Category Archives: Canada Student Visa Regulations

How to select a course while opting for higher education in Canada?

Since parents are more concerned about the possibilities of their wards getting a job in Canada and are always in search of a curriculum that secures immediate placement for their kids, this is one of the “most asked” questions related to studying abroad. But in reality, for a parent who is planning a future for his child in Canada, this concern is practically irrelevant.

 

Since Canada’s education system is regulated by the Canadian government, their curriculum is designed in tune with the needs of the economy.  This means Universities only run those courses that cater to the need of the market. For those who want to pursue research in a subject, they have the facility to do so in Universities irrespective of their subject.  University curriculum is designed in such a way that if a particular course has come to a saturation point (in providing jobs), that course will be discontinued with immediate effect. This is because in Canada courses are designed for the future and the possibilities that lie ahead.

 

Another thing the parents & students have to keep in their mind is that in Canada the Universities offer many unconventional courses.  These courses may seem irrelevant now because of our limited knowledge and exposure. One example of this is the courses related to Environment and Forestry. They even have courses on emerging future technologies which we are not familiar with and is yet to be introduced in our Indian curriculum. In a nutshell, the main advantage of studying in Canada is that a student can pursue a course/career of his or her interest without worrying about the placement possibilities.

 

Which brings us to the obvious question, what will be the approximate course fee/expense for pursuing higher education in Canada?

 

A student opting for education have a choice of studying either in a Government community college or a University. In colleges, for almost all courses costs average between Rs 8 to 9  lakhs per annum which varies depending on the location of choice.

 

That is, the cost differs depending on the location and university/college ranking. University fees come on an average of Rs 10 to 18 lakhs depending on the ranking of that particular University. Then again there are certain provinces where University education is available on a subsidised cost of just 7 lakhs per annum. On top of these government subsidies, Universities normally grant scholarships and other grants as financial assistance for the deserving International students- this, in turn, further reduces the expenses.

 

In addition to this, students can plan their expense by choosing a modest living along with working part-time. Facility to work on summer holidays can be utilised effectively. This way students can make enough money to meet their overall expenses.

 

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About Ms. Nicy Binu, Director, Santamonica Study Abroad

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With over a decade’s experience in international education, Ms Nicy Binu is the brain behind Santamonica’s overseas student program and has steered the organization to a position where it figures today among the prominent overseas education facilitators in India. You may contact her at +91 6282 903 703 for overseas education queries and doubts.

Why Malayali parents consider or prefer Canada for higher education?

Malayali parents are considered as very practical people who always demand the best. Out of all foreign countries which people prefer for higher education, few factors make Canada very special for them.

 

1. Affordability

 

When we compare education in Canada with other nations, it is evident that the studies are more affordable. The Canadian government is giving huge subsidies to the education sector which is beneficial to the student community. In certain provinces where the population is less, a student can do a diploma course, Bachelor’s degree or Postgraduate specializations in universities with 6 /7 lakhs Indian rupees per annum which is very pocket-friendly for the ones who are seeking a foreign degree. Even a lower-middle-class family can think about sending their ward to study in Canada due to these affordable fee structure with some help from banks and sponsors.

 

2. Return on Investment

 

Another major attraction of studying in Canada is the return on investment, that is the Government is promoting education in Canada by offering a 3-year open work permit for a two-year student visa. The right to work along with studies helps students to cover their daily expenditures. Unlike other countries, in Canada students can work full three months of their summer vacation. Once they finish their studies they have the facility of an open work permit for three years or till they get placements in a relevant field. They have the right to do any job and thereby recover the expense that occurred during their studies. This helps to repay the loan as most of the students take loans to pursue higher studies.

 

3.Quality of Education

 

Canada is ranked as the third-best in terms of the quality of education it offered. Keralites being the most literate community who give utmost importance to the quality of education, Canada is their obvious right choice. Universities in Canada offer world-class facilities and relevant curriculums, helping students secure good placements globally.

 

4. High Employment Prospects

 

In today’s competitive world, one of the major obstacles a fresh graduate face is to get a job in the relevant field. Canada offers good job opportunities and high quality of life as well.

 

5.Permanent Residency Prospects

 

As we all know, Canada has less population and the majority of the population is octogenarians, Canada is in need of a young workforce in order to sustain its economy. So the majority of the students who do higher studies in Canada get an opportunity to work and acquire permanent residency. One is entitled to all the privileges of that country once you get PR

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About Ms. Nicy Binu, Director, Santamonica Study Abroad

——————————————————————————–

With over a decade’s experience in international education, Ms. Nicy Binu is the brain behind Santamonica’s overseas student program and has steered the organization to a position where it figures today among the prominent overseas education facilitators in India. You may contact her at +91 6282 903 703 for overseas education queries and doubts.

Changes in Canadian Student Visa Regulations

The Citizenship & Immigration Canada has recently announced some changes in the International Student Visa Program for students applying for intake from Jan 2014.

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Here are the details of the changes:

• ATTENDANCE: As per the new regulations, the International Students are supposed to register and mark their attendance regularly at the institution to which they are obliged to. Otherwise their status in Canada will be made illegal.

• HANDPICKED INSTITUTIONS: International Students can enroll only to those institutions that are approved by Canadian Government from January 2014 on-wards. This is to safe guard the International Students from the fraud or unrecognized institutions.

• POST STUDY WORK PERMIT (PSWP) PROVISION: Only those foreign students graduating for the approved Canadian Universities & Colleges will be eligible for Post Study Work Permit.

• PSWP ELIGIBILITY: The Full-time students, who had regularly attended a course of minimum EIGHT months which will lead to Certificate, Diploma or Degree, will be eligible for PSWP.

• WORK OFF-CAMPUS WITHOUT PERMIT: All regular foreign students attending a course of minimum EIGHT months at any approved Canadian educational institutions & holding valid study visa/permit will not be required to apply for separate Off-Campus Work Permit, they will be allowed to work 20 Hours per week on their Student Visa itself, which means there will be NO waiting period of SIX months for newly landed International Students in Canada, they can work On-Campus/Off-Campus immediately after registering with their designated University or College.

The new regulations will come into force in June 2014.