The graphic below, produced by the Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials, shows which educational pathways are available to students in various regions of Canada.

All school boards/districts/divisions across Canada offer educational programs for children aged five to 17–18 years old. The levels range from Kindergarten to grade 11 (in Quebec) or grade 12. However, school structures and grade groupings vary throughout Canada’s provinces:

• Elementary schools instruct students from kindergarten or grades 1 to grades 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8.
• Middle schools typically enrol students in grades 5, 6, 7 and 8; however, the specific grades offered may vary by school and region.
• Junior high schools include grades 7, 8, and sometimes 9, offering a transition for students from elementary to high school.
• Secondary schools (frequently also referred to as high schools) begin with grades 8, 9, or 10 to 12, except for Quebec, where high school includes grades 7 to 11. Where offered, students may enrol in the International Baccalaureate Program or take Advanced Placement (AP) courses. It is also becoming increasingly popular for public schools to offer elite athletic and arts academy programs. 

The typical school day includes five to six hours of class time, except for kindergarten, which is half-day in some regions. The school year runs from September to June although some schools also offer a program year-round.

International students can expect to pay between $9,500 to $17,000 in tuition a year to study at the public elementary or secondary levels in Canada. Private or independent schools may have a higher tuition, particularly if they offer a low student-teacher ratio or enhanced/specialised learning opportunities. Tuition and boarding fees for K-12 private or independent schools in Canada, for example, range from $45,500 to $65,000.

Individual institutions establish their own admission policies and requirements for academic and language preparation. Once a student completes the graduation requirements in their last year of secondary school, they can apply for admission to a post-secondary institution. Students should verify the admission requirements, including language proficiency, of each post-secondary institution they wish to apply to.

Following secondary school completion, students have various options for study:

• They can choose from colleges, universities, or technical institutes.
• They can choose to take diploma or certificate courses, or full degree programs.
• They can begin in one program or type of post-secondary institution, and then transfer to another as their interests and goals evolve.

Canada is a well-educated nation at the post-secondary level. The proportion of Canadians aged 25 to 64 with a post-secondary degree or diploma is 54%, the highest in the OECD. Graduate degrees from Canadian universities, including masters and doctoral degrees, are highly regarded internationally and generally offer competitive tuition fees.

University and college semesters generally run as follows:

• First semester: early September to mid-December
• Holiday break: mid-December to early January
• Second semester: early January to early May
• Summer holidays/Summer courses: May to August

What Is a Study Pathway?

A study pathway is the study plan the student will follow—as it relates to the institution(s) and degree(s), diploma(s), and certificate(s) they will use to gain the credentials and experience required for their desired career.

It is the agent’s responsibility to advise students on which study pathways are available to them and what these pathways will result in when it comes to an ultimate degree or other credential.

A study pathway could include only one institution, degree and/or program, or it could include more than one, depending on the student’s ultimate goal and situation and what the institution(s) offer.

Traditionally, students wanting full degrees in Canada have begun their post-secondary studies at universities with undergraduate degrees—bachelor’s—that generally requires three to four years when undertaken on a full-time basis. They could then choose, either immediately upon successful completion of their “undergrad” degree or after working for a period of time, to progress to graduate degrees—master’s and possibly then the highest level, doctoral—or to degrees in law or medicine (both of which require some level of prior undergraduate study), with admission contingent on high enough grades and/or other program-specific criteria.

While this traditional model is still followed by many students in Canada, there are now other study pathways and programs to choose from as a result of Canada’s quick adaptation to the changing skills demanded by a globalized, increasingly sophisticated labour market. For example:

• Certain colleges offer undergraduate degrees as well as practical degrees or diplomas.
• It is now quite common for students to begin an undergraduate degree at a college, or polytechnic institution and then finish it at a university depending on their program of interest (please see text box on University Transfer Programs).
• After graduating from a university program, it is becoming more common for students to complement their university degree with a separate college degree or diploma.

While at first glance, this may sound confusing, there’s a better way of looking at it: there is now a great deal of flexibility within the Canadian post-secondary system, with colleges, polytechnics, and universities increasingly cooperating to give students the exact education they need for their chosen careers. Students can compose their own education, for example:

• They could choose to take a full degree from one institution (college, polytechnic, or university).
• They could choose to start their degree at one institution and then finish it at another (again, please see University Transfer Programs).
• They could complete a full degree at one institution and then add on to it with a diploma or certificate from another institution designed to give them more specific and/or practical skills.
• They could choose to take a diploma or certificate (or several, depending on the skills they wanted and the requirements of their desired job) rather than a degree.

Program searches should therefore include a broad range of institutions to ensure all possibilities are covered. It will be important to speak with specific institutions of interest to see what kind of study pathways are available to the student as they relate to the program of interest (e.g., opportunities for joint programs, cooperative education, internships, etc.) Cooperative education, or “co-op,” allows students to gain academic credit for hands-on work experience related to their program of study.

When conducting a program search, refer to the searchable database of Canadian study programs available on the EduCanada website.

University Transfer Programs

Many colleges and polytechnics have agreements with universities whereby certain courses are transferable and will be recognized by the university as counting toward a university degree.

These transfer programs are increasingly popular because they allow students to take the first one or two years of a typical four-year university degree at a college, before transferring to complete the final two years of the degree at university.

Why would a student want to do that? Colleges often offer smaller class sizes, greater access to instructors, competitive tuition fees, and a more personal atmosphere. This is very important for international students—many international students find beginning studies at a college to be a very comfortable, supportive option before they move on to a university, if a university degree is their goal. This way, they get the best of both worlds—the benefits of a college education and a university education.

University transfer programs across Canada include Business, Commerce, Journalism, Arts, Education, Engineering, Science, and Computer Science … and many more.

There are also some colleges and universities that offer joint diplomas and degrees, including agreements with other international institutions. The only way for agents to know about such arrangements is to find out directly from the institution/program, once they are very familiar with a college or university’s offerings.

Why Is the Flexibility in the Canadian Post-Secondary System Good for Students and Agents?

Simple: it’s about choice. Agents can provide students intending to study in Canada with a wide and exciting range of study pathways to choose from—they can help the student come up with a targeted plan that best suits their goals and situation. Post-secondary institutions in Canada will be more than happy to answer agents’ questions related to study pathways to ensure that students pick a course of study that will provide them with the education they need to be successful.

In the Canadian post-secondary system, students do not have to choose between an academic education and a practical, experience-based one. They can have both if they like thanks to the flexibility of the system and the cooperation not only of colleges, polytechnics, and universities but also of industry. In many programs of study, students can do research or complete a co-op within the industry they wish to enter upon graduation. This is especially valuable for students seeking work in Canada after graduation and, possibly, to be permanent residents.

In addition, the Canadian system is flexible when it comes to students’ unique situations. Some students may have limited financial resources; others will need to improve their language skills; others still may need to upgrade their grades or pre-requisites to get into a program of choice, which, in certain cases, can be done through Canadian-based distance education programs before the student even steps foot in Canada. For all these circumstances and more, there are options within the Canadian system to help international students complete their desired study program.

A Note About Language Education (ESL or FSL)

Language programs are often the very first stop for international students in Canada. Language schools—or language-instruction courses delivered by a college or university alongside or before other studies—help students master the communication skills of their language of choice (mostly English or French). These courses can provide the help international students need to gain entry to a college or university and to be successful once there. Kindly note that students need a study permit to attend a long-term language program in Canada that lasts longer than 6 months.

Language education for international students can be delivered by language schools (specializing only in language education) or via an English-language or French-language program within a college or university. Colleges and universities may also partner with a language school to streamline the entry process for international students. In this scenario, the international student who has completed their program in the partner language school and passed necessary performance tests is considered acceptable, in terms of language proficiency, for entry into the university or college for academic/specialised studies.

Elementary and Secondary School (K-12) Education

Five Essential Points to Convey to Students and Parents

• International students not only receive excellent education in the K-12 grades, but also caring and supportive environments to live in, such as homestay with a Canadian family or boarding, primarily at private/independent schools.
• Approximately 95% of Canadian students attend public schools in Canada, but there are also excellent private and independent school options.
• Courses are taught in English, French, or a school may offer an immersion program in another language.
• At the higher grades (10-12), core courses required for graduation ensure subject-specific curriculum standards are met, while optional courses enable students to explore interests and expand their knowledge in preferred subjects.
• School communities are diverse with students of many different ethnicities, religions, and orientations, and students are encouraged to be global citizens and value tolerance and embrace and respect differences.

 Overview

As early as elementary school, children from around the globe attend Canada’s K-12 schools. Each year, more than 45,000 international students choose to study in public, private, and independent schools across Canada. For good reason: students benefit from a world-class learning environment while living in supportive, caring accommodations in safe communities.

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Did you know?

• K-12 students in Canada not only learn academics but also how to be active global citizens.
• Many secondary/high school programs also welcome international students for short-term and/or summer programs.

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It is very important for the agent to convey to students’ families that they will not only benefit from an excellent, standardized education in Canada but extensive social support and safe, well-monitored living arrangements as well.

In addition, international students can participate in a full range of extra-curricular activities, and clubs and are encouraged to become involved in the community.

Embracing diversity, cross-cultural collaboration, respect, and tolerance is highly valued in Canadian society, and this is fully reflected in educational programs and within the classroom experience.

Whether families choose an accredited boarding school or a homestay program with a supportive, carefully selected Canadian family, they should be assured that their child will receive the attention and guidance needed to succeed in every way.

Understanding the Options

Within the Canadian K-12 education landscape:

• Public schools are funded and accredited by their respective provincial government, follow a provincial curriculum, and are overseen by a Board of Trustees elected by the community. Public schools are organised into what is referred to as school districts, school boards, or school divisions — that is, groups of public/government schools in a particular city or region.
• Private schools operate according to the regulatory environment in each province or territory. The legal status of private schools varies across Canada as each province or territory is responsible for the regulatory environment of schools in its jurisdiction. Most provinces and territories require private schools to be registered with their ministries of education, and must meet the curriculum and other standards set by their respective ministries; however, they may operate differently. In Ontario, for example, private schools operate independently without any oversight by the Ministry of Education. However, if a private school wishes to offer credits toward a secondary school graduation diploma they are inspected to determine whether the standard of instruction in credit courses meets ministry requirements.
• Independent schools are usually non-profit organizations, funded by annual tuition fees and operate under the leadership of a Head of School, that reports to a Board of Directors. Independent schools are accredited by their respective provincial ministries of education.

Courses are taught in English, French, or another language, depending on the school and its location, while still others offer immersion programs in various languages.

When choosing between the options, there are a variety of factors to consider: cost (which can vary substantially between the types of schools), curriculum and extra-curricular activities, geography/environment (large urban cities, suburban, or rural communities), specialised programs, or academies.

Unlike in some other countries, 95% of Canadian parents choose to enrol their children in public schools for an excellent quality of education. Public schools in Canada:

• Are provincially accredited;
• Follow a provincially approved standard curriculum;
• Employ government-certified teachers;
• May offer faith-based education (e.g. Catholic schools) in the provinces of Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Ontario;
• May offer many specialised academic programs, fine arts, and athletic academies.

Independent and private schools offering a Canadian curriculum often also offer enriched or specialised programs, such as:

• Single-gender education (e.g., all-boys or all-girls schools);
• A religious affiliation (e.g., a Catholic school);
• A curriculum of the United Kingdom, France, or other international designation;
• Arts, sports, or other focus.

They may also be known for small class sizes, enriched teaching resources, or comprehensive boarding facilities. For reasons like these, they can be more expensive than public schools in Canada.

Curriculum

Education in Canada is very learner-centred with a focus on student success, offering support for language development, adaptive learning techniques, and manageable class sizes.

Standard core academic courses across all school types include:

• English, French, or both
• Mathematics
• Social studies
• Science
• Computer studies (not compulsory in all provinces)
• Physical education (not compulsory in higher grades)
• Art (not compulsory in all provinces)

As students progress through grade levels, they can choose from specialised optional courses sometimes referred to as “options” or “electives” according to their interests, such as:

• Various foreign languages
• History and geography
• Chemistry, physics, and biology
• Art, music, dance, and photography
• Drama, film studies, and cosmetology
• Business courses, such as marketing, accounting, or tourism
• Computer programming, animation, and graphic design
• Wood and metal working, and automotive
• Culinary arts

Courses offered will vary by school. A wide range of team sports, clubs and other extra-curricular activities are also offered in all schools.

*While the education system of one province will be similar to that of another province in many ways, it will have its own curriculum and guidelines to reflect the culture and history of its region.

Homestay

Homestay refers to an international student living with a local Canadian family while studying in Canada. This is often one of the most memorable aspects of an international student’s experience. Being able to answer the questions an international student’s family will have about their child’s living arrangement is as important as knowing about the educational part of their study abroad experience.

International students living in homestay truly become a part of their Canadian host family and will be:

• Integrated into all aspects of family life;
• Fully immersed in the local culture;
• Practising listening and speaking with native English and/or French speakers;
• Cared for, supervised, and supported in all aspects of school/home life;
• Provided with a private bedroom and three meals daily.

Canadian host families are well-screened. If qualified and selected, they are then eligible to be carefully matched with an international student. A home visit is conducted, the family is interviewed and reference checked, and a police/criminal background check is completed for all adults living in the home.

It is standard policy that only international students of different language/cultural backgrounds will live with the same host family.

The cost of homestay will vary in accordance with the cost of living in the region.

A Homestay Coordinator will be available 24 hours per day, seven days per week to address any questions or concerns that arise.

For specific details on the homestay options, the agent will have to liaise closely with the school the international student’s family is considering.

