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There are two major steps to take if you wish to come to Canada to study at secondary or post-secondary (tertiary or advanced) level. First, you must be accepted for a program of study by a recognized Canadian secondary school or post-secondary institution. Second, you must apply for and be granted a student authorization (and visa if required) from Canadian immigration authorities. These procedures take considerable time, and you should apply six to twelve months before you wish to begin your studies in Canada. Canada does not have a national education system. Public education is under the jurisdiction of each of the ten provinces and two territories, therefore there are both differences and similarities in the systems across the country. Admission requirements, program and course offerings and fees vary from one institution to another. You must contact the institution directly for more detailed information. Regulations governing international students differ from those for Canadian students. Information can be obtained from your chosen institution's Office of the Registrar (for undergraduate studies), the Dean of Graduate Studies, or from the International Student Adviser on campus. In the case of secondary study, information can be obtained from your selected school board's international student office or, for private schools, from the school principal or director. Provincial governments have lists of high schools.
In Canada, post-secondary institutions are divided into two major types: universities and community colleges. The university provides academic and professional training, and research leading to degrees (BA, BSc, MA, MSc, PhD, etc.). The community college offers certificate and diploma programs in career and vocational training. College-level institutions may also be known as colleges of applied arts and technology or technology institutes. Academic transfers from community colleges to universities are sometimes possible. In Quebec, colleges d'enseignement general et professionnel (cegeps) offer two types of program: vocational programs are 3 years, and pre-university programs are 2 years. There are also several university colleges, which straddle the line between universities and colleges. These offer selected undergraduate (bachelor's) and college programs, but not graduate (master's and doctoral) programs. There is no formal ranking of institutions in Canada, as they are remarkably uniform in quality across the country. The academic year generally runs from September to April, with spring and summer courses available in most cases.
English and French are Canada's two official languages, and at most universities and colleges, instruction is in one of these, although a few use both. Students applying for admission must satisfy the institution's language proficiency requirements in the language of instruction. You should inquire at the time of application if a language proficiency test is required, and ask about the procedures for taking the test. Canada is a leader in second-language training, with many educational institutions offering beginners and upgrading programs in English and/or French as a Second Language. Sometimes the language courses are offered before you begin your regular academic program, or alternatively, they could be taken at the same time. Immigration Regulations After being accepted by an institution for a program of study in Canada, the student should apply for a student authorization at the nearest Canadian diplomatic mission. For expedient processing, it is recommended that applications be filed at least three months prior to the commencement of classes. For nationals of some countries, visitor visas are also required; these are issued at the same time as the student authorization. In order to apply for a student authorization, you need the following documents:
There is a processing charge of $125 (1999) for the student authorization, but there is no fee for the visa when it is issued with student authorization. Sometimes a personal interview with a visa officer may be required, in which case you should provide any documentation which might be useful as a demonstration of strong ties to your country of origin. Under no circumstance should a student come to Canada without a valid student authorization (and visa if required). As a student, you may work on the campus of the publicly funded post-secondary institution at which you are enrolled full-time without an employment authorization. Services for International Students Most post-secondary institutions have a person to assist international students, the International or Overseas or Foreign Student Adviser, who normally works in the Department of Student Services. Most secondary schools which charge fees for international students offer the services of an International Student Adviser or similar counsellor. Students should make themselves known to the Adviser soon after arrival on campus. Travel to Canada The Canadian Bureau of International Education runs an International Student Reception Service from mid-August to mid-September at the international airports in Vancouver, Toronto and Halifax. This service assists students in making connections for onward travel to other Canadian cities, and helps them in their initial contact with their institutions. Baggage: Airlines restrict the weight of the baggage that may accompany you on your flight, and charge heavily for excess. Forwarding your belongings by sea may be the cheapest way to send what you cannot take with you on the flight. Be sure to make an itemized list and retain all way-bills for everything you ship separately. Customs regulations: There are restrictions on the import of certain items into Canada, such as plants, food, drugs, some technical equipment, and so on. Information on customs regulations should be obtained at a Canadian diplomatic mission. Students travelling to cities beyond their initial entry point into Canada should allow at least two hours for customs and immigration clearance formalities. For an in-depth look at studying in Canada, the Canadian Bureau of International Education also publishes the International Student Handbook which offers an overview of life in Canada and a wealth of practical information. The handbook is priced $15CDN (including postage) and is available from the following address: Canadian Bureau for International Education If you would like more information from different sources, contact the following organizations: Association of Canadian Community Colleges Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada Citizenship and Immigration Canada | |
Sunday, March 18, 2007
Study in CANADA
Post-secondary Institutions
Some institutions operate on a semester or trimester system, which allows them to accept students to begin studies in September, January or May. University undergraduate programs normally last three to five years, while community colleges offer programs ranging from one to three years.
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