I wrote this article, taking into context strategies and methods that can help you study freely in Canada as an international student. I will unveil all you need to know about this topic. Just read through with undivided attention.
You see, when it comes to studying abroad as an international student, Canada has taken the lead. You can’t possibly mention the first ten countries to study without it. According to US News, Canada is the seventh best country for study abroad education.
Why is it so? It is not bad to ask this question, and I will give you the answer. Canada houses top-notch schools that provide outstanding academic services. It has promising opportunities after graduation and provides an awesome learning experience for students.
Now, you may be asking yourself; can I really study for free in Canada? The answer is yes. Inasmuch as education in Canada is not free, some opportunities can help you pay your tuition fees from the day you got admission till your graduation.
You are still with me, right? okay, let me take you through the full ride.
How to Study in Canada for Free for International Students
Here are ways you can study abroad in Canada without thinking of where your next tuition fee will come from. These options I am about to show you will lessen or remove totally the financial burden associated with studying.
Here they are;
- Scholarships
- Working While Studying
- Fee Waivers
- Online Education
- Vocational Programs
1. Scholarships
Numerous Canadian universities and colleges offer fully-funded scholarships to international students who wish to study in Canada. It can be based on merit or strong demonstration of financial aid, whichever it is, the scholarship opportunities help to cater to your study needs.
Some universities in Canada that offer scholarships to international students are as follows;
| University | Name of Scholarship | Scholarship Worth | Basis | Duration |
| York University | International Entrance Scholarship of Distinction | CAD 35,000 annually | Merit (Academic Excellence) | 4 years |
| University of Toronto | Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship | Full coverage of study needs, including | Merit (Academic Excellence) | 4 years |
| University of Manitoba | International Undergraduate Student Entrance Scholarship | Determined annually according to school grade average. | Merit (Academic Excellence) | Varies |
| University of British Columbia | Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award Donald A. Wehrung International Student Award International Impact Award Vantage One Excellence Award | Varies | Merit & Financial Aid | Varies |
It is worth noting that our data is obtained from individual university’s websites.
2. Working While Studying
In Canada, students are permitted to work part-time as a means to make a living even while studying. An average student can work for about 20 hours per week while school is in session, or do full-time during holidays.
Now, there are many ways students can work while studying, and some of them are;
- Online Tutoring: There are many websites where you can sign up as a tutor, and get paid at the end of the day, depending on how the platform works. You tutor based on your knowledge, expertise, and experience.
- Server or Bartender: This is simply using your free time, and maybe weekends to work part-time in the food service industry. You can earn between $75.00 to $200.00 depending on the volume of sales.
- Dog Walker: You can work as a dog walker which doesn’t require much time commitment. As a matter of fact, you are simply paid to hang out and take strolls with dogs. Isn’t that amazing? Within 30 to 60 minutes, you are through with walking one dog, and you earn your money.
- Translator: You can opt-in to translate languages for easy comprehension. This means you will have to be very knowledgeable in about three or four languages and can speak, write, and read them fluently.
- Freelancer: You can offer the services of a web designer, graphic designer, writer, etc., in your free time as a freelancer and make some money. There are many freelancing sites that connect you to your future prospects such as Upwork, Fiverr, 99Designs, etc.
3. Fee Waivers
Fee waivers are another option you can explore to study for free in Canada as an international student. They are offered by institutions or governments on the basis such as financial needs, academic excellence, achievements, employment benefits, etc.
Academic Excellence: Some schools offer full or partial tuition waivers to students who have shown excellence in their academics by their performances.
Financial Need: You can obtain a fee waiver when you show proof of financial need. You can tell your story of not having parental assistance or having parents earning below a certain level.
Employment Benefits: You can receive a tuition waiver when you are dependent on a full-time employee of an institution where you choose to study. Sometimes the fee waiver may come as a subsidized fee as the case may be.
4. Online Education
Virtual learning can help you study in Canada at a very subsidized rate. You can’t compare the expenses you would make on tuition fees, accommodation, commuting, etc. when you are taking programs in person to when you are taking online programs where only tuition fees are required.
There are online colleges for working professionals and many others that you can think of. The best part of this online learning is that upon graduation, you will be awarded your certificate, and even a Post Graduate Work Permit (PGWP).
Some universities that offer online education in Canada to international students are;
Laurentian University: This university provides over 27 degree programs that you can fully take online. They are business administration, criminology, sociology, and many others.
Queen’s University: This institution is well-known as the first university to offer online studies in Canada using mail in 1889. It has over 100+ courses that you can take from the comfort of your home today. The courses cut across health sciences, law, engineering, education, and others.
5. Vocational Programs
This is another promising option that helps students to cater to their study needs while in school. Vocational programs in Canada help acquire in-depth skills and training needed in various industries.
With these skills, you can work part-time offering value to industries, and making money from it. This is a good avenue for you as an international student who wants to ease the financial stress of studying.
Having seen how you can study in Canada as an international student without hassle, let me quickly show you the requirements you need to have.
Requirements to Study in Canada for International Students
It is important to note that the requirements vary from school to school, however, the ones I am about to list now are the general ones you must possess.
- You must have a study permit before you can go to Canada. The process of how to get one is fully explained on the Government of Canada website.
- You must have your letters of recommendation.
- You must have a well-written essay and resume
- You must possess your official academic transcripts from past institutions attended.
- You must have your proof of finances.
- You must show proof of English proficiency tests such as TOEFL & IELTS.
- You must have a passport with at least six months validity after completion of your study.
Key Takeaways
If you wish to study in Canada for free as an international student using scholarships, try as much as possible to be an outstanding student. Having a good academic record makes your application stand out.
If you are opting in to work while you study, be sure to engage in jobs that give you time to concentrate on your studies. The examples of jobs I listed above are some of them that can take just a few hours of your time.
While substituting the traditional college for online education, ensure that your chosen online college is accredited, and will be able to award you a certificate upon graduation.
Conclusion
I have successfully walked you through ways you can study in Canada freely or at least offset a little, the financial stress of studying. I believe that if you leverage these options, you will have more time to focus on your studies and professional growth.
I wish you the best of luck. I hope you got value from the article, please let me know in the comment box.
FAQs
Here are answers to some of the questions that may still be bothering you.
Can a Poor International Student Study in Canada?
Yes, anyone can study in Canada. If you don’t have the means, ensure you make good use of the financial aid provided by the Canadian government and schools such as scholarships, tuition waivers, student loans, etc.
How Can I Get a Full Scholarship in Canada?
Scholarships from Canadian universities are offered on some criteria. Some are done on academic excellence, while others are need-based.
Once you meet the criteria for academic excellence scholarships, you automatically become eligible for it. On the other hand, you can also shoot for the need-based scholarship of your chosen university before the deadline.