A few Canadian public school boards/divisions and more commonly independent or private schools offer international students the option to live in a boarding (dormitory) environment.

Associations Involved in International Education in the K-12 Sector

The Canadian Association of Public Schools-International (CAPS-I) is committed to advocacy and promotion of international education programs in Canadian public schools.

CAPS-I member schools believe:

• International students provide a complementary, enriching experience to the Canadian multicultural mosaic.
• International initiatives provide Canadian staff and students with opportunities that will enable them to thrive in increasingly globalised environments.
• The multinational relationships developed through international programs will result in long-term benefits for Canada and all involved.

There are currently 124 public school boards across Canada that are members of CAPS-I. International students can choose to study for a full academic year (10 months), one semester (five months) or a shorter-term language/culture immersion program during the regular school year or in a summer camp format. 

CAPS-I schools:

• Strive to balance the diversity of their international student populations;
• Hire knowledgeable and supportive staff to assist international students and ensure they are registered for appropriate courses suited to their language ability, interests, and goals;
• Offer competitively priced fees for tuition, accommodation, and health insurance ranging from $18,000-$29,000 CAD per year;
• Provide carefully screened and selected host families that are welcoming, and supportive and that provide an opportunity for students to further develop conversational English or French skills;
• All work with agency representatives in a wide variety of markets around the globe.

CAPS-I staff regularly assist agents in finding the appropriate program/destination to meet the specific needs of a student. CAPS-I publishes a guidebook and map poster resources each year, as well as has a very user-friendly, interactive website and a YouTube channel featuring dozens of student testimonial videos and living and studying in Canadian public schools.

Agents specialising in Canada as a destination country should become familiar with CAPS-I schools and the resources the association has to offer.

Private and Independent Schools

Agents will deal with students and families who are interested in private/independent schooling in Canada. In this case, the agent will want to consult the association CAIS (Canadian Accredited Independent Schools).

For private/independent schools, tuition and boarding fees range from $45,500 to $75,000 per year depending on the institution.

The Canadian Accredited Independent Schools (CAIS) is a membership association of not-for-profit independent schools that specialize in university preparation. Member schools are provincially licensed, board-governed, and are not driven by commercial interests (thus not-for-profit). Of particular interest, each school must meet high standards of excellence established by an independent accreditation commission.

In Canada, education is provincially mandated, and CAIS Schools are required to meet Ministry requirements.

However, all schools undergo an additional, rigorous CAIS National Standards accreditation process. This process is recognized by the NAIS Commission on Accreditation and ensures that all accredited schools are pursuing best practices in every major area of program and operation. In fact, out of the thousands of private and independent schools in Canada, only 92 schools meet the 12 CAIS National Standards and have earned accreditation.

Boarding Schools

• The Canadian Boarding Collective is a select group of Canadian Accredited Independent Schools that specialize in boarding services for international students. They offer helpful resources from CAIS member schools, including definitions and links to types of boarding schools, information for international families, and application advice.
• The Western Boarding Schools Association represents more than three dozen college-preparatory schools in Canada and the western United States.

  These regional associations offer region-specific guidance and information that may be of use to those attending schools in BC, Ontario, or Quebec:

  • Independent School Association of British Columbia (ISABC)
  • Conference of Independent Schools of Ontario (CIS Ontario)
  • Quebec Association of Independent Schools (QAIS)

Canadian K-12 Learning Environment

Generally, it can be said that in elementary and secondary (K-12) schools in Canada:

• Teachers use various engaging and interactive teaching methods, such as role-playing, group work, and field trips outside of the classroom to let students learn via nature or in another hands-on way, and art or drama to emphasise creativity as well as skills acquisition.
   
• Teachers will integrate multimedia (e.g., making short films) and/or other digital technologies and computer-based learning into the classroom to prepare students for our increasingly computer-reliant world. The extent to which this happens will be dependent on the school and teacher.
   
• Students are encouraged to be critical in their thinking and teachers are creative in their teaching approach with less focus on memorization and formal testing.
   
• Testing and evaluation occur in various ways throughout the year; students’ grades are not largely dependent on one year-end final examination.
   
• School communities are diverse with students of many different ethnicities, religions, and orientations, and students are encouraged to be global citizens and value tolerance and embrace and respect differences.

Language Programs

Five Essential Points to Convey to Students

• Canada is a natural choice for language education. Officially bilingual, Canada is also a country of immigrants and has invested a great deal in providing ESL (English as a second language) and FSL (French as a second language) resources. Canada’s language programs offer a fast and efficient way for international students to master the communication skills they need to succeed in academic, professional, and social settings.
• Language proficiency is a key prerequisite for admission into a Canadian university or college.
• International students have non-stop opportunities to practise their English or French outside of the classroom with friends, homestay families, internships, and in their communities at cultural and recreational events.
• Over 210 accredited language programs are offered across Canada, from general proficiency education to specialised preparation for academic and technical programs and the workforce.
• All members of Languages Canada—the national association of language programs—operate under an Accreditation Scheme that ensures the schools meet high standards and operate with integrity.

OVERVIEW

As an officially bilingual country, Canada is committed to excellence in English and French, and this is reflected in its education programs at all levels. Every year, more than 150,000 international students attend accredited language programs in Canada, knowing that the combination of in-class education and the opportunity to practise conversation through everyday living will ensure success.

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Did you know?

• An estimated 1 billion people are currently learning English worldwide.

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Over 210 accredited language programs are offered nationwide. Language study programs may include:

• General English/French
• Academic English/French
• Business English/French
• Technical English/French (medical, legal, etc.)
• Internships or work experience
• Summer or winter activity or camp programs
• Teacher training programs (CELTA, TESL, TESOL)
• Test preparation (Cambridge test, CanTEST, CAEL, IELTS, TOEFL, TOEIC, DELF)

Benefits of studying English and/or French in Canada include:

• Customised programs that provide pathways to higher education;
• Flexible classes with a variety of start dates and levels;
• Diverse classrooms made up of students from around the world;
• Instructors specifically qualified to teach international students;
• Integrated cultural, social, and sporting activities that enrich the learning experience;
• Introduction to Canadian culture and life;
• Foundation for further studies, work, and travel in Canada;
• Option to live with a homestay family or in residence;
• Additional support and guidance provided by schools throughout the learning process.

Languages Canada

Languages Canada is the national association for Canada’s English and French language education sector, representing only those schools that meet its rigorous standards of quality and ethical practice. It operates with an independent Accreditation Scheme that ensures member schools follow its standards and processes. Languages Canada accreditation is recognized by the Canadian government through the ÉduCanada brand, as well as by most provinces. 

Languages Canada members are eligible to be Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) in most provinces, and most association members can therefore accept students with Study Permits.

Languages Canada also ensures that international students are protected in their studies:

• The Education Completion Assurance Program (eCAP™) ensures that every student registered at a Languages Canada member program will be able to complete their studies. In the unlikely event of a school closure, students are transferred to another LC member program at no additional cost.
• The Student Education Assurance Fund (SEAF) is used to reimburse students who cannot complete their studies through eCAP™. 
• Agents also benefit from the strong Languages Canada presence. Not only are the students they send protected, but Languages Canada also encourages ethical business practices between institutions and agencies.

Agents can do a search for Languages Canada members programs and schools by clicking here.

Types of Language Programs

There are two types of institutions delivering language programs:

• Public post-secondary institutions* (colleges and universities): English and/or French language programs offer an array of short- and longer-term program options, but typically prepare students for entry into undergraduate and graduate studies in Canada.
• Private: Private language schools offer a wide range of high-quality English and French programs for international students, and most have flexible program dates with weekly intakes. In many cases, private language schools have pathway agreements in place with colleges and universities that allow direct entry into academic/trade programs upon successful completion of the requisite language level.

Both types of institutions undergo the same rigorous accreditation process in order to become members of Languages Canada. Agents and students can therefore be assured of high quality and commitment to student protection when choosing a Languages Canada member program.

Resources

To learn more about studying English or French in Canada, consult these helpful online resources:

Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials (CICIC): The Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials (CICIC) collects, organizes, and distributes information—and acts as a national clearing house and referral service—to support the recognition and portability of Canadian and international educational and occupational qualifications.

Languages Canada: Canada’s national association for accredited English and French language education programs, representing over 210 members in 180 study locations across nine provinces. Languages Canada members collectively welcome approximately 150,000 international students each year from a diverse range of source countries. 

Universities

Overview

Canadian universities consistently appear in rankings of world-class institutions. The Times 2021/22 World University Rankings placed 11 Canadian universities in the top 250 (and five of these in the top 100). As well,  Shanghai University’s 2021 Academic Ranking of World Universities placed four Canadian institutions in its top 100, and 20 in the top 500.

Most of all, it is important for agents to know that in Canada, there is a consistently high level of education across the post-secondary spectrum. Canada does not designate Ivy-league institutions but rather, ensures a consistent quality of standard across the country. As we can see via global rankings and Canada’s competitive economy, graduates emerge with internationally accepted and respected credentials on par with the top tier of institutions in the US, UK, or other OECD countries.

Canada’s universities are recognized for a variety of programs and qualifications that meet the highest international standards. Institutions across the country offer thriving campus communities supporting world-class research environments.

Also, Canada boasts an amazing all-round post-secondary study experience: international students come here to receive a relevant, quality education amid safe and exciting communities and cities. They learn from their academic/technical studies, yes, but also from living in such an accepting, dynamic culture. Close to 15,000 undergraduate and graduate degree programs are offered at approximately 100 institutions nationwide, searchable from a single website: www.universitystudy.ca/search-programs/. Programs range from business, astronomy, and international relations, to genetics, fine arts, engineering, and more. As they study, students learn the intercultural skills to make a positive contribution to the global economy upon entering the workforce.

Understanding the Options

Though higher education in Canada is decentralised and falls under the jurisdiction of the country’s ten provinces and three territories, Canadian universities have a robust and comprehensive quality assurance system. Each Canadian university determines its own quality assurance standards and procedures, but it is also committed to a common framework of quality standards across all Canadian provinces. This means that Canadian universities have a shared understanding of the value of one another’s academic credentials and that their high-quality standards are recognized internationally.

It is therefore important for agents to know that in Canada, there is a consistently high level of quality education across the post-secondary spectrum. As we can see via global rankings and Canada’s competitive economy, graduates emerge with internationally accepted and well-respected credentials on par with top institutions in the US, UK, and other OECD countries.

Agents should know that:

Canada offers a variety of university settings, depending on the student’s personality and interests. If the student is looking for a campus with large research facilities in a buzzing urban centre, it’s here. If they prefer a small liberal arts institution in a quiet rural setting, this is also an option. Canada also has medium-sized comprehensive institutions that will range from about 1,000 to 25,000 students—these types of universities are located in a variety of urban centres such as Halifax, Sherbrooke, Kingston, Peterborough, Thunder Bay, Saskatoon, and Victoria.

Canada’s universities grant a full range of degrees, from three- to four-year bachelor’s degrees, to master’s degrees and doctorates (PhD). Other options include professional degrees in medicine, law, architecture, and dentistry to name a few, as well as certificates, diplomas, and shorter career-focused programs.

Many universities offer full-time and part-time enrolment options as well as cooperative education, distance learning, and continuing education. 

Programs are offered in English or French; some institutions offer instruction in both official languages. Some offer French studies in English cities—there are 14 Francophone universities in provinces other than Quebec—and some offer English studies in French cities. Regardless of the language of instruction, some programs or institutions allow students to hand in work and/or write their exams in the official language of their choice.  

There is online and distance education in Canada: International students who want a Canadian education but cannot, for whatever reason, study abroad, may be very interested in online learning. Most universities and colleges across Canada have dramatically expanded their online and hybrid study options in recent years, and students will find a wide range of programmes available.

There are many excellent Canadian language programs to help international students with language proficiency and enable them to be accepted into post-secondary studies. A separate section in this course is devoted to language programs.

Graduate Studies and Research in Canada

There are three types of graduate degrees:

• Course-based master’s degree: This requires successful completion of specific graduate-level courses and is typically one or two years in duration.
• Research-based master’s degree: Requires completion of both graduate-level courses and a thesis and is typically two years in duration. Graduate students usually choose a thesis topic in consultation with a graduate supervisor, although many universities require a statement of research interests as part of the application process.
• Doctorate or PhD degree: Requires completion of original research and defense of a thesis that makes a substantial contribution to the chosen field of study and is typically at least four years in duration.

When students pursue their research goals in Canada, they become valued members of a community that is internationally recognized for research excellence and enjoys a long-standing tradition of delivering on discovery. Canada supports researchers through such prestigious programs as the Canada Research Chairs, Canada Excellence Research Chairs, and Vanier and Banting scholarships.

Canadian universities spin-off research-based companies at a truly impressive rate. Canada is home to life-changing innovations like insulin, the electron microscope, the cardiac pacemaker, and the Canadarm used in space exploration.

International students pursuing post-graduate studies in Canada are also eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Program, designed to provide graduating students with Canadian work experience in their fields of study. Please find out more here.

Financial Assistance

Canada is among the most affordable of the leading study-abroad destinations, and there are a number of scholarship and award programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels to assist international students. This financial aid is awarded based on criteria such as academic success, community involvement, athletic excellence, references from instructors and employers, or purely financial need. Please see the section on COSTS OF STUDY for more details.

Quality Assurance

While there is no national accreditation body for universities in Canada, provincial legislation and universities’ membership in Universities Canada ensure that universities maintain the high standards that allow Canadian degrees and other credentials to be recognized and respected across the world.

