Student Life in Canada
Student life in Canada is among the top globally. Over 500,000 international students enroll in post-secondary institutions every year. Whether you choose to study at a vocational school, college, or one of the many prestigious universities across Canada, two things are certain; you will receive a world-class education and you’ll have an incredible experience doing so.
Canada values its education system and prides itself in offering a diverse, inclusive and supportive learning environment for students from all over the world. Classrooms foster innovative thinking, academic excellence, and freedom.
Most Canadian educational institutions offer a wide variety of extracurricular activities for international students in Canada, as well as various support groups and online communities to help you ease into your first semester abroad.
International Student Life in Canada: What to Expect
Studying in Canada will not only open up doors for your career but is a great life-experience that you are guaranteed to carry with you in the days ahead. When first arriving in a foreign country, let alone a new college or university, the experience can be quite overwhelming. Most universities and colleges, however, offer fantastic orientation programs to help you meet other students and settle into student life in Canada.
A Typical Day
No matter where you decide to complete your studies in Canada you will have unique opportunities to learn and grow. Canada offers an array of study programs; from trade skills to medical qualifications.
Undergrad Life
Your days at vocational institutions or colleges will be spent applying practical skills, related to your specific career, in real-world environments. In between classes you may find yourself editing your own videos, making your own cabinets in woodworking class or working with patients, if dental hygiene is your chosen field of study, for example. University life is typically a balance between learning and doing. When not attending lectures, you’ll find yourself in state of the art labs, researching your next assignment in the library or attending student workshops and tutorials. Lecturers and professors are usually available to assist students during office hours and you will also have the added support of at least one teaching assistant to help guide you through the course program and provide extra learning support.
Graduate and Post-grad Life
As a graduate student, you’ll spend most of your time between lectures and doing original research to complete your research project, thesis, or dissertation. You’ll be guided through your study program by renowned lecturers and professors to help you get the results you’ve set out to achieve.
Campus Life
Student Accommodation
There are various accommodation options available for international students in Canada. As an undergraduate, you’ll have both on and off-campus options available from shared dormitories on campus to shared student housing or private student apartment rentals off-campus. On-campus housing is a plus for first-year students as it makes it easier to meet new people, is much more affordable, and offers 24/7 housing support. Private dorms are usually reserved for graduate and postgraduate students.
Off-campus options include both furnished and unfurnished house shares as well as homestays, which is a great option if you are looking for an authentic Canadian family experience. When budgeting is sure to set aside at least 25 percent of your study budget for accommodation.
Useful Links To Find Off-Campus Accommodation
Getting Around
Canada’s transportation system is both reliable and affordable. An average monthly travel pass will cost you around $90 depending on which city you’re studying in. You’ll have access to buses, trains, or if you’re lucky maybe within walking distance of your campus or even choose to cycle to and from class. Many universities also offer it’s own transportation options and may even have a transit pass included in your tuition fees.
Take a look at some f the discounts on offer for international student in Canada, below;
| Student Travel and Transit Discounts | |
|---|---|
| Provider | Student Discount |
| Greyhound Bus | Save up to 45% on fares to and from select universities, and 10% student discount on adult fares. |
| Visa Rail | Discounted multi-trip passes for youth and students. |
| Air Canada | Discounted multi-trip pass for students. |
| GO Transit | 22.5% off full adult fares for students (8% off Presto fares). |
| Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) | Discounted monthly TTC pass for post-secondary students. |
| Desjardins | Students get discounted rates on car insurance. |
| Zipcar | Students enrolled in participating institutions get discounted rates when borrowing a zipcar. |
Food and Groceries
If you’ve chosen to live on campus, you’ll be able to choose from set meal plan options at the dining hall, which is included in the cost of residence or opt for self-catering instead. Most institutions cater to specific dietary needs but it is best to confirm this beforehand with your chosen university or college. There are usually a variety of grocers and supermarkets nearby with a huge selection of international food items.
