Students from across the world flock to Canada for a variety of reasons, including the country’s high standard of education, cultural diversity, and proximity to stunning natural regions. International students enrolled in Canada totalled more than 721,000 in 2018. Your plan to study in Canada is a great way to get a foot in the door for many people who want to make it their permanent home.
Even if you’ve already been accepted into a Canadian university or college, it’s never too soon to start planning and crossing off these ten essentials for starting as an international student in Canada.
No matter you age or gender, Canada is a great place to study and expand your skills.
– Neha Madiya
1. Your Passport
Travelling abroad necessitates the possession of a valid passport. Apply for a passport in your native country if you don’t already have one. If you have a passport, check the expiration date: if your passport is six months or fewer from expiration, you cannot travel worldwide.
You should also bring any other official government identification from your native country, either in its original form or a photocopy. This might involve, for example: a driver’s license that is current and in good standing is also essential.
Canada requires you to keep your passport up-to-date as soon as you get here. The Canadian consulate or embassy of your place of origin should be contacted if you require a passport extension or renewal while you study in Canada. Keep a copy of your key travel papers (photocopied or scanned) in a separate location from your originals in case you misplace them.
2. Official Letter of Acceptance
A letter of acceptance will have been sent to you if you have been accepted into a recognized Canadian post-secondary institution. It’s possible that you’ve heard of one of these letters by another name: an offer letter. To receive a study permit, you’ll need to present a copy of your letter of admission.
In some cases, letters of acceptance are contingent upon the recipient meeting certain requirements. Because of this, applicants are required to meet a set of pre-requisites before they can begin their primary course of study. English as Second Language or French as Second Language training is a frequent precondition for admission to a college or university.
3. Expenses to study in Canada
It’s also important to keep a small amount of emergency money which is easily accessible in case of emergency. A declaration of financial support, which is essentially paperwork proving you can sustain yourself while residing in Canada, is required before your student visa can be issued.
4. Tuition and Fees
So what is the cost involved to study in Canada? This question frequently comes into the mind of every student. The cost of higher education in Canada is relatively low when compared to those in other nations. Depending on the institution, program, and location, you should expect to pay between $10,000 and $30,000 a year for tuition. So you need to make sure that you have sufficient funds for tuition fees and your survival in a new country.
5. Study permit
A Canadian study permit is required for any study in Canada that will last longer than six months. It is possible to seek a temporary residence permit at the same time as your study permit application if your nationality requires it.
Make sure to have a letter of acceptance (LOA) from a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada before you apply. You should apply online for a study permit, whether you’re outside of Canada or already in Canada. If you can’t apply online because of any kind of disability or because there’s a problem with the online application, you can always apply on paper.
6. Prescriptions and Medical Records
Depending on where you’re coming from, you may have to have a medical check before coming to Canada to study or live. Be prepared to include any medical records your school may require. Be sure to see your doctor and obtain a full physical before going. Take all the essential photos as well.
Finally, you’ll want to make sure you have enough medicines. In Canada, prescriptions from other countries may not always be accepted, so you’ll need to collect all of your drugs to be on the safe side.
7. Gadgets
It is evident that students will utilize a laptop and their smartphones for several different reasons and stay connected with their friends and family. Bring supplies from home that are in excellent shape and compatible with Canadian outlets and voltages. You would need to get a local SIM card and a data package to avoid paying roaming fees because you will need to connect to a local network once you land in Canada. It is also a good idea to apply for a virtual sim.
8. Accommodations
Students from other countries have several alternatives to choose from when it comes to seeking lodging. Choosing to live on campus is a no-brainer because it is the most convenient way to get to the institution. You may still get the home-like feel by staying at a host home. Many students club and stay together by renting a condominium, a townhouse, or even a semi-detached house. Basement living is one of the most economical options for newcomers to Canada.
Accommodation options for foreign students include the following:
The most common sort of on-campus student apartment is provided by most post-secondary institutions, and these houses are outfitted with the most basic of furnishings. Those in their first and second years who wish to be within walking distance of their classes will find this to be an excellent alternative. Many on-campus housing choices include a communal dining hall with a food plan that must be purchased separately. On-campus accommodation is in high demand at several colleges, so submit your application for residence as soon as possible.
Off-campus living is suitable for older students who are familiar with their surroundings and public transportation networks in their Canadian city and who are confident in their ability to prepare their own meals. Some options for international students to stay are:
- On-campus stay
- Off-campus stay
- Host family or homestay
- Apartmental rentals
- Shared rental spaces
9. Insurance
Travel insurance may seem like an unnecessary expense, but it may be a lifeline for international students. To ensure that you are covered in the event of illness, accident, or theft, travel insurance is a simple one-time cost.
Health insurance is a requirement for all Canadian overseas students. Each province has its own set of rules and regulations regarding the availability of healthcare.
10. Warm Clothes
If you’re thinking about going to school in Canada, be prepared to spend many months there in subzero temperatures. Pack a variety of layers, including hats, gloves, and scarves, to keep you warm and protected from the elements. Canada’s winters are not hospitable for clothing from many nations. So bring your essentials, but heavy outer winter coats and boots, etc., needs to be purchased from within Canada.
Final Thoughts
The decision to study in Canada is a life-changing decision, and we are here to assist you at every stage of the process of immigrating to Canada to further your education. Sangam Immigration Services is a well-known name among students who seek to pursue their studies in Canada. Even if you have a study gap, talk to us and we can help you bridge that gap while processing your application.