Membership in Universities Canada is granted through a rigorous process of peer review. Institutions must demonstrate adherence to all Universities Canada membership criteria, which include:

• Good governance and administrative structure;
• Highly qualified faculty with PhDs;
• Academic programs of university standard;
• Access to library and other learning resources appropriate to the institution’s mission, goals and programs;
• Robust quality assurance policy;
• Respect for academic freedom, intellectual integrity, and intellectual property;
• A not-for-profit basis of operations.

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Did You Know?

The variety of programs offered by Canadian universities is astounding. Here are just some examples from the thousands offered across Canadian universities:

• Bachelor of Business Administration
• Bachelor of Journalism
• Bachelor of Medical Imaging
• Bachelor of Science in Applied Plant and Soil Sciences
• Bachelor of Science in Nutrition
• Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
• Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience and Mental Health
• Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy
• Certificate in Special Education
• Certificate in Business Fundamentals
• Fashion Design Diploma
• Master of International Affairs
• Master of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences
• Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing
• Doctor of Dental Medicine in Dentistry
• PhD in Medical Genetics
• Speech and Language Assistant Diploma

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Learning in Canadian Universities

International students will naturally feel both excited about studying in a different culture and education system and worried about fitting in and succeeding. The agent will want to let them know something about what it’s like to study at a university in Canada.

The following (modified) excerpt from a document created by a very internationally focused university, Thompson Rivers University, summarizes some of the characteristics of studying in Canada at the post-secondary level:

Attendance
Attendance is important in Canada; students do not simply receive their grades based on one final exam. Attendance is seen as an indication of commitment from the student.

Participation
In many countries, students receive a passive, rather than active, orientation toward learning, in which they are expected to simply listen and receive information. But in Canada, questioning and critical thinking are expected at the post-secondary level; students are encouraged to speak out in class and/or volunteer answers.

Lower Level of Formality
Most international students are surprised by the “informal” relationship between instructors and students in Canadian educational institutions. It may take some time before they feel comfortable asking questions or offering an opinion. They may initially be embarrassed or unsettled by direct communication with instructors. Instructors are definitely the experts in the classroom, but they are open to receiving feedback and encouraging discussion among students.

Evaluation
The process of evaluation at a university/college is often new to students from other countries. They may be accustomed to being graded on the basis of one final exam and are unused to progressive evaluation throughout the term. They may not be aware that attendance, participation, projects, and small quizzes can contribute to a cumulative grade.

Individual and Group Work
The distinction we make in Canada between individual and group work is not always shared by other cultures. In Canada, individual work is expected to be original and not the result of a group of friends doing the work together and each submitting the same content. With group work, students are expected to fully participate; this is why language support is important for international students: it helps them be more confident in engaging in group situations.

Academic Honesty
The meaning of academic honesty is difficult for many students to fully grasp. The concept of plagiarism may be new for many international students who may never have been required or taught to properly cite sources. In some educational environments, information is a public commodity; ownership of ideas is not recognized in the same way it is here. In addition, in many cultures, it is preferable to quote the “expert” rather than to paraphrase in one’s own words.

From (with minor modifications) TRU: A Globally Minded Campus, available on the TRU World website

Resources

Agents should consult these helpful online resources when advising students:

EduCanada website: This website contains a wealth of information for agents and international students alike, including programs offered, costs, study permits and temporary resident visas, and details on student life in Canada and what international students can expect. There is also a section on scholarships.

Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website: Please visit this site for information on changes to the International Student Program.

Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials (CICIC): The Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials (CICIC) collects, organizes, and distributes information—and acts as a national clearing house and referral service—to support the recognition and portability of Canadian and international educational and occupational qualifications.

Universities Canada: This association is the voice of Canada’s universities. Universities Canada represents 96 Canadian public and private not-for-profit universities and university-degree-level colleges. Visit this website to access profiles of Canadian universities, a large study programs database, and resources for international students looking to plan their university education.

Association des colleges et universités de la francophonie canadienne (ACUFC): L’Association des colleges et universités de la francophonie canadienne (AUFC) promotes the quality teaching and research of Canadian francophone universities in Canada. The ACUFC represents 21 francophone/bilingual post-secondary institutions located across Canada.

Costs of Studying in Canada and Scholarships

Five Essential Points to Convey to Students

• Canada is among the most affordable of the leading destinations for international students; it offers lower tuition than the US, the UK, and Australia.
• Given the excellent reputation and high quality of Canadian diplomas, degrees, and other credentials, this affordability is exceptional and offers incredible value for money.
• There are many scholarships and opportunities for financial assistance available for international students (especially students of top academic standing). Most of these are available at the graduate level, but there are some independent/private secondary school and undergraduate entrance scholarships available, particularly through individual institutions.
• Agents and students should inquire at the institutions under consideration as well as at the Canadian diplomatic mission in their country about scholarships and other financial assistance.
• International students should apply early to ensure they are considered for scholarships.

Overview

Canada is among the most affordable of the leading study abroad nations for international students, depending on the program and institution. It has lower tuition rates for foreign students than the UK, Australia, and the US. Students can pursue their studies in a globally recognized program at one of Canada’s top schools for much less than what it would cost to attend an equally reputable program at a private US university or college.

Still, studying abroad—anywhere—requires careful financial planning and it can be important to find out if there are scholarships or other forms of financial support available. This section will provide guidance on how to find that information.

Costs of Study

The following tables provide different ways for the agent to show students (a) how Canada compares to other leading study-abroad countries in terms of affordability and (b), in Figure 2, the costs of studying at various levels of schooling in Canada.

Of course, tuition is not the only cost international students will need to budget for when studying in Canada; they must also factor in the cost of living. Figure 1 looks at the average cost of an undergraduate degree, including the cost of living, across leading study-abroad destinations including Canada’s Toronto:

In addition to having relatively low tuition fees, international students attending post-secondary institutions in Canada can often offset the costs of studying by working on- or off-campus, or by completing co-op placements during their studies. The agent will be counselling students of different ages pursuing different levels of education; this next table breaks average costs down by level of study in Canada.

The agent will be counselling students of different ages pursuing different levels of education; Figure 2 shows average full-time costs—including tuition and student fees, accommodation and food, personal and health insurance, and books—by level of study in Canada.

The approximate yearly cost of full-time tuition in Canada for international students (CAD):

• K-12 (public): $9,500 to $17,000
• K-12 (independent/private): $45,000 – $75,000
• Language: $15,400 (based on 44 weeks per year, $350/week average)
• College: $7,000 to $30,000 depending on the institution and field of study
• University: depending on level and field of study (Statistics Canada)
  • Undergraduate – $10,703 to $60,150 (Statistics Canada 2020/21)
  • Graduate – $3,222 to $42,710 (Statistics Canada 2020/21)

The cost of studying in Canada will depend heavily on the program, institution, and level of study. Living costs, insurance, and textbooks should be considered as separate expenses, and are rarely included in tuition.

Undergraduate Tuition Fees

Weighted average tuition fees for full-time international undergraduate students, by field of study (in Canadian dollars), 2016–17.

• Education: $19,461
• Visual and performing arts, and communications technologies: $22,950
• Humanities: $26,175
• Social and behavioural sciences: $24,808
• Law, legal professions and studies: $29,756
• Business, management, and public administration: $26,395
• Physical and life sciences and technologies: $29,067
• Mathematics and computer and information sciences: $30,187
• Engineering: $30,742
• Architecture and related technologies: $24,654
• Agriculture, natural resources, and conservation: $24,101
• Dentistry: $55,802
• Medicine: $29,905
• Nursing: $20,354
• Pharmacy: $34,726
• Veterinary medicine: $60,458
• Other health, parks, recreation, and fitness: $23,192

Source: Statistics Canada. Table  37-10-0005-01 – Weighted average tuition fee for full-time foreign undergraduate students, by field of study, annual (dollars), CANSIM (database).

When budgeting for their stay in Canada, it is important that international students take into consideration the costs of the essential items that may need to be purchased.

The following table, Figure 2, shows typical costs for common items in Canada.

Scholarships

There are many programs and funding options for international students interested in studying in Canada: particularly international students of high academic standing. The first place to look for scholarship opportunities is the Government of Canada’s International Scholarships page on EduCanada.ca. This online resource allows students and agents to search for available scholarships by country of origin. Agents and students should also visit the websites of provincial/territorial ministries of education to explore bursary options. 

Beyond these general search sites, most post-secondary institutions have some sort of funding assistance available to international students, and some secondary schools will as well. Certain institutions and provincial governments may also have in place a reduced tuition rate for students studying in a particular language or in a particular field. It really will be the task of the agent and/or the student to determine if there is a scholarship or funding assistance opportunity available for the program or school under consideration.

There are two main ways of conducting a search to see if the international student may be eligible for a scholarship or other funding:

By institution: In this case, the student narrows down a list of program and institution options, and then the agent and/or student searches the school’s website (or contacts the school directly) for suitable funding opportunities.

By available government funding: In this case, the agent/student goes to the EduCanada international scholarships search tool, selects their country of origin, and then reviews the list of scholarships for which they are eligible to apply.

Home Country Scholarships

The agent should be aware of scholarships offered by the student’s home country government for studies undertaken at recognized institutions abroad. 

In addition to conducting their own research, agents can find out which scholarship programs are relevant to their students by checking with the Canadian diplomatic mission in the home country or again, by conducting a search by country the EduCanada international scholarships search tool.

Graduate Scholarships

There is significant funding/financial assistance available for international students of high academic standing at the Canadian graduate level (e.g., master’s, PhD, post-doctoral). This assistance may be in the form of:

• Teaching/departmental assistantships;
• Research funds;
• University graduate scholarships;
• External scholarships (i.e., scholarships provided by a third party);
• Bursaries (awards based on financial need that are intended to supplement a student’s other funding sources).

The value of these awards will vary significantly by academic department as well as institution. For more information, agents should contact the institutions under consideration by the international student.

Two notable Government of Canada scholarships in this area are the Vanier (Graduate) and Banting (Postdoctoral) scholarships.

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Did You Know?

• International Experience Canada (IEC) is a travel and work abroad initiative of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). It is enabled by the fact that bilateral youth mobility arrangements and agreements with different countries around the world allow Canadians and non-Canadians to travel and work in each other’s countries for up to one year.
• Youth aged 18–35 from countries where an arrangement or agreement exists may apply to the IEC program. Find out more about travel and work in Canada at https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/work-canada/iec.html. 

Colleges and Institutes in Canada

Five Essential Points to Convey to Students

• Colleges and institutes are excellent choices for international students interested in more applied education, specifically geared to their desired profession/career, with smaller class sizes and hands-on learning opportunities.
• A key strength of the college/institute system in Canada is its variety. These institutions offer many types of credential (e.g., post-graduate certificates, diplomas, bachelor’s degrees) that take anywhere from a few months to four years—this time/money flexibility can be very helpful and desirable to the international student.
• Flexible pathways are a key feature of the system — many institutions offer transfer programs that enable students to complete courses through a college/institute and then transfer into another institution or university with credit towards degrees.
• When compared to studying in the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia, Canada offers the lowest tuition rates for international students, despite the extremely high quality of education in Canada.
• Canadian colleges and institutes offer “quality education for quality employment” through applied, competency-based programs that respond to the needs of employers. By combining their studies with applied research and/or internships, students get the practical experience employers are searching for. Canadian colleges and institutes boast excellent student employment rates—generally, 9 out of 10 students find jobs in their desired career after graduation.

Overview

Colleges and institutes (including polytechnics) offer industry-related and professional programs of study leading to a wide range of degrees, diplomas, and certificates (see below for some examples). These institutions are very similar to Training and Further Education (TAFE) colleges in Australia and tend to focus on training and skills development through hands-on experience, often including a co-op component where a real-world work term related to the study program counts toward the credential.

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Did You Know?

Colleges and institutes across Canada work in partnership with local businesses, communities, and industries to ensure that the curriculum reflects in-demand labour market needs. As a result, they offer programming that supports innovation across a number of key economic sectors. These include advanced manufacturing, agri-food, natural resources and clean tech, health and bioscience, digital technology, and social innovation. In 2019/20, 42,000 students contributed to applied research projects at college and institute laboratories and research centres. Their work and the state-of-the-art research infrastructure available help support innovation in various sectors of the economy. Here are just some examples of programs international students could choose from at colleges and institutes in Canada:

• 3D computer graphics
• Agriculture and agri-food
• Aviation and aerospace
• Business studies
• Broadcasting and journalism
• Culinary and nutrition
• Digital mapping
• Digital media and animation
• Early childhood education
• Electronic game design
• Engineering technology
• Environment and natural resources
• Genetics technology
• Health information management
• Health sciences
• Industrial education/skilled trades
• Information technology
• Renewable energies
• Social services
• Tourism and hospitality

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International students often say colleges and institutes feel comfortable since these institutions’ small class sizes allow them to practise language skills and build friendships more easily with very strong support from centralised student services on and off campus. As well, they appreciate the access to industry-experienced faculty and co-op, internship, and other work placement opportunities, all of which lead to experience in the field of their choice that enables them to progress smoothly into their careers.

Understanding the Options

Canadian colleges and institutes deliver a broad range of applied, hands-on education tailored to the current job market. These institutions of practical learning are variably called colleges, institutes of technology, polytechnics, colleges of applied arts and technology, community colleges, institutes, or Collège d’enseignement général et professionnel (Cégep in Quebec).

Such institutions work hand-in-hand with industry to ensure that students are prepared to take advantage of current and emerging job market opportunities and secure key roles in industry, whether in Canada, North America, or abroad. Graduates are leaders in industry the world over. Their sought-after skills and education are transferable and globally recognised.

