STUDY IN CANADA
If you are one of those who seek a high quality of life above anything else, Canada is the place for you. It has been consistently ranked by the UN as the number one country in the world to live in. Having a large Asian Diaspora of students, Canada offers a truly international educational experience.
Furthermore, the Canadian degree or diploma is instantly recognized around the world as being of the highest standard. And you get all this at a remarkably low cost…..both in terms of cost of education and the cost of living. Tuition fees for international students in Canada are much lower than comparable countries.
With over 90 universities and 150 colleges and technical institutes, featuring virtually every program imaginable, Canada may just be the place of your dreams.
This site gives you an extensive insight into how you can turn your dream into reality.
Application Procedure for Graduate Courses
This section explains the process of applying to Canadian universities for Graduate (Masters’ & Doctorate Degree) courses.
- Application Forms
- Eligibility
Application Requirements
- Academic Records
- Standardized Tests
- Work Experience Details
- Letters of Recommendation
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
Application Forms
Send enquiries at least 12 months before the proposed date of admission. There are two ways to get application forms.
Eligibility
Most schools require qualifications comparable to a Canadian Bachelor’s (Honours) degree (Four Year Degree Program). That means a minimum of 16 years of formal education. In the Indian context, it implies qualifying in a professional four-year degree like engineering or other such courses.
For Doctorate programs, most universities require a Master’s degree in that subject. In a few exceptional cases like a good undergraduate engineering degree, they may offer a direct admission to a Doctorate course.
Programs/ | Graduate/Post-Graduate level |
Business |
|
Computer Science |
|
Engineering |
|
Fine Arts |
|
Media/ Communications |
|
Three year Graduates
If you have completed a three-year degree program in India, the advisable plan of action to maximize eligibility for Canadian graduate schools is to apply for a Post Graduate degree here in India. A one-year university affiliated program will make up for the fourth year of a Canadian Undergraduate degree.
Application Requirements
Academic Records
Your past academic record is one of the most important deciding factors in securing admission to a college abroad. Most schools require you to have a reasonably good academic record especially for programs and courses offering a master’s or doctoral degree. Each university has its own minimum requirement for its programs, which are flexible depending on the candidate’s profile.
Universities in Canada have their own marking and evaluation systems, which are considerably different from the Indian system. It is advisable not to convert your marks in the Indian system of grading to the Canadian Grade Point Average system or any other system since the conversion may not be accurate. You may attach an explanatory note from your college to indicate your rank in your class and/or university. The letter may also indicate your place as compared to the class and the university average and the number of students in the class and the number of colleges and students in the university. You may also provide any other information or documents that you feel may help you in the admission process.
Students applying for Graduate courses (MBA, MS etc) are required to submit an official transcript (mark-sheets) from each college or university that they have attended after secondary school with complete details of the subjects/credits involved (for each year) and other details like correspondence courses, diplomas etc. Most universities ask for the transcript (mark-sheets) to be sealed in an envelope and signed and attested across the seal by the registrar. This procedure is to be done for each and every college that you have attended. Some universities may ask for more than one copy of the transcript.
If the transcripts are in a language other than English, then they must be translated into English only by the issuing authority or university otherwise it may not be accepted.
Standardized Tests
Many Courses and Universities in Canada require you to take one of the standardized tests like GRE, GMAT along with English Proficiency tests like TOEFL, TWE and IELTS.
English Proficiency
TOEFL : This test is mandatory for International students applying to a Graduate course or University in Canada. The minimum score required by most universities for admission is 570 (Paper-based test) and 230 (Computer-based test).
GMAT:For most management courses, International students are required to take GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test).
GRE :For Graduate Courses in any field other than Management.
Work Experience Details
A number of professional and vocational courses require relevant work experience. For instance, many MBAs or master’s courses in information studies require at least a couple of years’ work experience. Most Canadian universities are pretty strict about this.
A detailed Résumé is an important part of your application. It should include all information of professional work experience along with the details like positions held, achievements and range of work.
