Canada has, over the years, emerged as a very popular destination for higher studies. Students from across the globe are attracted by its multiculturalism, strong economy, world-class educational institutions which regularly rank among the best in the world and exciting job opportunities. Given its diverse and incredibly diverse society, it is perceived as an inclusive and welcoming place for students arriving from far corners of the world.
Canada offers a good quality of life and ample opportunities for students to explore their academic potential and grow professionally thereafter. There are approximately 640.000 international students in Canada according to the most recent surveys. But nonetheless, it is a challenge for prospective students to find an educational institution which aligns with their academic and career goals.
The First Steps
The first step in this direction is to realistically evaluate your own personal level of preparedness. Canada is a dream destination for many prospective students. Excellent academic record and good proficiency in English are the first and foremost requirements for those planning to apply to educational institutions in Canada. Besides, the students must have the financial wherewithal to bear the cost of tuition and living expenses during the course of their study. There are of course scholarships and grants available for international students both at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels if they can show proof of savings.
The students can after assessing these prerequisites begin planning their journey towards seeking admission in a Canadian institute of higher education.
Researching the Right Fit
There are both private and public institutions of higher learning in Canada. There are basically two main groups of universities: the U 15 and the Universities Canada. The U15 is an association of 15 Canadian research universities like McGill University and among others. Universities Canada is an organisation representing Universities and Colleges offering a range of study courses in fields as diverse as Education. Media Studies and Business Studies.
Thus, the first step should be to do basic research about the kind of institution and the course which the student wishes to pursue. Amidst the plethora of information available on the internet, the anecdotal knowledge provided by those who have gone through the admission process themselves and the so-called experts and guides who promise to make the whole process easier it is best to first gain clarity about what actually the student wishes to achieve by studying in Canada.
The websites of various universities are an excellent resource to know more about the kind of courses offered by the university, the admission requirements, the cost of tuition and the approximate cost of living among other such details. The size of the school, the diversity of the student body and opportunities for further study and/or work after pursuing that course should also be carefully looked at. The Canadian climate with cold to very cold winter months in some areas is yet another factor which prospective students should keep in mind while shortlisting schools. Based upon these broad parameters’ students can then draw up a list of four to five courses which match their admission criteria and where they fulfil the admission requirements.
Conclusion
Canadian Universities are known the world over for the excellent academic environment they offer to students and the opportunities they extend to international students. Careful planning can certainly help students secure admission in a Canadian University and students must use abundant resources which are available at hand to plan their admission process and then their travel and stay in Canada.