Colleges and institutes take advantage of their strong linkages with the private sector to develop state-of-the-art applied research programs. A key component of providing market-ready skills is giving students the opportunity to work with their future employers. Thanks to strong connections with employers in the regions they serve, colleges and institutes offer students a diverse range of work-integrated learning opportunities, from co-ops and internships to apprenticeships, field placements, applied research projects, and service learning. 

These institutions offer a wide range of credentials, including bachelor’s degrees, diplomas, apprenticeships, certificates, graduate offerings, continuing education and corporate training, any of which may include a co-op and/or an internship. For example:

• One-year post-graduate professional certificates of specialisation
• Two- or three-year diplomas in technology or business
• Four-year applied bachelor’s degrees with internships
• English and/or French language studies
• Four-year combined college/institute and university diplomas and degrees (two credentials for one program of study)

Colleges and institutes are highly accessible offering high-quality education at over 670 locations across Canada — from urban centres to remote communities— including campuses, and research, training, and access centres. In fact, 95% of Canada’s population lives within 50 kilometres of a Colleges and Institutes Canada member institution. Programs are offered in French, English, or both depending on the region. Many also offer combined distance learning opportunities.

Over 10,000 programs with varying lengths of required study are offered nationwide. One unique offering is the one-year post-graduate certificates available to Canadian and international university graduates who wish to acquire applied and advanced skills for specific areas of employment. 

Examples of post-graduate programs with a specialised focus on current industry practices leading to high employability of graduates:

• Global Business Management
• Renewable Energy
• Entrepreneurship
• Electronic Game Design
• Health Information Management

Another unique offering are the three- to four-year bachelor’s degrees that provide job-focused education in a variety of fields. Examples of bachelor’s degrees with an applied focus in a particular field include:

• Bachelor of Applied Technology in Industrial Design
• Bachelor of Applied Business in E-Commerce
• Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice
• Bachelor of Applied Information Systems Technology

The college/institute school year is the same as other post-secondary calendars, running from September through April or May, with spring and summer courses often available. Some institutions have a semester or trimester system allowing students to begin programs in September, January, or May. Quebec Cégeps offer two streams of education: three-year vocational and two-year pre-university programs. They also offer flexible post-graduate and continuous education options.

Canadian college credentials are approved by provincial or territorial governments. Programs may also be accredited by independent industry or professional employer organisations. To ensure rigorous academic quality, the provincial ministries of education determine which institutions are allowed to offer which credentials.

Why Would International Students Choose a College or Institute?

Colleges and institutes work closely with industry to ensure courses reflect the skill requirements that employers need. They will provide practical training and work experience through work placements, and internships. This hands-on training ensures students move beyond academic learning to apply and test their skills in real workplace settings.

Colleges and institutes offer a vast range of programs from certificates, diplomas, and degrees to graduate certificates that drive innovation in a number of cutting-edge fields and economic sectors, including information communications and technology (ICT), clean technology, and blockchain technology. They are also leaders in the delivery of e-learning technology and curriculum.

Many colleges and institutes across Canada involve students in applied research projects conducted with local businesses. This enriched learning experience exposes students to real-world innovation challenges and establishing key contacts within industry for potential job opportunities.

Some colleges offer transfer programs that enable participants to complete courses through the college and then later transfer into a university or another  college, with credit towards their future university degrees. Thus colleges can either be the full educational experience for an international student, or a part, if the student wants both college and university education. Under a university transfer arrangement, the student would typically do one or two years at a college and then two years at a university. The benefits to the international student of such a transfer arrangement are:

• Smaller classes at the beginning (during the college portion of the study program), with more support;
• A more applied and practical study program than university alone, with opportunities for placements with industry while at college;
• A lower cost than university alone.

In addition, to gain in-demand skills and practical work experience, many university graduates choose to complement their degree with a college/institute diploma. In Ontario alone, 42% of international students enrolled at a college/institute—most often for one-year post-graduate certificates of specialisation with internships—have a university degree.

Information International Students Will Need to Know When Considering Colleges/Institutes

When it comes to exploring college/institute options, international students:

• May already have some experience in the field of study. They may want to study at a Canadian college/institute or polytechnic to upgrade their credentials or improve their job prospects. Or, they may have no experience at all. The agent will face a variety of student profiles when it comes to those interested in college or institute education.
• Will be as interested in program and/or degree options as the institution itself when they consider a college or institute education.
• Will care about the length of time various program options require (for example, a diploma will take less time than a degree).
• May be interested in the transferability of college/institute credits or degrees to universities particularly if they already hold college or university credentials from their home country and seek an expedited education that will quickly provide transferability of credentials and knowledge for employment.

The program offerings and types of credential offered will vary widely across institutions. It is crucial for the agent to research these carefully before advising the student on study choices.

Resources

Agents can consult these helpful online resources:

• Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials (CICIC): The Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials (CICIC) collects, organises, and distributes information—and acts as a national clearing house and referral service—to support the recognition and portability of Canadian and international educational and occupational qualifications.
• Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan): Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan) is the national organisation that represents colleges and institutes in Canada and internationally. For more information on individual colleges and their programs, please go to the CICan website and click on “Our Members.”
• Polytechnics Canada: Polytechnics Canada is a national alliance that represents thirteen polytechnic institutions in Canada, all also members of CICan. They offer 122 standalone bachelor’s degrees in addition to all other college-level programs, as well as apprenticeship programs.
• Fédération des cégeps: Promoting education at the college level, and more specifically in the general and vocational colleges known as Cégeps, the Fédération des cégeps is a voluntary umbrella organisation of the 48 public Cégeps in Québec.

Applying to Work, Study, and Stay in Canada

Important to Note

• Education agents can consult this section to help international students find the approved Canadian government resources with which to apply for study and work permits and learn about immigration options. However, they must always keep in mind that their direct counselling to students must be limited to study planning. Under Canadian law, agents are not permitted to provide guidance on visa/immigration applications.

Further information about the laws governing immigration advice to individuals visiting, working, immigrating, or studying in Canada can be found here: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/representative/rep-who.asp.

The information related directly to visas and immigration provided below has been taken directly from the website of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). For any further information, please consult the website directly: www.cic.gc.ca.

Five Important Points to Convey to Students

• International students planning to come to Canada for the purpose of study for a period of six months or more are required to obtain a study permit prior to coming to Canada. Be aware that recent changes have introduced temporary caps on the number of new study permits issued each year. This may impact processing times, so you should factor this into the counselling and application process. Foreign nationals from certain countries and territories also require a temporary resident visa (TRV) to enter Canada. A study permit is not needed if you want to take short-term courses or programs of study of six months or less. If you are from a non-visa-exempt country, you must have a valid visitor visa. (https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada.html) Foreign nationals from certain countries and territories also require a temporary resident visa (TRV) to enter Canada. Students who do not require a visa will likely require an electronic travel authorisation (eTA). For more information on the eTA and visas, consult https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada.html
• All international students should consult both the web resources listed in this section as well as the Canadian diplomatic mission within their home country to ensure they are submitting the proper documentation to study in Canada.
• There are opportunities for international students to work during their studies on and off campus and through the Co-op Work Permit Program. In addition, the Post Graduation Work Permit Program provides work opportunities upon graduation for students who have graduated from participating Canadian institutions.
• International students may be interested in learning about how they might immigrate to Canada permanently. A variety of options and programs may be available to students after completing their studies in Canada.

Students need to be aware of entry requirements for Canada as these may change. www.travel.gc.ca compiles the latest information for all travellers to Canada. Agents should keep up to date on these requirements and ensure their student clients are prepared.

Overview

Under Canadian law, education agents are not permitted to apply for a study permit on a student’s behalf or to advise the student on their application unless specifically authorised under the provisions of the applicable Canadian legislation: the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA). They are meant to focus their services on helping students find the most suitable programs to suit their study goals.

At the same time, agents will likely be asked by students about study visas (i.e., temporary resident visas required to enter Canada), study permits, work permits, and immigration options in Canada. This section of the Canada Course will help agents to be able to respond within the rules set out by the provisions of section 91(1) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA).

The activities listed below would not be offences according to section 91(1) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) on immigration consultants. As such, educational agents, other individuals involved in the educational sector, as well as the general public, could undertake such activities without contravention of s. 91, regardless of whether they receive any payment.  

• Directing someone to the IRCC website to find information on:

−    Immigration programs
−    Application forms and how to access them
−    Authorized immigration representatives

• Providing services, such as:

−    Translation
−    Travel arrangements 
−    Couriers

• Holding general information sessions as to immigration pathways for international students while directing them to the IRCC website;
• Issuing appropriate reminders to students, when necessary, to ensure they maintain a satisfactory administrative record;
• Providing training or on-the-job placement services (internship or job);
• Providing students with official documentation (letter of admission, registration certificate, attestation of course completion, transcripts, etc.) required to support their immigration claim.

Only certain individuals and institutions may provide immigration advice. These are:

• Lawyers who are members in good standing with a law society of a province or notaries who are members in good standing of the Chambre des notaires du Québec;
• Any other member in good standing of a law society of a province or the Chambre des notaires du Québec, including a paralegal;
• Members in good standing of the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC)—the governing body for immigration consultants designated by the Minister of IRCC.

Educational agents and others employed in the educational sector who do not fall within one of the above categories risk contravening section 91 of the IRPA when they provide advice or representation to foreign students in connection with an application or proceeding under IRPA if they receive payment (consideration). Given the broad application of section 91(1) IRPA, the offence could apply even in cases where the consideration received is indirect, such as through tuition fees. For students’ specific inquiries about study and work permits, and immigration options, agents can send them to this Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) webpage. It is important to note that the CIC website also contains a help centre where students can review frequently asked questions. What follows in the rest of this section is a general orientation to help students navigate the IRCC website.

How Canadian Policy Welcomes International Students

Canada is one of the world’s leading study destinations for many reasons, not the least of which is its open and welcoming attitude toward international students. Canada’s International Education Strategy (2019-2024) among other objectives, aims to “draw students from around the world to communities across Canada where they can enrol in a wide variety of schools and programs at all educational levels”. 

There are various pathways available to international students seeking to immigrate to Canada on a permanent basis. Information is available on the Express Entry section of the website Canada.ca/ExpressEntry.

Agents can tell students that the Canadian government has worked with the provincial and territorial governments that hold jurisdiction in education across Canada to institute policies ensuring Canadian study programs are well-regulated and quality-controlled. This is to ensure genuine international students’ interests are protected and that they study in institutions committed to high standards.

Applying for a Study Permit

Prospective students must apply for a study permit if their main reason for coming to Canada is to study for longer than six months. However, due to recent changes, there is a cap on new study permits and processing times may be affected, especially for undergraduate programs. Generally, students must apply for a study permit before coming to Canada and must have been accepted at a school, university, or college that is recognised as a Designated Learning Institution DLI) before applying. The list of DLIs can be viewed at: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/study-permit/prepare/designated-learning-institutions-list.html. 

It is highly recommended that international students consult the IRCC website for information pertaining to the study permit application process, and documents that may be required by IRCC at the time of application. Students should check the website of the Canadian immigration office responsible for their country or region for information on any local requirements

Student Resources

The Citizenship and Immigration Canada website provides the information and application forms a student will need to get a study permit.

In particular, the “Get study permit” section provides detailed information on the following:

Preparing to study

• What is needed before applying for a study permit in Canada;
• How to determine eligibility;
• Who can apply and what exceptions exist;
• Which documents are needed before applying for a study permit.

Applying for a study permit

• How to apply and what documents to provide with an application;
• How to download the application package;
• How to pay application fees and submit an application;
• How to check processing times;
• How to determine how many days it will take to process an application once the complete application package has been received.

After applying

• What an individual should do after they apply for a study permit;
• How to check an application’s status;
• How to prepare for arrival;
• What to expect upon arrival in Canada.

Visa Application Centres

Students applying for a visa will have to submit their biometrics (fingerprints and photograph) at a Visa Application Centre (VAC). It is also possible to submit the rest of their visa application at a VAC. These centres provide administrative support services to help applicants submit their applications. This service is particularly useful in countries or regions where there are few or no visa offices. Specific information is available here.

What VACs do:

• Answer questions in local languages and make sure that applications are complete;
• transmit application documents and passports to the visa office securely;
• Return passport and decision documents securely;
• Offer a tracking service;
• Schedule interviews and provide application photographs and photocopies for a fee;
• Provide access to a computer to apply online;
• Collect biometrics (fingerprints and photograph).

What VACs do not do:

VACs play no role in the decision-making process and are expressly forbidden to provide any visa-related advice to applicants. All decisions on applications are made by visa officers at the visa office.

• VACs do not represent the Government of Canada (GoC). VACs are managed by private companies or international organisations and are authorised to provide specific services to applicants under the terms of a formal agreement with Citizenship and Immigration Canada.

The IRCC Help Centre can be found at cic.gc.ca/english/helpcentre and the IRCC Call Centre’s number is 1-888-242-2100 (toll-free from within Canada only).

Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)

Visa-exempt foreign nationals who fly to or transit through Canada need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). Exceptions include U.S. citizens and travellers with a valid Canadian visa. Canadian citizens, including dual citizens, and Canadian permanent residents cannot apply for an eTA.

To find out if your student may need an eTA, consult the website here: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/eta.asp.

Biometrics

Starting in the summer of 2018, students applying for a visitor visa, study, or work permit (except US nationals), or permanent residence will need to give their fingerprints and have their photo taken. To facilitate repeat travel to Canada, applicants for a visitor visa, study, or work permit will only need to give their biometrics once every 10 years.

For additional details, please see https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/campaigns/biometrics.html

Study permits for minors

In Canada, each province or territory defines the age of majority. Anyone under the age of majority at the time of their arrival in Canada is considered to be a minor child.

• The age of majority is 18 in Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec and Saskatchewan.
• The age of majority is 19 in British Columbia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, the Northwest Territories, Nunavut and the Yukon.

