Education in Canada is known for its high quality and diverse opportunities for students from around the world. In fact, it ranks as one of the world's leading performers in education and is among the top three countries globally in terms of per capita expenditure on public post-secondary education, as reported by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). This means that Canada dedicates substantial resources to support its post-secondary education institutions, ensuring high-quality education and ample opportunities for students at all levels of learning.
In Canada, colleges and universities usually have a school year that starts in early September and ends in late April or early May. The school year during the winter is split into two parts: one from September to December and another from January to April. Additionally, there are different programs you can take in the summer months between May and August. While most schools stick to this schedule, a small number of Canadian schools have classes throughout the entire year.
The amount of time it takes to finish your bachelor's degree in Canada depends on the university. Some universities have programs that take three years, while others have programs that take four years.
For postgraduate degrees, like master's programs, they usually take between one to two years. PhD programs, which are advanced degrees, take longer in Canada compared to some other countries. They typically take between four to seven years to complete.
The main consideration is the tuition fee, and the cost of studying varies based on the type of degree and the university you select. You can expect to spend roughly between CAD 7,000 to CAD 35,000 per year. To put it in perspective for Indian students, this translates to approximately INR 3,50,000 to 19,00,000 per year. The exact amount you'll pay depends on the specific course you decide to pursue.
Exams required for Canadian universities are:
IELTS: A widely accepted English language proficiency test assessing Writing, Reading, Speaking, and Listening skills, typically requiring an overall score of 6.5 and 6 in each section for Canadian universities.
TOEFL: A recognized language proficiency exam evaluating reading, listening, writing, and speaking skills. Tier I universities may require a TOEFL score of 110 or above, while Tier I and Tier II universities may require 80-90 and above.
GRE: The GRE exam, commonly used for graduate studies abroad, assesses applicants' abilities for advanced education. The GRE General Test evaluates verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, critical thinking, and analytical writing skills, while the GRE Subject Test measures knowledge in specific subjects like Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, and Psychology.