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Studying in Canada: How to Choose a College in Canada

Wondering what to take into account when selecting a college or university for studying in Canada? If so, you are one of the many potential immigrants that struggle with the same question. Although each and every case requires an individual approach, all future students need to consider the following when planning for their move:

• Past education and work experience. Your choice of training should be reasonably justified before the immigration authorities. Plausible reasons include “continuing your education”, “obtaining the knowledge required for a specific career” or “getting a skill set necessary to switch career paths.”
• The school you end up choosing. The college or university you select needs to provide its graduates with a chance to apply for a work permit (both for on-campus employment and for working after graduation);
• The province where your school is located. Living expenses and the cost of education will differ from one province to the next. Chances of successful employment will also differ depending on the laws and policies of a specific province. All of this – along with the fact that Provincial Nominee Program guidelines will vary greatly in every region – should be taken into consideration when selecting a college or university to apply to.
• The duration of your course. The duration of your program will determine the type of work permit you will be eligible for after graduation. A one-year course allows for a one-year work permit; finishing a two-year program grants eligibility for a three-year work permit, thus giving the graduate a longer period of time to kick-start their immigration process.
• Living expenses combined with the cost of education, books, and materials. Depending on the college or university, a one-year program may cost anywhere from $5,000 to $12,000. Some schools provide their students with scholarships or subsidies at the end of their first semester (the size of this grant will usually coincide with the cost of a single semester). A university program is usually more expensive and longer than a college course, except for continued education programs for students with an undergraduate degree. Even though getting a master’s degree would usually cost more upfront, these costs can be offset by working for your university or taking on paid research projects with your department.
• Admission requirements. Each course will have its own guidelines and conditions for admission, like certain IELTS, GRE, and GMAT scores. The levels of competition and the possibility of success should also be taken into consideration.
• The school’s returns and refunds policy. What if your visa is denied? Make sure that the school you select is flexible with returning any and all prepaid amounts.
• Program intake dates.

Our team can help you select a perfect course at a school that will work best for your specific goals and skill set. Contact us today to get help with everything from program registration and applying for your visa to getting a work permit and taking steps towards your future in Canada.