For information on when a minor student needs a study permit to study in Canada, please see: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/publications-manuals/operational-bulletins-manuals/temporary-residents/study-permits/guidelines-on-minor-children.html

Custodianship

The term “custodianship” is more appropriate for the purposes of a study permit application than the legal term “guardianship,” as guardianship involves an individual being legally appointed to manage the affairs of an individual as opposed to being deemed to have custody of the student.

Section A39 states that a foreign national is inadmissible for financial reasons if they are or will be unable to support themselves. In the case of a minor child, officers must be satisfied that adequate arrangements are in place for the care and support of the child while in Canada.

Consult the standard custodianship declaration form (PDF, 1.02 MB) for either the parent(s) or guardian(s), and the custodian.

A custodianship declaration is not required when the minor child is accompanied by at least one parent.

For more information, and to see whether custodianship is required, please see: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/resources/tools/temp/students/minor.asp

Work Permits

Many students will want to know if they can work while they study in Canada (or after they finish their studies).

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) facilitates work opportunities for students during their studies and upon graduation in Canada.

There are four streams of work for which international students may be eligible while/after they study:

•     On-campus;
•     Off-campus;
•     Co-op work placement (or internship);
•     Post-graduation work permit.

PLEASE NOTE: As of January 9, 2024

“You can’t work off campus without a work permit if any of these situations apply to you:

• your study permit says you aren’t authorized to work off-campus while you study
• you’re only enrolled in an English or French as a second language (ESL/FSL) program
• you’re only taking general interest courses
• you’re only taking courses required to be accepted into a full-time program
• your situation changes and you no longer meet all of the requirements to work off-campus

If any of these situations apply to you, and you want to work while studying in Canada, you need to apply for a work permit.” (https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/work/work-off-campus.html).

Students wanting information about working on campus at the institution in which they are enrolled should go to this link: www.cic.gc.ca/english/study/work-oncampus.asp.

For information on working off-campus, they should visit this link: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/study/work-offcampus.asp.  

For information on co-op work placements and internships, this is the link: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/study/work-coop.asp.

And for information on staying in Canada to work after graduation, students should visit this link:  http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/study/work-postgrad.asp.

Work for Spouses: There may be work for the spouses of international students while they study in Canada. For more information, students can visit http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/study/work-spouse.asp. 

Youth Mobility: Travel and Work in Canada

The International Experience Canada (IEC) initiative for Canadian and foreign youth enables Canadian citizens and foreign nationals aged 18–35, and from countries that have a bilateral youth mobility agreement or arrangement with Canada, to travel and work abroad, for up to two years (depending on their home country). 

The design and delivery of the IEC program are structured around bilateral reciprocal youth mobility agreements and arrangements (YMAs). Canada has 37 YMAs with partner countries and territories. In general, these YMAs facilitate the process for eligible youth from Canada and signatory countries to obtain the necessary travel and work authorisation documents to travel and work in each other’s country under one of three categories:

To find out more about eligibility for each program, please consult the following website: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/work-canada/iec/eligibility.html

Working Holiday
This category allows participants to obtain temporary work anywhere in the host country, while they travel. Applicants are not required to have secured employment at the time of application.

Young Professionals
This category enables participants to gain targeted Canadian professional work experience related to their profession or field of study. Because the program also creates and maintains reciprocal employment of Canadian citizens in other countries, foreign youth applying to come to Canada under the IEC are exempt from the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) requirement. This category is ideal for youth seeking to internationalise their careers to better compete in a global economy.

International Co-op Internship
This category enables foreign students who intend to complete a work placement or internship in Canada to fulfil part of their academic curriculum. Participating students must be registered at an academic institution, usually in their home country. The work placement or internship must be secured at the time of application.

This category enables international students to experience Canada’s openness to the world while they work and travel in the country. They gain knowledge about Canada, which fosters stronger personal, trade, and/or economic ties to Canada after IEC participation. The current program is also beneficial to Canadian youth since they acquire knowledge and experience of different cultures, languages, and business practices.

The link for more information is here.

Staying in Canada

On January 1, 2015, the Government of Canada introduced the Express Entry application management system with the aim of:

• Better managing application intake;
• Improving processing times;
• Increasing responsiveness to labour market demands.

Additional updates have been made since, including the following:

• You can now earn additional points for studying in Canada;
• A valid job offer now only needs to be for one year, and some job offers no longer need an LMIA;
• The amount of points you get for a job offer has changed.

(http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/express-entry/index.asp)

Express Entry is used to manage applications for permanent residence under these federal economic immigration programs:

• The Federal Skilled Worker Program;
• The Federal Skilled Trades Program;
• The Canadian Experience Class.

Note: If a candidate is interested in immigrating to Quebec, they need to contact that province directly because Quebec manages its own economic immigration programs.

Completing an Express Entry profile is the first step to immigrating to Canada permanently under the following programs:

• Federal Skilled Worker Program
• Federal Skilled Trades Program
• Canadian Experience Class

To be eligible for Express Entry, candidates need to meet the criteria of at least one of these programs.

Provinces and territories can also recruit candidates from the Express Entry system through their Express Entry Provincial Nominee Program to meet local labour market needs. Please see: cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/provincial/index.asp

In addition to a degree, there may be other requirements to work in certain fields in Canada. IRCC’s workbook will help candidates understand what is required to find work in Canada. Please see: cic.gc.ca/English/pdf/pub/workbook-national.pdf

International students interested in becoming a permanent resident should follow these steps:

• Apply for a post-graduation work permit;
• Gain one year of Canadian work experience at the NOC 0, A or B level;
• Pass an approved language test.

Express Entry

Step 1

• Create your Express Entry profile;
• Register with the Job Bank and promote yourself to employers;
• Get accepted into the Express Entry Pool (if you meet the minimum criteria).

Step 2

If you are among the top ranking in the pool, you will receive an Invitation to Apply.

International students are well placed for success under the Express Entry system because of their high education, Canadian work experience, strong official language skills, and youth. They can transition to permanent residence through any of the programs under Express Entry for which they meet the requirements, including the Canadian Experience Class, the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, or the Provincial Nominee Programs.

To learn more about Express Entry, visit http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/express-entry/index.asp.

Paid Authorized Immigration Representatives

Students may want to pay an authorized immigration representative to act on their behalf with Citizenship and Immigration Canada (IRCC). Paid immigration representatives would be able to perform functions for the student such as:

• Representing them during an immigration proceeding by speaking on their behalf;
• Providing guidance to them on how to select the best immigration stream and complete the appropriate forms.

Students wanting more information on the option of using a paid immigration representative can visit this link: www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/representative/rep-who.asp.

Entry Requirements

Since March 2020, Canada’s entry requirements have shifted to respond to the global COVID-19 pandemic. It is important that students and agents are aware of current entry requirements and restrictions at the time of travel, not just the requirements at the time of booking. Entry requirements and restrictions can be found at www.travel.gc.ca . 

Conclusion

When students go to the IRCC website to find out about what permits/visas/programs they require in order to study, work, or stay in Canada, they should read everything carefully and ascertain that they have submitted all information and fees required for applications. If they require translation, agents are permitted to provide this service—but not to advise on how to interpret/act on the translated material.

If the student wants more help in this area, please remind them that they can do one of three things:

• Visit the IRCC Help Centre at cic.gc.ca/english/helpcentre;
• Call the IRCC Call Centre at 1-888-242-2100 (toll-free from within Canada only);
• Hire a paid, authorized immigration consultant (for more information: www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/representative/rep-who.asp).

Living in Canada

Five Essential Points to Convey to Students

• Students should make sure they have the right documentation for studying in Canada. Information on what students require and application procedures for a study permit, temporary residence visa, or work permit is available at http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/study/work.asp.
• There are key documents international students must have with them when they fly to Canada, but students should avoid travelling with too much money or too much baggage.
• International students will need temporary accommodation if they have not arranged for long-term housing before they get to Canada. The two most common forms of this are hostels and hotels. When they do choose long-term housing, it will either be on-campus or off-campus (private).
• International students will have to decide how much of their banking and communications they want to keep going from home, and how much they should set up in Canada. Sometimes keeping home-country banking and communications plans can carry high fees.
• As excited as international students will be to arrive in Canada, and as much fun as they will likely have while studying here, most will encounter some degree of culture shock. This is to be expected, but there are also ways to minimise any distress from this normal emotional transition.

Overview

Once students have been accepted by a Canadian education institution and have been approved for a study permit (if required), it’s time to prepare for travel to Canada and living there while studying. The agent can play a helpful role in this planning stage by providing students with essential information to make their travel and adjustment to living in Canada as smooth as possible.

This section will arm the agent with some of this information; in addition, the education institution at which the student will be studying will almost always have pre-departure handouts to supply still more advice, so the agent should try to obtain one of these for more specific information.

ravelling to Canada

Packing and Shipping

Travelling to Canada to study can be a major event for students—especially if they’ve never been away from home before or on a flight. Just getting from one point to another—the taxi to the check-in desk, the check-in desk to security, security to the right gate, etc.—is enough to think about without worrying about having too much luggage or whether they’ve forgotten something along the way.

For this reason, students should pack as lightly as possible, especially since there can be costly fees for luggage that surpasses the weight allowed by the aeroplane. They can ship the rest of their belongings ahead of leaving their home country to where they will be living (e.g., a homestay or a residence). Ideally, the shipment should be timed for just after the student arrives to avoid any storage fees the homestay or residence may charge.*

If students haven’t arranged accommodation before arriving in Canada, they can always ask family or friends to send belongings at a later date, assuming the basics have been packed in luggage they will take with them on the flight. (Remember: if the student is arriving near winter, as early as October and as late as March, they will want to ensure they have warm-weather wear or are prepared to buy it quite soon after arriving in Canada).

Here are some other tips for students’ travel:

• Make a flight reservation as early as possible—even before the student receives news of a study permit approval (if they don’t receive the approval, they can cancel, and if they do get approved, they can simply confirm the existing reservation).
• Students should not carry large amounts of money for safety and security reasons (plus travelling can be stressful, and worrying if you’re going to lose a loaded wallet can add to the stress!) Instead, they should bring a pre-paid credit card (MasterCard or Visa) for immediate use, open a Canadian bank account in advance, or bring bank drafts to be deposited in a new Canadian account after arrival.
• Students should ensure that they arrive with an unlocked cell phone which already works on the Canadian network (LTE). Most major smartphones will have this capability provided the device is unlocked.** 
• If students are travelling during a period of time when there may be sudden changes to student travel plans (such as during the winter months when a snowstorm may cause flight delays), it may be worth booking through a travel agent who can help with making booking changes as needed.

Packing

Apart from favourite clothing and personal possessions to help them feel like they’re at home, students should make sure to have these essential practical documents and items with them for the flight and entry to Canada:

• Passport
• Entry permit, for example: Study permit, eTA, temporary residence visa, etc.
• Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from the Canadian education institution
• Official academic transcripts from schools the student has previously attended
• Official language scores (e.g., TOEFL or IELTS), if available
• Immunisation and medical records
• Any additional entry documentation which may be required, for example, a COVID-19 vaccination certificate or proof of negative test. Students should consult with www.travel.gc.ca to ensure they meet all of Canada’s entry requirements.
• International driver’s license and/or valid driver’s license from home country (if the student has a driver’s license)
• Proof of medical insurance (if available)
• Credit card(s)
• Unlocked phone (with SIM card if ordered prior to departure)
• Tablet or laptop 
• A bit of money, a pre-paid credit card, and a bank draft
• Some warm weather clothing (e.g., a jacket at least) even if the student intends to buy most winter clothing in Canada

Students should be prepared to fill in a customs declaration card, including the address where they will be staying and the value of any gifts they are bringing into Canada. More information about the declaration card can be found here: https://travel.gc.ca/returning/customs/entering-canada

*Upon arrival, students should give the customs officer (the official responsible for allowing or not allowing people into the country) a list of items they have shipped separately; this may allow them to not pay duties when the shipment arrives.

**In many countries, many cell phones come “locked” to a network provider, and the device must be “unlocked” in order to accept a SIM card from a new provider. 

Arriving in Canada

There will generally be one of two circumstances for international students arriving in Canada:*

1. They will have already arranged for accommodation.
2. They haven’t yet arranged for long-term accommodation and will be either staying with a friend/family or needing to go to a hostel/hotel for temporary accommodation.

In the case of #1—already arranged accommodation—students should do whatever has already been planned for their arrival, which may include:

• Phoning their homestay providers for pick-up and/or to let them know they have arrived and to expect them shortly.
• Meeting a campus orientation/international student liaison at the airport who will take them to where they are staying.
• Taking a taxi or bus to the homestay, dormitory, of off-campus housing.

In the case of #2—a need for temporary accommodation—the student/agent will hopefully have already been in touch with a hostel, hotel, or other temporary lodging to make a booking before the student departs (in some cases the education institution will have a list of options for students needing temporary accommodation). Here are the differences between a hostel and a hotel:

• A hostel—which must show proof of having been inspected by the Canadian Hostelling Association—is basic but economical accommodation. Primary facilities (toilets, baths, and kitchens) are often shared. Rates are calculated daily and cost less than other accommodation choices: the average cost of a room in a hostel is $30 to $50 per night for a bed in a shared dormitory. Private rooms are more expensive. For more information, click here.
• A hotel in Canada is defined as having inside access, private rooms, and daily cleaning service. During the peak tourist season (May till August), reservations are essential, and in any season, it is a good idea to book in advance. There are a wide range of hotels in Canada, and services, rates, and quality will vary depending on the price point. Still, even at the most inexpensive hotels, students should expect them to be clean and comfortable. The student or the agent can use a major credit card to call the hotel directly and book a stay. At the low end, a Canadian hotel room will cost between $75 and $100; a moderate rate will be $100 to $150; fairly expensive will be $150 to $250, and luxury hotels will generally be more than $300. Note that taxes and fees are rarely included in the posted price for hotels, and may include additional fees beyond standard provincial and federal sales taxes.

