Canada is known for its amazing, welcoming society, natural beauty and globally recognized universities. That’s why many international students choose to study there. The multicultural country is consistently ranked as one of the best nations in the world for quality of life. Still, just like any other country, Canada has its own timelines and processes for applying to university. If you are new to the country, here are some tips on applying to a university in Canada.

Steps to Apply to Universities in Canada

1. Choose an Institution

It’s important to find out as much as you can about the universities and institutions you’re considering as well as the communities they’re in so you’d be completely sure about your decision.

So, where to begin? The Directory of Canadian Universities is the right place to check as it includes a variety of institutions’ profiles and listings of their programmes. You can easily access those profiles through the Universities Canada website.

Some international students wish to study and experience life in one of the countries’ big cities while other students wish to study in a small town. However, if you’re interested in studying at a competitive university, you’ll find some of the best in the world in Canada. Five institutions in the country are placed in the top 100 in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, including the University of Toronto, McGill University, and the University of British Columbia.

2. Choose a Program

While applying to a university in Canada, you will find a range of degrees in multiple fields. Choose a general area of study that interests you first, such as science or arts. Then decide on further specialization after a year or two of study. 

Canada is internationally renowned for a wide range of programmes, including its business, humanities, and science programmes. There are also a number of institutions that offer students the chance to customize their own degrees to their interests beyond the classroom. Other Canadian universities offer cooperative education programmes, which are paid, full-time placements in a range of work settings that are relevant to your degree. 

3. Submit an Application

After choosing your designed institution or university, move on to the next step by finding their website and finding out the admission requirements and the application process. 

Keep in mind that application rules vary according to each institution. Although most institutions are set up to begin the year in September, you can start your degree at any time - generally September, January, or May. Usually, applications open 11 months before a programme begins. Deadlines for applications also differ from one institution to another, but most institutions will need to receive your application by spring at the latest. 

The majority of university applications in Canada are submitted online . You will find the application forms available through specific university websites and usually require an application fee to be paid. After completing the application, you must attach the required documents or prepare to mail them to the university.

In addition to academic performance, further information, such as personal statements, a video, or a portfolio, is sometimes taken into account by Canadian universities for specific courses. 

Admissions’ results are usually announced by the end of spring. If you are studying at a private university, you will most likely be asked to pay the tuition fees for the first semester by then. If not, the university will send you an official letter of admission, admission confirmation for visa purposes, as well as other practical information about studying abroad in Canada.

4. Getting a Permit 

This is the most important step of your journey in applying for a university in Canada. If you’re staying in Canada for more than six months, you’ll need to apply for a study permit before you come to the country. A study permit is a document issued by the Canadian government which allows foreign nationals to study at a specified learning institution in Canada.

Once you get accepted into any Canadian university or institution, you should begin the process of applying for a permit right away because the process can take up to sixty days, and it also requires a lot of important documents. Hence, it’s better to start it as soon as possible. 

Securing a study permit will be your own responsibility. However, some universities offer checklists or step-by-step guides to help students work through the process of gathering the required information and documents. You can apply for a permit online or submit a paper application to the Canadian visa office responsible for your country. 

After being admitted to a university and after receiving the required permit, you will be all set to start your journey in Canada. You can think about some of the must-have essentials for move-in day, so you’d be fully prepared. Other than that, it’s time to begin your adventures in Canada!