Known for its high standard of living, Canada has long been a top option for international students from all over the world. The country is regularly ranked as one of the finest study destinations globally, providing a globally recognized education from top educators and scholars.
Whether you study in a large, dynamic metropolis or on a small campus in a warm, inviting community, your experience will influence your life. It may lead to a profession and a future in Canada, or better job opportunities back home. At the very least, it will provide you with access to Canada’s four gorgeous seasons, wide-open landscapes, wildlife, multicultural diversity, clean environment, and incredible quality of life.
Another enticing fact is that Canada is known to have some of the lowest university tuition fees among English-speaking countries. The country has a diverse range of educational options that fit right into your budget.
How can I study in Canada?
Being the desirable country that it is, Nigerian students are always asking this popular question. Be it a private university, tuition-free programs, or scholarships the application process remains the same. The first step is to:
- Check Specific Admission Requirements: Every university has its specific documentation process. In Canada, applications and admissions are handled by the university to which you are applying, allowing students to apply for several different programs and universities at a time. As a student, you must conduct thorough research before you begin your application.
- Get your documents ready: For every Canadian university’s application, a student must provide a letter of motivation, a recommendation letter, and a portfolio of previous work, if applicable. Universities will also require that you send the university an official transcript from your secondary school if you are beginning a Bachelor’s or from your previous university if you are pursuing a Master’s degree or higher. If you are not a native speaker, you may also need to write and pass an English proficiency test.
- Take the Language Proficiency Test: To successfully enter Canada, every international student will have to prove proficiency in English or French. IELTS is the preferred test for proficiency in English, with some institutions also accepting the Cambridge English: Advanced or TOEFL exam scores. For French, you can opt for DALF, DELF, or TCF, although the TEF exam is the most common option. All you need to do is to choose the test, pay the fee, and book your dates well in advance.
- Apply to Universities: Having the choice of applying to a dozen universities can be advantageous, but you will have to consider the application fee, which varies from $100 to $250. Do not apply at random. Compare your options, identify your preferred course and institution, and select one or two alternatives as backups.
- Submit Your Application: Most applications to universities in Canada are done through an online application system. Application forms are available through the specific university website, and often require an application fee to be paid. You are expected to attach the necessary documents or prepare to mail them to the university. Be careful when filling in the application form and make sure you provide accurate information backed by documentary evidence.
- Wait to Be Admitted: Admission results are often announced by the end of spring. If you are studying at a private university, you will usually be asked to pay the tuition fees for the first semester. Otherwise, the university where you will pursue your studies will send you an official letter of admission, admission confirmation for visa purposes, and other practical information about studying abroad in Canada.
- Apply for a Study Permit: Now that you have an institution ready to admit you, it is time to apply for a Canada Study Permit. You can apply online or visit your local visa application center. Your application must be accompanied by the acceptance letter received in the previous step, passport, and documentary proof that you have adequate funds to study in Canada. Once the application has been processed and an interview, if required, has been conducted, the immigration officer will decide upon your study permit application. Your permit will have a start date, which is the date from which the permit comes into force. Keep in mind that you won’t be permitted to enter Canada before this date. Plan your trip accordingly.
- Await the Verification process: The immigration officer will verify your permit and other documents at the port of entry before allowing you to enter Canada. This is the final step of the immigration formalities, and you can now focus on commencing your journey as an international student in Canada.
- Arrive in Canada: After you’ve been admitted to a university and have received the necessary visa, it’s time to begin your adventures in Canada! Think about the cost of living in Canada and what your budget will be. Once you have that, you can begin looking for accommodation. Finally, it’s time to purchase your transportation to Canada and arrive in your new home city! No matter where you’re staying, there are plenty of sights and attractions to enjoy.
So easy! YES. You must be wondering why some students have rejected visas during their applications. A student may be denied a study permit for several reasons.
Reasons for student rejection visa?
- Lack of sufficient financial funds to support foreign education
- Inability to confirm a necessary return to India after completion of education
- Incorrect/false documents
- Inadequate language or communication skills
- Misbehavior during the visa interview
- Failure to explain the reason for choosing a particular course, university, or country
- Inability to provide convincing answers during the interview
Though the visa process and the requirements for most countries are the same, the reasons behind a rejection may vary with different countries. So, what’s the solution?
Being refused a visa after going through the tiring application process can be depressing for many students. The first step is to take a deep breath and identify the reason for your refusal. For example,
- If the visa was denied due to finances, make sure that your finances are clear before applying again.
- If you have provided any inappropriate information, which can be rectified, it is better to check it thoroughly before re-applying.
- If your intention of visiting the country was not clear the last time, make sure to convince the visa officer that you are not a potential immigrant.
- If you did not sound ready in your Visa Letter/SOP or interview, make sure that you choose the right university and courses. The details about the course, department, and university should be at your fingertips.
- If you were nervous the last time you went to the visa interview, practice well, be honest, be confident, and be clear with the facts for the interviewer.
However, Michelle and Anthony consulting has created an alternative direct entry into any Canadian university for teenagers between the ages of 16-18.
What is the alternative direct route to Canada?
Obtain the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) here in Nigeria, through Kanata Academy Online. Much like the Ordinary ‘O’ level Certificate in Nigeria, the OSSD is a requirement for attending university in Ontario and other parts of Canada. But for international students, the OSSD comes with a huge load of unbelievably amazing benefits.
Kanata Academy Online’s longstanding reputation with the Ontario Ministry of Education pushes this a step further and enables them to offer the OSSD curriculum entirely online, irrespective of the student location. So your child can take courses from the comfort of your home, with a customized learning schedule, and still enjoy all the perks of a domestic Canadian student.
Exceeding the standard Ontario curriculum, Kanata Online Academy makes use of Labster for senior Science, Mathspace, and Gizmos for Interactive Math and Science Activities, Virtual Labs, XpressLab for FSL, and ESL courses, and a multitude of other cutting-edge Edtech tools to ensure students are successful and enjoy school.
Your child can now study 100% in Nigeria and earn the world-renowned Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) for a fraction of the cost. The OSSD gives you unparalleled access to any top university worldwide, including A-list institutions like Harvard, Yale, Oxford, and so on.
Want To Learn More About The Canadian OSSD From Kanata Academy Online?
Click the link below to download a free brochure!