*Assuming students have cleared customs and have collected all their luggage.

Long-Term Accommodation

It is generally the student’s responsibility to arrange their accommodation. As a first step, they should contact the housing or residence office at their Canadian educational institution. Depending on the education institution the student has chosen, there will either be a couple of housing options or a range. Here are some of the usual options:

Homestay

Most students arriving for K-12 and language study have the option of homestay accommodation, where they live with a local Canadian family. Homestay usually includes all meals, but students and agents should confirm this with the homestay family. Homestay can be arranged through the institution. Homestay families are carefully screened (must pass background and reference checks, a home visit and an interview) in order to be eligible to host international students, and must then undergo a thorough matching process prior to being selected for a student. This is a good option for students studying English or French in Canada to have a fully immersive experience, or for students attending an institution without on-campus housing options (for example, high school students attending public schools with no boarding option).

Boarding/Dormitory

Many post-secondary institutions and some high schools have accommodations conveniently located on or near campus. Dorms generally have a shared kitchen, bathroom, and laundry facilities. Some dorm accommodations offer optional cafeteria meal plans where students, having paid a set price up-front, can get two or three meals per day.

If students are going to Canada for just a single semester or year, university/college residence may prove to be the simplest accommodation, as it is often less time-consuming and simpler than finding private, off-campus housing. If they will be staying in Canada for a longer period, they may want to rent on-campus accommodation for the first semester or so, then make other living arrangements for future semesters as they become more acquainted with their area. Note that some institutions only offer on-campus housing to students studying for a full year, so students attending for one semester should enquire with the institution about their options.

Regardless, staying in dormitories is the preferred accommodation for the majority of Canadian students in their first and second years of post-secondary study. Furthermore, many international post-secondary students find dormitory living allows them to meet friends and study partners more easily, saves them the trouble of finding transport to campus, and in general creates a smoother social transition. 

Private Accommodation

A current list of private off-campus accommodations for rent near the Canadian post-secondary educational institution is often available at the housing office or the student union office on campus (this may also be known as Student Services). Students should note that post-secondary institutions do not normally inspect the lodgings listed. Therefore, it is up to the student to decide what type of accommodation they want, to contact the landlord, to inspect the premises, to determine the suitability, and to sign the lease if they decide to take it. Another common way of finding off-campus accommodation is through online classified websites such as Rentfaster.ca, kijiji.com, or Facebook Marketplace. As much as possible it is important students look to verify their prospective landlords and seek reviews or recommendations from past tenants.

When examining private rental housing, students will find that price, quality, and availability vary greatly. Rent may be especially high in some cities. Students should expect to pay anywhere from $400 to $2,000 per month, depending on the city, the particular area in which they choose to live, and whether there are co-tenants. It is typical for the landlord to collect one month’s rent up-front as a damage deposit, which will be returned to the student when they move out, assuming that the place is left in good condition. Another common practice is to pay the first and the last month’s rent together. The last month’s rent will be pre-paid in this scenario. It is common in Canada to request a viewing of the space before providing a deposit or signing an agreement. Some students opt to stay in temporary accommodation while they view and choose long-term housing.

If the student decides to rent privately they will most likely be required to sign a lease, which is a legal document that states tenants’ responsibilities. For example, tenants are required to pay the rent on time, keep the premises clean, repair any damage caused by themselves or their guests, and not to disturb other tenants.

Landlords can add all types of rules and conditions to the lease. Students should read the document carefully before signing and ask the landlord to provide them with a copy. Some provinces have a standard lease that landlords must use. Students can usually consult their institution for help understanding the lease they are asked to sign, and on many post-secondary campuses, there will be a housing office where students can ask for advice.

The landlord also has responsibilities, particularly with respect to keeping the premises in good repair. In emergency situations the landlord may enter the dwelling, but otherwise must give tenants notice and reason for their intention to enter. Landlords usually must also provide 60 days’ notice if they wish tenants to vacate. If students have any questions about their lease, they may be able to get free or reduced legal advice or assistance through their Canadian educational institution. 

Tips for Students Living in Private Accommodation in Canada

*When renting accommodation, deal directly with the landlord and pay the damage deposit directly to him or her. If possible, pay rent with a cheque or as a direct transfer from your bank, as it is easier to provide proof of payment.

*Do not let people into apartment buildings or buzz them in if you do not know them. If a repairman, delivery person, or salesperson wants access to the building and you are not expecting them, refer them to the building manager.

*Meet and know your neighbours. Keep doors locked, even when home.

*There should never be a requirement to pay any money prior to signing a lease. Any requests to pay a deposit before viewing a place or signing a lease should be viewed with suspicion and is likely a scam.

*Ask the landlord whether your belongings are covered under their home insurance. If not, consider obtaining renter’s insurance, which is an affordable means of protecting belongings in case of theft, fire, flood, and other situations.

Support Services for International Students

International students generally receive abundant personal support for their studies from the education institution they have chosen. Right now, there are hundreds of thousands of international students in Canada benefitting from orientation programs, international student advisors, study skills programs, disability support, career counselling, student associations, social clubs, and other programs at their education institutions.

Supports for international students can include:

• Mental health (e.g., help with culture shock or problems adjusting to academic life/Canada);
• Practical (e.g., how to set up a bank account, how to get a doctor);
• Academic (e.g., help with study habits or language issues).

The practical support to international students offered by the institution will often include helping the student choose long-term accommodation for the duration of studies.

Money Matters

The currency of Canada is the Canadian Dollar. There are 100 cents in one dollar. The dollar is available in different coloured notes of $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100 denominations.

Canadian coins come in denominations of five cents (nickel), 10 cents (dime), 25 cents (quarter), $1 (loonie), and $2 (toonie). Pennies (one cent) are no longer used.

For further information:

• Bank of Canada: www.bankofcanada.ca
• Royal Canadian Mint: www.mint.ca

Canadian banks are similar to their American or European counterparts in many respects. Most charge a fee for customer service and offer a variety of packages. A basic bank account will cost approximately $5 per month. 

It is the student’s choice whether to open one in Canada or not. Students can go to their current bank and ask if they have partnerships with Canadian banks which would allow for easier withdrawals if they choose not to open a new account. 

However, there are good reasons to consider opening a Canadian account, including: 

• Being able to pay rent, utilities and other regular payments (such as mobile phone plans) which often require a Canadian account;
• Getting paid via direct deposit, if the student gets a job while in Canada;
• Being able to make e-mail transfers (Interac e-transfer) which is a common way to send quick payments between Canadian bank accounts, for example, if they’re sharing a restaurant bill with a friend;
• Having access to the services available from Canadian banks which are specifically targeted to international students.

The majority of stores accept a variety of payment methods, including cash, credit cards, and debit cards. Cheques are still used for some large items but are increasingly being phased out of use and students may now need to ask for cheques specifically when opening a bank account and sometimes these will cost an additional fee. All banks offer Internet banking, and Internet banking is a widely accepted method of paying bills and conducting other transactions, including depositing cheques. Many universities offer online banking options for tuition and account payments.

Visa and MasterCard are the two main credit cards; they are accepted by most major businesses. American Express is also accepted in many stores, although not quite as widely. Students’ Visa or MasterCard from home may be accepted in Canada, but they should be sure to check with their bank beforehand and be aware of exchange rates and any foreign transaction fees.

In Canada, automatic teller machines (ATMs) or bank/cash machines are very easy to find. They are located in most shopping centres, tourist attractions and banks, as well as in some convenience stores and gas stations on the street.

Most ATMs are operated by one of the major banks. It is possible to make a withdrawal from an ATM that is not operated by one’s own bank, but there will be a fee, usually between $1.50 to $3.50 for withdrawal from a local account, or more to withdraw from a foreign bank. Students should check with their bank at home to find out what kind of international withdrawal fees it charges before attempting to use their ATM card to withdraw from Canadian ATMs. For students with a Canadian bank account, withdrawals from their own bank’s ATM will be free.

Students should check with their home bank to see whether their current bank card will be accepted at Canadian ATMs, and to find out if the networks used by both banks—such as Cirrus, Plus, and Interac—are compatible.

All ATMs can be used for cash withdrawals. Some can also be used to deposit cash or cheques, pay bills, print account statements, and transfer money between accounts. They may also be able to withdraw money from their credit cards at Canadian ATMs, though fees and interest rates can be high, so students should find out the details from their credit card company before they decide to do this. Also, they should tell their bank that they will be using their bank cards/credit cards overseas. If they don’t, the bank may think their card has been stolen when students use it in Canada and may freeze their account.

It is also possible to transfer money using a bank draft from another country, but it might take up to eight weeks for it to clear in the Canadian bank and there will likely be a fee for the service.

Some banks can also transfer money electronically into your Canadian account. Fees vary by institution but costs average about $30.

Canada’s major banks are:

• Royal Bank of Canada: www.royalbank.com
• Scotiabank: www.scotiabank.com
• Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce: www.cibc.com
• Bank of Montréal: www.bmo.com
• TD Canada Trust: www.tdcanadatrust.com
• HSBC Canada: www.hsbc.ca
• National Bank of Canada: www.nbc.ca/en/personal.html

Tipping and Taxes

In Canada, it is customary to tip service providers such as bartenders, waiters, hairdressers, concierges, and cab drivers. A tip is a sign of appreciation for the service provided and the amount given should reflect that. You are generally expected to tip 15 to 20% of the total amount of your bill, and unlike in many countries, the tip is not usually included in the bill amount.

A national tax of 5% is added to the price of most goods. This tax, known as the Goods and Services Tax (GST), is not included in the price of an item, but rather is added on at the time of payment.

Some provinces use a Harmonized Sales Tax (HST), which combines a provincial sales tax with the GST. The combination of taxes per province at the point of sale is the following:

• New Brunswick: 15%
• Newfoundland and Labrador: 15%
• Nova Scotia: 15%
• Ontario: 13%
• Prince Edward Island: 15%

Some provinces have yet to adopt the HST and still charge a provincial sales tax and the GST separately, but they are both added at the time of payment. The provincial sales tax for these provinces is the following:

• British Columbia: 7%, for a total of 12% tax at the point of sale
• Manitoba: 8%, for a total of 13%
• Quebec: 9.98%, for a total of 14.98%
• Saskatchewan: 6%, for a total of 11%

Note: Alberta, Nunavut, Yukon, and the Northwest Territories do not have a provincial sales tax.

Whichever Canadian province you are in, it is important to note that tax is added at the time of payment in Canada. Therefore, the actual price you pay to the cashier will be five to 15% higher than what is listed on a price tag, or in an advertisement.

Working

If students are eligible to work in Canada (please see www.cic.gc.ca/english/study/work.asp  for information on work permits), they will need to have a Social Insurance Number (SIN) and they should be aware of their rights while employed in Canada.

Social Insurance Number (SIN)

International students will require a Social Insurance Number (SIN) to work in Canada. They can pick up a SIN application form at the airport as soon as they arrive or afterwards at any Canada Post outlet or Service Canada office. For more information, please visit www.servicecanada.gc.ca.

Workers’ Rights and Benefits

Federal and provincial laws protect workers and employers by setting minimum wage levels, health and safety standards, and hours of work. They provide for maternity leave and annual paid vacation. There are also laws to protect workers from discrimination, including protection from unfair treatment by employers based on race, religion, nationality, gender, age, sexual orientation or disability.

A student’s employer will legally deduct money from their paycheque for income tax, the Canada Pension Plan, Employment Insurance and, where applicable, taxable benefits, and union dues. Employees will receive a pay stub detailing all the deductions so they can ask questions if they need to. For more information, go to https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/businesses/topics/payroll/what-deducted-your-pay.html.

General Tips

International students should:

• Not work for any employer without signing a contract. Without this proof of employment, their rights may be severely reduced if anything goes wrong.
• Always ask for pay stubs (a record of hours worked as well as taxes deducted and net pay) and keep them together in a safe place.
• Check their pay stubs to ensure that their employer is deducting the necessary taxes from their pay. Not deducting taxes is illegal.
• Not accept any “under the table” jobs where they are paid in cash and not registered as official employees. These types of jobs are illegal and can result in stiff penalties.
• Ensure that they are paid at least the minimum wage in the province where they reside.

Finding Employment

Students can find out about employment opportunities by consulting their institution’s careers centre, their municipal government, newspapers, and online job banks. They can also use:

• https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/home
• www.youth.gc.ca
• www.monster.ca
• www.workopolis.com
• www.indeed.ca

Transportation

Domestic Airlines: Flying is the most efficient and fastest way to travel long distances across North America. Canada’s two largest air carriers, Air Canada and WestJet, serve most Canadian cities. Regional carriers include Porter Airlines, which flies out of the Toronto Island Airport to Ottawa, Montreal, Halifax, and a number of US cities. All Canadian carriers provide online booking services and most offer a range of prices for one-way flights.

• Air Canada: www.aircanada.com
• West Jet: www.westjet.com
• Porter: www.flyporter.com

Rail Travel: VIA Rail Canada provides passenger rail service in Canada. This includes VIA’s twice-weekly service between Montreal and Halifax and transport between Toronto and Vancouver. Rail travel is most popular on the “Quebec-Windsor corridor,” including Toronto, Montreal, and Ottawa. Amtrak services are also available from Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal to destinations in the US.

