Situated in the northern hemisphere, Canada is well known for its extreme weather condition, but what is more famous about this country is its Quality of Life which makes it rank #1 in the world and is considered as one of the most preferred study destinations for international students who are planning to pursue their education in abroad.

With affordable fees, quality institutions, post-study work, and immigration options, Canada surely know its way to fulfill everyone?s aspirations. In fact, as per the survey, the country hosts more than 2,50,000 students every year from different countries. And not just that the country is filled with an abundance of natural resources and is rewarded with stunning scenic beauty like the lakes, mountains, forests, and much more.

Canada also has the best Education System in the world as many of the Canadian Universities are present in QS World University Rankings providing students with an opportunity to hold a globally recognized international degree. Moreover, the programs offered in these universities are focused more on practical learning along with theoretical concepts, bestowing students? complete hands-on experience required in the real world.

But before forming an opinion about the country as a whole, let?s dive into some of the major benefits, students will get if they choose to study in Canada:

Quality Education

To start off with, Quality Education has been the prime focus of Canadian Universities and one of the main reasons why students prefer to study in Canada. The provincial governments ensure that there is no compromise done on the standard of education irrespective of the University or College one opts for. Also, students will have a wide range of Universities to choose from- depending upon the duration of their course, be it engineering, healthcare, sports, management, or any other. All the courses and the programs that are designed for the students are monitored on a regular basis assuring them top-notch education that will help them achieve their goals.

Cultural Diversity

It?s not an easy decision to leave your home country and fly to a foreign country with an aim to fulfill all your dreams and as a country, Canada manages to welcome everyone with an open heart. In fact, a country is formed because of its people and Canada has a very warm culture with extremely sociable people who are willing to accept you and treat you as their own. Also, because of varied ethnic groups, there is a multicultural environment where students can find all kinds of ethnic foods and enjoy all sorts of recreational activities linked with a specific culture which ultimately promotes peaceful living like no other country.

Quality with Budget

We already know by now the quality of education that Canada provides but what is more interesting is to know; that there is quality with a budget. Yes, you heard it right! Canada is one such country where you find qualitative education with an affordable fee structure. Living and Tuition fees in Canada are quite cheaper as compared to the USA and UK and while evaluating the return on investment, Canada is definitely a feasible option among the others as students will have a lot of work opportunities during and post the completion of their studies and can even plan to settle in the country with various PR options available.

Safety is their top priority

Considering safety as its topmost priority, Canada has constantly been ranked as one of the safest nations in the world. As an international student, you will savor the same rights as any other Canadian. People are exceptionally approachable here because of which students can feel safe and have a peaceful surrounding.

Economic Opportunities

Canada is one of the largest economies in the world, so there is a lot of scope for upcoming graduates and postgraduates in terms of work. Students will have an opportunity where they will encounter and interact with leaders in their field and can even work with them to gain industry experience. Also, students who have completed their education from Canadian Universities will always be given first preference than students who have done their education from different countries which undoubtedly increases their chance of becoming a Permanent Resident in the country.

Years ago, pursuing education in a foreign country was usually associated with students coming from financially affluent families and more than the education, it was a status symbol for many but now the trend has completely switched, as Canada changed the entire game and started providing budget friendly top- class education to the international students.

And since then, Canada has become an ideal destination for students coming from different countries with the aim of achieving high quality education and a great standard of living.

So, let us also understand what more lucrative options are in store for the upcoming students who are preparing for their further education in Canada.

Exceptional Lifestyle 

The country ranks high in terms of the quality of life so it makes us wonder what makes Canada top quality of life possible? Basically, quality of life is defined by the standard of health, comfort, safety experienced by individuals and Canada has it all. Wonderful people, beautiful environment and lots of employment opportunities, makes Canada?s lifestyle exceptional.

World- Class Education

Many Canadian Universities tops the list in World University Ranking because of its quality of education. The Canadian Education System encourages cross- disciplinary studies and the development of transferable skills making their degrees globally recognized for international students. All the courses and the programme that are designed for the students are monitored on a regular basis assuring them world- class education which will help them achieve their goals.

Ample Research Opportunities

One of the biggest reasons why Canadian education stands unique is because of its strong focus on research and development. If you are an upcoming research scholar, there can be no country better than Canada as the government extend their helping hand by supporting great research work in the disciplines of medicine, telecommunication, agriculture, environmental science and technology.

Earn while you learn

Canadian regulations have provided international students with plenty of employment options to choose from while they are studying for up to 20 hours every week during their semesters and students can work full- time once their holidays are on. Also, the government offers a work program to students who have obtained their degree in Canada and are looking to gain work experience. This is an excellent way to continue to live in Canada while diversifying and developing your professional skills.

