How To Study and Work in Canada? 

Canada is a top destination for international students, with over 622,000 international students enrolled in post-secondary institutions as of 2022 (Source: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada). The country’s high-quality education system and diverse cultural environment make it a popular choice. A key benefit is the ability to study and work in Canada simultaneously, allowing students to work up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and full-time during breaks. This helps students financially while gaining valuable work experience. Additionally, studying and working in Canada offers a potential pathway to permanent residency, as nearly 60% of international students who stay in Canada after graduation apply for permanent residency.

Studying in Canada

Canada offers a wide range of educational programs structured to different academic interests and career goals. Whether you are pursuing a Bachelor’s degree, advancing your studies with a Master’s or Doctoral program, or looking for practical training in vocational fields, Canada has something for everyone.

1. Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor’s Degrees)

Undergraduate programs in Canada typically last 3 to 4 years, depending on the program and university. These programs provide foundational knowledge in various disciplines such as business, engineering, computer science, arts, and sciences. 

Canadian universities, such as the University of Toronto, McGill University, and the University of British Columbia, offer globally recognised Bachelor’s degrees. These degrees are highly valued by employers worldwide, making Canada an attractive destination for students pursuing undergraduate studies.

• Business Administration (BBA, BCom, and MBA)
• Computer Science
• Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Civil, Chemical, etc.)
• Medicine (Pre-Med, Nursing, Pharmacy, etc.)
• Social Sciences (Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, etc.)
• Arts (Fine Arts, Literature, History, etc.)
• Natural Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Environmental Science)
• Law (Pre-law or Law Degrees in some provinces)
• Education (Teaching, Educational Leadership, Special Education)
• Design (Graphic Design, Industrial Design, Fashion Design)
• Hospitality and Tourism Management
• Agriculture and Environmental Studies

These programs are offered by top Canadian universities like the University of Toronto, McGill University, and the University of British Columbia.

2. Graduate Programs (Master’s and Doctoral Degrees)

To study and work in Canada Graduate programs plays an important role. Programs aligned for Graduates in Canada, including Master’s and Doctoral degrees, offer an opportunity to specialise in a specific field of study. These programs typically last 1 to 2 years for Master’s degrees and 3 to 5 years for Doctoral programs. Graduate students in Canada are encouraged to conduct research, participate in seminars, and gain real-world experience through internships or co-op programs.

• Master of Business Administration (MBA)
• Master of Science (MSc) in fields like Computer Science, Engineering, and Health Sciences
• Master of Arts (MA) in Social Sciences, Humanities, and Languages
• Master of Public Health (MPH)
• Master of Education (MEd)
• Master of Engineering (MEng)
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in various disciplines like Physics, Chemistry, and Biology
• Master of Laws (LLM)
• Master of Social Work (MSW)
• Master of Fine Arts (MFA)
• Master of Architecture (MArch)
• Master of Environmental Studies (MES)

3. Vocational and Technical Programs (Diplomas and Certificates)

For students interested in hands-on learning and entering the workforce quickly, Canada offers vocational and technical programs. These programs typically lead to diplomas or certificates and focus on practical skills in fields like hospitality, construction, healthcare, information technology, and trades. Vocational programs are usually shorter in duration, ranging from 6 months to 2 years, and provide students with the skills necessary to enter the job market directly after graduation.

• Healthcare and Nursing (Practical Nurse, Medical Assistant, Dental Hygienist)
• Business Administration (Business Management, Accounting, Marketing)
• Information Technology (Network Administration, Web Development, Cybersecurity)
• Construction and Trades (Carpentry, Plumbing, Electrical, Welding)
• Hospitality and Culinary Arts (Culinary Management, Hotel Management)
• Early Childhood Education
• Graphic Design and Multimedia
• Automotive Technology
• Graphic Communications (Web Design, Animation, Video Editing)
• Event Planning and Management
• Fashion Design and Merchandising
• Environmental Technology

Let us explore some prominent Canadian universities, their famous programs, and estimated fees for international students. The fee estimates are for one academic year (usually around 8 months) and can vary depending on the program and residency status.

