Study in Canada for Pakistani Students 2024

Study in Canada is the dream of many Pakistani students. Canada is one of the best countries in the world to pursue education for those who want to study abroad. Although, many other countries in the world are offering international education to Pakistani students the opportunities which Canada is offering to its students are more desirable to the students who want to study abroad.

Canada not only offers quality education to its students but also the students enjoy a quality life in Canada while studying, and explore Canadian culture after completing their education, Canada offers job opportunities to its students.

That is the reason more than 70,000 thousand international students including many from Pakistan choose Canada as their future destination for education. Later on, after completing their education many find desirable opportunities in the Canadian job market and, therefore, establish their professional careers in Canada as well.

Canada offers different degrees you can choose from, i.e. bachelor's, master's, and doctorate, programs including professional certifications in the relevant fields. If you're thinking about studying in Canada, Here's the guide that will get you covered, you must check it out.

Scholarships in Canada

1. Study in Canada Scholarships
2. Canada-China Scholars' Exchange Program (CCSEP)
3. Canada-ASEAN Scholarships and Educational Exchanges for Development (SEED)
4. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship

1. Study in Canada Scholarships

Under the umbrella of Global Affairs Canada’s international Scholarship Program, a scholarship named the Study in Canada Scholarship is offered to international students from a variety of countries.it is a short-term research study, an exchange program basically to improve opportunities for Canadian post-secondary institutions. Participants across Europe, Asia Middle East, and Sub-Saharan Africa contest this scholarship, and eligible; candidates are selected on merits.

For college, undergraduate, and graduate students, the program offers scholarships of varying amounts and lengths. Eligible costs include living expenses, health insurance, flights, visa fees, and more. Financial assistance is provided to Canadian educational institutions to help with administrative expenses.

The selection criteria emphasize the development of strong international connections while giving priority to the merit and possible effect of the proposed study or research in Canada. Canadian educational institutions have until March 19, 2024, to submit applications. The results will be announced in the spring.

2. Canada-China Scholars' Exchange Program (CCSEP)

The 1973-established Canada-China Scholars' Exchange Program (CCSEP) is a bilateral program that came about as a consequence of cooperation between Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau and Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai.

This official exchange program facilitates professionals and scholars from China by giving exposure in Canada through research experiences, typically lasting four to 12 months.

The scholarships are not tied to formal enrollment at Canadian universities but involve placement as visiting scholars.

Full-time, permanent teachers or research officers, master's or doctorate graduates, and senior non-academic professionals in China are eligible for this program.

This program enables recipients to contribute in their relevant field after their return to China, which fosters mutual understanding between the two nations. Fields i.e., public health policy, law, economics, education, business management, and environmental protection are preferred for this program.

3. Canada-ASEAN Scholarships and Educational Exchanges for Development (SEED)

The Canada-ASEAN Scholarships and Educational Exchanges for Development (SEED) program, initiated by the Government of Canada in 2017, facilitates short-term study or research opportunities for students from ASEAN member states in Canadian post-secondary institutions.

The alignment with the Agenda for Sustainable Development 2023, SEED aims to contribute to poverty reduction and achieve Sustainable Development Goals. The program strengthens people-to-people ties between Canada and the Indo-Pacific region through student exchange programs and collaboration of institutions.  

Eligible candidates should have citizenship of ASEAN member states, be registered permanently in a post-secondary institute, and pay tuition fees. Scholarships cover various durations and values for college, undergraduate, and graduate levels, including expenses such as visa fees, airfare, health insurance, and living expenses.

Canadian institutions hosting students receive funding, and the program is subject to the availability of Government of Canada funding. The application process involves coordination between Canadian and ASEAN institutions, and successful students must adhere to scholarship conditions, returning to their home institutions after the program.

4. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships

In honor of Major-General Georges P. Vanier, the nation's first francophone governor general, the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Vanier CGS) program seeks to draw exceptionally talented doctorate candidates to Canadian universities.

Three equally weighted selection factors are taken into consideration by the program which is valued at $50,000 per year for three years of Ph.D. studies:

• Superior Academic Performance
• Possibility for Research;
• Leadership (possibility and proven skill)

Results for the Vanier Scholars 2023 are expected to be released in the middle of April 2024. Candidates may only seek a nomination from the university where they plan to study, and they must be nominated by a quota-holding Canadian institution to be eligible. The scholarship is granted to foreign nationals, citizens of Canada, and permanent inhabitants of Canada whose fields of study include engineering, the natural sciences, and/or health.

