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Study in Canada | Student Recruitment & Scholarships - MENTISGO by MENTISERA

Launch your career with world-class education, study abroad guidelines, and student scholarships in Canada through MENTISGO by MENTISERA.

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Why Study in Canada?

  • ✓Earn globally recognized degrees from top-tier institutions
  • ✓Eligible for Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) up to 3 years
  • ✓Diverse and inclusive multicultural cities ranked highly for safety
  • ✓Abundant scholarship and funding options for academic achievers
  • ✓Direct pathways to Permanent Residency (PR) via Express Entry streams

Quick Facts

CapitalOttawa
Official Language(s)English & French
CurrencyCanadian Dollar (CAD)
Time ZoneGMT-3.5 to GMT-8
Population38 Million
International StudentsOver 800,000
QS Top Universities31 Universities
Average Tuition FeeCAD 15,000 - CAD 35,000 / Year
Average Living CostCAD 20,635 / Year (Required deposit)
Work Rights20-24 Hours/Week during semester
Post-Study Work PermitUp to 3 Years (PGWP)

Why Choose Canada for Your Higher Education?

  • •World-class education infrastructure with modern research centers
  • •Highly affordable tuition compared to the US and UK
  • •Generous government and university scholarships
  • •Extremely safe, welcoming, and immigrant-friendly society
  • •Bicultural heritage and vibrant student community
  • •Innovative learning methodologies focused on hands-on practice
  • •Excellent high-demand job market in technology, health, and finance

Education System in Canada

Canada's post-secondary education includes colleges, institutes, and universities. Colleges focus on career-oriented practical training, while universities focus on academic degrees.

Program LevelAverage Duration
Diploma & Advanced Diploma1 - 3 Years
Bachelor's Degree3 - 4 Years
Master's Degree1 - 2 Years
MBA1 - 2 Years
PhD3 - 5 Years

Top Universities in Canada

University of Waterloo

City: Waterloo, Ontario | QS Ranking: MENTISGO Official Partner University

Computer ScienceEngineeringMathematics

University of Ottawa

City: Ottawa, Ontario | QS Ranking: MENTISGO Official Partner University

BusinessEngineeringHealth Sciences

Dalhousie University

City: Halifax, Nova Scotia | QS Ranking: MENTISGO Official Partner University

EngineeringBusinessHealth Sciences

Carleton University

City: Ottawa, Ontario | QS Ranking: MENTISGO Official Partner University

EngineeringBusinessPublic Affairs

University of Guelph

City: Guelph, Ontario | QS Ranking: MENTISGO Official Partner University

Agricultural SciencesBusinessEnvironmental Science

Popular Study Programs

Software Engineering Computer Science Artificial Intelligence Business Administration Data Science Nursing Finance

Admission Requirements

Academic Qualifications12 years of education for Bachelors; 4-year Bachelors for Masters
GPA RequirementsMinimum 2.5 / 4.0 or equivalent (60%+)
English ProficiencyIELTS 6.0 for UG; IELTS 6.5 for PG
Entrance ExamsGMAT/GRE recommended for top-tier MBA/Masters

English Language Requirements

IELTS
6.5 Overall (no band less than 6.0)
PTE
60 Overall (no component less than 50)
TOEFL
83-90 Overall
Duolingo
115-125 Overall
MOI
Accepted by select colleges only

Application Intakes & Timelines

Fall Intake

Starts September (Apply by Jan-March)

Winter Intake

Starts January (Apply by June-August)

Summer Intake

Starts May (Limited options, Apply by Nov)

Tuition Fees Breakdown

Level of StudyEstimated Fee Range
Diploma / CertificateCAD 12,000 - CAD 18,000 / Year
Bachelor's DegreeCAD 18,000 - CAD 35,000 / Year
Master's DegreeCAD 15,000 - CAD 30,000 / Year
MBACAD 25,000 - CAD 55,000 / Year
PhDCAD 8,000 - CAD 18,000 / Year

Cost of Living

Expense ItemAverage Cost
Accommodation (Shared)CAD 600 - CAD 1,000 / Month
Food & GroceriesCAD 300 - CAD 400 / Month
Public TransportationCAD 100 - CAD 150 / Month
Utilities & InternetCAD 150 - CAD 200 / Month
Health InsuranceCAD 50 - CAD 100 / Month
Cost of Living SummaryCAD 1,500 - CAD 2,200 per month (approx. CAD 20,635 per year mandatory deposit via GIC).