For those who enjoy eating out or hanging out, you’ll find a variety of coffee shops and restaurants in and around campus all tailored to a student’s budget. Be sure to ask if they have any student discounts.
| Student Restaurant Discounts | |
|---|---|
| Restaurant/Supermarket | Student Discount |
| Arby’s | 10% off with your student ID |
| Buffalo Wild Wings | 10% off at participating locations with your student ID |
| Bulk Barn | 10% off on Wednesdays with your student ID |
| Burger King | 10% off with your student ID |
| Metro Grocery Stores | 10-15% discount at participating locations on Tuesdays |
| Toby’s Pub and Eatery | Cheap drinks specials + 15% off Sundays to Thursdays with valid student ID |
| Hard Rock Cafe | 10% off with your ISIC card |
| Insomnia | 20% off all meals except weekend and holiday brunches. |
| Fika Cafe | 15% off with your student ID |
| Food Basics | Discounts on Tuesdays with your student ID |
| Fresh | 15% off with your student ID |
| Loblaws | Discounts on Tuesdays with your student ID |
| Real Canadian Superstore | Discounts on Tuesdays with your student ID |
| No Frills | ”Dollar Days” |
| St. Louis Bar & Grill | 20% off or $5 off and hot menu item with your student ID |
| Superstore | Discounts on Tuesdays with your student ID |
| Valu-mart | Discounts on Tuesdays with your student ID |
Retail Therapy
If you love to shop there’s just no reason you should be paying full-price for that amazing pair of sneakers or the latest piece of tech offered at the iStore. Take a look at just some of the amazing savings waiting for you in-store as a student in Canada.
Travel and Health Insurance
If you are an international student in Canada, you are required to have health insurance for the length of your stay in Canada. Depending on which province or territory you’re in you may have to take out your own health insurance plan. Below is a comparison between provincial health insurance policies for students in Canada.
| Student Provincial Health Insurance | ||
|---|---|---|
| Province or Territory | Coverage | Requirements |
| Alberta | Yes | Minimum 12 month study permit and residence in province |
| British Columbia | Yes | Minimum 6 month study permit. Coverage begins after three months. iMED Offers temporary coverage during your waiting period |
| Manitoba | Yes | Minimum 6 month study permit and residence in province |
| New Brunswick | Yes | Minimum 3 month residence in province |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | Yes | Minimum 12 month study permit |
| Northwest Territories | Yes | Minimum 12 month study permit |
| Nova Scotia | Yes | Minimum 12 month study permit |
| Nunavut | No | No designated learning institution in the province |
| Ontario | No | Student enrolled in University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP) participating institutions must enroll in this plan. |
| Prince Edward Island | Yes | Minimum residence in the province for more than six months. |
| Quebec | No, with exceptions | Students from the following countries may be eligible to apply for free basic healthcare through Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ):
Students must get private insurance. Check to see if your institution offers coverage plans. |
| Saskatchewan | Yes | Study permit and proof of full-time enrollment |
| Yukon | No | Only one designated learning institution that automatically enrolls students in mandatory group health insurance plan |
If your province does not offer health care options, most universities will offer medical plans geared towards students and their budgets. If you are studying in Canada for less than a year and you intend to do some travelling, it may be a good idea to opt for travel insurance instead.
Meet New People
Meeting new people in a foreign country can be overwhelming for some. Most universities and colleges in Canada usually have an orientation week to help students get to know the campus as well as their classmates. There are also various online international student communities, as well as cultural and social get-togethers, which are not only a great way to meet people but to get involved in the community. Most universities also offer a variety of sports and games clubs as well as community programs aimed at giving back to the community.
