Find out what is required from you when you are ready to apply to college and university in Canada.
Every school has its own rules regarding how to apply. Therefore, once you choose a place to study, it is imperative that you research what will be required of you when you apply to that college or university in Canada. This ensures that you are eligible and that you do not forget anything in your submission. Follow these steps when it comes to the application process:
Be Ready to Apply Early
It is essential to think earlier about college and university in Canada because many application deadlines zip by quickly. Therefore, consider applying a year before the day you wish to begin your studies. Why? Because these schools receive tons of submissions every year and you want to give yourself the best chance of acceptance.
So, how can you prepare for the submission process?
- Research programs that you are interested in.
- Research the best schools in Canada for these programs.
- Consider a school’s competitiveness and GPA requirements.
- Research approaching deadlines.
- Contact the school for information on the tuition and textbook costs, language tests, and answers to any questions you may have.
- Determine whether or not you can afford this on your own or if you will require a loan.
- If you require a loan, figure out where you will get the loan from.
- Submit your application along with any documents and materials that are requested by the school.
Early acceptance can happen, and it is a huge relief when it does!
Contact the School
After narrowing down your school choices, go ahead and contact those schools. Inquire about their application process and what is needed from you. The school will be able to provide you with the right application forms (or they will send you to a website to fill them out) and they can offer details regarding the following:
- Tuition fees
- Cost of applying
- Language tests
- Health insurance coverage
- Rent costs
- Transportation
- A general idea about the cost of living in Canada
Please keep in mind that the cost of living will be higher than simply paying for textbooks and tuition. There are groceries, transportation costs, and nights out to consider.
Research the Location
Provinces and territories can vary. Basically, the cost of living in one province or territory can be very different from another province or territory. Even the cost of living in certain cities can vary. For example, in Canada, the most expensive cities to live in include Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal. Therefore, if you are considering attending a school in one of these cities, confirm that you have the funds to afford it first.
For more details regarding campus lifestyles, programs, and school-specific information, check out Campus Guides for articles related to schools in Canada.
Figure Out Your Finances
How do you plan to pay for college or university in Canada? When you decide on the school and program, now it is time to sort out how you intend to pay for it all. Will you need a student loan? Are you applying for scholarships? There is always Canada’s Luckiest Newcomer to apply for!
All international students need to provide proof that they can afford to pay for school and live in Canada.
Submit Your Application
When it is time to submit your application, fill out the form that the school (or schools) of your choice have provided. Some provinces such as Ontario use a portal for all post-secondary applications. Follow the instructions carefully when you are submitting. If a school admits you, they will send you a letter of acceptance (and you can do your happy dance!). Please keep in mind that you will require that letter of acceptance to apply for a Study Permit.
Quick Recap
It is a long process to apply to college and university in Canada. Every step requires its own research and a careful following of instructions. Therefore, review each program, evaluate the school’s acceptance rates, and make sure that you want to live in the area because you will be spending a lot of money to study here. Then it is time to submit your application and cross your fingers. You’ve got this!
*Opinions expressed are those of the author, and not necessarily those of Student Life Network or their partners.
CNN Team
Canadian Newcomers Network helps newcomers settle in Canada and build better lives for their families. Your journey to Canada starts here.
