The application process in Canadian universities for fall intake 2024 is currently going on for international students.
We are presenting you a blog on how to apply for your dream course in Canada with their eligibility criteria, deadlines and much more. Have a look on it.
Table of Contents
Why Study from Canadian Universities?
Studying in Canada provides a transformative journey for all international students including Indians. About 30 Canadian universities rank in the QS World University Rankings 2024.
It symbolises the academic excellence that Canada has set up. Also, there is no better destination than Canada to choose for research in medicine, technology, information technology and agriculture.
Compared to the USA and UK, Canada provides flexible and affordable costs of living to international students.
The safe and peaceful environment in Canada encourages the global student population to pursue study and post-study employment opportunities without any worry.
Intakes in Canadian Universities 2024
Canadian universities usually accept applications for undergraduate and post-graduate in three different intakes.
However, it is important to know that the availability of these intakes depends upon the university and type of program of study.
| Type of Intake | Application Cycle | Commencement of Semester | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall Intake | November 2023-January 2024 | August/September 2024 | Scholarships and study aids available for all programs |
| Winter Intake | September 2024-December 2024 | January 2025 | Least scholarships and study aids |
| Spring Intake | Novemer-February | May 2024 | Scholarship and study aids are available only for selected programs |
Fall intake is the primary intake that most of the students consider better to commence their studies in Canada because it is the start of the academic calendar in the country.
Winter intake is less common and small in comparison to fall intake because it is offered by some universities. Students opt for this in case they have missed deadlines or need more time for preparations.
Spring intake is especially for those students who want to apply for diploma programs.
Levels of Programs in Canadian Universities
The education system of Canada is not centralised, which means that the Canadian provinces and territories manage the education policy of the country individually.
Let us see the details of the level of programs, their duration and their descriptions.
| Level of Programs | Duration | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Diplomas | 1-2 Years | Technical program |
| Associate Degree | 2 Years | Equivalent to first 2 years of a 4 year Bachelor's degree program |
| Bachelor's Degree | 3-4 Years | Undergraduate degree program |
| Bachelor's Honors degree | 4 Years | Allowed for specific program with particular GPA criteria |
| Master's Degree (Thesis) | 1-2 Years | Submission of thesis for assessment and course completion |
| Master's Degree (non-thesis) | 1-2 Years | Theoretical program, not required thesis submission |
| Doctorate | 5-7 Years | Awarded after successful thesis submission |
| Post-Doctorate | No limit | Specialised research programs |
Application Process for Indian Students in Canadian Universities
Who does not want admission to good and top universities to pursue their dreams? However, choosing the right program at the right university is a somewhat difficult task if you have not planned your calendar appropriately.
In Canada, since the academic year gives three intake options, there is ample time given to aspiring foreign students to plan and execute their preparation schedule accordingly so that they can land at the right place at the right time.
The application procedures in diplomas, bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate programs may vary regardless of the intake you are choosing to study. The education system in Canada is based on the 12+4 level.
It should be noted that the students aspiring to pursue diploma or degree courses in Canada need to begin their preparation at least 1 year before the beginning of the semester in the desired intake.
Along with this, they have to fulfil certain eligibility criteria equivalent to Canadian standards so that they can apply for the desired course seamlessly.
Let us explore the details in brief.
Eligibility Criteria for Indian Students
The eligibility criteria for different courses in one program and university might differ. Also, different universities adopt different sets of standards for the same degree program.
Hence, it is recommended that students go through the official website of the university.