Out and About
Weekends and vacations in Canada as a student can be fun packed or easy going and laid back. Whether you prefer weekends away on outdoor adventures, shopping at local boutiques, visiting art galleries or trips to the city for a night out, Canada has something for you. Most local bars and nightclubs have student nights and special events and even coffee shops and stores offer student discounts.
| Student Entertainment Discounts | |
|---|---|
| Place | Student Discount |
| Art Gallery of Ontario | $45 membership – unlimited annual visits Free admissions on Tuesday after 3pm $11 for non-members on weekdays |
| Canadian Opera Company | $22 tickets for under 30’s |
| Cineplex | $8 tickets on Thursdays |
| Ontario Science Centre | $16 student admission with your student ID |
| Royal Ontario Museums | $14.50 for discounted general admission and free with student ID on Tuesdays |
| TIFF Bell Lightbox | Year-round $10.50 movie ticket with valid student ID |
| Art Gallery of Alberta | Free for all post-secondary students |
| Royal Botanical Gardens | Student discounts on single and annual membership |
Work
All international students that have a valid student visa for Canada are permitted to work part-time for 20 hours per week either on or off campus during the semester or full time during vacations. If you need to work more hours you will need to apply for a temporary work permit.
Useful Apps
There are a variety of useful apps that can not only help you get around easier but will also help you suss out the latest deals in your area. Take a look at some of the most popular apps that are a must have for international students in Canada.
First Week on Campus
Your first week on campus may involve some admin. The first thing that you’ll need to do is register for your student number and Student Identification Card (your passport to all those amazing student discounts). Once you’ve registered you’ll receive your class schedule. Once you have your schedule you’ll have to sign up for tutorials.
By now, if you don’t already have a great mobile or internet plan it’s time to get connected.
Next, you’ll need a bank account and possibly a student credit card. There are various banks that offer great student packages most with no monthly fees and various added bonuses. Take a look at some of your options below.
Once your bank account is set up, you’ll need your Social Insurance Number (SIN). This nine-digit number will allow you to work in Canada as a student as well as give you access to various government programs and benefits. This is free and you will receive your letter on the day of application.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How is international student life in Canada?
International students in Canada can look forward to learning from world-class educators and facilities, fun activities, buzzing city life, and meeting people from all over the world. It is rated as the fourth most popular choice among foreign students, and the best part is by studying at Designated Learning Institution (DLI) you may have the chance to stay and work in Canada.
2. Can international students work in Canada?
As you may or may not know, foreign students can work in Canada for up to 20 hours per week, without a Canadian work visa. If you want to work more hours, you will need to apply for a work visa.
3. How much can international students earn in Canada?
On average, students can earn anywhere around $35,097 per year or $18 per hour.
4. Is Canada good for students?
Canada is a country with one of the highest qualities of life and the most educated adult population globally Canada. It also has a multicultural population and is known to be extremely tolerant of different cultures and religions, making it a great place for international students.
5. Do international students get free healthcare in Canada?
In order to get free basic healthcare in Canada as an international student, you will have to be enrolled in a full-time study program which is at least one year in length or longer. It is however important to note that it can take up to three months to activate so its always advised that you take out your own healthcare cover before leaving for Canada.
6. Is dental care free in Canada for international students?
Unfortunately the government funded Medi Care Plan (MCP) does not cover dental work.
7. Is Canada expensive for international students?
Studying in Canada can be extremely affordable. On average, you would need around $20,000 to $30,000 to cover your tuition for the year. Your cost of living depends entirely on your life choices as well as the city your are located in. It is however, estimated that your monthly costs could be around C$2,730 per month.
8. Why Canada is best for international students?
Besides the obvious – being able to work part time, the world-class education, free healthcare – Canada offers international graduates from Canadian institutions the opportunity to stay and work in Canada. Having at least one year of Canadian work experience could give you the chance to apply for permanent residence at a later stage.
Ready to Get Started?
With all these amazing offers available to you as an international student in Canada, and not to mention the stellar education and student life awaiting you, what are you waiting for? Find out if you’re eligible to start studying in Canada and uplift your education to new heights with a Canadian qualification. Apply today to experience amazing student life in Canada!
Immigration FAQ’s
Your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) is based on the following factors:
- Provincial Nomination;
- Offer of employment;
- Core capital factors;
- Your common-law partner or spouse;
- Skill transferability;
- Previous Canadian study experience;
- Siblings in Canada; and
- French and English Ability
Provincial Nomination (600 Points)
600 points are awarded for an enhanced Nominee certificate from a province in Canada through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
Job Offers (50-600 Points)
A Canadian job offer will also earn you points; the number of points is based on the NOC level of the particular job.