Letter of Recommendation
Letters of reference or recommendation letters play a very important part in your admission especially in courses that earn you a master’s or doctoral degree. A recommendation letter is a signed statement from a person who knows you well professionally or has taught you in a subject that is related to the course you are applying to. It should list your positive and negative qualities, strengths and other such information.
The author or teacher must indicate his position, how long he/she has known the applicant and in what capacity. He/she should briefly discuss the need, importance and usefulness of the study the applicant proposes to undertake. Authors are usually asked to rank applicants in their letters of recommendation, which helps admission officers to interpret the academic credentials of foreign students. Students should obtain letters of recommendation (often on the prescribed forms sent by the institutions) from teachers who know them as a person as well as a student. You may like to request your author to give concrete examples that may show your qualities and help your case.
Many universities have their own format and questions that have to be answered by the person who is giving the letter of recommendation on your behalf. Letters, which do not give enough information, can jeopardize a candidate’s chances of selection.
Note : Even if not mentioned, it is advisable to include at least two letters of recommendation in your applications as they increase your chances of getting admissions.
Statement of Purpose
The personal essays, and/or statement of purpose, play a very important role in the process of evaluating your application for both admission as well as financial aid because it gives the faculty assessing your application their most significant impression of you as an individual. This section is the key to distinguish your application from other suitable candidates and a chance to market yourself.
A personal statement should include your reasons for choosing a particular course, the suitability of your education and experience for the chosen course, your personal interests and career goals.
Some courses like Business school courses will have their own essay questions and format. Others may ask for a résumé or reasons for applying to that particular course.
This section discusses the various issues faced by international students applying to the Australia for education. We discuss here eligibility criteria for Australian institutes, accommodation, health insurance and rules for taking up employment while studying.
- Eligibility
- Working while you Study
- Accommodation
- Health Insurance
Eligibility
Eligibility and Entry Requirements
This section details out the various eligibility criteria for admission to Canadian Institutes. Scroll down for details:
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Undergraduate/ |
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Graduate/ |
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Diploma |
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| COMPUTERS | |
Undergraduate/ |
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Graduate/ |
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Diploma |
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| ENGINEERING | |
Undergraduate/ |
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Graduate/ |
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Diploma |
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| FINE ARTS | |
Undergraduate/ |
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Graduate/ |
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Diploma |
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Working while you Study
Employment opportunities for international students are limited. You should not plan on earning substantial money from a part-time job to help pay for your studies.
On campus : Though international students are allowed to work on the campus of any publicly-funded, degree granting institution, these jobs are often difficult to obtain and do not provide sufficient funds to sustain education costs.
Practical Training : In addition, there may be opportunities for practical training which entail a period of authorized employment, designed to allow foreign students to have professional work experience related to their field of study. For further details, contact the foreign student adviser at the university, after you are enrolled.
Accommodation
Each institute has its own policy for housing and may offer a range of options for single and married students. Most common types of accommodations are:
School-Provided Homestays: A homestay usually consists of a Canadian family hosting a student in their home while the student attends classes in Canada. This includes meals as well as a private, furnished room. (Cost: CDN $ 400 – $ 800 per month)
School-Provided Residence/Dormitory: Many schools have accommodation conveniently located on or near their campuses. There is usually an option of either shared or private room and dormitories. (Cost: CDN $ 3000 – $ 7500 per year)
Off Campus Housing: Usually many students share or rent apartments to save costs. Listings of available apartments or homes are published weekly in local newspapers. Rents vary greatly according to the location and time of year. (Cost: CDN $ 250 – $ 700 per month)
Health Insurance
This is another very important criteria for financial planning. Most Canadian Institutes require that all students including international students be covered by an insurance policy that will protect them against medical, hospital bills if they get sick or are injured while studying at the college, as health care is very expensive. Some provinces like Alberta, British Columbia and Saskatchewan cover international students under their provincial health care plans. Students studying in other provinces must arrange for private medical coverage through private insurance companies, which approximately costs about CDN $ 35 per month.