• VIA Rail (Canada): www.viarail.ca
• Rocky Mountaineer Vacations: www.rockymountaineer.com

Bus Travel: Bus travel in Canada includes either local transit or long-distance vehicles. Although several bus services have stopped running in the past few years, there are still bus services available in some places. 

• MegaBus – Ontario: ca.megabus.com   
• Banff Airporter—Calgary–Banff: www.banffairporter.com
• Pursuit—Rockies:  www.banffjaspercollection.com
• DRL Coach Lines—Newfoundland: www.drl-lr.com
• Orléans Express—Québec: www.orleansexpress.com
• Quick Shuttle—Vancouver-Seattle: www.quickcoach.com

Ferries

• BC Ferries: www.bcferries.com
• Victoria Clipper—Victoria–Seattle: https://www.clippervacations.com/
• Alaska Marine Highway—Prince Rupert–Alaska: www.akferry.org
• Marine Atlantic—Nova Scotia–Newfoundland: www.marine-atlantic.ca
• Northumberland Ferries: www.nfl-bay.com

Driving in Canada

Canada honours all valid foreign driving licences, however, students are advised to also obtain an International Drivers Licence, which is an English or French copy of their license. Learner’s permits and provisional licences may not transfer over to the Canadian equivalent. Students should check with the Ministry of Transportation in the province or territory in which they are studying to determine if they are eligible to drive.

Car rentals are readily available in Canada. Rental companies usually stipulate that drivers must be at least 21 years old and have a valid driver’s licence from their country of residence. Drivers between the ages of 21 and 25 may have to pay an extra fee or mandatory insurance.

Students should be aware that driving rules may be different from province to province and should review the requirements for each province before driving. For example, turning right on a red light is permissible at an intersection in every province except for the Island of Montreal in Quebec; and it is illegal in some parts of Canada to not have winter tires fitted during the winter months.

Alberta: https://www.alberta.ca/driving-vehicles.aspx

British Columbia: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/transportation

Manitoba: https://www.mpi.mb.ca/Pages/Home.aspx

New Brunswick: https://www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/departments/public-safety/community_safety/content/drivers_vehicles.html

Newfoundland and Labrador: https://www.gov.nl.ca/motorregistration/

Northwest Territories: https://www.idmv.dot.gov.nt.ca/

Nova Scotia: https://novascotia.ca/driving-and-road-safety/

Nunavut: https://www.gov.nu.ca/motor_vehicles

Ontario: https://www.ontario.ca/page/driving-and-roads

Prince Edward Island: https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/publication/drivers-handbook

Quebec: https://saaq.gouv.qc.ca/en

Saskatchewan: https://www.sgi.sk.ca/

Yukon: https://yukon.ca/en/driving-and-transportation 

Cycling 

Cycling is an increasingly popular mode of transportation in many Canadian cities, and bike lanes are now common in most urban cores. Many cities also boast bike share or e-scooter rentals as well as new and second-hand bike shops.

Students should ensure they have a front and rear light between sunset and sunrise, a bell (in fact, lights and a bell are a legal requirement in some cities), and that the bike is in good condition. In some provinces, it is mandatory to wear a helmet regardless of age; in others, it is only mandatory for children, though specific municipalities may require it. It is usually advisable to wear a helmet even if it is not required. Bike theft is rare, but it does happen, so students should consider investing in a good lock. 

It is illegal in most provinces to cycle on major provincial highways. Students can ask their institution for where to find bike maps or cycling groups for their city.

Health Care and Travel Insurance

Virtually all Canadian education institutions have medical insurance plans available to international students. Students should contact the institution they plan to attend for information about health insurance coverage. Sometimes institutions will require that international students purchase medical insurance; in any case, it is a very good idea to have it and ensure that it will be accepted in the province where the student will study. The cost of a medical insurance plan will be far less than a circumstance in which a student gets injured or sick and has no coverage. Most institutions will help international students decide on health insurance during orientation week (the week devoted to helping new students get ready for studies at the school).

Regardless of whether or not they plan to purchase coverage from a Canadian institution, students should purchase travel health insurance. Ideally, this should be for the time they leave for Canada to the first week after arrival. Some major credit cards may have travel health insurance included as part of the services offered by the card, so students should check the insurance they already have. If they need to purchase more, a travel agent can help advise on which options are available to them.

Safety

The Global Peace Index regularly ranks Canada as one of the safest countries in the world. Despite this, international students should follow the same common-sense safety precautions in Canada as they would anywhere in the world. Here are some safety and precautionary tips agents should remind students of:

• Call 911 in any emergency (e.g., if students are in trouble or witness to a crime). This is a central number for police, fire and, ambulance throughout Canada.  Students should not panic if they are more comfortable speaking in a language other than English; interpreters are available.
• If robbed, students should not argue or fight. If they are assaulted, they should try to make as much noise as possible to draw attention to their situation. They should call 911 as soon as possible.
• If they are a victim of a crime, no matter how small, they should report it to the police.
• Students should be cautious with strangers, be aware of what is going on around them, and trust their instincts and leave uncomfortable situations.
• Some areas of cities may have higher crime rates than others. Students should seek advice on the best routes to take when going out.
• Students should always tell someone where they are going and when they will return. At night they should always walk on well-lit, busy streets. If possible, they should travel with a friend and avoid isolated areas, such as parks or alleys.
• Most post-secondary institutions will have campus security. This can take several forms, including patrol cars, 24-hour telephone lines, and well-lit areas where students can contact the campus security office. Some also offer a “walk home” service where qualified students will walk their peers home, or to another location, after dark.
• Students should not hitchhike.

• Taxis are a good way to get home after dark. Students should know the number of a taxi company so they can easily phone one if necessary. Canadian taxis should have running meters showing the cost of the ride. Taxi drivers will not expect to negotiate a price with their passengers. In many cities and communities across Canada, rideshare companies such as Uber and Lyft also offer a reasonably priced transportation option.
   
• Students should arrange a ride home beforehand if they plan to drink alcohol or take a taxi. They should not accept a ride home from a stranger in a bar. They should NEVER drink and drive. Doing so is not only dangerous and irresponsible; it is a serious criminal offence in Canada. They should not accept drinks from strangers or let their drink out of sight. If they do leave it unattended, they should order a new drink. Drugs can be put into drinks when people are not paying attention.

Cannabis is legal in Canada for adults over the age of majority. Many international students who have not had any prior exposure to cannabis will find it very easily accessible in Canada, so it is important that they be aware of its effects and risks. Driving while under the influence of cannabis is dangerous and is a serious criminal offence in Canada. Students should familiarise themselves with the risks and health warnings of cannabis use.

Communications

Canada has a comprehensive and modern communications network that offers easy access to a wide variety of technology. Internet and cellular (mobile) phone usage is widespread in Canada, and students can expect access to quality products and services.

International Phone Calls

To call or fax an international number from Canada, student will dial: 011 + Country Code + Area Code + Local Number.

International calling cards offer reduced rates and can be purchased from most convenience stores. WhatsApp can also be used from Canadian cell phones with data plans.

Internet Services

Internet service is readily available at all academic institutions. Students are typically provided with a free email account from their education institution but other free email account services are readily available. Internet cafés are also common, particularly in metropolitan centres, and they offer reasonable rates. Education institution campuses, schools and many cafés offer wireless Internet, which is helpful for students with laptops. 

Students in homestay or dormitories will have access to internet, or students can order high-speed Internet for their home or apartment through a local company; a monthly fee will apply. Some of the major Internet service providers are: 

• Rogers: www.rogers.com
• Bell: www.bell.ca/Bell_Internet
• Telus: www.telus.com
• Shaw: www.shaw.ca
• Videotron: www.videotron.com 

Postal Services

Canadians enjoy one of the lowest mail prices among comparable industrialised countries. Mail prices are based on size and weight. A standard letter destined for within Canada starts at $0.92 for up to 30g with a “permanent” stamp (when you buy multiple stamps at once; individual stamps may cost more). A standard international letter costs $2.64 and takes one to three weeks to deliver. For more information: www.canadapost.ca.

Cell Phones

Monthly cell phone plans start at about $25 CDN per month; expect to pay more for a smartphone—iPhone or Android device—package (between $50 and $70). There is also a pay-as-you-go option. The minimum term for most phone plans is 12 months. 

Major mobile companies in Canada are:

• Rogers: www.rogers.com
• Bell: www.bell.ca
• Telus: www.telusmobility.com
• Fido: www.fido.ca
• Virgin: www.virginmobile.ca

Students may be able to use their existing cell phones either with their regular number (with international roaming enabled) or with a Canadian SIM card (if the phone is unlocked). 

Time Zones

The table and maps below show Canada’s six time zones and the number of hours they are behind Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). Daylight Savings Time is observed in most provinces. The time usually goes back an hour in November and forward an hour in March – the pneumonic “Spring Forward, Fall Back” can be used to remember which direction the clocks change. The remainder of the time is Standard Time. (Note: Saskatchewan does not observe Daylight Savings Time).

Entertainment, Media, and Sports

Like all large metropolitan areas around the world, Canadian cities offer a range of entertainment options. No matter where students plan to live in Canada, they will find many activities to suit their personal tastes.

Cinema

Canadian movie theatres are typically large and feature stadium-style seating. Given the close proximity to the United States, Canada tends to receive new movies immediately following their release dates and sometimes has release date viewings. A standard adult admission costs approximately $14, though most theatres have a designated “cheap night” when tickets are sold at reduced prices. Some theatres offer higher-end “VIP” options including private seating areas and meals.

Student rates are usually available on specific nights.

There are also independent cinemas in many cities which show a more varied program of recent releases, old favourites, documentaries, and foreign films.

Theatre and Dance

Most Canadian cities have wonderful theatres showing a range of musicals and theatrical performances. Broadway shows, such as Hamilton, Phantom of the Opera and Mamma Mia! circulate through the larger cities such as Vancouver, Toronto, Calgary, and Montreal. Tickets for such productions can be quite expensive, but there may be student discount rates for same-day performances. There are also regular performances of opera in major cities. 

Most large cities boast theatres which can showcase ballet and dance, and there are classical ballet companies resident in Calgary, Winnipeg, Toronto, and Montreal which often tour the country. Other types of dance are also easy for students to find, both as spectators and as learners. 

Many cities have a very active amateur theatre community. For students who enjoy drama, theatre is an excellent way to get involved in the local scene and meet new people. Tickets for the productions are usually very reasonably priced.

Television, Radio, and Newspapers

There are a number of television and radio stations in Canada catering to a variety of tastes. The major Canadian networks are:

• Canadian Broadcasting Corporation: www.cbc.ca
• Canadian Television: www.ctv.ca
• Global Television: www.globaltv.com
• RadioCanada: https://ici.radio-canada.ca (French-language)

Canada’s two national daily papers are:

• The Globe and Mail: www.theglobeandmail.com
• The National Post: https://nationalpost.com

La Presse is the most widely read French-language paper: www.lapresse.ca

Some cities have their own local newspaper, and there are also alternative newspapers that are often an excellent resource for classified advertisements and inexpensive things to see and do.

Sports and Recreation

Canadians love playing and watching sports. Canada has two national sports: (ice) hockey is the national winter sport, while lacrosse is the national summer sport. Other popular sports include cross-country and alpine skiing, snowboarding, swimming, baseball, tennis, basketball, golf, soccer, and curling.

Did you know that Canadians invented these sports? Lacrosse, basketball, five-pin bowling, ringette and wheelchair rugby 

Professional Sports: Canada has a number of high-profile sports teams competing in various Canadian and North American leagues and going to see a live sporting event is a popular pastime for many Canadians. Major professional sports leagues in Canada include:

• The National Hockey League (NHL): www.nhl.com
• The National Basketball Association (NBA): www.nba.com
• The Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA): www.wnba.com
• Major League Baseball (MLB): www.mlb.com
• The Canadian Football League (CFL): www.cfl.ca
• Major League Soccer (MLS): www.mlssoccer.com

For more information on tickets to major events visit: www.ticketmaster.ca

Recreational Sports: Most education institutions have competitive sports teams. Several also have their own house leagues (where you play against other students from the same institution) for a variety of sports. Joining a sports league is a great way for students to get involved and stay fit. For information on how to get involved, they should contact the Sport and Recreation Office at their academic institution.

Canadian ski resorts are world-renowned for their quality and beauty and are generally quite accessible from major cities. The ski season tends to last from December to April, though this is dependent on weather conditions. If students plan to ski or snowboard during their time in Canada, they should make sure to bring lots of warm clothes as temperatures in Canada’s mountains can be very cold. All ski resorts will offer lessons for students who have never skied or snowboarded before, as well as equipment rental. For more information, go to www.skicanada.org.

Hiking (also known as trekking or bushwalking) is popular in Canada, particularly in the southwest of British Columbia where the climate is conducive to this activity virtually year-round. Students should visit their local tourist office in Canada for help choosing trails for hiking, and check local bookstores for trail guides. Many education institutions also have hiking clubs, which offer a safe and fun way to explore the Canadian wilderness with knowledgeable guides in a supervised environment. For more information, go to www.canadatrails.ca.

Camping (sleeping outside in a tent), which can often be combined with other activities like hiking, biking, or canoeing, is also very popular in Canada. Students interested in camping should exercise caution, especially if they have never been camping before. There may be clubs at the student’s education institution which will bring groups of students camping together, and help students learn how to set up a tent, how to build a campfire, and how to properly secure food for the night. Campsites also often offer “glamping” (glamorous camping) options, where visitors can rent a cabin, yurt, or treehouse (depending on the site) to sleep in.

