Canada is one of the most popular destinations for international students who want to pursue higher education abroad. Canada offers world-class universities, a diverse and multicultural society, and a high quality of life. But what if we told you that you can also study in Canada for free? Yes, you read that right. There are ways to get a tuition-free education in Canada, and we are here to tell you how.
Tuition-Free Universities in Canada for International StudentStudent
To be honest, there are no tuition-free universities in Canada, either for international or domestic students. All universities in the country charge some fees for their programs. However, you can still enjoy a tuition-free education in your favourite Canadian university by applying for fully-funded scholarships that will cover all your expenses, including tuition, accommodation, health insurance, and more. These scholarships are offered by the Canadian government, the provincial governments, the universities themselves, or other organizations. They are based on various criteria, such as academic merit, financial need, leadership potential, research excellence, or field of study. Some of the most prestigious and generous scholarships for international students in Canada are:
- Lester B. Pearson International Scholarships: These scholarships are offered by the University of Toronto to outstanding international students who want to pursue an undergraduate degree at the university. The scholarships cover tuition, books, incidental fees, and full residence support for four years. The scholarship is awarded to up to 37 students each year.
- Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships: These scholarships are offered by the Canadian government to attract and retain world-class doctoral students who demonstrate leadership skills and a high standard of scholarly achievement in graduate studies in the natural sciences and/or engineering, social sciences and/or humanities and health. The scholarships are worth $50,000 per year for three years.
- University of British Columbia International Leader of Tomorrow Award: This award recognizes international undergraduate students who demonstrate superior academic achievement, leadership skills, involvement in student affairs and community service, recognized achievement in fields of endeavour such as the performing arts, sports, debating or creative writing, or external academic competitions and examinations. The award covers tuition, fees, and living costs, minus the financial contribution the student and their family can make annually.
- University of Calgary International Entrance Scholarship: This scholarship is offered to international students entering the University of Calgary for the first time in any undergraduate degree program. The scholarship is valued at $15,000 and is renewable in the second, third, and fourth year at the University of Calgary, provided recipients achieve a GPA of 2.60 or more over a minimum of 24.00 units in the previous fall and winter terms.
- University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowships: These fellowships are offered to graduate students who have demonstrated superior intellectual ability and academic accomplishment. The fellowships are valued at $18,000 for PhD students and $14,000 for Master’s students for a 12-month period.
These are just some examples of the many scholarships available for international students in Canada. You can find more scholarships by searching online, contacting the universities you are interested in, or visiting the EduCanada website.
How to Apply for a Study Permit in Canada
If you want to study in Canada for more than six months, you will need a study permit. A study permit is a document that allows you to study at a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada. To apply for a study permit, you will need:
- A letter of acceptance from a DLI in Canada
- A valid passport or travel document
- Proof of financial support to cover your tuition, living expenses, and return transportation
- A medical exam and a police certificate, if required
- A letter of explanation, if you want to apply for a co-op or internship program, or if you have any gaps in your studies
You can apply for a study permit online or by going to a visa application centre in your country. We suggest you apply for a study permit as soon as you have a letter of acceptance from a Canadian university. It can take up to three months to get a study permit, depending on the country where you are applying. You can check the status of your study permit application on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada website.
If you are applying online, you will need a scanner or camera to create electronic copies of your documents and a valid credit or debit card to pay the application fee. You will also need to give your biometrics (fingerprints and photo) at a designated location in your country. You can find more information on how to apply online on the Canada.ca website.
If you are applying on paper, you will need to fill out the application form and attach the required documents. You will also need to pay the application fee and give your biometrics at a visa application centre in your country. You can find more information on how to apply on paper on the IRCC website.
If you plan to study in Quebec, you will also need a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) from the Quebec government. You can apply for a CAQ online or by mail after you receive a letter of acceptance from a university in Quebec. You can find more information on how to apply for a CAQ on the Quebec immigration website.
Hurry and Apply Now
If you are interested in studying in Canada for free, you should not miss this opportunity. Canada is a great place to pursue your academic and career goals, as well as to experience a new culture and lifestyle. There are many scholarships and programs that can help you achieve your dream of studying in Canada without paying any tuition fees. However, these scholarships and programs are very competitive and have limited spots. Therefore, you should start your research and application process as soon as possible. The sooner you apply, the better your chances of getting accepted and receiving a scholarship. Don’t wait any longer, apply now and get ready to move to Canada for free.
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