Vibrant and Lively Campus life

Canada is the most educated country in the world with more than half of its population having college degrees and it comes as no surprise to us as all the Canadian campuses are built so well with many events, fests, and other activities being conducted all throughout the year. This creates a happy and lively environment for all the students pursuing their education while networking and meeting new people.

Live in a safe country with an excellent quality of life

Canada ranks #1 in the world for its excellent Quality of Life and amongst all the cities, Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver made to the list of top 50 student cities in the world. The ranking was based on several criteria, including affordability, diversity of the student population, and employers? perception of graduates on the job market. Moreover, Canada promotes sough- after quality of life with affordable cost of living lower than the other countries along with safety, stability and respect for the rights of individuals.

Live in a bilingual environment

Canada is a bilingual country, which makes studying here an excellent opportunity for students as they can develop their language skills and boost their prospects for an interesting career. In Canadian Education system, French and English is an integral part because of which students who completed their education from Canada are respected worldwide as they can communicate very easily with others.

Enriching cultural experience

Canada has a highly diverse population, resulting in a rich and vibrant culture. So to start off with, for all the music lovers out there, Montreal International Jazz Festival brings around 3000 artists from various countries every year for concerts. Also, if you are a sportsperson and love watching matches, then Hockey is something you can?t miss because hockey is to Canada like soccer is to Europe. It?s more than a national sport; it?s practically a religion! Canada has seven national hockey team and to experience the frenzy over hockey; students may choose to watch a match during the playoffs, which generally takes place around May.

From western lakes, with their turquoise water surrounded by majestic mountains and lush green forests to its bustling cities, this Country indeed has a lot to offer and there is a whole gamut of experiences one can come across while living in Canada depending upon the path they choose.

But when international students prepare to commence their journey on this land of Maple Syrup, chances are all of their experiences can be exciting as well as daunting. So, before you depart from your home country, let us understand what it is like to live in Canada.

Welcoming to all

Canada is known for its warm culture with friendly people who have their arms wide open for students and immigrants shifting to their country and when it is about students pursuing their further education, Canada fits right into the category. With people emigrating from various parts of the world, Canada has a diverse culture where all the religions are valued and respected. Hence, it becomes easier for students to adapt and adjust successfully with the natives of the country.

What to wear for most of the season

If you have heard about Canada, it is probably for its extreme weather condition but sometimes it gets hard to decide whether it's snow time or sun time as Canada?s climate is as varied as its people. Unless students are living and pursuing their education between Southern parts of Ontario, they are most likely to experience cold, snowy winters and hot summers, with short transitional seasons and the key to surviving and thriving in a Canadian winter is to get yourself wrapped and still go out to explore the city, taking advantage of free ice rinks and trails in the parks because, despite the temperature, the snow does paint a beautiful landscape.

Canada has more lakes than we know

Canada does have a lot of great things that can be discussed like sports, high-quality education, and safety facilities for all students, amazing employment opportunities but one of the most fascinating facts about Canada is that they have more lakes than any other country in the world. The Great Lakes alone contain about 18 percent of the world?s fresh lake water and that?s a lot of water with breathtaking scenery. So, students who are willing to go for a swim or motor boating, the eastern Canadian lakes are just the ticket.

World-class Healthcare Facilities

The Healthcare System is one of the main attractions, why people choose to settle in Canada. It?s delivered through a publicly-funded system, which is mostly free at the point of use and has most services provided by private entities and it even has educational healthcare programs for students pursuing their education.

Recreational Activities

Canada is located in the northern half of the North American continent and is the second-largest country in the world after Russia. With such an impressive land area and being a massive country, having a social life and indulging in recreational activities is a must for all international students. Thus, depending on which part of the country they are in, they can enjoy various activities like:

• Visiting Niagara Falls
• Exploring Banff National Parks
• Sightseeing on Prince Edward Island and more.

Food and Cuisine

Canadian cuisine is much more than their world-famous Maple Syrup and Poutine. There is still a wide variety of food from elsewhere like France and Britain, catering to every taste as it reflects how well integrated people from different countries are.

Housing

Living off-campus is a great way for students as they can start their independent life. But at the same time, it is important that the students are aware of their rights and responsibilities as a tenant because there are higher chances of being exploited by the locals as they think students have unlimited wealth. And so, always look for an agent who helps you with these procedures and get a clear idea about what all amenities would be included while renting a place.

