Can International Students Study for Free in Canada?
Canada is increasingly becoming a coveted destination for international students seeking quality education without the exorbitant price tag. If you're an aspiring student from Pakistan, the prospect of studying in Canada for free or at a minimal cost might seem like a distant dream. But with the right information and approach, while you might not be able to study for free, you can reduce your costs and make your dream a reality. In this guide, we will walk you through the essential steps and resources that can help international students study in Canada with a reduced financial burden.
Scholarships & Bursaries
One of the primary ways to study in Canada with a less economic burden on your parents, is to secure scholarships and bursaries, which are awarded based on merit, extracurricular activities or financial need. That also means that you have been studying hard for the last two years to achieve top marks so you are eligible for scholarships. The minimal required percentage for a scholarship in Canada is 80%.
Canadian universities offer a range of scholarships to international students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, leadership qualities, and community involvement.
Research & Apply Early
Begin your search by identifying scholarships that you qualify for and note their application deadlines. Canadian universities have some very nice international student scholarships, so this should be your first place to look. Websites like Scholarships Canada and Scholar Tree are good places to look for scholarships external to universities and colleges. Always apply as early as possible to increase your chances of success.
And of course, university websites are one of the best options where you will find all of their offerings. Some international students scholarships that offer fully-funded tuition scholarships, or nearly fully-funded tuition scholarships are the ones offered by Canadian universities like the President’s International Distinction Scholarship at the University of Alberta and the Trent International Tuition Levy Scholarship at Trent University. Other universities with excellent scholarships are Wilfrid Laurier University, University of New Brunswick and Western University, just to name a few.
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Work While You Study
Canada offers work programs for students that allow you to work part-time during the semester and full-time during breaks. Starting September 2024, the Canadian government will allow international students to work up to 24 hours off-campus per week during the school term. This can significantly offset living expenses and even tuition fees. Many universities, such as Western University have a work-study program available for those with financial need. And almost every Canadian university and college have paid co-op and internship programs that provide work experience related to your field of study. The amount of money a student can earn during a work term is substantial, for example, at the University of Waterloo, a student typically makes between $9000 and $21,000 CAD in a 4-month work term.
Understand the Requirements
To participate in work programs, you must understand the eligibility requirements. Most importantly, ensure your study permit allows you to work in Canada. The Government of Canada’s official website provides detailed information on the conditions and how to apply for a work permit alongside your study permit. International students can also get excellent advice on work permit requirements and how to get a SIN (Social Insurance Number) from International Student Services at their university. Most universities and colleges have IRCC advisors on board who can give their international students correct information and guidance. Workshops are also given early in the academic year so students have lots of guidance in this area. Just see what MacEwan University has to offer.
Affordable Universities & Programs
If you are the exceptional student who has the LB Pearson scholarship from the University of Toronto, then you might be able to study for free in Canada, but realistically, there is no university or college where you can study for absolutely free. While you may be able to obtain a scholarship for free tuition, you will still have to cover your cost of living. But there are also some Canadian universities that offer more affordable tuition rates for international students. Research institutions like the University of Manitoba, Memorial University of Newfoundland and the University of New Brunswick offer competitive rates without compromising on the quality of education. Other public universities that offer quality education at affordable rates are St Francis Xavier University, Thompson Rivers University and MacEwan University.
Canadian Colleges Make Affordable Options
Canadian colleges can offer degrees and these degrees are often in business administration. Colleges also offer transfer program options as well where you can do your first 2 years at college at a considerably reduced cost and then your last 2 years at a prestigious Canadian university. This is an excellent option for international students who are looking at ways to study for less in Canada. One prime example of this is the Transfer program to the University of Victoria that is offered at North Island College. Columbia College also is a fine choice for university transfer programs and associate degrees.
Do a Comparative Study
Make sure to compare programs and total costs, including living expenses, across different institutions. This will help you make an informed decision and find a university that fits your budget. Or better yet, your time needs to be reserved to studying for those top marks required for admission and scholarships, so let Go 2 Canada Education Services do the hard work for you. Contact us today to do a cost analysis of their partner institutions. They will provide detailed program and financial information about select universities suitable to your profile and requirements.
Conclusion
Studying for free in Canada might not be possible, but making your studies affordable is. Doing so requires work and effort on the part of the international student and involves a combination of securing scholarships, seeking external funding, working part-time, and choosing affordable universities. With diligent research, early applications, and a thorough understanding of work permit regulations, your educational aspirations in Canada can certainly come to fruition.
If you've had success in securing funding or navigating the study abroad journey in Canada, share your experience in the comments to help fellow international students.
Top Photo by George Dolgikh