Studying in Canada
Canada boasts of top-quality education at comparatively low fees compared to most English-speaking countries. It is home to people from various cultural and racial backgrounds and was ranked by the United Nations as one of the best places in the world to live in due to its comfortable living conditions, low crime rate, political stability and excellent health care systems.
Visa Requirements
Students enrolled in courses with a duration exceeding six months must have a study permit (visa). To apply, you will need:
- A valid passport and two recent passport photographs
- Proof of sufficient funds for the duration of your stay
- Proof of identity
- An acceptance letter from a Canadian institution
- To pass required medical examinations, security checks and interviews
- A letter of introduction from the visa office
- Other forms and documents as stated on:
Applicants who fulfil all these conditions will be offered a study permit from the Canada Border Services Agency.
Language of Instruction
English and/or French depending on the institution.
Work Options
Full time students with valid study permits who are studying at selected institutions may work on campus without a work permit. To work off- campus, you must apply for a work permit through the Off-Campus Work Program. You will be allowed up to 20 hours of part-time work during academic sessions and may work full-time during scheduled breaks. Work permits are also required for internship programmes provided that the employment is relevant to the study programme pursued and certified by a representative of the institution you go to.
Tuition Fees
Tuition fees for international undergraduate students in Canadian universities average around $11,000 per year and may go up to $18,700. Click here to get a rough estimate of the minimum tuition fees offered by the universities in Canada. Note that the figures are only for reference and are not specific to any particular course of study aside from the reference to undergraduate studies. It is best to check with your institution of choice before enrolling.
Living in Canada
As usual, the rent will take up a large portion of your monthly financial usage, and can range between $500 and $1000 depending on where you study (in small towns or large cities). Accommodation aside, everything else is reasonably affordable. Driving is costly on the long run due to higher-priced petrol than what we have in Malaysia, so you may want to consider pedalling yourself around. Cycling is common in Canada, so you will find bike-designated lanes in various Canadian cities (not all), and special rulings on cycling with your helmet on.
Airfare
Return tickets are available at around the RM8,400 range but direct flights are only available on non-local carriers. Shop around for the best value for your money.
Health insurance
You must secure a health insurance plan within the first week of your arrival. Fees vary according to the plan.
Scholarships
Scholarships and student awards to study in Canada are plentiful and readily offered by individual Canadian universities. You can scout for scholarships or other forms of financial aid available at your institution of choice, click here for international scholarships relevant to your field of study.
Links
- Association of Universities and Colleges in Canada
- Canada Education Centre Network
- Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials
- Citizenship and Immigration Canada
- Council of Ministers of Education
- Government of Canada
- Study in Canada
Local Contact
17th Floor, Menara Tan & Tan,
207 Jalan Tun Razak
50400 Kuala Lumpur
P.O. Box 10990
50732 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: +603 2718 3333
Fax: +603 2718 3399
Email: klmpr-td@dfait-maeci.gc.ca
