Education In Canada

A United Nations survey has found Canada to be the best place in the world to live. Canada earned particularly high marks for its access to education, high life expectancy (due to universal health care system); and low crime and violence rates. Canada's prime cities Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal have been recognized as world class cities to live and work, for cleanliness, safety, cultural activities and attractive lifestyles.

Quality Education

Canada's universities and colleges are world-renowned for their high standards and educational excellence. A degree from a Canadian university or college is internationally recognized and considered equivalent to a degree from an American university.

Wide Range of Options

The choice of schools in Canada is wide and varied, from major research institutions to small liberal arts schools. Canada also offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degree programmes.

The living costs and tuition fees are comparatively lower in Canada, as shown in the table below

• For average undergraduate academic year

• For average academic year
  Source: Association of Universities and College of Canada

Opportunities in the Growing Global Market

Canadian schools are at the forefront of the information technology revolution, ensuring that their students are equipped for the 21st century. Most schools offer cooperative education and training programmes that allow students to spend a portion of their school year gaining practical experience in the workplace.

Great place to live and study

In Canada you can study at serene settings on the Great Lakes, near the ocean, or close to the mountains. Canada not just has a wealth of natural beauty, it is also famous for its cosmopolitan and multicultural cities brimming with ethnic foods, great entertainment, cultural events, and sports.

Graduates are in demand

Many American companies recruit students directly from Canadians universities on campus. Canada is a country of immigrants and has an encouraging multicultural diversity.

Almost all of the world's ethnic groups are represented in Canada. International student advisors at schools can help students get in touch with such groups.

High Tech Country

Canada is an international leader in computer and information technologies and has a reputation for excellence in such sectors as telecommunications, trSansportation and engineering; and specifically, aerospace, urban transport, microelectronics, medical devices, advanced software, hydroelectric and nuclear power, lasers and opto-electronics, biotechnology etc.

Canada was among the first in the world to recognize the need to connect schools and libraries to the Internet, and its School Net program is being copied around the world.

Contact Detail

CEC India
(New Delhi)

Hazel Siromoni, Manager
Canadian Education Centre
86, Paschimi Marg, Vasant Vihar,
New Delhi, India
110 057

Mailing Address:
Canadian High Commission
Canadian Education Centre
7/8 Shantipath, Chanakyapuri
New Delhi, India 110-021
Tel: 91-11 614 6648
Fax: 91-11 614 6078
E-mail: cecnd@cec.apfnet.org

Education System

The Canadian education system comprises of : Elementary / Secondary

Universities & University Colleges

Canada has a large selection of universities and university colleges. Canadian universities are largely publicly funded; as a result they are of a consistently high quality, regardless of location or area of study. They all retain a high degree of academic autonomy. They offer a broad range of courses and a full range of degrees from undergraduate to doctorates, and can also offer certificates and professional degrees. The university year usually runs from September to May. Some universities are on a semester or trimester system, with all courses available even in the summer. University Colleges offers university degrees as well as college diploma and certificate programs.

Community Colleges

The Community Colleges offer certificate and diploma programs in career and vocational.training.

Career Colleges

A technical/career college is a privately owned and operated school with the main objective of preparing students for the job market after a short period of instruction.

Entry level

Admission Requirements vary from Institution to Institution, in Canada.

Successful completion of the equivalent of a Canadian secondary school academic program with strong marks. Proof of strong proficiency in English (or French if studies in French).

Students may be required to provide proof of language proficiency by way of a language proficiency test (For example TOEFL- Test of English as a Foreign Language administered by Educational Testing Service in USA, IELTS - International English Language Testing System administered by the British Council). Generally, Francophone universities require international students to complete their own test of French proficiency.

Some institutions have other forms of English or French language assessment; they may offer their own language proficiency test or, may admit students to academic programs on the basis of having successfully completed that institution's language program

There is no Canada wide entrance test as each university sets its own admission standards and assesses the qualifications of each applicant individually.

Undergraduate Programme

For seeking admission to an undergraduate course, a minimum of twelve years of education is the required qualification. Students pursuing the Indian School Certificate Examination (ISCE) have an advantage as ISCE system is similar to the British System and its is easy to interpret for the US colleges. In case of CBSE and State Boards the student may have to communicate course contents, level of study etc., to the university.

