The contents covered in this blog frequently change. Please visit the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website for the latest requirements.

Canada is the world’s third-largest and most popular destination for international students and immigrants. The country has immigration and student-friendly policies to allow direct flights with no quarantine hassles for international travelers. More than 650,000 international students pursue bachelor’s, master’s, and diploma courses in Canada.

We cover the following:

1. Latest News 2023
2. Why Study in Canada?
3. The 10-Step Canadian International Student Application Process
4. Requirements to Study in Canada 2023
   1. Select a university and find a course.
   2. Apply for a Scholarship
   3. Letter of Acceptance by DLI 4
   4. Letter of Explanation 4
   5. Certificat d’acceptation du Québec 5
   6. Canadian Study Permit 5
   7. Proof of English Proficiency 5
   8. Proof of Funds 6
   9. Immigration Medical Exam 6
   10. Police Certificate 6
   11. Statement of Purpose 6
5. AGE LIMITS and STUDY Gaps
6. Guaranteed Investment Certificate 7
7. Eligibility Requirements for Bachelor’s Degree
8. Eligibility Requirements for Master’s Degree 8
9. Eligibility Requirements for MBA
10. Eligibility Requirements for a Doctorate
11. COVID Requirements for Traveling to Canada

Studying in Canada is a great way to gain international experience and expand your educational horizons. With its world-class universities, vibrant culture, and diverse population, Canada is an attractive destination for international students. However, the process of applying and studying in Canada can be complex and time-consuming. To make the process easier, it is important to understand the general requirements for applying and studying in Canada. This article provides a comprehensive guide and checklist to help you navigate the process.

Study in Canada: Latest News 2023

• The Canadian Universities announced the goal of the new Canadian International Development Scholarships 2030 program, which targets “educating, training, and empowering” thousands of students coming from 24 developing countries to Canada.
• According to a recent examination of Google data, Canada is the country that people are looking to move to the most out of more than 50 other nations. The research, released on June 24 by the Australian website Compare the Market, examined relocation-related search phrases entered into search engines worldwide. Out of 50 other countries, some from Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, and South America, Canada came out as the most wanted place to relocate.

Why Study in Canada?

We always hear a lot of young Kenyan students opting for Canadian universities. In fact, according to TOI, Canada has accepted study permits for more than 670 Kenyan students in just the first four months of 2022. Also, 2350 international students were given permanent residency in Canada, of whom 1/3 are Kenyans. This tells us a lot about Kenyan-Canadian camaraderie.

There are a lot of other student-friendly reasons that tell us why studying in Canada is a reasonable choice to make:

• Affordable: A decade ago, studying abroad was only for affluent Kenyan families. But Canada’s tuition fees and living expenses are affordable for most Kenyans.
• Quality of life: According to EduCanada, Canada ranks best in terms of quality of life. Student-friendly cities like Toronto, Ontario, and Montreal make it easier for international students to adjust to a new country.
• Practical education: Most of the graduate degrees in Canada are offered in a co-op format. This means that Canadian universities emphasize a lot of skill development through internships as well as theoretical education.
• Cultural diversity: 1.37 million of the population in Canada is Indo-Canadian. So as a Kenyan student, homesickness will seldom occupy you.

Canada Student Visa IELTS Band Requirements

What Are The General Requirements To Apply And Study In Canada?

The general requirements for applying and studying in Canada vary depending on the type of program you are applying for and the institution you are applying to. Generally, you will need to meet the following requirements:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Have a valid passport
• Have a valid study permit
• Have proof of sufficient funds to cover tuition and living expenses
• Have proof of medical insurance
• Have a valid visa (if applicable)
• Have a valid English or French language test score (if applicable)
• Have a valid academic transcript
• Have a valid letter of acceptance from an educational institution in Canada

In addition to the general requirements, you may also need to meet additional requirements depending on the type of program you are applying for and the institution you are applying to. For example, some institutions may require you to submit a personal statement or a portfolio of your work.

What Are The Steps To Apply And Study In Canada?

There is an almost 10-step process for applying and studying in Canada. They can be complex and time-consuming. To make the process easier, it is important to understand the steps involved. Generally, the steps to apply and study in Canada are as follows:

• Research and select a program and institution
• Gather the necessary documents and information
• Complete the application process
• Receive a letter of acceptance from the institution
• Apply for a study permit
• Apply for a visa (if applicable)
• Arrange for travel and accommodation
• Arrive in Canada and begin your studies

The 10-Step Canadian International Student Application Process

The application process for studying in Canada

1. Choose your preferred university and course
2. Go to the university website and check their dates of application
3. Fill out the online application form
4. Attach the required documents, like the college transcripts, letter of recommendation, SOP, and IELTS or TOEFL, to your application
5. Wait for your acceptance letter from your DLI
6. Apply for a Scholarship
7. Apply for your student permit (Visa).
8. Do the Immigration Medical Exam and biometrics.
9. Make pre-departure plans
10. Travel and Report to school

Requirements to Study in Canada 2023

Mentioned below are the requirements to study in Canada for the 2023 intake:

Select a university and find a course

When applying to a university in Canada, you will have to choose a specific major. However, don’t worry if you change your mind, as Canadian universities tend to be flexible.

