or certifications that must be taken before applying to the university include the following:
- IELTS
- PTE Academic
- C One Advanced
- TOEFL
- CAEL (Canadian Academic English Language Assessment)
- Cane Test (English test for Scholars and Trainees in Canada)
- MELAB (Michigan English Language Assessment Battery)
- Students must attach several general documents when applying for a Master’s program, such as:
- Complete Application form
- Graduation Certificate
- Diploma
- Resume or CV
- Letter of intent
- Evidence of finances that confirm you can pay for your tuition in Canada and cover your living expenses
- Two academic reference letters ensuring readiness for Master’s, Ph.D. studies (in some cases may include employers’ letters)
- Translated documents must be certified by a professional translator. You will also need to include original versions of your documents.
Application Deadline for admission to Canadian Universities
If you are considering applying to study in Canada, you can apply during two enrollment sessions:
- Winter session
- Summer session
The deadline to apply for the winter session is the 1st of September. On the other hand, summer session enrollment begins on the 15th of January for Master’s students and earlier for Bachelor’s students.
The application deadlines can also vary from one university to another and one degree program to another. Make sure you check the official website of your chosen university’s educational program for the latest information.
Final Steps to be taken after receiving your Acceptance Letter
One or two months after the application process closes, students receive a formal letter of acceptance from the university. However, you need to take some additional steps after receiving your acceptance letter:
- Apply for a Canadian student visa
- Buy a ticket to Canada when your visa is confirmed
- Enroll in the university to start your classes formally
How to Apply for a Canadian student visa?
The process for attaining a Canadian Study Permit Visa will start after you have received an acceptance letter from your chosen Canadian University. To apply for a study permit visa in Canada, you can either apply online or by the paper method. The paper application takes a long time, whereas the online process is much quicker. Visit the official website of the Canadian Study Permit at Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) to complete your online application.
To know the Canadian student visa requirements as a Pakistani student, you are required to submit the following:
- Acceptance letter of University
- Medical certificate
- Clearance letter from a local police station stating that you have no criminal record
- Two recently taken passport size photos
- Bank Statement proving you have at least CA $10,000 (PKR 1,343,080) per year to cover your living expenses in Canada
- Proof that you have paid tuition fee and arranged accommodation for your stay in Canada for a year durations
- A letter of intent or explanation and also a Certificate of Language Proficiency test.
Working Part-Time in Canada
Students enrolled in Canada for a full-time study program of at least 6 months duration can work 20 hours per week. The Canadian Study Permit Visa serves as a work permit, and students do not require attaining any other document to work in Canada.
While studying in Canadian universities, students can work off-campus part-time jobs, avail of jobs in winter and summer holidays and during national holidays. It should be noted that the minimum per hour wage in Canada is $11.55 (PKR 1,547).
Cost of Living in Canada
As per the study permit visa requirements, the students have to show per year financial backup of CA $10,000 (PKR 1,343,080) in the form of a Bank Statement. The typical day to day food beverages costs in Canada are as follows:
- 1 Liter Milk Bottle = CA $1.77 (PKR 237)
- A Loaf of bread = CA $2.57 (PKR 344)
- 1 kg Rice bag = CA $3.07 (PKR 411)
- A pack of dozen eggs = CA $3.17 (PKR 424)
- 1 Kg Boneless chicken breasts = CA $12.47 (PKR 1,670)
- 1 Kg Bag of Potatoes = CA $1.98 (PKR 265)
- 1 Liter Water Bottle = CA $1.63 (PKR 218)
- Cost of a meal in a restaurant for an individual = CA $10 to CA $15 (PKR 1,339 to PKR 2,009)
These costs will help you estimate your living expenses in Canada.
How can Pakistani Students get Post Graduation Visa and Work Permit for Canada
A Post-graduation visa opportunity is the most attractive aspect for students planning to study abroad. Canada allows international students with the chance to avail work permits after completing their graduation from Canadian Universities.
The Canadian Government is running several immigration programs that allow students to stay in Canada on a work basis per their skills and educational level. The study permit of Canada remains valid for 90 days after you have completed your degree from Canada.
During these 90 days, students can find a job according to their education level and working skills and apply for the immigration program for which they are eligible. The Canadian immigration process might be a little complex at first, but it is very accommodating once you attain a work permit. You can even end up inviting your family or spouse to live with you in Canada once the requirements are fulfilled.
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