Postgraduate Programme

For any postgraduate programme, you need to have completed 16 years of education, i.e. 10+2+4. This means that you cannot pursue a master's course in Canada if you have completed a three year degree course in India. You therefore need to pursue a one year postgraduate diploma or a two year post graduate degree if you are interested in further studies in America/Canada.

Degree holders in Engineering and medicine however don't have any such problem.

Postgraduate Management Programme

Most colleges require an educational level of 10+2+3. The top colleges however insist on 10+2+4. In both cases, a minimum work experience of two years is also required.

Graduate Management Aptitude Test is required for the MBA aspirants. The test assesses the verbal, analytical and mathematical skills of the candidate. The test is held in a Computer Adaptive Test (CAT) format and the candidate requires having the basic computer skills. Questions are displayed in the computer screen one at a time and system ‘adapts’ the level of the following questions based on the responses of the candidate. A score of 650 and above is considered excellent. The test is held in October, January, March and June all over the world and details on it are available in the test bulletin.

Selecting A College

Select at least eight colleges that match your requirements and goals. Out of these two should be your dream colleges – one which you have always wanted to be apart of. Select four colleges where you have 50-50 chances of getting admission. The last two choices will include sure bet colleges – where you have 100 per cent chances of getting in.

Identify about their programmes and recognize the biases and limitations of each. Focus on issues such as differences in curriculum, teaching approaches, placement, and financial aid.

The World Wide Web

All schools have a web presence. Look at each school's web site for information on programme types, selection criterion, eligibility, faculty, financial aid, etc. While some schools offer on-line applications for admission; others provide downloadable admissions materials from their web sites.

Accreditation

Most universities and degree awarding establishments are accredited or licensed by a Government or Government agency to offer degree programs and award degrees (eg through the powers of a Royal Charter in the UK). In many parts of the world independent accrediting organisations have been set up. Accredited colleges offer high academic quality and excellence. It is easier to transfer from accredited institutions and getting better job opportunities

Rankings

Remember rankings are not exhaustive listings-they do not examine all programmes options available. Some colleges, by virtue of small size, age, etc., may not be ranked. Remember to keep rankings in perspective. Read explanations of how data are gathered and reported. Statistics can be misinterpreted easily when taken out of context.

Study Abroad Counselors

Your decision to study abroad is a major one involving a lot of money and time. It will also influence your future career paths.A good consultant should help you identify your best personal strategy to gain admission and steer you towards the institutions best suited for you. Besides, they will help you write the essay and structure the recommendation letters which will ease your stress during this taxing time period.

Current Students and Alumni

Students and recent alumni are valuable sources of information about the culture and learning environment of a particular school. Students and alumni can provide useful anecdotal information about life at the college school. Ask the following questions:

How is the faculty?Did the programme meet your expectations?

Though students and alumni of a particular college are not expected to be authorities on application requirements, deadlines, or school policies they are still your sources of correct information.

Friends and Relatives

It is advisable to seek the opinions of professionals you trust and respect in the business world. Discuss your plans, not just your prospects of getting the degree, but your expectations once you graduate.

Human Resources Professionals

Contact HR professionals of particular companies (especially the ones you are interested in). Recruitment officers can be valuable sources of information. Describe your background and intentions for further studies and ask what advice they have for you and what qualifications they seek.

Financial Aid

Your decisions about studying in a particular college will depend on cost of education in that school and how expensive it is to stay there. The total cost for you to obtain a degree will vary from school to school .Consider availability of loans, scholarships, etc. Consider both direct and indirect costs. Direct costs are those associated with your enrolment in a graduate management program and fees that you normally pay directly to the school-i.e., tuition, fees, books, and school supplies. Indirect costs are those expenses incurred while attending business school, i.e., housing, utilities, food, personal expenses, transportation, and other living expenses.

Academics

Choose a college which has a wide variety of majors, its easier to switch fields or even opt for a dual major. Most colleges require a good academic record. Students with brilliant academic track record have a better chance of getting into the most competitive colleges. As for the standardized admission tests such as the TOEFL /GRE /GMAT /SAT and IELTS, your test scores must meet the average requirement of the college

Student Services

Here the focus should be on the international student office and the facilities provided by it. Facilities could include guidance in career planning, recruitment services, health care, recreation, campus security services and cafeteria facilities.