Core Human Capital Factors (600 Points)
These take into account your level of education, for example:
- Certificate;
- Diploma; or
- Degree
If you intend to gain higher qualifications, your score will increase. This same point system applies to your legal partner or spouse if you applied together.
Language (150 Points)
Improving your language skills in either English or French through a recognized Canadian institution can also raise your CRS score.
Work Experience
The more experience you have, the more points you earn. This also applies to your legal partner or spouse.
You must:
- Meet all the requirements of the:
- Federal Skilled Worker Class (FSWC);
- Federal Skilled Trades Class; or
- Canadian Experience Class
You must register with the Canadian Job Bank within 30 days unless:
- You have arranged employment from a Canadian employer; or
- You have received a nomination through the Provincial Nominee Program
You must have a Labour Market Impact Assessment in order to earn Comprehensive Ranking System points, unless you:
- Have worked full time for an employer with a work permit for a least one year (or a part-time job for an equal amount of time);
- Have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer that is for at least one year in duration; or
- Have a valid employer specific temporary work permit exempt under code R204 (a), (c) or R205
If you qualify for any of the Federal Programs, you have 30 days from when you submit your profile to complete the rest of the requirements like registering with the Job Bank. If you do not, your Express Entry profile cannot be activated.
There are three programs to apply for under Express Entry:
- Skilled Federal Worker Program (SFWP);
- Skilled Federal Trades Program (SFTP); or
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
The following factors affect your eligibility:
Work Experience
You must:
- Have gained relevant work experience for a job listed in the National Occupation Classification (NOC). Note: Work experience gained in another occupation you have not applied for does not apply;
- Have gained work experience in the past 10 years;
- Have received payment for your work;
- Have a job at skill level 0, A or B;
- Have a year’s worth of work experience (minimum 1,560 hours); and
- Prove that your work experience fits the requirements of the NOC
Language Ability
You must:
- Meet the minimum language level set by the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB);
- Take a language proficiency test That is approved by IRCC;
- You must meet the language requirements for either French or English; and
- Your language test results must not be more than two years old when you apply
Education
You must:
- Have completed canadian secondary education; and a tertiary certificate, diploma or degree;
- Have completed foreign credentials; or
- Have an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) approved by IRCC
Proof of Funds
You must prove you can support yourself and your family financially, unless:
- You are working in Canada; or
- You have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer
Additional Factors to Be Considered
- Age;
- Valid job offers; and
- Adaptability
This program is aimed at people who wish to become permanent residents (PR) of Canada. This only applies to people who qualify in a skilled trade.
Minimum Requirements
You must:
- Plan to live outside of Quebec (The province has its own Quebec Skilled Worker Program);
- Meet the language requirements for English and French;
- Have two years’ work experience in a skilled trade (or equal amount of experience in a part time position;
- Have work experience within the past 5 years;
- Meet the job requirements in the National Occupational Classifications;
- Have a full-time job offer from a Canadian employer for a minimum of one year; or
- A certificate of qualification for that skilled trade that is confirmed from the Canadian provincial or territorial government authority
Skilled Work Experience
These skilled trades are involved in the Federal Skilled Trades Program as ranked by the National Occupational Classification.
| Group Number | Job Description |
|---|---|
| 72 | Industrial, construction or electrical trades |
| 73 | Equipment operation and maintenance |
| 82 | Technical and supervisors in:
|
| 92 | Processing, manufacturing and utilities supervisor Central control operators |
| 632 | Cooks and chefs |
| 633 | Bakers and butchers |
Education
You do not need a specific qualification for this program, but you can earn more CRS points if you have:
- Foreign qualifications;
- An Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) approved by IRCC;or
- A Canadian certificate, diploma or degree
Language Ability
- Pass the Canadian Language Benchmark test at minimum language level;
- The language test must be approved by IRCC; and
- Your test results must not be older than two years when you apply.
Be assessed by the province or territory
Each of the provinces or territories have different requirements for the skilled trade industry.
