The twelve provinces of Canada are independent in matters of education, although the federal government is involved in the financial support of post secondary institutions. In practice, the admission requirements are usually expressed in terms of the school-leaving certificates of the province in which the university is located. However, students who hold an American High School diploma whether it is earned in the States or at an international school located outside of Canada are considered for admission. There are no nationwide admission tests, nor do individual universities administer their own admission tests. Requirements for admission vary from one program to another and in some cases it may be necessary have additional instruction may be necessary to enter some programs of study. The language of instruction can be French, English or in both English and French. International students are admitted on an individual basis.
University Entrance Procedure
Application forms and details on admission requirements are only available from the universities. Many universities accept Advanced Placement courses to support admission consideration and/or credit, however, there is no set policy.
Cost of Attendance
Canadian citizens can attend public universities tuition free. Professional Schools and Liberal Arts schools may pick up other fields of training not offered at universities. The tuition and fees vary at each school. When you compare stateside and Canadian costs to attend an institute of higher learning, Canadian universities cost less. In addition there are need-based and merit-based scholarships at many of the schools.
Useful Addresses for Additional Information Requests
Canadian Bureau of International Education (CBIE)
85 Albert Street
Suite 1400 , Ottawa
Ontario KIP 6A4
Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada (AUCC)
131 Slater Street
Ottawa
Ontario , KIP 5N1
Web site Direct Links to Colleges and Universities
Presented by the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada in English and in French: http://www.aucc.ca/
To study at a Canadian university, you will need a student authorization . You may also need a visitor's visa , which will be issued to you at the same time as your student authorization per person . To apply for a student authorization , please contact your nearest Canadian diplomatic post.
It is best to apply early, as processing of student authorizations usually takes one or two months . There is a processing charge (approximately $90 US) for one person. If you plan to study in the province of Quebec you must pay an additional fee for a certificate d'acceptation du Quebec . There is no fee for a visa when it is issued with a student authorization . For more detailed information, please contact your closest Canadian diplomatic post.
Note: You must be sure to arrive in Canada with a valid student authorization (and visa, if required).
Information for Foreign Students Ten Reasons to Study in Canada
1. First Class
Canadian universities offer an internationally renowned education that attracts students from around the world.
2. Two Official Languages
Canada is a bilingual country. You may choose to study in either French or English or at a bilingual university.
3. A Cultural Mosaic
Canada is a multicultural country. Regardless of your ethnic origin, you will feel at home in Canada .
4. Four Seasons
In summer, enjoy Canada 's many freshwater lakes and rivers. Autumn leaves offer a stunning array of colors. Winter invites you to ski down a snow-covered mountain and in spring join your friends at one of the many sidewalk cafes in bustling cities.
5. Safe and Clean
You'll find the campuses safe and clean. According to the World Bank, many of our cities rank amongst the best places in the world to live, work and study.
6. Affordable
Tuition and the cost of living in Canada are lower than in other countries such as Australia , the United Kingdom and the United States .
7. High Quality
You'll find excellent professors, reputable scientists, and world renowned artists and writers a part of the faculty at Canadian universities.
8. Outstanding Facilities
First class libraries and sports facilities, museums and art galleries, theaters and concert halls: the campuses have it all, including radio stations, newspapers and stores that are run by students.
9. Wired
Looking for the latest in computer labs, wired classrooms and Internet access from campus? You'll find a world of technology at your fingertips when you enroll at a Canadian university.
10. The Best There Is
More than ninety universities span Canada which, according to the United Nations, offers the highest quality of life in the world.
Special thanks for the above information provided by the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada .
Financial Aid for Canadian Universities
Is financial aid possible?
Contact the Ministry of Education in your home country for information on Canadian scholarships. You can also get scholarship information from the financial aid offices at the university where you wish to study.
You may also order the free booklet Awards for Study in Canada from the Canadian Bureau for International Education, 220 Laurier Avenue West, Suite 1100, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1P 5Z9. Phone: (613) 237-4820, Fax: (613) 237-1073, Web site: www.cbie.ca .
There are a number of opportunities to work while studying in Canada . All international students may work on campus. Graduate or research work completed at facilities associated with your institution (such as hospitals) also meets the definition of “on-campus”. In order to work off-campus, international students must obtain an employment authorization. This may be obtained if employment is considered essential to your course of study or you're a graduate assistant working at an institution which is not affiliated with the institution at which you are enrolled.
In addition, you may request an authorization if you finish your degree in Canada and wish to work for a year.
For more information about working while studying in Canada , please contact the visa officer at your closest Canadian diplomatic post.