Location

choosing the state you would like to study in could depend on various factors like the climate, geographical features and relatives residing in that state. Remember that in a competitive application process, you must use your personal judgment to determine which schools are worth your investment of time and money.

Application Procedure

Application Form

Each programmed requires that you fill out their specific applications. By now, most colleges have made their application available on-line. If you choose not to download the application, you can call or write to the institution to have one mailed to you. Be sure that your application is impeccably neat. A messily filled out form reflects badly on you. You should type the various pieces of personal information on the page rather than writing them by hand.

Application Fee

When you apply to a university abroad you have to attach along with the application form other documentation like academic certificates, extra curricular activities, recommendation letter, grade transcripts, essays, statement of purpose, etc. To process all these documents the university asks for an application fee, which ranges between $50-150. You can send this money through a dollar draft.

The Essay

Most institutes will require you to submit an essay with your application. The essay is your opportunity to present a clear picture of yourself, providing the admissions committee with a good idea of your motivation, ability, and written communication skills, you should articulate how attributes of the school align with your abilities and interests. This will demonstrate that you have thoroughly researched their offerings and compared them to your interests.Remember that the admissions committee does not know you. Information about you that is obvious to you or your friends will not be obvious to admissions professionals.

Letters of Recommendation

Because colleges want to receive a consistent overall impression of the candidates they are considering, references are important in confirming or augmenting your credentials, strengths, and aspirations. When selecting individuals to write recommendations on your behalf, choose a good cross-section of people who can vouch for your dependability and who know about your plans for study. These people may include college principal, employers, colleagues, associates or peers.

Resume

Most applications ask you to include your resume or a summary of your work history. Most institutes seriously consider work history when making admissions decisions. Include information about any papers or articles you have published, awards, membership in professional societies, volunteer work, or anything else that can give an admissions committee a clear picture of you.

Standardized Test Scores

These include GMAT, GRE, SAT, TOEFL, IELTS.
Your scores in these tests are considered as predictors of academic performance in future years of study. Some schools require minimum scores. Many schools will consider your best score rather than your most recent score, but you should check with the individual school regarding their policy on multiple scores.

Grade Transcripts

Colleges require that you provide your undergraduate transcript along with your application. These are extended mark sheets that not only reflect your marks but also give extra information on the medium of instruction, grading system, number of hours per lecture, etc. You can apply for a grade transcript to the college you went to. Be sure that you request that your institution sends it in plenty of time to meet the application deadline.

Cost & Financial Aid

Here are some typical costs for living in Canada:

Taxes

Some provinces apply a provincial tax levy to goods and services. All provinces must apply the federal Goods & Services Tax (GST) of seven per cent to most purchases. As a visitor, a portion of the GST may be refunded to you upon your departure from Canada. There are restrictions that apply and you must provide original receipts. Contact Revenue Canada or your school for further information.

Note: On an average, an Indian student will need approximately Rs5lakhs per year for studying in Canada, depending upon your tuition fees and location

Types of Assistance

Merit based assistance is awarded in many forms, from tuition waivers, various types of assistantships, to fellowships. The most common are listed here:

1. Tuition Waiver: This means that the student does not have to pay the tuition fees at the university .A tuition waiver is frequently awarded in conjunction with a scholarship or teaching/research assistantship.

2. Assistantship: Most students who receive assistance do so in the form of an assistantship, i.e. is usually a cash stipend, sufficient for their living expenses, and/or tuition waiver, in return for which they have to work for a maximum of 20 hours per week which normally consists of teaching or other activities.

Who Should Apply?

Students will have a greater chance of getting financial aid if they:

1. Show evidence of a high level of academic achievement
    

2. Achieve high Standardized Examination scores (GMAT, TOEFL etc.)

3. Specialize in a field or have a research interest which parallels that of the department and faculty or private funding source (which increases opportunities for research assistantships and grants)

4. Have outstanding letter of recommendation and an impressive statement of purpose.

Very few international students get any kind of assistantships and most people get it after reaching there. So you have to arrange for funds for the first few semesters, at least till the time you can arrange something there.