Employment Prospects

There are plenty of employment opportunities for international students who are willing to work while they are studying adhering to the rules of their study permit on campus but if a student wishes to work off-campus, they can work up to for a maximum of 20 hours per week, only if they possess an eligible study permit so that they can manage their expenses. But after finishing their education, students can apply for full-time work in the relevant industry and can eventually plan to settle down in Canada.

Canada has the best Education System in the world as many of the Canadian Universities are listed in QS World University Rankings. Also, there is a number of courses and programs provided by Colleges & Universities which are high-in-demand and international students will have plenty of options to choose from while selecting their field of study from Arts, Management, or Engineering depending upon their preference.

Some of the popular courses for international students are:

• Business
• Environment Science
• Engineering and Technology
• Arts, Psychology and Human Resources
• Media and Journalism
• Hospitality Management
• Architecture
• Medicine

• Certificate Course

Canadian Universities or Colleges and few Institutions offer professional certified courses with vast choices for students ranging from accounting to education, financial planning, information technology, health care, and much more.

These courses offer you practical knowledge, support, and credibility to enhance your career for the future. Also, professional certification validates your expertise and often generates a higher salary.

Duration- About a year long

• Diploma Course

Canada offers courses from recognized Universities and Colleges that are comparatively cheaper than regular degree courses.

Duration- About two years long

• PG Diploma Course

Many PG diploma courses are designed with co-op options, which give all the international students an opportunity to intern with various companies and institutes as they provide the practical experience required in today?s world.

Moreover, if you plan to settle in Canada, acquiring a PG Diploma could help you in this as you will soon find a job and build relationships with employers worldwide.

Duration- About 12- 17 weeks long

• Advanced Diploma Course

Advanced Diploma Courses is for the students who have done their high school and are willing to gain job-oriented skills.

Students can acquire Advanced Diploma before the Bachelor?s as it will give them the necessary exposure required for their further education.

Duration- About two to three years long

• Bachelor?s Degree

Students usually plan to study in Canada after completing their 12th as it helps them in planning their future well because after acquiring a graduate?s degree from Canada, students can easily go for masters and get a job easily.

The educational institutions are known for their high academic standards and rigorous quality controls.

Duration- About three years long

• Master?s Degree

Studying master's in Canada has become a popular option for students seeking a postgraduate degree and high-quality experience as completing your master?s degree increases the scope of employment after education.

The research programs are one of the main highlights of Canadian masters.

Duration- About two years long after acquiring a graduate?s degree of two to three years long.

• Doctoral Degree (Ph.D.)

Doctoral Degree is highly reputed and above the master's degree. A Ph.D. in Canada will provide you an opportunity to work with leading experts after acquiring a higher degree of knowledge.

Once the students have acquired their doctoral degree, they can take the advantage of post-study work visa options.

Duration- About three to six years long

• Master?s Degree- CAD 30,000- 35,000 per annum
• Bachelor?s Degree- CAD 20,000- 30,000 per annum
• Certificate Course- CAD 8,000- 14,000 per annum
• Diploma- CAD 10,000- 15,000 per annum
• PG Diploma- CAD 15,000- 18,000 per annum
• Advanced Diploma- CAD 10,000- 15,000 per annum
• PhD- CAD 8,000 ? 20,000 per annum
• Living Expenses- CAD 22,000- 28,000 per annum

Note: Fees shown above may vary depending upon the kind of Program and Institution (University/College), you have chosen for yourself.

There are three intakes in Canada,

Fall Intake, in the month of September

Winter Intake, in the month of January

Summer Intake, in the month of May

Employability and work permit are the most desired aspects of any international student and Canada fulfils it to the core.

Students who are opting for a course within the duration of two years can have a work permit for three years, while if students are going in for a one-year program, then they will be eligible for one-year work permit. But there is no restriction on the kind of employment that the students may get after their graduation.

Universities of Canada are among the highest in employability ranking, for instance:

The recently published QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2017 features 15 Canadian universities, which are:

• The University of Toronto ranked 19th
• The University of Waterloo ranked 22nd
• McGill University ranked  41st
• The University of British Columbia ranked in the 81-90 range
• The University of Calgary ranked in the 91-100 range

Canada has gradually emerged as a hotspot location for many international students to pursue higher degrees in subjects of their choice. Canada?s International Education Strategy is highly developed and is aimed to infuse deep knowledge and motivation into the global students.

Most students are eligible for working while they are studying and this experience prepares them to be integrated into the workforce on graduating. Students can work up to 20 hours per week and full-time during their holidays. This helps the students not only in managing their education expenses but providing them with sufficient funds to help them with their livelihood.

