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CANADA : ADMISSION PROCESS |
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Admission Requirements
Once you’ve gone through the process of deciding
what you would like to study, one of the main questions
you’ll ask yourself is whether you can get into
a certain program, and so you’ll need to check the
prerequisites. Make sure you have the required high school
credits and that you meet other criteria for your program
of choice. Entering class averages vary from year to year,
and some universities may provide cutoff ranges on their
websites. Many times, you will be reviewed on more than
just your marks. For some programs, like fine art or journalism,
you’ll need to supply a portfolio. Others will ask
you to write a statement about your interests, abilities
and career plans.
You can check the individual university websites for admission
details, or speak with a guidance counselor for help.
Most of the Canadian universities set their own admission
requirements for international students. These requirements
are usually comparable to those demanded of Canadian applicants.
However, universities often require international students
to provide evidence of their proficiency in either English
or French, depending on the language of instruction at
the university to which they are applying. Most English-language
universities usually require TOEFL scores of 560 or higher.
While TOEFL is the standard test used, most graduate schools
also consider and accept other internationally recognized
English language tests such as IELTS, MELAB and CanTEST.
However, you must make sure that the university will accept
a particular test before submitting the scores in place
of a TOEFL result.
It is important to apply early for admission to graduate
programs, since it can take time to ensure that you are
attached with the right faculty advisor.
All universities base their admission requirements on
cut-off grades, which apply to specific programs or categories
of courses. These requirements differ according to the
university and the program, and from province to province.
Faculties such as business, engineering or computer science
generally requires higher averages.
At the graduate level, admission generally requires high
marks and strong letters of reference; in addition, standardized
tests such as the Graduate Record Examination (or GRE)
may also be required.
Program availability
Make sure the university offers the program you want –
you can check program listings in this directory, or online
at www.aucc.ca/can_uni/search/index_e.html.
Remember that your first year is often a time to try a
variety of courses, and then choose the area in which
you want to specialize. You could try new fields of study
that aren’t available in high school – courses
like astronomy, philosophy or international studies. Be
sure to find out about the process for switching majors
if you change your mind, as many students do after first
year.
Scholarship
Scholarships and financial assistance
Many universities now have scholarship grids, which are
incremental charts that guarantee entrance scholarships
to incoming students based on their high school final
marks. Don’t hesitate to ask about the scholarships
available, and also check out other forms of assistance
like special work-study programs or job opportunities
that may be available for students who need to earn some
extra money.
There are also a host of other factors that may be important
to you, so ask about things like teachers, career preparation
services, co-op availability, student services such as
exam preparation and study skills workshops, orientation
programs, and graduate programs and research.
Once you’ve identified the factors that are most
important to you, you’ve taken the first steps to
making a successful choice. And remember, while your parents,
guidance counselors, teachers and friends will give you
lots of good advice, the ultimate decision is up to you.
Make sure you pick a university that will serve your needs
throughout your university career, contributes to university
research capabilities, the advancement of knowledge and
building the department’s reputation for excellence
through the pursuit of a graduate degree.
Scholarship tips for students
There are many scholarships available in Canada, and you
may be pleasantly surprised by what is available.
For some students, scholarships are simply an “added
bonus” for their university studies, but for other
students and families, the funds can be the difference
between continuing to university or leaving school for
financial reasons. Being informed about what is available
to you and how to apply can make a big difference for
your postsecondary studies.
Scholarship truths
While grades and extracurricular activities are the basis
for many scholarships decisions, there are numerous scholarship
types that cater to a wide spectrum of students. For example,
some scholarships are “regional” (applicants
need to originate from a particular town or area) while
others can be more select and designated for a specific
applicant (someone with a disability or a certain cultural
background).
Resources
The website www.ScholarshipsCanada.com
is a comprehensive scholarship portal and provides a large
searchable database of scholarships with well over 60,000
individual awards.
The Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada
deliver more than 3,500 scholarships each year to young
people interested in pursuing higher education. AUCC also
manages more than 175 scholarships and over $11 million
in student awards which are available both for the general
public and dependents of employees of certain organizations.