Application Procedure for Undergraduate Courses
This section explains the process of applying to Canadian universities for Under Graduate (Bachelor Degree or equivalent) courses.
- Application Process
- Application Forms
- Eligibility and Entry Routes
Application Requirements
- Secondary School Reports and Transcripts
- Standardized Tests
- Letters of Recommendation
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
Application Process
In most Canadian universities and colleges, the academic year is divided into two semesters, the fall semester (Sept-Dec), and the winter semester (Jan-May), with a short vacation at Christmas. Many colleges also offer a summer semester beginning in May.
University deadlines for the September session vary from institution to institution, though are generally from mid December to the end of March.
Colleges may have a rolling admission policy and will accept applications while processing time still permits.
If applying to a universities and some colleges in the province of Ontario, you must submit your applications through central application centres. The Ontario Universities Application Centre (OUAC) deadline is March 1, those applications received after the deadline will be processed on a first come, first served basis. The Ontario College Application Services (OCAS) deadline is March 1 for admission the following September, applications received after that date will be handled on a first come, first served basis. Some Ontario colleges have applications that can be submitted directly to the institute itself.
Some institutes have January admission, deadlines will be the preceding September to November.
Dates can vary from institution to institution, and should be confirmed by checking the relevant calendars.
There are some differences in the application process if you are applying to colleges and universities in the province of Ontario and in the province of Quebec compared to colleges and universities in the rest of Canada. Check out the table below.
Ontario Colleges and Universities
Universities : Complete the Ontario Universities Application Centre (OUAC) application form for upto 3 university/programme choices. Send the form along with the fee (C$95), by the 1st March deadline to OUAC
Colleges: Complete the Ontario College Application Service (OCAS) application form for upto 5 college/programme choices. Send the form with the fee (C$65), by the 1st March deadline to OCAS.
The OUAC/OCAS will acknowledge receipt of the application and forward to the appropriate institutions.
Meanwhile, you have to send your academic Documents/supplementary fees to the chosen institute(s) by their respective deadlines If there is any additional information that the institute requires from you, it will be communicated to you. After this the institute will make you an admission offer.
After you accept, the institute will send you an official letter of acceptance.
You apply to the Canadian High Commission for a student authorisation (Visa).
Quebec Colleges and Universities
Complete and send the application form, official transcripts/ academic records, plus application fee to the Registrar’s Office of the institute(s) you wish to attend.
If there is any additional information that the institute requires from you, it will be communicated to you. After this the institute will make you an admission offer.
After you accept, the institute will send you an official letter of acceptance.
You apply to the Canadian High Commission for a student authorisation (Visa). In addition to the student authorisation, you must apply for a Certificate of Acceptance (CAQ) from the Quebec Government.
The forms will be sent to you by the institute or they can be collected from the CEC.
Colleges and universities in the rest of Canada
Complete and send the application form, official transcripts/ academic records, plus application fee to the Registrar’s Office of the institute(s) you wish to attend.
If there is any additional information that the institute requires from you, it will be communicated to you. After this the institute will make you an admission offer.
Application Forms
Send enquiries at least 15 to 18 months before the proposed date of admission. There are three ways to get application forms.
- Requesting Application Forms via email : You can request application forms from the universities website. Most universities have a form on their website which can be completed online to request application material.
- Downloading from the university website : Many universities have a downloadable and ready to print versions of their application forms on the net. These can be used for applying just as regular forms.
- Requesting Applications from CEC in Delhi : You can get application forms for all the universities from Canadian Education Centre in New Delhi. You can either visit them personally or email them for the forms.
Eligibility
There are significant differences between the education systems of the different provinces of Canada. Secondary schooling in Canada could go up to Grade 11, 12 or 13, depending on the province. Consequently, the eligibility criteria for colleges are also different in different provinces of Canada.
Most universities in states other than Ontario and Quebec require a minimum of 12 years of formal education for admission to Bachelor degree courses.
