Preparing for your future can be both a scary and exciting stage of your life. There are so many options and avenues to choose from! To broaden their horizons and experience something new, many students opt to study abroad. Out of all the many choices available to students, Canada comes out on top. In fact, the number of international students has risen dramatically over the last few years. Why the sudden infatuation with Canada and its maple leaf? Here are 5 good reasons to choose Canada for your studies.

You’ll learn with the best and brightest: Canada is recognized worldwide for its outstanding quality of education—from elementary school to post-secondary studies. Universities from Canada have a long history and reputation in terms of academic performance and high graduate employability rate. In fact, many of the Canadian higher educational institutions compete with leading and famous universities from the U.S. and the UK for instance. Canadian educators are highly trained and bring diverse perspectives to the classroom. The Canadian educational system encourages cross-disciplinary studies and the development of transferable skills (e.g., critical thinking, teamwork and communications) and uses cutting-edge technology and digital media. At the university level, 2 out of every 5 academics hold at least one international degree. Canada has 11 of the top 250 universities worldwide. 

Universities focus on research and many praise their ground-breaking discoveries: Most study programs delivered by Canadian universities focus a lot on research and students get to engage in intriguing experiments and projects, meant to provide them a complete study experience, based on innovation and forward thinking. A significant part of the research work that has been made in universities from Canada has led to interesting new theories and distinguished discoveries. Some examples include a device meant to improve cancer detection, new methods meant to protect the world’ oceans, effective and sustained treatment of HIV/AIDS and more. Interestingly enough, the first ever black doctor studied in Canada, and insulin was also discovered by Banting and Best while studying in a university from Toronto.

Live in a safe country with a high quality of life: Canada is one of the safest countries in the world, with a low crime rate. In terms of social progress and development, according to Global News, Canada was ranked the second country in the world with the highest quality of life. According to QS World University Rankings, three Canadian cities, Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver, made the list of the top 50 student cities. The ranking was based on several criteria, including affordability, the diversity of the student population, and employers’ perception of graduates on the job market. Canada boasts an enviable quality of life, with a cost of living (e.g., housing, transportation, tuition) that is lower than in other countries, such as the US, France and the UK, and offers safety, stability and respect for the rights of individuals and communities.

Ride Canada’s tech wave: The telecommunications, digital media, video game, biotech and aeronautical engineering industries are particularly strong in Canada. In addition, Canada was the first country to link its schools and libraries to the Internet through its innovative SchoolNet program. It is therefore not surprising that nearly 90% of Canadian households are connected to the Internet. In fact, according to a study by the Canadian Internet Registration Authority (CIRA), Canadians rank 2nd in the world for the average number of hours spent online per user (41.3 hours per month). Among G8 countries, Canada takes 2nd place in terms of Internet penetration rates. Moreover, Wi-Fi is accessible virtually anywhere in the country. For example, Montreal has launched an initiative to provide free Wi-Fi across the city. This will make it easy to stay in touch with your family and friends!

Discover the country’s natural beauty during study period: Adventure awaits you in Canada! One of the greatest things about studying in Canada is the opportunity to experience a climate, culture and way of life that is beyond compare. From seeing the vibrant colours of autumn leaves to the soft sounds of snowshoeing through the forest, each season and place has so much to offer. It offers a multitude of magnificent landscapes that can be explored throughout the country’s four distinct seasons. Many Canadians complain about the country’s harsh winters, but the cold season provides an opportunity for dedicated skiers and ice skaters to practice their sport in majestic surroundings. Here are just some of the most scenic places to visit: the pristine beaches of Prince Edward Island and the Percé Rock of the Gaspé in Quebec, the fascinating Rockies and Lake Louise in Alberta, Niagara Falls in Ontario, Jasper National Park also in Alberta and Whistler Mountain in British Columbia. From the sea to its mountains, prairies and forests, Canada is an endless source of natural beauty!
 

Sources:
www.educanada.ca
www.studycanada.ca

Documents Checklist for Canada

Entry Requirements:
•    Academic Documents
•    Passport/MRP Copy
•    IELTS Score Sheet
1.    Minimum 6.0 – 6.5 IELTS Score for Diploma (L5 & 6)  Programmes
2.    Minimum 6.5 – 7.0 IELTS Score For Bachelors or (L7) Programmes
3.    Minimum 7.0 for Bachelor of Nursing and many Masters (L8 & Above) Programs
4.    Institutions application fees ranging from CAD$50 to CA$350 or above
•    Consultancy Registration Fee for Documentation and Offer Letter

Visa Checklists
Forms and Other Supporting Documents:
•    Apply for your Student Visa online: (www.canada.ca/en/services/immigration-citizenship.html)
•    Family Information (IMM 5707), Use of Representative (IMM 5476) & Minor Child (IMM5646)
•    Authority to release personal information to a designated individual (IMM5475)
•    Acceptable offer of place from a Canadian designated learning institute
•    Statement of Purpose (SOP)
•    University/College Application Form for Admission

Financial Documents:
•    Education Loan or Bank Balance Certificate and Statement from Nepal SBI Bank/ Nabil Bank  or A-Rated Banks of Nepal (Bank Balance and Bank Certificate must be 3-6 months old)
•    Bank balance amount or education loan amount should cover minimum 1 year of tuition fees, 1 year of living expenses and travel expenses (For example: 15000+12000+2000=CA$29000)
•    Evidence of income of parents and sponsor (salary, house rent and business income)
•    Business Registration Certificate and Audit Report (applicable for any Business income)
•    Property Valuation
•    Tax Clearance Certificate
•    CA report/Certificate or Annual Income Verification Report
•    Police Report

Other Essential Documents:
•    Relationship Certificate with Sponsor
•    Birth Certificate/Citizenship certificate and Marriage Certificate (If applicable)
•    Land Revenue/Land Ownership Certificates
•    Affidavit of Support from Sponsors & Affidavit of Understanding by Student
•    Employment History if any Gap more than One Year

Visa Application Fee:
•    Visa fee amount (Please check website or with us for recent visa fees amount)
•    Please check VFS Global website for demand draft amount).