University Name	Famous Programs	Estimated Fees (International)
University of Toronto	– Business Administration (BBA, BCom)	$50,000 – $60,000 CAD
	– Computer Science	$55,000 – $65,000 CAD
	– Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Civil)	$55,000 – $70,000 CAD
University of British Columbia (UBC)	– Computer Science	$40,000 – $50,000 CAD
	– Psychology	$35,000 – $45,000 CAD
	– Environmental Science	$40,000 – $50,000 CAD
McGill University	– Medicine	$50,000 – $70,000 CAD
	– Law	$30,000 – $40,000 CAD
	– Business Administration (MBA)	$40,000 – $60,000 CAD
University of Alberta	– Engineering (Chemical, Mechanical, Civil)	– Engineering (Chemical, Mechanical, Civil)
	– Biological Sciences	$30,000 – $40,000 CAD
	– Nursing	$20,000 – $30,000 CAD
University of Waterloo	– Computer Science	$45,000 – $55,000 CAD
	– Engineering (Software, Electrical)	$45,000 – $55,000 CAD
	– Business Administration (BBA)	$35,000 – $45,000 CAD
York University	– Law	$30,000 – $40,000 CAD
	– Social Work	$20,000 – $30,000 CAD
	– Business Administration	$35,000 – $45,000 CAD

Academic Qualifications To Study and Work in Graduation

Studying and working in Canada is the dream of every international student. Therefore, it becomes crucial to consider each university’s specific requirements and the program details when applying to study in Canada.

1. Academic Qualifications

Undergraduate Programs: Typically, applicants should have completed their secondary education (high school) or an equivalent qualification, such as the International Baccalaureate (IB) or A-levels. Applicants must submit transcripts from previous studies, demonstrating good grades in relevant subjects.

Graduate Programs: Applicants should hold an undergraduate degree (Bachelor’s degree or its equivalent) from a recognized institution. Specific requirements may include a minimum GPA or a particular field of study for some programs (e.g., applying for an MBA requires an undergraduate degree, typically in business or related fields).

Vocational and Technical Programs: For diplomas or certificates, applicants must have completed secondary school (high school). For some programs, relevant work experience or specific qualifications might be required.

2. English Language Proficiency

As English is the primary language of instruction in most Canadian universities, international students must demonstrate proficiency in English through one of the following tests:

• IELTS (International English Language Testing System): A score of 6.5-7.0 overall, with no band below 6.0.
• TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): A minimum score of 80-100 (internet-based).
• CAEL (Canadian Academic English Language Assessment): A score of 60-70.
• PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English): A score of 58-65.
• Other Tests: Some universities may accept other tests or qualifications as proof of English proficiency.

3. Requirement of Finances

• International students must demonstrate they have sufficient funds to cover their tuition fees, living expenses, travel, and other costs while studying in Canada. The minimum requirement can vary depending on the university and the program. Typically, the required funds are around CAD 10,000 to CAD 15,000 per year, in addition to the tuition fees.

• Applicants are required to submit bank statements or affidavits of financial support showing available funds.

• If someone else (For example, parents, guardians, or sponsors) is funding the studies, a sponsorship letter and financial documents (such as tax returns or bank statements) may be required.

4. Other Important Requirements

• Most graduate programs, and sometimes undergraduate programs, require 2-3 letters of recommendation from teachers, professors, or employers who can attest to the applicant’s academic or professional abilities.
• A Statement of Purpose (SOP)explaining why the applicant wants to study the specific program, their career goals, and how studying in Canada will help them achieve their objectives. This is crucial for graduate programs and can also be required for some undergraduate programs.
• A detailed resume listing academic qualifications, work experience, skills, and extracurricular activities. This is especially common for graduate-level programs, particularly in business, engineering, or other professional fields.
• Some graduate programs, like MBAs, may require standardized tests such as the GMAT or GRE. These exams assess applicants’ readiness for advanced studies and their ability to succeed in a competitive academic environment.
• Most provinces in Canada offer health insurance for international students. However, some universities may require students to purchase private health insurance if provincial coverage is unavailable.