Universities of Ontario and Quebec require a minimum of 13 years of secondary school education. This implies 12 years of schooling and one year of college education in India, or 12 years of schooling in India and one year of high school in Canada. If your academic credentials are very impressive, some universities may admit you in their Bachelor degree programs with 12 years of education.
Important: We had written and spoken to the admission officers of most Canadian Universities regarding eligibility criteria for Indian students applying for undergraduate courses. Most, if not all mentioned that a lot would depend on the individual case. There was no broad standardized policy. If you feel you have a good academic record and also something significant to show to the admission committee, we would encourage you to apply even if you do not match the eligibility criteria.
Programs/ | Undergraduate/Bachelors level |
Business |
|
Computer Science |
|
Engineering |
|
Fine Arts |
|
Media/ Communications |
|
Programs/ | Diploma |
Business |
|
Computer Science |
|
Engineering |
|
Fine Arts |
|
Media / Communications |
|
Application Requirements
Secondary School Reports and Transcripts
Students who are applying for a Bachelor program or another undergraduate course would be required to submit a secondary school report and transcripts (report cards) of the final exams. The report form should be filled out by a school official like the principal, counsellor or headmaster. This form should introduce you in the context of your whole school experience in relation to the other students in your class. Admission committees will be interested in learning how you have performed in your own educational system. The school report should talk about your accomplishments and provide a prediction of your chances for success in university-level studies.
Since there is a variation between the styles of scoring used abroad and the ones used in India, ask your school to include a guide to the grading standards used in your educational system and your school. If your school ranks students by their level of academic achievement, make certain that the ranking is included with the other details. Also send the school / junior college leaving certificate as and when it is available.
If the transcripts are in a language other than English, then it must be translated into English only by the issuing authority or university otherwise it may not be acceptable.
Standardized Tests
International students are also required to take English Proficiency tests like TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing). Every university has its own minimum requirements and scores with respect to standardized tests
English Proficiency
TOEFL: This test is mandatory for International students applying to a Graduate course or University in Canada. The minimum score required by most universities for admission is 570 (Paper-based test) and 230 (Computer-based test).
Most universities and colleges do accept IELTS score as well in lieu of TOEFL score.
Letter of Recommendation
Letters of reference or recommendation letters play a very important part in your admission especially in courses that earn you a master’s or doctoral degree. A recommendation letter is a signed statement from a person who knows you well professionally or has taught you in a subject that is related to the course you are applying to. It should list your positive and negative qualities, strengths and other such information.
The author or teacher must indicate his position, how long he/she has known the applicant and in what capacity. He/she should briefly discuss the need, importance and usefulness of the study the applicant proposes to undertake.
Authors are usually asked to rank applicants in their letters of recommendation, which helps admission officers to interpret the academic credentials of foreign students. Students should obtain letters of recommendation (often on the prescribed forms sent by the institutions) from teachers who know them as a person as well as a student. You may like to request your author to give concrete examples that may show your qualities and help your case.
Many universities have their own format and questions that have to be answered by the person who is giving the letter of recommendation on your behalf. Letters, which do not give enough information, can jeopardize a candidate’s chances of selection.
Statement of Purpose
The personal essays, and/or statement of purpose, play a very important role in the process of evaluating your application for both admission as well as financial aid because it gives the faculty assessing your application their most significant impression of you as an individual. This section is the key to distinguish your application from other suitable candidates and a chance to market yourself.
A personal statement should include your reasons for choosing a particular course, the suitability of your education and experience for the chosen course, your personal interests and career goals.
Some courses like Business school courses will have their own essay questions and format. Others may ask for a résumé or reasons for applying to that particular course.
Application Procedure for Undergraduate Courses
This section explains the process of applying to Canadian universities for Under Graduate (Bachelor Degree or equivalent) courses.
- Application Process
- Application Forms
- Eligibility and Entry Routes
Application Requirements
- Secondary School Reports and Transcripts
- Standardized Tests
- Letters of Recommendation
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
Application Process
In most Canadian universities and colleges, the academic year is divided into two semesters, the fall semester (Sept-Dec), and the winter semester (Jan-May), with a short vacation at Christmas. Many colleges also offer a summer semester beginning in May.