Information on these awards can be found at www.aucc.ca/scholarships.
In addition to the above resources, consult the financial
aid office of the universities you want to attend to find
out more about the available scholarships and awards.
You can also check out www.canlearn.ca
for information on government student loans such as the
Canada Study Grants, and the Canadian Millennium Scholarships
and other financial assistance tools and information.
Many students underestimate their chances and some scholarships
remain unawarded each year because there are few or no
applicants. Remember that each scholarship application
becomes easier, because much of the information requested
can be re-used. Invest your time in scholarship and bursary
applications and the financial pay-offs can be very impressive!
Application Process
First, you must apply for acceptance to the academic program
at the institution in which you are interested.
If you meet the criteria for admittance, you must then
apply for student authorization (study permit) at the
nearest Canadian diplomatic post in your home country.
You may also need a visitor’s visa, which will be
issued at the same time as your student authorization.
If you plan to study in the province of Quebec, you must
pay another Can $100 for a certificat d’acceptation
du Québec.” Canadian universities normally
admit students to commence studies in September or January.
And although it may not be necessary in all cases, it
is generally recommended that an international student
apply to a Canadian university eight months prior to the
expected program start date.
Costs
Tuition fees for international students are different
at every school and vary depending upon the program you
want to study. For example, tuition can range from about
$5,500 to $17,000 Cdn for a general arts and science undergraduate
degree in Canada. Keep in mind that you must also budget
for books, equipment, student activities, food, housing,
travel, local transportation, health care, clothing, laundry
and entertainment. When estimating costs, ensure that
you factor in any sudden fluctuations in exchange rates
with your home currency.
Languages
Canada has two official languages – English and
French. You do not have to speak both to study at a Canadian
university – however, you will have to show proficiency
in one depending upon where you apply. Most English universities
require a score of at least 550-600 on the Test of English
as a Foreign Language (or a range between 213-250 on the
computer based test and typically 80 or better on the
internet-based test, with minimums in each section), a
score of 60-70 on the Canadian Academic English Language
(CAEL) Assessment, or 6 to 6.5 on the International English
Language Testing System (IELTS). Canadian French-language
universities usually assess applicants on a case-by-case
basis. The registrar’s office at each university
can provide you with specific language requirements.
Medical insurance
The provinces of Alberta, British Columbia and Saskatchewan
cover international students under their provincial health
care plans. Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and
Labrador, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island and
Quebec do not cover international students under their
provincial health care plans. International students planning
to study in one of these provinces must arrange for medical
coverage through a private insurance company. International
students planning to study at universities in Ontario
(with the exception of the University of Windsor) must
enroll in the University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP).
Work for international students
International students who have graduated from a Canadian
university or college have the opportunity to work in
Canada for up to one year after they receive their degree
or diploma. International students can work on campus
with a work permit.
On-campus work
Full-time international students may work on campus (for
instance, at the university library) without obtaining
a work permit. Graduate or research work completed at
facilities associated with your university is considered
“on-campus” work.
Off-campus work
The federal government’s off-campus work program
allows eligible foreign students at public postsecondary
institutions to work off-campus for up to 20 hours a week
during the school year and full-time during study breaks.
These agreements make it easier for students to gain work
experience in the Canadian labour market and earn extra
income while studying. Citizenship and Immigration Canada
has signed agreements with most provinces to implement
the program, and agreements with New Brunswick and the
Yukon are currently being finalized. The work permit is
valid for the duration of students’ study permit
In order to be eligible for the program, foreign students
must have a valid study permit, and they must have studied
full-time at an eligible public, postsecondary institution
for at least six months out of the 12 months preceding
their application. Institutions must sign an agreement
with the province or territory in which they are located
in order to participate in the program. The agreement
includes monitoring and reporting requirements to ensure
that students retain their eligibility for the program.
Working in Canada is a possibility after your studies
as an international student. Under certain circumstances,
graduating international students may apply to work in
Canada for up to two years after graduation. For more
details on part-time off-campus work as well as post-graduation
employment, consult http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/study/work.asp.
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