NB: Please translate documents in English language if they are in Nepali Language and notarize all the visa documents. We advise you to visit Canadian Immigration and Citizenship website for authentic, and updated visa rules and regulations.
 

SOP Guidelines:

As the name says, “Statement of Purpose (SOP) is a statement or essay about your main purpose of applying to a university or a college abroad.” When applying to study at a university or a college abroad, one of the most important pieces of a strong application is your Statement of Purpose. A Statement of Purpose is a short essay that highlights your educational background, achievements, and goals. 

Most importantly, a good well-crafted SOP brings your chance to impress the admission committee by presenting your profile through an essay. The committee wants to see whether you take an interest in letting them know how much you want to study at their university or college. Below are the important guidelines for drafting a SOP for overseas universities in the USA, UK, Australia, NZ and Canada: 

1.   Start your SOP with a brief introduction stating your full name, date of birth, nationality and where you are currently living. You must also include the name of the course and institution where you intend to study and identify who will sponsor or finance your studies in Australia or other chosen destination. 

2.  Provide brief details of your education history – from Year 10 and 12 equivalent qualifications to your highest qualification.

3.  If applicable, describe your employment history including the name of the company, job title and the duration of each job you have held. 

4.  State how your selected course is linked to your previous study and/or work experience. If there is no link, explain why you are seeking a change of discipline and therefore a career change. 

5.  Describe the specific research you conducted which led you to decide on your selected course (Compare your University with other Universities). You must state the reasons on why you have chosen the selected course of study and why you have chosen to study at your University. You must include the full title and duration of the course and the specific location or campus at where this course is being offered. You should also be able to identify the career opportunities or professional recognition aligned with the course that you are intending to study.

6.  If there are similar courses of the same international standing available in your home country, provide reasons on why you choose to study in Australia or USA or UK instead.

7.   Provide reasons why you chose Australia or your chosen study destination rather than other countries like USA, Canada, New Zealand and European.

8.   If you have dependents (spouse and children), please provide their names and age. Also indicate if they plan to accompany you or join you later or remain in your home country whilst you study in abroad

9.   Explain how this course will benefit you in your future career prospects back in your home country or in other international settings where employment opportunities may be available for you. (It would be better if you mention name of companies or organizations, positions, and salary ranges).

10.  Provide clear and compelling reasons for returning to your home country once you successfully complete your selected course in your study destination. In this section, you must be able to show your genuine intention to temporarily stay in that country as a student and how you implement knowledge, skills and experience that you gained from the respective country and university after studies in your future career path.

11.   Concluding paragraph must be the summary of your essay or SOP. 

Sample Interview Questions

Below are the sample common questions for all countries and education providers. Every country, university and college has their own specific interview criteria. Interview questions may vary according to the profile of students. Please consult with us for specific country, university and college interview guidelines. 

1.    What is your passport no.?
2.    What is your date of birth?
3.    When did you complete your SLC or SEE or 10+2 or Bachelors or Masters?
4.    What did you study in your SEE or 10+2 or Bachelors or Masters?
5.    What is the definition of Physics or Chemistry or Accountancy?
6.    Why do you want to go to abroad?
7.    Why don’t you want to continue your education in Nepal or home country?
8.    Which university or college are you going to apply? 
9.    Why do you want to study in the particular college/university? 
10.    Does the university/college provide any internship facility? 
11.    How did you know about the college/university? 
12.    Why not other universities or colleges available in your chosen city or state? 
13.    Which course are you going to study and why this particular course?
14.    What is the course start date and course end date? 
15.    What is the tuition fee of the course, length of the course, credit hours and intakes?
16.    Have you visited the website of your college/university?
17.    What information can you find in the website?
18.    What will be your course outcome?
19.    What will you learn during your study period?
20.    How can you convert whatever you have learnt in terms of your future career?
21.    How can you justify your time and money which you are going to invest for your higher education in abroad?
22.    What will you do after you return back to your home country? 
23.    Which companies/organizations can you join? 
24.    How can you contribute to your own country?
25.    Do you have your relatives or close family members in aborad?

       About your finance:

26.  Who will be your sponsors?
27.  What do they do? How much do they earn? 
28.  If you have an educational loan then how will your parents pay EMI or repay education loan amount?

     Important note: 

•    Please research as much possible as you can and do not forget that your interview is the gateway of your admission as well as positive visa outcome 
•    Visit the college or university website carefully and get to know each and every details minutely
•  Visit the immigration website of respective country and know the visa application process, rules and regulations, and laws for international students

Important Resources for Research

www.cic.gc.ca
www.canada.ca
www.vfsglobal.ca
www.educanada.ca
www.studycanada.ca