Canada has globally rated academically with friendly and welcoming citizens, it is no surprise why international students choose to study there. One way that international students can help finance their studies in Canada is through scholarships, which are non-repayable financial awards. Therefore, international students have been asking how to start applying for scholarships in Canadian universities.

Scholarship funding for international students who wish to study in Canada is limited, highly competitive, and available mostly at the postgraduate level. Applying to universities in Canada has its own timelines and processes, so we’ve collected the information that you’ll need to secure your scholarship. Also, the universities of Toronto and British Columbia are home to the greatest number of international students.

Choosing What To Study

When applying to Canadian universities, having in mind what interests you is key. This is because this helps to put you on your career path. As an international student, you can decide to apply to various departments. There are various departments international students can apply for. These departments include arts, science, forestry, engineering. Many Canadian universities also provide cooperative education programs, which are paid, full-time placements in a variety of work settings relevant to your degree.

There are universities that offer courses with working experience. That is, as you study the course you are also working in your field of study. Hence, giving you working experience which gives you an added advantage when applying for others in the future.

Admissions

This part varies from institution to institution, the degree can start at various times. Some schools start their academic session by September, January, May. Although, most universities are set up to begin by September. Applications are to come in 11 months prior to resumption for processing. Canadian universities will sometimes consider supplementary information such as a written personal profile, a video, or a portfolio. However, get a recommendation letter and reference letter. Most times, you are to write an English exam like the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). In addition, exams like International English Language Test System (IELTS).

Study Permit

If you plan to study at any Canadian university you need to apply fr a study permit. A study permit is a document you need to study in Canada, without it you will not be allowed in the university. Once you’ve received your letter of acceptance from an institution, you’ll need to apply for your permit. If you intend to stay there more than six months as well you have to apply.

Your study permit will allow you to work on or off-campus without applying for a separate work permit, within certain restrictions. However, gaining admission does not make the school responsible to grant you the study permit. The responsibility is on you to get the document alongside your acceptance letter.

Funding

Funds are usually a big issue for international students that intend to study in Canadian universities. Moreover, financing yourself in school is more often than not a very tedious job. As a result, international students begin to look for scholarship programs that can be of help. Students, however, should note the amount they will pay as tuition from the school’s website upon application. Tuition varies from school to school, also courses are a major factor in their variances.