University deadlines for the September session vary from institution to institution, though are generally from mid December to the end of March.
Colleges may have a rolling admission policy and will accept applications while processing time still permits.
If applying to a universities and some colleges in the province of Ontario, you must submit your applications through central application centres. The Ontario Universities Application Centre (OUAC) deadline is March 1, those applications received after the deadline will be processed on a first come, first served basis. The Ontario College Application Services (OCAS) deadline is March 1 for admission the following September, applications received after that date will be handled on a first come, first served basis. Some Ontario colleges have applications that can be submitted directly to the institute itself.
Some institutes have January admission, deadlines will be the preceding September to November.
Dates can vary from institution to institution, and should be confirmed by checking the relevant calendars.
There are some differences in the application process if you are applying to colleges and universities in the province of Ontario and in the province of Quebec compared to colleges and universities in the rest of Canada. Check out the table below.
Ontario Colleges and Universities
Universities : Complete the Ontario Universities Application Centre (OUAC) application form for upto 3 university/programme choices. Send the form along with the fee (C$95), by the 1st March deadline to OUAC
Colleges: Complete the Ontario College Application Service (OCAS) application form for upto 5 college/programme choices. Send the form with the fee (C$65), by the 1st March deadline to OCAS.
The OUAC/OCAS will acknowledge receipt of the application and forward to the appropriate institutions.
Meanwhile, you have to send your academic Documents/supplementary fees to the chosen institute(s) by their respective deadlines If there is any additional information that the institute requires from you, it will be communicated to you. After this the institute will make you an admission offer.
After you accept, the institute will send you an official letter of acceptance.
You apply to the Canadian High Commission for a student authorisation (Visa).
Quebec Colleges and Universities
Complete and send the application form, official transcripts/ academic records, plus application fee to the Registrar’s Office of the institute(s) you wish to attend.
If there is any additional information that the institute requires from you, it will be communicated to you. After this the institute will make you an admission offer.
After you accept, the institute will send you an official letter of acceptance.
You apply to the Canadian High Commission for a student authorisation (Visa). In addition to the student authorisation, you must apply for a Certificate of Acceptance (CAQ) from the Quebec Government.
The forms will be sent to you by the institute or they can be collected from the CEC.
Colleges and universities in the rest of Canada
Complete and send the application form, official transcripts/ academic records, plus application fee to the Registrar’s Office of the institute(s) you wish to attend.
If there is any additional information that the institute requires from you, it will be communicated to you. After this the institute will make you an admission offer.
Application Forms
Send enquiries at least 15 to 18 months before the proposed date of admission. There are three ways to get application forms.
- Requesting Application Forms via email : You can request application forms from the universities website. Most universities have a form on their website which can be completed online to request application material.
- Downloading from the university website : Many universities have a downloadable and ready to print versions of their application forms on the net. These can be used for applying just as regular forms.
- Requesting Applications from CEC in Delhi : You can get application forms for all the universities from Canadian Education Centre in New Delhi. You can either visit them personally or email them for the forms.
Eligibility
There are significant differences between the education systems of the different provinces of Canada. Secondary schooling in Canada could go up to Grade 11, 12 or 13, depending on the province. Consequently, the eligibility criteria for colleges are also different in different provinces of Canada.
Most universities in states other than Ontario and Quebec require a minimum of 12 years of formal education for admission to Bachelor degree courses.
Universities of Ontario and Quebec require a minimum of 13 years of secondary school education. This implies 12 years of schooling and one year of college education in India, or 12 years of schooling in India and one year of high school in Canada. If your academic credentials are very impressive, some universities may admit you in their Bachelor degree programs with 12 years of education.
Important: We had written and spoken to the admission officers of most Canadian Universities regarding eligibility criteria for Indian students applying for undergraduate courses. Most, if not all mentioned that a lot would depend on the individual case. There was no broad standardized policy. If you feel you have a good academic record and also something significant to show to the admission committee, we would encourage you to apply even if you do not match the eligibility criteria.