You can easily apply online on most of the universities’ websites; all you have to do is pay the application fees, fill out the application form, and attach the required documents.

The application fees for universities in Canada can range from 78 dollars (CA$100) to 195 dollars (CA$250), so make sure you meet all the requirements before applying.

To obtain a student visa, make sure to choose and apply to a university that is on the DLI (designated learning institutes) list.

Wait to be admitted

Once you have applied, there is nothing left to do but wait for your acceptance letter.

Apply for a Scholarship

How do you apply for a university scholarship in Canada?

Many of Canada’s world-class colleges and universities offer scholarships to international students to encourage them to pursue certificate degree programs, including Ph.D., Master’s, undergraduate, and post-doctoral.

Check this out to learn more about the scholarships’ eligibility criteria, closing dates, and application process.

Check Out

Apply And Win Multiple Scholarships: The Fastest Way To Study in Canada

Letter of Acceptance by DLI

DLI means your Designated Learning Institute. It refers to the university that accepted your application and is ready to give you admission. A letter of acceptance is a crucial document that you may receive via mail after your online application has been processed. Acceptance depends on how well your application matches the candidate’s expectations. A letter of acceptance will be required while you apply for a Canadian student permit. It will take around 1 to 2 months after the applications for you to receive a Letter of Acceptance.

Pro Tip: To increase your chances of acceptance, we suggest that you apply 8 to 9 months before the semester starts.

Letter of Explanation

This letter helps the visa officer understand you and your goals. It explains:

• Why do you want to study in Canada?
• If you understand your responsibilities as a student,

Students have to include that they have applied for a study permit, even if they may not be required to do so for their studies.

Certificat d’acceptation du Québec

Students planning to study in Quebec for longer than 6 months must produce the Certificat d’Acceptation du Québec (CAQ) issued by the Gouvernement du Québec. Students can visit the official university website to learn about the application process and fees.

If your application for a CAQ got approved by the ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (MIFI), but you’re still waiting to get the CAQ, you can apply for your study permit with the approval letter from the MIFI. You don’t need to wait for the CAQ to apply.

Canadian Study Permit

In Kenya, you are required to apply for a study permit to study in Canada. We suggest that you apply for the student permit at least 4-6 months before your semester starts. The application may take approximately 35 working days to be processed.

To apply for the study permit, you have to pay 150 CAD or Rs. 8770 as application fees. Once your application is analyzed, you will be called for a visa interview.

Once your study permit is successfully given to you, the duration of the permit is your course time plus an additional 3 months.

Proof of English Proficiency

As a Kenyan student, one of the requirements to study in Canada is proof of English proficiency. Most Canadian universities accept IELTS as the standard test for non-English-speaking nations. While TOEFL is also a popular choice, for a Canadian study permit, it is recommended to take the IELTS exam. You will require an IELTS score of 6–6.5 or even higher for acceptance to a Canadian university.

Make Your Scores Count with live experts.

Proof of Funds

Proof of funds is one of the key requirements for the study permit. It is a document that will prove that once on Canadian soil, you will be able to take care of yourself as a student. You can prove your financial soundness via the following evidence:

• Bank statements for the last 4 months
• Proof that you have already paid your tuition and housing fees
• Loan letter if you have taken a student loan from any bank
• If a financial institution from Canada is providing your education, a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) is required
• Documents that prove your scholarships or funding

Want to study in Canada on a scholarship? LearnAbroad can help!

Immigration Medical Exam

Folks at the Canadian Embassy take the Immigration Medical Exam extremely seriously. If you plan to study in Canada for more than 6 months, an IME is compulsory. Your doctor cannot perform a medical exam for you. You have to contact the Canadian panel of physicians, which will assign you a doctor. The medical exam can be done before applying to universities as well.

From your medical history to your eyesight, everything is checked before you are given your results. Once your medical results are mailed to you, they are valid for 12 months. So you have to fly to Canada during that period or get a new medical exam done. The IME fees have to be paid by you.

Police Certificate

For some nationals, producing a police certificate is a requirement to study in Canada. A police certificate is submitted as proof that you do not have a criminal record and are therefore fit to study in the country. A police certificate is a background check that visa officers may need to ascertain your credentials and process your application faster.

Statement of Purpose

If you liked writing long essays in high school, consider SOPs the king of long essays (500–1000 words). Here, you pour your heart out about why you’d like to study at a Canadian university and how mutually beneficial it can be. It also tells the university about your academic writing skills and written English prowess.