Also Read: Canadian University Dubai Architecture: Course Overview

Study and Work in Canada: Understanding the Costs and Choosing the Right Program and Institution

Category	Details
Cost of Studying
Tuition Fees	Undergraduate programs: CAD 7,000 – CAD 29,000 per year (depending on the institution and program).- Graduate programs: CAD 10,000 – CAD 45,000 per year (varies by level and specialization).
Living Expenses	CAD 10,000 – CAD 15,000 per year, depending on location, lifestyle, and housing choices.- Cities like Toronto and Vancouver tend to have higher living costs than smaller towns.
Financial Aid Options	Scholarships: Offered by universities, government bodies, and private organizations. Examples: Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships, Trudeau Foundation Scholarships.- Bursaries: Need-based financial assistance.- Student Loans: Available through Canadian banks or the government (for Canadian citizens, but international students may explore other funding options).
Choosing a Program and Institution
Researching Universities and Colleges	Use platforms like Universities Canada to research accredited institutions.- Look for institutions with strong academic reputations and offerings that align with your goals.
Considering Program Rankings and Specializations	Program rankings and institutional reputation vary across fields. For example, McGill University is known for medicine, University of Toronto for business and law.- Specialized programs, such as University of British Columbia (UBC) for environmental studies or University of Waterloo for computer science and engineering, may be more suited to your career goals.
Visiting Campuses (Virtually or In Person)	Visiting campuses allows you to understand campus culture, facilities, and living arrangements.- If you cannot visit in person, most universities offer virtual campus tours and webinars. This helps you interact with admissions staff, faculty, and students to get a better feel for the environment.

Opportunities of Work in Canada While Studying

International students have various options to work legally while studying in Canada, each designed to suit their schedules and academic commitments:

On-Campus Work:

Students can work at any facility on their university or college campus without a work permit if they are full-time students with valid study permits. These jobs include roles like library assistants, administrative helpers, or teaching assistants. On-campus jobs are convenient as they minimize commuting and offer flexibility.

Off-Campus Work:

Students can work up to 20 hours per week during academic terms and full-time during scheduled breaks, such as summer or winter holidays. Jobs in retail, food services, or customer support are popular among students. This option requires that students have work authorization clearly stated on their study permit.

Co-op and Internships:

Some academic programs include co-op or internship placements. These work opportunities are mandatory for completing the program and offer practical, hands-on experience in the student’s field of study. A separate co-op work permit is required for such roles, and students must ensure that their job aligns with their academic curriculum.

Eligibility Criteria for Working While Studying in Canada

Working while studying in Canada comes with specific requirements that must be adhered to:

• Your study permit must explicitly state that you are eligible to work on or off-campus. If this information is missing, you may need to amend your permit before beginning any employment.

• Students must be enrolled full-time at a DLI in a program lasting at least six months and leading to a degree, diploma, or certificate. Exceptions apply to part-time students only in their final academic term.

• A Social Insueance Number (SIN) is essential for working in Canada. Students can apply for a SIN by visiting Service Canada offices with their study permit and proof of enrollment. This number allows employers to report income legally and facilitates access to government programs.

• Students must meet the legal working age in their province or territory. For example, the minimum working age is 16 in most provinces but may vary depending on local laws.

Also Read: Heriot Watt University Dubai Campus, Courses, Admission and Cost

Post-Graduation Work Opportunities

Canada extends its support to international students even after graduation by offering the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program. This permit allows graduates to work in Canada for up to three years, depending on the length of their academic program. PGWP holders can gain professional experience in their chosen fields, making them eligible for PR pathways like Express Entry.

Additionally, Canadian work experience can open doors to global career opportunities. By working while studying and after graduation, students develop the skills, knowledge, and networks required to succeed in a competitive job market.

Conclusion

Studying and working in Canada provides international students with the chance to gain quality education while acquiring practical work experience. With options like on-campus jobs, off-campus roles, and co-op programs, students can manage expenses, enhance their skills, and build professional networks. Adhering to eligibility criteria, such as a valid study permit and Social Insurance Number, ensures a smooth integration into the workforce. These experiences not only support academic success but also pave the way for future career opportunities and permanent residency. Canada’s supportive framework makes it an ideal destination for students seeking a balanced and enriching study experience.

FAQs

We hope this blog gives you a complete overview of How To Study and Work in Canada for International Students. Stay tuned to Leverage Edu for more such content on student life abroad. Thank you for reading!

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