FAQs about choosing to study in Canada

FAQs about choosing to study in Canada

1. About the school education system

The local government in Canada invests heavily in education and attaches great importance to investment in education. These are recognized internationally.

This is proven by data: According to statistics from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), Canada’s investment in education accounts for 7.1% of its gross national product, far exceeding that of other “international economic cooperation countries.” The average rate among OECD member countries is 6.1%. Such high standards of investment in education enable Canadian universities to receive sufficient support to ensure that students on campus can obtain the education they want.

2. Why is the education system different in each province?

Many middle school students will question the education system in each province in Canada. Why is it different? In fact, Canada It is different from the education system in the Commonwealth.

Canada belongs to the North American education system. You can look at this example for the main differences:

High schools in BC are three-year (grades 10-12), and high school graduates in BC The certificate is Dogwood Diploma, while another popular area, Ontario High School, is a four-year (grades 9-12) Ontario High School Diploma (OSSD). High school graduation requirements are also very different.

Since Canada does not have a federal Ministry of Education or similar educational institutions, there is no unified education system across the country. Education in each province is responsible for the provincial governments, and each provincial Ministry of Education is set up to be responsible for the education of the province.

It is mainly divided into five stages: preschool education (not compulsory), primary school education, secondary education, undergraduate education and master's and doctoral education. Undergraduate and master's and doctoral education are also called higher education.

3. When choosing a school, you should not just look at the rankings?

Many students and parents are very concerned about school selection. But when choosing a school, college rankings are an aspect you can refer to, but they are not everything.

Canada has been ranked first in the world for education quality by U.S. News and World Report. This also proves the value of Canadian schools.

MacLean Magazine is the most authoritative university ranking in Canada and the most important reference for Canadian students. Canadian schools are divided into three categories: medical and doctoral, comprehensive, and basic. You need to choose according to your own conditions. There are also four major rankings in the world, QS, THE, ARWU, and USNEWS, which can also be used as auxiliary references, which are mainly aimed at the rankings of the Commonwealth or the United States.

However, it is definitely not comprehensive to use rankings to measure Canadian schools. For example, the University of Waterloo, which is very good at mathematics in Canada, often immerses itself in research and does not participate in those various rankings. The Euclidean Mathematics Competition is also held by Waterloo. Can you say it is not good? Another example is the Ivey Business School in Western Ontario, which is also globally important.

The scientific research strength of the school is indeed very important, but it is not practical for students who are not engaged in scientific research. Smaller basic schools focus on undergraduate education, and some have very high employment rates.

It is recommended to choose a school based on majors, internship opportunities, etc. Don’t just focus on the halo, but choose one that suits you so that you can graduate perfectly.

4. Do all schools in Canada offer dual enrollment?

"Dual enrollment" is only offered by some schools, not all schools. This is for students whose language scores are not up to standard or whose language courses are scheduled at the end. If the university issues a professional offer + a language offer, that is, two offers, they no longer need to take IELTS and TOEFL. If they pass the language test, they can transfer to the main course. .

Another point is different from what everyone thinks. "Dual enrollment" does not mean there is no threshold. Whether dual enrollment is available depends on the school. Some highly competitive schools or majors do not have dual enrollment. UBC is like this. Those who are not dual-enrolled will have no choice but to say goodbye if they don’t have language proficiency.

5. Is there a preparatory course in Canada?

Can I take a preparatory course before graduating from high school?

The preparatory course is a transitional course from high school to university rather than a preparatory course. Repeat. Canada is actually a 12th grade course in the third year of high school. You can take some university courses. After completing the course, you can get a Canadian high school diploma and apply for university.

In addition to cleverly integrating language courses and professional courses, Canada's Taiying International College can also customize personalized preparatory courses based on each student's learning background, plus flexible admissions and courses. Time, children can successfully graduate from Ontario high schools and enter the university of their choice in the most efficient time.

6. Should Canadian high schools choose public or private schools?

If a child has only studied for one year in high school, then the best choice is a private school. Public schools do not accept students who only study for one year. , the public requirement is to complete high school at the age of 18, but of course this is not the case in private schools.