High Demanding Jobs in Canada:

• Vocational or College Instructor
• Registered Nurse
• Business Management Consultant
• Marketing Executive
• Web Developer
• Software Engineer
• Aerospace engineer
• Monetary Pay
• Psychologists

Before understanding what the application process is and how you can fly down to your dream country, let us first see what all documents are needed.

Documents required for Visa Application

? Visa application form

? Original valid passport with photocopy of biodata page

? Use of representative Form (IMM 5476)

? Police Clearance Certificates and Medical Reports

? Academic Certificates

? Proof of Funds

? Official letter of acceptance from a Canadian university, college, or Technical Institute

? College/University Fees Payment Receipt

? G.I.C Payment Receipt or Education Loan Acceptance Letter

? Statement of Purpose

? Other relevant certificates

The applicants for a student visa for Canada can apply online as well as offline (paper application). The general application process in both cases is as follows:

Online

1. Create an online account with CIC

2. Provide previous academic details along with program details (opted for study in Canada)

3. Login with Email and password details sent via mail. Upload documents required and pay the visa fees onlinea valid credit or debit card.

4. Submit the application online and track via given email and password details

*You?ll be asked to pay your fees at the end of your application.

You need an account to apply online. You can use your account to:

• pay your fees
• submit your application
• check your status

Paper-based

1. Prepare documents, certified copies, and translations of documents

2. Fill the application form

3. Pay the Application and Biometric fee

4. Submit application at the visa application center (local visa office).

Biometric Fees

In most cases, you should pay a biometrics fee when you submit your application.

*The biometrics fee covers the cost of collecting fingerprints and a digital photo.

• Application Fee: 150 CAD
• Biometric Fee: 85 CAD

As such, the visa processing fees can be made both online (by means of a credit card) or offline (by means of demand draft if paying at the High Commission of Canada) or by cash at the VAC. This fee must be paid when the application is submitted or a fee receipt of online payment is provided.

Arrival

When Flying down to Canada, students are required to do the following things:

Upon arrival, follow the signs that say “Arrivals and Customs” (known as the immigration area).

►Documents

When called by the Immigration Officer, present them with the travel documents which include the following:

• A valid passport or travel document
• A valid student visa [Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)].
• An original or copy of Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from the academic institution
• Proof of adequate funds for the stay in Canada (GIC documents)
• Letter of Introduction (LOI) issued by CIC in the student’s home country
• Any other documents submitted while applying for visa
• Letters of reference or any other document the visa officer told the student to bring
• Official Marksheets/ Certificates from home country
• The address of the place the student will be staying
• Approximate Canadian Dollar (CAD) value of each item the student is bringing

►Packing

• When flying to a new country, it may seem difficult to get all your things at once but a smart way would be to pack all your essentials which you would need for your immediate future. If you’re opting for campus accommodation, check what all things are included and what you should be carrying along with you. Also, this is a good chance to get in touch with your roommates in order to understand what they will be bringing in. Huge heavy items can be avoided while packing like towels, bedsheets, and small appliances as they are easily available at an affordable rate in Canada.
• Canada is well known for winters and students who are planning for Canada should be well prepared for the same and should be equipped with adequate winter wear like a proper coat, warm sweaters, and thigh-high boots to protect themselves from the harsh cold. 
• Students who wish to carry some homemade food can bring it with them but before packing makes sure to check Canadian Customs Regulations and Airline Restrictions on Food because there could be constraints while carrying certain food items. Moreover, Canada has supermarkets and local groceries which make it easy for international students to look for food as there have all varieties coming from all over the world.

Accommodation

Finding accommodation in Canada is one of the first things any newcomer will want to tick off their to-do list. Depending on your circumstances, you may wish to find temporary accommodation in Canada first, while you search for apartments or houses for rent in Canada.

• On-Campus Accommodation

The majority of Universities and Colleges offer on-campus residences to students pursuing their education in Canada and these residences include single or shared occupancy dorm rooms with living spaces such as lounges, games room, and kitchens.

• Off-Campus Accommodation

Sometimes students prefer to have off-campus accommodation in an apartment where they can discover the new neighborhoods and meet new people.

• Subletting

It is a particular arrangement where a tenant takes over temporarily from a tenant's name on the lease for an apartment. Students in Canada usually find themselves renting with roommates at some point, as it is cheaper to split rent and bills and can be great fun at the same time.

• Homestay

Homestay allows students and visitors to live in a Canadian home as a member of the family, sharing meals with their homestay family and learning first-hand how Canadians live.  Most important of all, a homestay includes friendly guidance from the homestay family to help the student adjust to living in Canada.