Minimum Requirements
Minimum Requirements
You must:
- Have skilled work experience for at least 12 months (either full time or part time for the same amount of time) within three years before you apply;
- Have the required language skills needed for your job;
- Have gained experience in Canada with proper authorization;
- Have the language proficiency needed for your job; and
- Have plans to live outside of Quebec
Skilled Work Experience
Work experience must be gained in the following job levels based on the National Occupational Classifications.
| Job Description | Skill Type |
|---|---|
| Technical jobs | B |
| Skilled trades | B |
| Professional jobs | A |
| Managerial jobs | 0 |
Education
You do not need an education to apply for this program, but you can score higher if you:
- Have a high school diploma, tertiary diploma or degree;
- Have an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) approved by IRCC; or
- Have completed foreign credentials
Language Ability
To qualify you must score well in the various language tests determined by the CEC.
| Canadian Language Benchmark Score Needed | Job Level (NOC) |
|---|---|
| 7 | 0 |
| 7 | A |
| 5 | B |
The language test must be approved by IRCC and must not be older than two years when you apply.
- Have skilled work experience for at least 12 months (either full time or part time for the same amount of time) within three years before you apply;
- Have the required language skills needed for your job;
- Have gained experience in Canada with proper authorization;
- Have language levels need for your job; and
- Have plans to live outside of Quebec
Note:work experience gained as a student or a self-employed individual does not count.
Skilled Work Experience
Work experience must be within three years of applying for the Canadian Experience Class. Work experience must be gained in the following job levels as based on National Occupational Classifications.
| Job description | Skill Type |
|---|---|
| Technical jobs | B |
| Skilled trades | B |
| Professional jobs | A |
| Managerial jobs | 0 |
Education
You do not need an education to apply for this program, but you can score higher if:
- have a high school diploma and/or tertiary diploma or degree;
- have an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) approved by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada; or have
- completed foreign credentials
Note: Only apply for an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) if your foreign education is either equal to, or higher than the Canadian education standard.
Language Ability
To qualify you must score well in:
- the Canadian Language Benchmark; and
- the language tests
| Canadian Language Benchmark score needed | Job level (NOC) |
|---|---|
| 7 | 0 |
| 7 | A |
| 5 | B |
The Language Test must be approved by the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada .These tests are based off your French and English ability to:
- Read;
- Speak;
- Listen; and
- Write
Your test results must be included if you are applying for this program through the Express Entry program. Note: these tests must not be older than two years when you apply.
Principal Applicant
When you apply for the Express Entry, and want to immigrate with your common law partner, you must choose who will be the principal applicant.
Note: a common law partner is a person who has been married to you for one year. This applies for same sex and opposite sex partners.
Choose the principal applicant by looking at who will score the highest points under the Express Entry program.
Inadmissibility
You may be inadmissible if you are:
- Considered a security risk;
- Lied about information in your application or interview;
- Have ties to organised crime;
- Can’t support yourself financially;
- Have terrible financial health;
- Committed a crime outside of Canada;
- Do not qualify under Canada’s immigration laws; and
- Have a family member that is not allowed in the country
Choosing Where To Live
Note:under the Express Entry you can apply to live in other provinces/territories in Canada, except Quebec. This province has its own set of requirements needed for you to enter.
These are the factors that are used to calculate CRS Points
- Age (max 110 points);
- Education (max 150 points);
- Language proficiency (max 160 points);
- Canadian Work Experience (max 80 points);
- Skills Transferability (max 100 points); and
- Additional Factors (max 600 points)
A legal agent is an authorized representative that must be:
- A paralegal or lawyer who has a good relationship with the provincial or territorial legal societies of Canada;
- A Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) who has a good relationship with the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council; or
- A notary who has a good relationship with the Chambre des notaires du Québec
Note: An unauthorized agent will not be able to help you with your application.
If you want to ensure that your Registered Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) is an authorized consultant, you can check with the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC).
The ICCRC’s website has a register of all the persons that are qualified to be Canadian Immigration Consultants. Any individual who claims to be a legal consultant will have a RCIC code. If there are no results for a person’s RCIC code, then they are not a legal Canadian Immigration Consultant.