| Programs | Eligibility | Documents Required |
|---|---|---|
| Diploma | Pass Senior Secondary School with minimum 60% marks in XII | Notary attested copies of X and XII marksheets including backlogs (if any) IELTS Score: 6.0 or more Some universities need French proficiency like TCF, TEF, DELF, and DALF 2 LOR or academic references 1 Statement of Purpose (SOP) Resume/CV 2 passport sized photographs Proof of Funds Passport Portfolio (for arts, design and architecture course) |
| Bachelor's | Completion of Secondary Education | Completion of secondary education Minimum GPA points vary from institute to institute Passing Standardised Tests like SAT (for particular courses such as Law or Medicine) Passing English Proficiency Tests such as TOEFL (80 or more on iBT band) and IELTS (6.0 Or more) Some universities need French proficiency like TCF, TEF, DELF, and DALF 2-3 Letter of Recommendation 1-2 Statement of Purpose 2 passport sized photographs Proof of Fund Passport |
| Master's | Minimum 16 years of educational experience | Minimum GPA of 3.0 in bachelor’s degree course Academic transcripts Few institutions might ask you to submit your GRE scores with a minimum score of 260 for specific courses like Engineering and Science-based programs For business and finance related course like MBA, canadian business schools require you to take the GMAT exam with a minimum score of 650 Results of English-language proficiency tests such as IELTS with a minimum overall score of 6.5 Some universities need French proficiency like TCF, TEF, DELF, and DALF 2-3 Letter of Recommendation 1-2 Statement of Purpose 2 passport sized photographs Proof of Fund Passport |
| Doctoral | Master's degree | Minimum GPA of 80% is required in Master's degree program Academic transcripts Resume/CV Research statement Writing Samples Letter of Recommendation English Language Proficiency Test Scores |
Steps for Applying to Universities in Canada
Research and Evaluate
The basic process of applying to some universities is to first evaluate the field of interest you have, skills you possess and subject knowledge you carry.
Through this, you will have an idea in what field or subject area you can excel in case you haven’t decided on your career
Shortlisting
Based upon this, explore the available courses and universities that offer them. Visit their respective websites and go through details of the course including curriculum, fee structure and other benefits like scholarships and scope of the chosen course.
Shortlist 8-10 universities which are supposed to fulfil your career aspirations.
Check Eligibility Criteria
Since the eligibility criteria of the shortlisted course can be varied in different universities, it is necessary to go through them and arrange documents accordingly.
Take Language Proficiency Tests
Depending upon the criteria for the desired course, prepare and attempt standardised and proficiency tests to gain easy entry to a Canadian university.
Do you want to know more about IELTS? What is it? How to start its preparation?
Check out our latest video here to learn more about IELTS.
Preparation for GIC
GIC stands for Guaranteed Investment Certificate which is necessary to open a bank account in Canada to get a study visa easily. It is proof that student has the sufficient funds to finance his expenses.
Application Process
- Obtain the application packs from the shortlisted universities, and submit them well in advance. The application fee varies from $100 to $250 (6,000-8000 INR approx).
Interview
- Appear in the interview if required or if you have any online invitations.
- Receive the offer/acceptance letter and get ready to prepare for applying study visa.
Visa Process
- Visit the official website of the Government of Canada to check eligibility, process and fees.
Also read- Top Courses in Canada 2024
Top Universities in Canada 2024
| Top University | QS World University Ranking 2024 | Application Deadlines (Fall Intake 2024) |
|---|---|---|
| University of Toronto | 21 | February 1, 2024 |
| McGill University | 30 | March 1, 2024 |
| University of British Columbia | 34 | January 31, 2024 |
| University of Alberta | 111 | March 1, 2024 |
| University of Waterloo | 112 | February 1, 2024 |
| Western University | 114 | February 1, 2024 |
| University of Montreal | 141 | February 1, 2024 |
| University of Calgary | 182 | March 1, 2024 |
| University of McMaster | 189 | January 15, 2024 |
Conclusion
The education system of Canada provides, because of its flexibility excellence to both home and foreign students in every aspect.
The country is home to high-quality research, innovation and a multicultural environment that helps students in extending their limits.
Canadian universities are known for not only imparting education but also for generating and polishing the skills in students so that they can rise high and present solutions to global problems.
FAQs
Which intake is best for me to pursue higher studies in Canada?
Is the French language necessary to get admission to universities in Canada?
How does the grading system work in Canada?
Also read- Know about Canada PR
If you are an aspirant looking to study at your dream university, book an appointment with AdmitX today and start your applications early to avail yourself of all the benefits.