Adjusting to Canada

However much practical information, web links, advice, and contacts agents provide international students, there will be one issue they cannot totally prepare them for: culture shock. Canada is an incredible country in which hundreds of thousands of international students have studied happily and safely, but there will be adjustment bumps along the way as students experience homesickness and a little confusion about how to make friends and conduct themselves in a different society.

The website StudyLink offers the following advice for students preparing to study abroad:

Preparing for Study Abroad

“Before you leave your own country, do some additional research. Ask friends and family who have travelled to the country, search online and read books. Try not to rely on TV and movies as these can be very misleading when it comes to real social situations.

Try to find out about customs, sports, topics for conversation, body language and gestures.  Having confidence in the local language will also help you settle in, so take extra classes even if you don’t think you need them.

Once you arrive, you need to get to know your new neighbourhood. Get a map and find the local post office, shops, doctor, and most importantly the international student office. Be brave and introduce yourself to your neighbours. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about local customs, food, dress—it’s all part of your learning experience. Reading the local newspaper will give you things to talk about with your new friends.

Don’t forget to keep in touch with your own culture. Find a supermarket that stocks your favourite foods and stay in touch with home news online. Keep in regular communication with friends and family, otherwise, you may find you suffer reverse-culture shock when you return home!

Most importantly, remember there are many support services on campus for you. Your international student office will organise trips and activities to help you get to know other students, and also see more of your new city and country.”

Promoting Canada

Five Essential Points for Agents

• Education agents can significantly influence the lives of international students and the success of Canadian education institutions. With this influence comes responsibility. Agents must act professionally and ethically to reinforce the role of agents as valuable within the international education sector.
• As much as it is the responsibility of agents to promote the education institutions they represent, there are limits to this promotion: agents must always be truthful in their discussions with students about the features of an institution and not mislead them or overpromise.
• It is the agent’s job to match the international student with an appropriate institution and course of study; the agent should not persuade a student to attend a school or choose a course if it does not suit the student’s interests and credentials.
• Agents are expected to stay up to date on factors which may affect their current and prospective students who are choosing to come to Canada, including changes in immigration policies and services and opportunities available to students.
• The two basics in terms of agents making good matches between students and institutions are (1) listen to students and really consider their needs and goals/objectives and (2) be fully knowledgeable about an institution’s programs, policies, and advantages.

Overview

Education agents representing Canadian education institutions play a very important role in a number of ways:

• They are representing one of the leading—and increasingly popular—study abroad destinations in the world, and they have the opportunity to match international students to the Canadian educational institutions which best match their needs.
• They are contributing to the internationalization and diversity of Canadian education institutions.
• They are furthering knowledge and culture exchange between countries, which promotes economic and intellectual progress and greater understanding between peoples of different ethnicities, religions, and worldviews.
• They have the power to affect both the reputation and revenues of Canadian education institutions and the lives and career paths of individuals going to study in Canada.

With this influence comes responsibility. Agents who do not accept the responsibility of their key role (e.g., by providing bad advice or acting unethically) can seriously undermine the reputation of Canadian education institutions and the Canadian education system in general—as well as the lives and dreams of the students they counsel.

By contrast, education agents who commit seriously to the high standards their profession demands can expect fulfilling, lucrative careers and strong relationships with the education institutions and students who trust them. 

This section will outline the responsibilities of agents and ways they can reach and develop their professionalism; it will also summarize the criteria Canadian education institutions use to identify education agents they want to work with. Finally, it will recap the main points agents should always include in promoting Canada as a study-abroad destination.

Important Note

In 2011, Bill C-35, a proposed amendment to the Immigration Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) was passed into Canadian law. Now section 91(1) of the IRPA makes it illegal for anyone other than the following to provide advice or otherwise represent a client during an application or proceeding with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada:

• Lawyers who are members in good standing with a law society of a province or notaries who are members in good standing of the Chambre des notaires du Québec;
• Any other member in good standing of a law society of a province or the Chambre des notaires du Québec, including a paralegal; or
• Members in good standing of the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants, the governing body for immigration consultants designated by the Minister of CIC.

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The activities listed below would not engage the offence provision of section 91(1) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) on immigration consultants. As such, educational agents, other individuals involved in the educational sector, as well as the general public, could undertake such activities without contravening s. 91, regardless of whether they receive any payment.

• Directing someone to the IRCC website to find information on:
  • Immigration programs
  • Application forms and how to access them
  • Authorized immigration representatives
• Providing services, such as:
  • Translation
  • Travel arrangements 
  • Couriers
• Holding general information sessions as to immigration pathways for international students (e.g. the Canadian Experience Class program) while directing them to the IRCC website;
• Carrying out appropriate reminders to students, when necessary, in order for them to maintain a satisfactory administrative record;
• Providing training or on-the-job placement services (internship or job);
• Providing students with official documentation (letter of admission, registration certificate, attestation of course completion, transcripts, etc.) which are required to support their immigration application.

Responsibilities of Education Agents

Canadian education institutions generally expect the following of the agents they work with; these should be understood as the basics every agent should build into their practices:

• Agents should promote Canada as a study destination, emphasising the safe, vibrant and multicultural society of Canada and the excellent quality and value of its education systems to show international students why Canada is an excellent choice.

• Agents should be aware of the programs/courses and strengths of the Canadian education institutions/sectors they represent and find suitable prospective students.
• Agents should recruit only students who are good candidates for certain courses or institutions; if a student is not a good fit, no one will benefit from an ill-advised placement—not the student, not the agent, and not the education institution.
• Agents should provide prospective students with necessary and accurate information about available programs/courses that meet students’ personal and education objectives, including program/course details, tuition fees, facilities, services, and resources offered by their chosen education provider.
• Agents should help prospective students to gather all required documentation for the application to their chosen Canadian education institution and program.

• Agents should keep updated on changes to immigration and border entry requirements, and ensure their students are aware of any changes that will affect their travel to and stay in Canada. The latest information will be available on www.travel.gc.ca. 
• Agents should be aware of Canadian laws that guide and constrain their activities with students and act accordingly (please see www.cic.gc.ca/english/resources/manuals/bulletins/2011/ob317.asp)

Beyond these basics, agents will vary in the services they offer international students, and various Canadian education institutions will have different expectations of what they expect agents to do for them. For example, additional responsibilities could include pre-departure briefings for students and booking travel for students.

Regardless of any additional services, education agents should be extremely competent at the basics—which will require an excellent knowledge of the details of applications, admissions, and institutional policies. For example, the agent should know (and this is by no means a complete list):

• When courses start and end;
• Which courses are open to international students (and those that aren’t);
• Which courses are offered at which campuses;
• Eligibility criteria and admission requirements for individual courses/programs;
• Application deadlines
• Refund policies for dropped courses/students’ being unable to attend programs to which they had gained admission (e.g., via a denied study permit);
• Academic credit rules (i.e., transferability of students’ previous credits to the new institution).

Ethics of Education Agents

International students and Canadian education institutions must be able to trust the education agents they work with. Students may never have travelled overseas before, let alone to Canada, and will be relying on the agent to provide them with accurate information on which they can justify a substantial financial investment in their education. Canadian education institutions must have faith in agents to represent them accurately to international students so students know exactly what to expect from the experience should they decide to enrol.

Without this trust, the role of the agent breaks down and both students and institutions may come to the decision that they are better off without agents’ involvement. This outcome is highly undesirable, as agents can serve such an important function in making international student recruitment and mobility more efficient and successful. Therefore, trustworthiness is a key quality for agents to possess when performing their roles.

Trustworthiness is the outcome of routinely practising certain honest and professional behaviours and standards of conduct. Education Agents who are trustworthy:

• Are absolutely clear on what an international student wants to achieve through studying in Canada;
• Know how to match students’ goals to available schools, programs, and courses;
• Provide complete advice to students—not just idealized information they want to hear but accurate advice that includes not just the benefits of a study plan but also potential drawbacks;
• Commit to the profession with long-term goals in mind, such as a reputation for integrity and excellent referrals and thus the steady growth of business.

ICEF, the international organization that connects international students, agents, and education institutions across the globe, sums up education agents’ ethical responsibilities in its IATC (International Agents Training Course) like this:*

When dealing with students, the education agent should:

• Provide sufficient and accurate information;
• Keep adequate records;
• Maintain contact after a course has begun;
• Have clear cost structures;
• Respond to questions in a timely manner.

When dealing with education institutions, the education agent should:

• Submit applications to institutions only from students who have a genuine interest;
• Communicate appropriately with organizations;
• Represent the institution and its courses accurately;
• Advertise with approval.

The following is a list of DOs and DON’Ts for education agents representing Canadian education institutions:

Do

• Check that institutions have supplied accurate and up-to-date information;
• Check that information is in a language students can understand;
• Ensure students really understand the benefits/drawbacks of a particular study choice so they can make an informed decision;
• Treat students’ information confidentially and carefully;
• Keep students’ money in secure accounts until due for payment, then pay it promptly into the proper accounts;
• Meet all contractual obligations with education institutions, particularly in relation to marketing, recruitment, and information given to students;
• Keep up to date on entry and border requirements for Canada, and ensure all students are aware of any changes which may affect them;
• Consider ways to add value to the service you provide to prospective students (e.g., translating enrolment and visa applications for students who would otherwise struggle to understand them);
• Visit Canada and the education institution partners.

Don’t

• Provide information that results in misleading or unfair comparisons between institutions;
• Provide false or overly idealized information about likely employment post-study or an institution’s facilities;
• Persuade students to go to a school or program if it is not well aligned with their educational interests;
• Pass students’ information on to other businesses or people without the permission of the student;
• Charge students fees for services progressively without informing students from the beginning;
• Persuade students to enrol in a course or program for which they are inadequately prepared (e.g., language proficiency too low, or academic qualifications not yet sufficient);
• Provide paid immigration advice to students unless they are an authorized immigration representative.

Working Effectively

Like any professional, education agents require knowledge, skills, and experience—and a dedication to constant improvement—to be trusted and successful. Agents require:

• Routine professional training and development through courses such as the CISA;
• Extensive understanding of Canada’s education systems and pathways;
• Regular reading about international education in Canada to identify opportunities and changes in policy;
• Review this Canada Course for Education Agents for updates annually;
• Regular briefings with the appropriate staff members at education institutions to make sure advertising and marketing materials are up-to-date and to be aware of all pertinent information about courses and programs.

Education agents should know that education institutions look for the following when they are considering working with agents to help them meet their international student recruitment goals:

• Referrals from students, alumni, or colleagues who have worked with a particular agent and achieved good results;
• Circumstances where they can see that an agent has been vetted by a third party (e.g., meetings or workshops requiring membership or pre-qualification based on agents’ meeting certain standards for professionalism, quality, sound business practices, and service standards);
• Evidence that the agent has “done their homework” and knows about the course offerings and competitive position of the education institution;
• A sense that the agent has deep knowledge and insight about their local market (e.g., knowing that Brazilians might be interested in going to Canadian institutions for certain programs for certain reasons);
• A sense that the agent has a particular niche or focus that fits well with the recruitment strategy of the education institution;
• A sense that the agent will add value to prospective students applying to/having been accepted by the institution (e.g., by checking all their documentation to make sure it is ready for submission to the institution);
• A feeling that the agent will work well with the institution’s staff and do a good job of promoting the institution accurately and effectively.

The two most important things an agent can do to ensure a good match (i.e., international student to Canadian education institution) are these:

1. Know—really know—the education institution they are promoting, from programs/courses to competitive advantages to all relevant contacts within the staff for quick answers to students’ questions.
2. Listen to students—about their goals, their fears, their personalities (e.g., would a small campus or a big campus, big city or small community be better for them? On-campus housing, homestay or a private apartment?), their budgets, their credentials, their interests … everything. Every student is different.

Information Specific to International Students

In 2008–09, there were over 80,000 international students in Canadian universities, constituting 7.7% of the total enrolment. The main countries from which students came were China, the U.S., France, India, and South Korea.
International students applying directly from high school to a university or college in Canada should begin planning early, since universities in Canada or particular programmes within a university can be competitive.
Due to the different laws and regulations in each province the correct visa information can be obtained by visiting the Education in Canada website. Students who want to work while studying in Canada must be registered as full-time students at an eligible post-secondary educational institution participating in the Off or On-Campus Work Permit Program. For part-time work on campus for the first six months of studies (maximum 20 hrs per week), students must prove that they are in good academic standing and are able to manage their studies first
and foremost. Part-time on- and off-campus work permits are available after six months of studies provided students possess satisfactory academic standing. Work placements (co-op) are often available
in the programmes of study. Students can get access to up to three years of full-time employment in Canada after graduation.

More Information

http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0107386.html – Information about Canada

http://www.canadianeconomy.gc.ca/english/economy/ – Canadian economy information

http://www.cicic.ca/382/education-in-canada.canada – Education Department of Canada

http://www.cicdi.ca/395/directory-of-universities-colleges-and-schools-in-canada.canada – List of Canadian university home pages

http://www.educationau-incanada.ca/index.aspx?lang=eng – Education in Canada

http://www.international.gc.ca/international/index.aspx?lang=eng – Canadian Foreign Affairs and International Trade

http://www.educationau-incanada.ca/index.aspx?lang=eng – Information related to cost of studying, immigration, courses and universities available

http://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/jl/index.html – Department of Justice Canada

http://www.statcan.gc.ca/start-debut-eng.html – Statistics Canada

http://www.livingin-canada.com/cost-of-living-in-canada.html – Cost of living in Canada

http://canada.gc.ca/home.html – Government of Canada website

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/index.asp – Citizenship and Immigration

www.aucc.ca – Association of university and colleges

www.accc.ca – Association of community colleges

http://www.magma.ca/~harmony/MET/page3.html –Bureau of Meteorology Canada