Programs/ | Undergraduate/Bachelors level |
Business |
|
Computer Science |
|
Engineering |
|
Fine Arts |
|
Media/ Communications |
|
Programs/ | Diploma |
Business |
|
Computer Science |
|
Engineering |
|
Fine Arts |
|
Media / Communications |
|
Application Requirements
Secondary School Reports and Transcripts
Students who are applying for a Bachelor program or another undergraduate course would be required to submit a secondary school report and transcripts (report cards) of the final exams. The report form should be filled out by a school official like the principal, counsellor or headmaster. This form should introduce you in the context of your whole school experience in relation to the other students in your class. Admission committees will be interested in learning how you have performed in your own educational system. The school report should talk about your accomplishments and provide a prediction of your chances for success in university-level studies.
Since there is a variation between the styles of scoring used abroad and the ones used in India, ask your school to include a guide to the grading standards used in your educational system and your school. If your school ranks students by their level of academic achievement, make certain that the ranking is included with the other details. Also send the school / junior college leaving certificate as and when it is available.
If the transcripts are in a language other than English, then it must be translated into English only by the issuing authority or university otherwise it may not be acceptable.
Standardized Tests
International students are also required to take English Proficiency tests like TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing). Every university has its own minimum requirements and scores with respect to standardized tests
English Proficiency
TOEFL: This test is mandatory for International students applying to a Graduate course or University in Canada. The minimum score required by most universities for admission is 570 (Paper-based test) and 230 (Computer-based test).
Most universities and colleges do accept IELTS score as well in lieu of TOEFL score.
Letter of Recommendation
Letters of reference or recommendation letters play a very important part in your admission especially in courses that earn you a master’s or doctoral degree. A recommendation letter is a signed statement from a person who knows you well professionally or has taught you in a subject that is related to the course you are applying to. It should list your positive and negative qualities, strengths and other such information.
The author or teacher must indicate his position, how long he/she has known the applicant and in what capacity. He/she should briefly discuss the need, importance and usefulness of the study the applicant proposes to undertake.
Authors are usually asked to rank applicants in their letters of recommendation, which helps admission officers to interpret the academic credentials of foreign students. Students should obtain letters of recommendation (often on the prescribed forms sent by the institutions) from teachers who know them as a person as well as a student. You may like to request your author to give concrete examples that may show your qualities and help your case.
Many universities have their own format and questions that have to be answered by the person who is giving the letter of recommendation on your behalf. Letters, which do not give enough information, can jeopardize a candidate’s chances of selection.
Statement of Purpose
The personal essays, and/or statement of purpose, play a very important role in the process of evaluating your application for both admission as well as financial aid because it gives the faculty assessing your application their most significant impression of you as an individual. This section is the key to distinguish your application from other suitable candidates and a chance to market yourself.
A personal statement should include your reasons for choosing a particular course, the suitability of your education and experience for the chosen course, your personal interests and career goals.
Some courses like Business school courses will have their own essay questions and format. Others may ask for a résumé or reasons for applying to that particular course.
Application Procedure for Graduate Courses
This section explains the process of applying to Canadian universities for Graduate (Masters’ & Doctorate Degree) courses.
- Application Forms
- Eligibility
Application Requirements
- Academic Records
- Standardized Tests
- Work Experience Details
- Letters of Recommendation
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
Application Forms
Send enquiries at least 12 months before the proposed date of admission. There are two ways to get application forms.
Eligibility
Most schools require qualifications comparable to a Canadian Bachelor’s (Honours) degree (Four Year Degree Program). That means a minimum of 16 years of formal education. In the Indian context, it implies qualifying in a professional four-year degree like engineering or other such courses.
For Doctorate programs, most universities require a Master’s degree in that subject. In a few exceptional cases like a good undergraduate engineering degree, they may offer a direct admission to a Doctorate course.