Scholarship

There are limited scholarships available in Canada but they rarely cover the full cost of a study program and they are not always easy to find. Scholarships to international students are available at some Canadian institutions for students with exceptional results.

Types of Scholarships

The Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan

the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan enables Commonwealth students of high intellectual promise to pursue studies in Commonwealth countries. Awards comprise of travel, a living allowance, and all compulsory tuition fees.

Ontario Graduate Scholarship Programmed

Ontario Graduate Scholarship Programmed scholarships are available to graduate students in a wide variety of disciplines. Students must have been accepted to an Ontario university, and obtained a valid student authorization.

Quebec Provincial Government Scholarships

Quebec Provincial Government Scholarships are available to those studying in Quebec. Teaching/ Research Assistantships are assessed in the general application. Financial assistance is frequently available to students studying at the master’s level and above, the amount of funding is likely to increase with the level of study.

Student Visa

Depending on your country of origin and the type and length of study, you may require:

• a visa

• a student authorization

• both a student authorization and visa

• or, none of the above
   

The type of documentation required depends on your country of origin, the programmed you are taking, and the length of your study:

• Language studies of under three months:
  No student authorization is required

• All other programs require a student authorization

A step-by-step guide to obtaining a student authorization:

1. Pick up student authorization forms

you may obtain student authorization forms in your country of origin at the Canadian Embassy, High Commission or Canadian Education Centre. Applications and documentation must then be submitted to the nearest visa office.

2. Gather the necessary documents

it is crucial that students submit ALL documentation requested with their applications. Missing documentation will delay the authorization process. The following documentation must be included in student authorization applications:

1. Proof of identity. This includes photocopies of a valid passport or travel document or identity document that guarantees re-entry to the country that issued it; and four recent passport-size photos (2" x 2.5") for each family individual, with the full name and date of birth recorded on the back of each photo. Visa officers may also wish to see the actual passport or travel document and will inform you if this is the case.

2. Proof of financial support that shows you will have enough money during your stay in Canada to cover tuition fees, return transportation and $10,000 CDN per annum for living expenses. Documentation for this requirement could be proof of a Canadian bank account or a bank draft in convertible currency, bank statements for the past four to six months, or proof of payment of tuition and residence fees. (As a guideline, $10,000 CDN plus to tuition fees per academic year are generally viewed as sufficient.)

3. A medical examination in your country of origin. Medical exams are required if your stay is longer than six months. Please note that medical processing will add several weeks to the time necessary to obtain a student authorization. In some cases, you may need a medical examination even though your course is less than six months in duration. In these instances, a visa officer will determine whether you will require a medical examination and will send you the appropriate medical forms and instructions.

4. Proof of acceptance by an approved educational institution. The following information must be included in letters of acceptance: name, date of birth, mailing address of student; the course for which the student has been accepted; the estimated duration or date of completion of the course; the date on which the course begins; the last date on which the student must register for the course; the academic year which the student will be entering; whether the course is full or part-time; the tuition fee; any conditions related to acceptance; clear identification of the educational institution; and licensing information for private institutions. This letter must be signed by an authorized representative of the institution.

5. If you are a minor (typically less than 18 years but this can vary from province to province), proof of custodianship in Canada is required. You must provide a notarized declaration signed by your parent or legal guardian in the country of origin AND a notarized declaration signed by the custodian in Canada stating that adequate arrangements have been made for the custodian in Canada to act in place of a parent in times of emergency, such as when medical attention or intervention is required.

3. Visit the Visa Office

Once you have completed the application forms and have gathered the necessary documentation, proceed to the visa office nearest to you and submit the forms and required information along with a student authorization fee. When reviewing your student authorization application, a visa officer must be satisfied that you meet the requirements of the Canadian Immigration Act and Regulations and that you will only be in Canada temporarily. Once the visa officer is satisfied that you are a "bona fide" student and all statutory requirements are met, you will be issued a document which must be shown to an immigration officer at the port of entry in Canada in order to obtain a student authorization.

Work While you Study

Full-time students registered in a degree or diploma-granting course are allowed to work on the campus of the institution at which they are registered without the need for an employment authorization. This includes on-campus employment for graduate, teaching or research assistants.

