Study
Since the mid-2000s, the number of international students in Canada has steadily increased, reaching 402,427 in 2019.
According to Statistics Canada data, the number of international students increased dramatically to 445,776 in 2021, surpassing pre-pandemic levels despite a drop to 256,740 in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Canada’s educational institutions rank among the top in the Group of 7 (G7) and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).
International students can work for over 20 hours per week effective February 2023-2025:
The reasons for this temporary measure is to address labour shortages.
Benefits of Studying in Canada
Canada is known for providing high-quality education, research, and scientific innovations, from elementary to post-secondary studies, which explains why it is the most attractive destination for international students to build a successful career.
In Canada, international students will find a high quality of life and peaceful society, and enjoy the same rights and liberties enjoyed by Canadians, including respect for fundamental human rights and equal protection of the law.
When you use your internationally recognized Canadian skills and experience to build your career, you will receive a good return on your investment.
Whether you choose to stay in Canada or return home, your Canadian education and network will help you prepare for your future.
Financial aid, bursaries and job opportunities are available in Canada to support you while studying. Many programs also provide Co-op Work placements or internships.
Co-op, also known as co-operative education, combines your school studies with an official paid or unpaid work term. You gain valuable experience in a field of interest while earning your degree or diploma.
International students are eligible to work while studying and can obtain a Post-Graduation Work Permit after completing their program.
International students can become permanent residents after completing a post-secondary education while maintaining a legal status.
As an international student, your spouse or common-law partner may be eligible for an Open Work Permit (work visa), or your accompanying spouse or common-law partner and dependants may be eligible for Open Work Permit.
Who Can Apply for a Canadian Student Study Permit (Student Visa)?
There are two main processes involved in obtaining a Canadian Study Permit (Student Visa);
- Acceptance into a Designated Learning Institution
- Application for Study Authorization (Student Visa)
Acceptance into Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
The first most important step to becoming an international student is to apply and be accepted into a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
A DLI is an institution which has been granted the authority to grant degrees, diploma, and other certifications by a provincial or territorial government. In Canada, provincial and territorial governments oversee education.
There are thousands of public and private colleges and institutes in Canada and are accredited public colleges and Universities.
Colleges, Universities, and institutes provide a variety of career-oriented programs in a wide range of
The first most important step to becoming an international student is to apply and be accepted into a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
A DLI is an institution which has been granted the authority to grant degrees, diploma, and other certifications by a provincial or territorial government. In Canada, provincial and territorial governments oversee education.
There are thousands of public and private colleges and institutes in Canada and are accredited public colleges and Universities.
Colleges, Universities, and institutes provide a variety of career-oriented programs in a wide range of professional, research, innovation and technical fields, such as business, health, applied arts, technology, and social services.
These public institutions offer more than 20, 000 programs at all levels and in all disciplines including:
professional, research, innovation and technical fields, such as business, health, applied arts, technology, and social services.
These public institutions offer more than 20, 000 programs at all levels and in all disciplines including:
- Undergraduate and post-graduate studies
- Professional Certifications
- Advanced Diploma and Diploma programs
- Pathway programs and Certificate Courses
- Short Career-Oriented Programs
As an international student, you may have the opportunity to switch between types and levels of education without encountering roadblocks that are common in other parts of the world.
University degrees in Canada are equivalent to those in the United States and other Commonwealth countries such as Australia and the United Kingdom, and include bachelor, master, and doctorate (PhD) degrees.
Most Canadian post-secondary institutions have three intake periods in year. The academic cycle starts from September (Fall) to April (Spring). Students may enrol in the summer/spring term (May-August) if their program of choice offers courses during that period.
FALL
September-December
Winter
January- April
spring/summer
May-August
Prospective international students should keep keep in mind the intake periods including deadlines and processing times for Canadian student visas so that they can plan for the intended date to come to Canada.
Post-secondary institutions have varied entry requirements and their own admission standards to assess the qualifications of each applicant.
For example, if you are from a non-English speaking country or if English is not your first language, you may be required to provide proof that meets the Canadian Language Benchmark, such as by taking one of the following approved tests;
Teaching of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
Canadian Academic English Language Test (CAEL)
The Parson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic)
How AICI Assists International Students to Gain Admission into Canadian Institutions
AICI provides comprehensive admissions support services as well as detailed information on Canadian certificate, diploma, undergraduate, and graduate programs, and application processes.
Working with AICI increases your chances of admission to the best colleges and universities in Canada by five times. AICI leaves no stone unturned in ensuring that your application stands out above the crowd, from university and college selection strategy to the selection of rewarding programs and application preparation -including advise on statement of purpose/intent if applicable, what to include or exclude in your essays and profile.
