General InformationThe government in Canada is a similar set up to the UK system of government. At present it operates as a federal multiparty constitutional monarchy. When it comes to the matter of provincial governments operate with their own ability to legislate on provincial matters. The head of state is the British queen with a governor general appointed as common wealth representative in Canada. Ottawa is a home to Canada’s parliament, House of Commons and Senate.
Canada is a multi-cultural country, and so it’s no surprise that there is a wide variety of religions practiced there. Although Canada began as a Christian country and Christianity continues to dominate, yet there is a wide spectrum of spiritual beliefs that cover all corners of the country. Almost all of the world’s ethnic groups are represented in Canada. As a result, most ethnic foods and recreational activities associated with specific cultures are available in Canada. Clubs, both informal and formal, and associations representing a multitude of ethnic backgrounds are also easily accessible. International student advisors at schools can help students get in touch with such groups. Due to an ethnic and immigrant population the variety and richness of art and sports is very evident. Canada is a bilingual country with two official languages, English and French
Education System in Canada
There are significant differences between the education systems of the different provinces of Canada. Secondary schooling in Canada could go up to Grade 11, 12 or 13, depending on the province unlike in India, where Grade 12 is standard all over the country.
Post secondary education is offered by four types of educational institutions:
•Universities
• University Colleges
• Community Colleges/Technical Institutes
• Career Colleges.
Universities:
Canadian universities are largely public funded, and, as a result, offer consistently high quality education at lower tuition rates for international students than their counterparts in competing countries. They offer a broad range of courses and degrees from undergraduate to doctorate and also certificate and professional degrees.
University Colleges:
As a component of the Canadian university system, university colleges offer students a choice of either academic oriented university degree programmes or the more practical-oriented college diplomas and certificates. As a part of the Canadian college system, university colleges are distinguished by their strong student support services, small classes and strong campus environments. They also offer combined degree/diploma programmes and university transfer programmes
Community colleges and technical institutes:
They typically have a more vocational-related curricula, with small classes, off-campus course offerings, a greater ratio of laboratory space to class room space, and an interactive teaching style. The uniqueness of Canadian colleges lies in the combination of employer-centered curricula. These institutes have the primary function of responding to the training needs of business, industry, and public service sectors. Most colleges and technical institutes offer diplomas and certificates rather than degrees, however, more and more now grant degrees and applied degrees.
Technical/CareerCollege:
This is a privately owned and operated school with the main objective of preparing students for the job market after a short period of instruction. The emphasis at career colleges is on practical skills over a broad range of programmes. They specialize in such areas as business, computers, and secretarial skills. Although privately owned, these institutes are provincially approved and regulated, ensuring that programmes standards and quality are maintained.
The academic year usually starts in September and ends in May, and is normally divided into two semesters. Some institutes operate on a semester or trimester system and admit students in January and/or May as well as September. Many institutes offer a limited number of courses and special programmes during the summer session.
Document Checklist
• Ensure you attach this checklist as a cover sheet of your application
• Current passport
• Application form (two recent, original passport sized photos to be attached to form.)
• Personal Questionnaire ( Please use questionnaire attached to this message until the questionnaire is up to dated on the web site)
• Letter of acceptance from a Canadian educational institution showing planned start and end date of program and any conditions upon acceptance into program
• Use of a representative form ( IMM 5476)
• For Quebec- bound students only – copy of certificate d’ acceptation du Quebec- CAQ
• IELTS lest result taken within last 24 months with overall band not less than 6.0
• Copy of most recent education certificate ( from SLC to Till now)
• Copy of receipt for payment provided by the Canadian educational institution ( pre payment of first term is recommended)
• Copy of educational loan from A rated bank equivalent to at least 80% of tuition + living + travel expenses for one academic year ( normally, first tear’s tuition unless already paid, plus $ 8000).
• Form 16 for salaried employees or income tax return document
• Bank record showing transaction history for : current month, as well as bank record from 6 months ago, and from 1 year ago for the same bank account
• Copy of medical examination from IMM1017 if you opted to undergo a medical examination before submitting your application.
Do not provide any additional documents unless required to do so by a visa officer.