Scholarships & Funding Options

Lester B. Pearson Scholarships

University of Toronto

Full tuition, books, and living stipend (Undergraduate)

Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships

Government of Canada

CAD 50,000 per year for 3 years (Doctoral)

Entrance Scholarships

Individual Universities

CAD 2,000 - CAD 10,000 automatic merit awards

Student Visa Process

Visa Type:Study Permit / Temporary Resident Visa
Eligibility:Valid LOA from DLI, proof of GIC deposit, and clean medicals
Required Documents:
  • Letter of Acceptance (LOA)
  • Passport with 6+ months validity
  • GIC certificate of CAD 20,635
  • Proof of paid tuition fees (1st Year)
  • SOP & Academic Transcripts
Processing Time6 - 12 Weeks
BiometricsMandatory at VFS Global
InterviewRare, done at discretion of visa officer

Work While Studying

Weekly Work Hours:20 hours per week (often extended during semesters)
On-Campus Work:Unlimited hours allowed
Off-Campus Work:Up to 20 hours per week
Internship Rights:Co-op work permits available for program-required work

Post-Study Work Opportunities

Permit Name:Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
Duration:1 to 3 Years depending on program length
Migration Pathways:Provides vital local experience points for permanent residency.

Permanent Residency (PR) Pathways

Status:High PR compatibility through established Express Entry system.
Available PR Streams:
Canadian Experience Class (CEC)Federal Skilled Worker (FSW)Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

Accommodation & Student Housing

Housing Options:
On-Campus ResidencesOff-Campus Shared ApartmentsHomestay Hosts
Average Cost RangeCAD 600 - CAD 1,200 / Month

Healthcare & Insurance Requirements

System Type:Provincial health cover or mandatory private university coverage
Estimated Cost:CAD 600 - CAD 1,000 / Year

Student Life, Safety & Climate

Climate:Varies from mild in Vancouver to cold winters in Central/East Canada.
Culture:Highly diverse, polite, progressive, and multicultural.
Safety Index:Consistently ranked among the top 10 safest countries globally.

Career & Employment Opportunities

High-Demand Industries:
Software & ITFinancial ServicesHealthcareNatural ResourcesBiotechnology
Average Graduate SalaryCAD 50,000 - CAD 85,000 / Year (Average starting salary)
Employment OutlookStrong demand for STEM graduates and certified healthcare professionals.

Why Choose MENTISGO?

✓
Personalized Counselling

Accurate academic profiling aligned with your long-term goals.

✓
University Selection

Evaluation of academic marks against 500+ global partner institutions.

✓
Application Support

Complete submission mapping and review of SOPs and references.

✓
Scholarship Guidance

Guidance on fully-funded government programs and university merit discounts.

✓
Visa Assistance

Certified visa case compilation and submission guidance.

✓
Pre-Departure Briefing

Preparation guidelines on travel requirements, insurance, and accommodation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. What is a GIC for Canada?

A Guaranteed Investment Certificate is a mandatory deposit of CAD 20,635 in a Canadian bank to prove you have living funds.

Q. Can I study in Canada without IELTS?

Yes, some universities accept Duolingo or MOI (Medium of Instruction) from previous degrees, but IELTS is highly recommended for visas.

Q. Can my spouse accompany me to Canada?

Yes, spouse open work permits are available for spouses of students enrolled in qualifying masters or doctoral courses.