Spouses of full-time students are eligible for open or open/restricted employment authorizations, depending on medical requirements having been met.

Students whose intended employment forms an integral part of their course of study such as undergraduate co-op programs, some programs offered by career colleges or language schools and some high school programs.

Study MBA

Eligibility

Application Procedure

Application Forms

Send enquiries at least 15 to 18 months before the proposed date of admission. There are two ways to get application forms.

Requesting Application Forms via email: You can request application forms from the universities website. Most universities have a form on their website which can be completed online to request application material.

Downloading from the university website: Many universities have a downloadable and ready to print versions of their application forms on the net. These can be used for applying just as regular forms.

Requesting Applications from CEC in Delhi :You can get application forms for all the universities from Canadian Education Centre in New Delhi. You can either visit them personally or email them for the forms.

Application Requirements

1. Academic Records & Transcripts

Your past academic record is one of the most important deciding factors in securing admission to a college abroad. Most schools require you to have a reasonably good academic record especially for programs and courses offering a master’s or doctoral degree. Each university has its own minimum requirement for its programs, which are flexible depending on the candidate’s profile.

Universities in Canada have their own marking and evaluation systems, which are considerably different from the Indian system. It is advisable not to convert your marks in the Indian system of grading to the Canadian Grade Point Average system or any other system since the conversion may not be accurate. You may attach an explanatory note from your college to indicate your rank in your class and/or university. The letter may also indicate your place as compared to the class and the university average and the number of students in the class and the number of colleges and students in the university. You may also provide any other information or documents that you feel may help you in the admission process.

Students applying for Graduate courses (MBA, MS etc) are required to submit an official transcript (mark-sheets) from each college or university that they have attended after secondary school with complete details of the subjects/credits involved (for each year) and other details like correspondence courses, diplomas etc. Most universities ask for the transcript (mark-sheets) to be sealed in an envelope and signed and attested across the seal by the registrar. This procedure is to be done for each and every college that you have attended. Some universities may ask for more than one copy of the transcript.
If the transcripts are in a language other than English, then they must be translated into English only by the issuing authority or university otherwise it may not be accepted.

2. Standardized Admission Tests

GMAT: This score is required by most universities and the minimum required ranges from 500 in some to 600 in the top universities.

TOEFL: This test is mandatory for International students applying to a Graduate course or University in Canada. The minimum score required by most universities for admission ranges from 550 to 600 (Paper-based test) and 213 to 250 (Computer-based test).

Note:Many universities in Canda have their own English proficiency tests. These tests are conducted in India by CEC. For more information, check out the websites of the universities that you are interested in.

3. Work History

Most MBA programs in Canada require at least two to three years’ work experience.
A detailed Résumé is an important part of your application. It should include all information of professional work experience along with details like position(s) held, achievements and scope of work.

4. Letters of Recommendation

A recommendation letter is a signed statement from a person who knows you well professionally or has taught you in a subject that is related to the course you are applying to .
The author or teacher must indicate his position, how long he/she has known the applicant and in what capacity. He/she should briefly discuss the need, importance and usefulness of the study the applicant proposes to undertake. Students should obtain letters of recommendation (often on the prescribed forms sent by the institutions) from teachers who know them as a person as well as a student. You may like to request your author to give concrete examples that show your qualities, strengths etc. to help your case.

Note : Even if not mentioned, it is advisable to include a letter of recommendation in your applications as it increases your chances of getting admissions.

5. Essays

The personal essays, play a very important role in the process of evaluating your application for admission because it gives the faculty assessing your application their most significant impression of you as an individual. This section is the key to distinguish your application from other suitable candidates and a chance to market yourself.

A personal statement should include your reasons for choosing the MBA program, the suitability of your education and experience, your personal interests and career goals.Most Business schools have their own essay questions and format. Others may ask for a résumé or reasons for applying to that particular course.

Post-MBA Employment

Immigration rules in Canada are quiet easy. Many people apply for immigration for work and get the permission. So, if you have studied in a Canadian Institute and if you are any good, you should most likely be able to manage a job and a permit for work. Of course it will depend upon your own abilities and skills to get a good job.

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