SOPs have to be well-curated, as they become the basis of your application’s acceptance. A good SOP might get you admission even if your resume is comparatively mediocre.

Must read: Life in Canada for Kenyans

AGE LIMITS and STUDY GAPs

Is there an age limit for studying in Canada?

• You must be a minimum of 18 and a maximum of 35 years of age to apply for a student permit in Canada.
• Although, in some cases, the country accepts a study gap of 2 to 5 years for post-graduate and undergraduate courses,

Guaranteed Investment Certificate

A Guaranteed Investment Certificate of CAN$10,000 is another requirement to study in Canada, especially if you are studying at an SDS college. It is a short-term investment that colleges require students to make to provide proof of financial funds for 12 months or more. Most Canadian banks offer GIC programs to international students at varied interest rates. Here are some documents you may need to provide for a student permit:

• a letter of attestation;
• a GIC certificate;
• an Investment Directions Confirmation or
• an Investment Balance Confirmation

Eligibility Requirements to study a Canadian Bachelor’s Degree

To pursue a bachelor’s degree in Canada, the following are the requirements:

• High school transcripts and a 70% in 12th-grade math
• IELTS/TOEFL certificate/Test d’évaluation de français (TEF)
• Online Application Form:
• Proof of funds
• Statement of purpose
• Updated cover

Must Read: Know the entire process of doing a bachelor’s in Canada.

Eligibility Requirements to study a Canadian Master’s Degree

For a 1-2 year master’s degree in Canada, the following are the requirements:

• A graduation degree is equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in Canada
• IELTS or TOEFL score
• Letter of Recommendations
• Statement of Purpose
• GMAT or GRE score with a minimum GPA requirement of 3 on a scale of 4
  • The minimum percentage required for applying to a university in Canada is 70–80% and above for the science/commerce stream XII and 65% and above for the humanities stream XII.

Also Read: Master’s in Canada for International Students

Eligibility Requirements to Study a Canadian MBA

MBA, a highly sought-after course in Canada, asks for the following requirements from international students:

• A graduation degree is equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in Canada
• GMAT or GRE score, depending on the university
• Work Experience of a certain period is also dependent on the university you apply to
• A minimum score in IELTS, TOEFL or PTE

Must Read: Want to pursue an MBA in Canada without taking the GMAT?

Eligibility Requirements to Study a Canadian Ph.D. Doctorate Degree

Want to pursue a Ph.D. in your field and be called a doctor? Know the requirements for studying in Canada here:

• Postgraduate degree in or your relevant field
• A research proposal within your statement of purpose
• Letter of recommendation
• Minimum score in IELTS or TOEFL
• GMAT or GRE, depending on your field
• Updated resume

COVID Requirements for Traveling to Canada

Canada eased travel restrictions for all fully vaccinated students and international travelers. Kenyan students can travel to Canada via a third country and get a test before boarding a Canadian flight. International students must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 with a WHO-approved vaccination. Vaccines like Bharat Biotech (Covaxin) and Sputnik V have not been authorized for use by the Canadian government, and internationals are advised to administer Covishie, as recommended by the Serum Institute of Kenya.

• Direct flights between Kenya and Canada are available for international students and job seekers traveling to the country.
• International students must hold a valid CAQ and study permit or study permit approval letter from a DLI-listed educational institution.
• International students must produce a negative COVID test within 72 hours before boarding a flight.
• Travelers may also be selected at random to conduct a COVID-19 test upon arrival in Canada.
• Fully vaccinated travelers are exempt from 14-day quarantine but can be asked to do so if they do not meet the requirements upon arrival.
• International students who have not been fully vaccinated are required to quarantine for 14 days upon their arrival. Partially vaccinated travelers have to take a test upon arrival and on day 8 of quarantine.
• As per the vaccination rules for students, travelers who have tested positive for COVID-19 must present proof of a positive COVID-19 molecular test result taken within 14 to 90 days before arrival in Canada as part of the pre-arrival test requirements.

Also Read: Studying in Canada After 10th Grade for International Students

All students are required to fulfill all the aforementioned requirements to study in Canada! If you are planning to study in Canada for the 2023 intake, then book a free session with our LearnAbroad experts and shortlist your dream universities.

Download A Free Guide And Checklist

To help you navigate the process of applying and studying in Canada, we have created a free guide and checklist. The guide provides an overview of the general requirements for applying and studying in Canada, as well as the steps involved in the process. The checklist provides a comprehensive list of the documents and information you will need to apply to and study in Canada. Download the guide and checklist today to get started.

Conclusion

Studying in Canada will give you a highly valued international experience and will expand your educational horizons. Understanding these general requirements and the steps involved will greatly simplify for the process to apply and study in Canada. Download our free guide and checklist and navigate the process to apply and study in Canada.