Is Study Gap Acceptable in Canada?

Many people believe that in order to pursue a better life and future, getting an abroad education can do wonders. Canada comes among the most sorted-after countries to study abroad. Hence, those aspirants who want to study abroad but have a study gap may be delighted to know that many universities in Canada accept study gaps. To know if the study gap is acceptable in Canada, keep reading this blog!

What is a Study Gap?

A study gap can be defined as an interval between your last certification and the present one. For example, if an aspirant has graduated in the year 2020 and wants to pursue his or her post-graduation in the year 2022, he/she will have a 3-year study gap.

Many people in our country have to take breaks in between their studies for various reasons. Be it for personal reasons or for professional development, study gaps are not uncommon in our country. Some students take a year off after finishing their 12th-grade examination or graduation. Others also take a year off following giving exams of JEE, or medical school. 

Must Read: Study in Canada After 12th

Pros and Cons of a Study Gap

Some students may benefit from study gaps, while others may struggle. Hence, let’s look at the benefits and drawbacks of a study gap for students.

Pros

• Gives pupils the opportunity to explore and experience life outside of the classroom. Taking a vacation from the rigours of academic work might help students reflect on their interests and skills.
• It enables students to earn money and gain valuable work experience. Furthermore, taking a year off might provide students with the opportunity to develop financial independence and obtain professional experience.
• Students get the opportunity to travel and explore the world. Furthermore, a study gap allows students to see other cultures, meet new people, and create memorable memories.
• Aids in the development of a student’s resilience and determination. When students return to the classroom after a break, they are more likely to work hard and achieve.

Cons

• Put a student’s academic progress back. Taking a study break might cause a student to lose momentum, making it more difficult to catch up when they return.
• It becomes more difficult to acquire admission to a university course. A study gap may be interpreted by universities as evidence that students are not dedicated to their studies.
• This results in financial troubles. Students who take a break from studying may be unable to access student loans and subsidies, resulting in financial difficulty.
• May result in social isolation. Students who are absent from class may miss out on opportunities to meet new people and make friends.

Is Study Gap Acceptable in Canada?

The answer to the question ‘Is study gap acceptable in Canada’ is a big yes as quite a few universities in the country accept student applications with study gaps. Those gaps that can be justified by the student and have valid explanations are accepted in Canada. 

It is common for Indian students to have study gap years due to various reasons. For example, a student may start working right after they have completed their bachelor’s. They might work for 2-3 years which can create a study gap if they now wish to pursue a master’s course in Canada. Other than this, students can also take gaps in cases where they want to prepare for entrance exams or English language proficiency exams like IELTS, TOEFL, etc. 

Universities in Canada accept students with gap years in case the student has taken it for acceptable reasons. The exemption period may be of a year or two and may depend on the course and university the aspirant has applied for.

Must Read: Canada Student Visa IELTS Band Requirements

Duration of Study Gap Acceptable in Canada

The allowed duration of study gap acceptable in Canada differs according to various courses as well as the university. The number of students coming from foreign countries, especially India, to Canada has been increasing with each passing year. Many of these applicants have a study gap, hence it can be said that the study gap acceptable in Canada is in fact a reality.

However, it can also be said that students having study gaps encounter numerous problems at the time of applying for a new student visa. This is normally the case if the student has a very long study gap. 

Programs	Gap Allowed
Diploma	2 Years
Undergraduate	2 Years
Postgraduate	5 Years

A study gap of more than two years in undergraduate courses and five years in postgraduate studies, on the other hand, may necessitate the submission of extra papers, such as letters of recommendation or a statement of purpose, to explain the reasons for the gap.

What if you take more than 5 years of Study Gap?

In Canada, a 5-year gap is acceptable for PG courses. If you have a 5-year gap and want to pursue an undergraduate degree, certain universities accept students with suitable gap years. Some colleges and institutions recognise students with gap year work experience and students who took exams during their gap years.

All you need to give during the visa process are documents proving that you are working or studying during the study gap.

Universities that Accept Study Gap in Canada

There are many universities that accept study gaps. A few of them are as follows

1. Humber College
2. Centennial College
3. Seneca College
4. Royal Roads University, British Columbia
5. New York Institute of Tech, Vancouver (NYIT)

Must Read: List of Canadian Universities Accepting Low CGPA

Acceptable Reasons for Study Gap in Canada

There are several acceptable reasons that can allow students to study in Canada. A few reasons that make the study gap acceptable in Canada are as follows:

1. Family issues – These are some of the topmost and the most acceptable reasons why students take study gaps. Such a reason is pretty considerable for educational institutions since it is not a negligible issue.
2. Work Experience – Another topmost and most acceptable reason why students take study gaps is to gain work experience. Many students prefer to work after their graduation which helps them to achieve professional growth. Thus, this is another reason accepted by colleges in Canada. The aspirants may have to submit payslips and experience letters during the time of admission.
3. Medical Issues – Many students may face problems with their health or may face accidents that can make them stagnant for a year or two. Hence, this type of study gap is also accepted by Canadian colleges. The student may need to provide valid medical certificates.
4. Entrance Exams – Many students take study gaps to prepare for competitive exams. This may take up a whole year or even more. Hence, this can be another reason that is acceptable by universities in Canada. 
5. Finances – Monetary issues can be another reason why students have to take a gap year. Many students cannot afford abroad fees as it is costlier than studying in India. After applying for a student loan, or even getting admission, the aspirant may have to wait for a year in order to be able to show proof of funding which is a mandatory requirement. 
6. Career Change: Sometimes students wish to change their job path. So they take a break and restart. If your work route has changed, this will be a valid excuse for a study gap.
7. Skill Development: For overseas students, there are numerous skill-development courses offered. Many students, regardless of their degree or qualification, want to take skills and certification courses to further their jobs and secure a brighter future. As a result, if you take a gap year, it will be approved by Canadian universities.

Documents Required to Justify the Study Gap

To restart your studies in Canada after a break, you must understand how to justify a study break. Let’s look at the documents you’ll need:

• Explanation letter: You must submit a detailed letter describing the cause for any gaps in your studies, including any personal or circumstantial situations that may have contributed to them.
• Medical or personal certificates: If appropriate, you should present any medical or personal credentials that can demonstrate the reasons for your study gap.
• Work history: You must provide a full employment history demonstrating that you were actively involved in work or other activities throughout your study hiatus.
• References: It would be even preferable if you could supply references from previous jobs or connections who can verify your actions throughout the study gap.
• Necessary documents: Depending on your circumstances, you may be required to supply extra documents such as military service records or certificates of voluntary labour.

Must Read: Gap Certificate

Key Takeaway

Although there may be some limitations on how much gap is permitted for study in Canada, it is important to realise that there are numerous options and chances available. Canada is a friendly country that welcomes students from all backgrounds and levels of experience.

FAQs

For a bright career ahead, aspirants should look out for top colleges in Canada. Even if you have a gap year, there are many universities that will accept your application. Hence, Canada may be the right place for you. We know choosing the right course and university that runs parallel to your interests is very important. For this, I’m sure you’ll be pleased to take the assistance of an AI-based tool at Leverage Edu that gives you personalized suggestions based on your skills, qualifications and interests. Contact our experts at Leverage Edu; they will assist you in your study abroad endeavour. To get a free consultation from us call us at 1800 572 000 now!