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Universities in Canada

Following are the top Universities to which students can secure admission:

1. McGill University
2. University of Alberta
3. University of Ottawa
4. University of Waterloo
5. Western University         

1. McGill University

2. University of Alberta

The University of Alberta, situated in Edmonton, Canada, is a leading research-intensive institution known for its academic excellence and innovation. Offering a wide array of undergraduate and graduate programs, the university fosters a dynamic learning environment. Renowned for impactful research and a commitment to community engagement, the University of Alberta is a distinguished academic hub in Canada.

3. University of Ottawa

The University of Ottawa, located in the vibrant capital city of Canada, is a bilingual institution recognized for its strong emphasis on both English and French languages. Renowned for its diverse academic programs and commitment to research, Ottawa provides a dynamic learning environment. With a focus on fostering global perspectives, the university plays a key role in shaping the intellectual landscape of Canada.

4. University of Waterloo

The University of Waterloo, nestled in Ontario, Canada, is renowned for its innovation and emphasis on cooperative education. Recognized for cutting-edge research and a strong emphasis on technology and engineering, Waterloo stands as a hub for fostering entrepreneurial spirit. With a vibrant campus community, it is a leading institution contributing to Canada's reputation for academic excellence and technological advancements.

5. Western University

Located in London, Ontario, the University of Western Ontario, commonly known as Western University, is celebrated for its strong academic programs and research initiatives. With a commitment to providing a well-rounded education, Western offers a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate studies. The campus's picturesque campus and dedication to fostering a vibrant learning community contribute to its esteemed reputation in Canada.

Admission Requirements and Documents List

For admission to any Canadian University students need to fill the application form of the specific university by visiting the official website of the university. Universities may require supporting documents for verification depending on the degree to which the student is being admitted. The students are bound to provide authentic information to the university in which they are going to be enrolled. However, the following are the few documents that every student must have before applying to any Canadian university:

• Application Form
• Educational Documents (Result Cards & certificates)
• English Proficiency Test i.e., IELTS, TOFEL certificate
• Letter of Recommendation (at least two)
• CNIC
• Passport
• Passport size pictures
• CV Resume
• Work experience (if any)
• Contact Details
• After securing admission to the chosen university students can apply for their study permit/visa

Visa Requirements and Documents List

Canada offers study permits rather than a visa to its students which are issued by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC), a crucial document allowing students to pursue their studies in the country. To ensure the permit remains valid, it's essential to stay enrolled in the approved courses and make satisfactory progress toward completing your academic program. The application for a study permit requires several key documents:

• An acceptance letter from the educational institute you've chosen to attend.
• A valid passport or an alternative travel document is necessary.
• To demonstrate your ability to cover living expenses, you must provide proof of financial support for yourself and any dependents accompanying you to Canada. This could include bank statements or sponsorship letters.
• By providing these documents students meet the requirements which help them in getting a study permit, allowing them to come on their academic journey in Canada.

Cost of Living

As an international student in Canada, students have to cover the cost of accommodation, food, transportation, and health insurance including their educational expenses i.e., tuition fees, books and supplies, etc.  Edu Canada has estimated the cost of living between $7000-$20000 per year. It also depends on the area/city in which you are staying. International students should go for those cities/areas in which the cost of living is comparatively less than the metropolitan cities or city centers.

Part-time working hours and Income

Canada allows its students to do part-time jobs. The weekly duration of the part-time job allowed to students is 20 hours which is quite good. Students can easily manage their studies along with their part-time job and in this way, they can support themselves financially without depending on their parents. While studying in Canada offers its students to work:

• On Campus
• Off-campus

Co-op and internship programs

The income offered to students in Canada is quite handsome which makes them able to be financially independent. 

 After study work permit/Future opportunities

Canada in today’s world is known as one of the best job markets in the world. Canada offers a diversity of work permits especially to its students. Students after completing their education can easily get a work permit and can start their professional career in Canada which further leads them to Canadian Residency and later Canadian citizenship.