Programs/ | Graduate/Post-Graduate level |
Business |
|
Computer Science |
|
Engineering |
|
Fine Arts |
|
Media/ Communications |
|
Three year Graduates
If you have completed a three-year degree program in India, the advisable plan of action to maximize eligibility for Canadian graduate schools is to apply for a Post Graduate degree here in India. A one-year university affiliated program will make up for the fourth year of a Canadian Undergraduate degree.
Application Requirements
Academic Records
Your past academic record is one of the most important deciding factors in securing admission to a college abroad. Most schools require you to have a reasonably good academic record especially for programs and courses offering a master’s or doctoral degree. Each university has its own minimum requirement for its programs, which are flexible depending on the candidate’s profile.
Universities in Canada have their own marking and evaluation systems, which are considerably different from the Indian system. It is advisable not to convert your marks in the Indian system of grading to the Canadian Grade Point Average system or any other system since the conversion may not be accurate. You may attach an explanatory note from your college to indicate your rank in your class and/or university. The letter may also indicate your place as compared to the class and the university average and the number of students in the class and the number of colleges and students in the university. You may also provide any other information or documents that you feel may help you in the admission process.
Students applying for Graduate courses (MBA, MS etc) are required to submit an official transcript (mark-sheets) from each college or university that they have attended after secondary school with complete details of the subjects/credits involved (for each year) and other details like correspondence courses, diplomas etc. Most universities ask for the transcript (mark-sheets) to be sealed in an envelope and signed and attested across the seal by the registrar. This procedure is to be done for each and every college that you have attended. Some universities may ask for more than one copy of the transcript.
If the transcripts are in a language other than English, then they must be translated into English only by the issuing authority or university otherwise it may not be accepted.
Standardized Tests
Many Courses and Universities in Canada require you to take one of the standardized tests like GRE, GMAT along with English Proficiency tests like TOEFL, TWE and IELTS.
English Proficiency
TOEFL : This test is mandatory for International students applying to a Graduate course or University in Canada. The minimum score required by most universities for admission is 570 (Paper-based test) and 230 (Computer-based test).
GMAT:For most management courses, International students are required to take GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test).
GRE :For Graduate Courses in any field other than Management.
Work Experience Details
A number of professional and vocational courses require relevant work experience. For instance, many MBAs or master’s courses in information studies require at least a couple of years’ work experience. Most Canadian universities are pretty strict about this.
A detailed Résumé is an important part of your application. It should include all information of professional work experience along with the details like positions held, achievements and range of work.
Letter of Recommendation
Letters of reference or recommendation letters play a very important part in your admission especially in courses that earn you a master’s or doctoral degree. A recommendation letter is a signed statement from a person who knows you well professionally or has taught you in a subject that is related to the course you are applying to. It should list your positive and negative qualities, strengths and other such information.
The author or teacher must indicate his position, how long he/she has known the applicant and in what capacity. He/she should briefly discuss the need, importance and usefulness of the study the applicant proposes to undertake. Authors are usually asked to rank applicants in their letters of recommendation, which helps admission officers to interpret the academic credentials of foreign students. Students should obtain letters of recommendation (often on the prescribed forms sent by the institutions) from teachers who know them as a person as well as a student. You may like to request your author to give concrete examples that may show your qualities and help your case.
Many universities have their own format and questions that have to be answered by the person who is giving the letter of recommendation on your behalf. Letters, which do not give enough information, can jeopardize a candidate’s chances of selection.
Note : Even if not mentioned, it is advisable to include at least two letters of recommendation in your applications as they increase your chances of getting admissions.
Statement of Purpose
The personal essays, and/or statement of purpose, play a very important role in the process of evaluating your application for both admission as well as financial aid because it gives the faculty assessing your application their most significant impression of you as an individual. This section is the key to distinguish your application from other suitable candidates and a chance to market yourself.
A personal statement should include your reasons for choosing a particular course, the suitability of your education and experience for the chosen course, your personal interests and career goals.
Some courses like Business school courses will have their own essay questions and format. Others may ask for a résumé or reasons for applying to that particular course.