Canada is one of the most sought-after countries for international students looking to study abroad. This is because of post-graduation immigration opportunities, affordable student living, and cultural diversity. Many of its universities are ranked among the top in the world for high-quality education and academic excellence.  

Thus, if you're planning to apply to a Canadian institution, there are some things you need to know beforehand so you know what to expect during the process. The more prepared you are in gathering the necessary documentation, the better chances you have of gaining approval.  

Here's a quick guide on obtaining higher education in Canada:

• Meeting The Requirements  

To ensure your admission process to study in Canada is successful, it's best to start preparing at least one year before enrollment begins. This will give you enough time to get the necessary documentation, apply and get feedback on your approval. 

While various higher institutions and provinces have different criteria to qualify you for study, there are a few common requirements that international students need to meet.  

These include having an updated passport, passing a language proficiency test in either English or French, and obtaining a study permit. You'll also need proof that you can finance your studies and living costs while studying in the country. 

The applications can be daunting to undertake alone, so many international candidates turn to Canadian immigration lawyers to handle the documentation and streamline the study abroad process.    

• Understanding Canada's Higher Education System  

Canada is one of the world's biggest investors in post-high school education. They have many different types of higher education institutions, study programs, and qualifications. 

The primary schools include public and private universities, liberal arts colleges, public colleges, and polytechnical institutes. However, as an international student, you're only permitted to study at a designated learning institution or DLI.  

Furthermore, the higher education system is divided into the years it takes to obtain a qualification. This includes a certificate, diploma, and advanced diploma with a study duration of 1-3 years. Then there's the bachelor's degree of 4-year full-time study. From here, the master’s degree usually takes another 1-2 years, while the doctorate degrees add on 4-7 years of study. 

Canada also has two types of degrees: academic, mainly for study and research, and the applied degree focuses on training students with industry-ready technical skills. Hence, they're ready to enter the job market immediately after graduation.    

• Choosing Your Course And Institution   

Choosing the right program or course is a crucial step in determining the success of your application to an institution. So, before deciding, consider factors such as tuition fees and scholarship opportunities, your career interests, yearly intake capacity, the location's cost of living, and eligibility requirements of the province and university. 

Again, depending on the institution's course requirements, the application process involves submitting your high school grades, qualifications, and language test results. In some cases, universities like the University of Toronto conduct standardized tests that prospective students must take to gain entry. 

Higher grades and scores for the tests and high school transcripts will make you a more competitive applicant. Then, if your application is approved, you'll get a letter of acceptance from your chosen institution. The process can take about 1-2 months.    

• Applying For Your Study Permit  

After the application process, the study permit is the most important step to take in obtaining higher education in Canada. While the acceptance letter grants you admission to an institution, the study permit allows you to enter the country on a student visa. 

It's crucial to meticulously fill out your permit application with accurate details and the correct supporting documents. This is to comply with immigration laws, which is why the permit process is handled by law firms or the Canadian consulate in your country.  

To apply for the study permit, you will need your letter of acceptance, proof of financial support, healthcare coverage and medical exam results, and a letter of intent, known as a statement of purpose. This is a written essay where you petition why you should be accepted to study in Canada. 

The process can take a few weeks to 6 months, depending on the volume of applications and the country where you're applying. When you've got your acceptance letter and study permit, your application process is complete, and you can plan for your stay.  

Conclusion

Obtaining a higher education in Canada means meeting the eligibility requirements of the institution to which you want to apply. You can begin your application process with your high school and language test results if you qualify.  

Once you get a letter of acceptance from your chosen school, you can apply for a study permit from a Canadian Immigration lawyer or consulate with the required documentation. You will officially be allowed to study in Canada as an international student when your permit is granted.