Q. What is the processing time for Canada visa from Pakistan?

It generally takes between 6 to 12 weeks depending on the application pool.

Q. How much bank balance must I show?

You need to show paid first-year tuition plus CAD 20,635 living funds.

Q. What is the SDS program for Canada student visa from Pakistan?

The Student Direct Stream (SDS) was an expedited visa processing pathway for certain countries including Pakistan, requiring upfront payment of 1st-year tuition, a GIC of CAD 20,635, and IELTS academic score of 6.0 in each band. *Note: Canada IRCC updates pathways regularly; verify current SDS/non-SDS status before applying.*

Q. Are there cheap universities in Canada for Pakistani students?

While tuition varies, institutions like Memorial University of Newfoundland, University of Prince Edward Island, and Brandon University offer relatively affordable tuition fees starting around CAD 12,000 to CAD 18,000 per year.

Q. Can I work off-campus while studying in Canada?

Yes, international students with a valid study permit can work up to 20 hours per week off-campus during regular academic semesters, and full-time during scheduled breaks like summer and winter holidays.

Q. What is the difference between a college and a university in Canada?

Universities in Canada are academic institutions offering undergraduate (bachelor's) and postgraduate (master's, PhD) degrees focused on theoretical study and research. Colleges are post-secondary institutions offering career-oriented diplomas, certificates, and practical/applied training.

Q. Can I change my university or course after arriving in Canada?

Yes, you can change your institution or program, but you must notify IRCC via your online account and ensure the new institution is a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) to keep your study permit valid.

Q. How does the PGWP (Post-Graduation Work Permit) work?

The PGWP allows students who graduated from an eligible DLI to obtain an open work permit to gain valuable Canadian work experience. The permit duration is typically equal to the program duration (1 year program = 1 year PGWP, 2+ year program = 3-year PGWP).

Q. What is the minimum IELTS band score required for a Canadian study visa?

For university degrees, a minimum IELTS Academic score of 6.5 overall with no individual band below 6.0 is typically required. For college diplomas, a score of 6.0 overall with no band below 5.5 may be accepted.

Q. What is the GIC (Guaranteed Investment Certificate)?

A GIC is a financial product purchased from a participating Canadian bank (like Scotiabank, CIBC, or Simplii) where you deposit CAD 20,635. The bank holds the funds and releases them to you in monthly installments after your arrival to cover living costs.

Q. Can I study in Canada after intermediate (FSc/ICS) from Pakistan?

Yes, Pakistani students who completed their intermediate (FSc, ICS, I.Com, FA) with at least 50-60% marks can apply for undergraduate bachelor's degrees or diploma courses in Canada.

Q. Does Canada offer fully funded scholarships for international students?

Yes, highly competitive programs like the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships and university-specific awards (like the Lester B. Pearson Scholarship at University of Toronto) offer full funding covering tuition and living costs.

Q. What is the role of a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)?

A DLI is a school approved by a provincial or territorial government to host international students. You must have an official Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from a DLI to apply for a Canadian study permit.

Q. What are the intake months for Canadian colleges and universities?

The primary intake is Fall (September), which offers the most courses and scholarships. The secondary intake is Winter (January). A smaller Summer intake (May) is also available for select programs.

Q. What happens if my Canadian student visa is refused?

If refused, you will receive a refusal letter stating the reasons (often related to purpose of visit, ties to home country, or financial sufficiency). You can address these concerns and reapply or submit a request for reconsideration if appropriate.

Q. What is a study permit vs. a student visa?

A Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or eTA allows you to enter Canada, while a Study Permit is a document issued by the border officer at the port of entry that allows you to legally study and stay in Canada for your program duration.

Q. How much is the visa application fee for Canada?

The study permit application fee is CAD 150, and the biometric collection fee is CAD 85, making the total visa processing fee CAD 235.