Canada continues to attract international students across Bachelor’s (BSc), Master’s (MSc), MRes, and PhD programs, but applicants are now required to meet clear financial and application requirements before securing admission and a study permit.

Prospective students should be prepared to cover admission and visa-related fees, proof of funds, and a tuition deposit, all of which are essential steps in the application process. A fee is required during the study permit application, and applicants must complete all stages before a visa decision is made.

Requirements for Each Program – Studying in Canada

Bachelor’s Degree (BSc)

Applicants must have a high school certificate with strong academic results. They need official transcripts, proof of English proficiency (IELTS or TOEFL), and sometimes additional standardized test scores depending on the institution or program.

Master’s Degree (MSc)

Applicants must hold a recognized bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. Required documents include academic transcripts, proof of English proficiency, letters of recommendation, and in some cases, relevant work experience. Certain programs may also require a statement of purpose or research proposal.

Master of Research (MRes)

Applicants should have a bachelor’s degree, strong academic performance, and a well-prepared research proposal. Letters of recommendation are often required. Some MRes programs offer partial or full funding, depending on the university.

PhD Programs

Applicants must hold a master’s degree. A strong research proposal and academic references are required, and many programs also require prior approval from a supervisor. PhD programs often provide funding options, including scholarships or stipends.

Step-by-Step Process into Canada institution

The process of studying in Canada follows a structured pathway, beginning from admission and ending with arrival in Canada. Applicants are expected to carefully complete each stage to ensure a successful outcome.

1. Choose a Program and Institution

Applicants must research and select a recognized Canadian institution offering their desired course. It is important to confirm that the institution is a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).

2. Apply for Admission

Applicants submit academic documents such as transcripts, certificates, proof of English proficiency, and other supporting documents. The institution may issue a conditional or unconditional offer.

3. Accept Offer and Pay Tuition Deposit

Applicants accept the offer and pay a tuition deposit which ranges from around CA$3,000. Tuition deposit depends on the institution and program being accepted to, and it could sometime be full semester or full year tuition.

4. Obtain Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL)

At this stage, the institution will guide the applicant in obtaining the PAL, which is now mandatory for most study permit applications.

5. Prepare Proof of Funds

To apply for a Canada study permit, applicants generally need to show that they have sufficient funds to cater for their first year of studies in Canada and that of all their dependents if applicable. A single applicant traveling to pursue a degree in Canada needs to show first year tuition fees + first year living expenses + Travel Expenses. This totals to an average of around CA$45,000 broken down as;

First Year Tuition……………………………………………..CA$20,000

First Year Living Expenses…………………………………CA$22,895

Travel Expenses………………………………………………CA$   2,105

This amounts to a total of about NGN44,522,235 using the current oanda exchange rate.

6. Apply for Study Permit (Visa)

Applicants submit an online application with required documents including their international passport and that of every dependent that needs to be included in the application, Letter of Acceptance, Provincial Attestation Letter, and 4-6 months bank statement showing availability of the required funds. The applicant will also need to pay the visa and biometrics fees, and may also need to give their biometrics at the Canada Visa Application Centre in their country of citizenship or country of residence or in a country that is closest to them in a case where there is no application centre in their country of residence or citizenship.

7. Biometrics and Medical Examination

Applicants and all their accompanying dependents need to undergo a medical examination by a panel physician approved by IRCC

8. Application Processing

Immigration authorities review the application and processing times may vary. It could be as fast as a day or two and may take as long as twelve months or more. Nobody really has an influence on the processing time or outcome of a visa application

9. Visa Approval

After a Canada study visa application has been approved, the applicant receives a TRV or eTA, as well as a Port of Entry (POE) Letter of Introduction.

10. Travel and Arrival in Canada

Upon arrival, immigration officers issue the official study permit. It is important to let you know that an approval does not guarantee entry into Canada. IRCC officials and CBSA officials at the port of entry ensure that the applicants are eligible and admissible to Canada before allowing them entry into Canada.

Interested in more details about studying in Canada? Contact us on +2348142524484 or send us an email help@absolutedestinationsltd.com