The management of private schools provides dormitories with more comprehensive life, flexible curriculum arrangements and free activity settings. Public schools, on the other hand, are funded by the government and mainly provide basic education to local students at a unified pace. They will not take special care of international students who enroll. Students with weak foreign language foundation will face greater pressures and challenges. big. Moreover, due to the principle of nearby learning in public schools, there are no dormitories, so international students need to live with a host family or find a place to stay on their own. When choosing a location, they need to consider the proximity to the school, transportation, and safety and other factors.

7. How many years does a Canadian work visa last?

A Canadian work visa has a three-year work visa after graduation. Most of the 8-15 months are 1-year work visas, and 16 months. The above are all 3-year work permits. The work visa depends on the time given by the Immigration Bureau. With the work visa, you can work legally and you can apply for immigration after working for one year.

It is undoubtedly a favorable policy for international students who intend to stay in Canada for development. In addition to the CEC policy, each province in Canada also has different immigration policies for studying abroad, and each province has its own suitable immigration method.

8. Is the weather in Canada particularly cold?

There is also the last question that everyone is most concerned about. Canada is a large area and the three northern regions have very low temperatures in winter. Students I generally wouldn't go. Students generally choose cities in ten provinces, mainly Ontario and British Columbia.

The temperatures in the ten provinces of Canada are not particularly low in winter, so there is no need to worry about "frozen to death". Moreover, wherever international students go in Canada (schools, dormitories, shopping malls, transportation, etc.), there are sufficient heating equipment.

Extended reading: List of universities with good reputation for studying abroad in Canada

1. Dalhousie University

Nova Scotia

Studying abroad is a new and difficult beginning for anyone. In a new environment, everything becomes easier if you meet people you can trust and rely on. Dalhousie University provides one-on-one support and tutoring to all international students. Teachers not only help students solve learning difficulties, but also teach students how to gradually adapt to and integrate into Canadian culture while preserving and carrying forward their own cultural traditions. The school has two international student centers that can help students solve their problems and provide assistance.

2. University of Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan (Saskatoon, Saskatchewan)

Studying at the University of Saskatchewan, you There are a variety of opportunities available to satisfy your little curiosity. The university has more than 100 research projects, allowing international students to have enough space and resources to carry out their own academic activities. When renting a house, choosing a student dormitory is an option for international students, so that you can come into contact with classmates from different countries and backgrounds, including local students. It also allows you to understand and become familiar with Canadian culture as quickly as possible, and at the same time, you can interact with local students. Communicate better.

3. Concordia University

Montreal, Quebec (Montreal, Quebec)

Montreal is a city with a European style, ranking second to Paris. The second largest French-speaking city in the world. Concordia University has two campuses, and there is a free shuttle bus between the two campuses, so students can experience the vitality of the city on the shuttle bus and on their way to school. There are many social activities for international students in the school, including formal ones such as teaching you how to find a job in Canada, and informal ones such as movie nights and cooking classes. All aspects will make your life extremely fulfilling.

IV. University of Alberta

Edmonton, Alberta

Students who want to apply to the University of Alberta are Fortunately, this school will help you simplify every step of your study and life, making your study abroad life less difficult. For newly arrived international students, the school will arrange airport pick-up and three-day orientation activities. After the new semester begins, international students can also take some transitional courses to adapt to the new life as quickly as possible. International students will study together with other students and share every detail of their lives abroad.

5. Simon Fraser University

Burnaby, British Columbia

Simon Fraser University has three universities in the Greater Vancouver area campus. The school has a special committee composed of teachers and students that regularly organizes cross-cultural education and exchange activities for international students. The school also provides a variety of resources, such as teaching students how to use Vancouver’s transportation navigation resources. The school also often organizes various social activities. If that's not enough for you, there are many cultural clubs in the school where you can meet people from the same country and background as you.

The five universities introduced above all provide rich content for international students’ study abroad life. There are many other universities in Canada that are also good choices. There, you can do your research with confidence because your school has your back and will help you start your academic career in a new country.

Extended reading: Tax filing guide for studying in Canada

1. Tax filing preparation

1. Social security number

Everyone needs to handle their own affairs The full name of the card number is Social Insurance Number. If you apply directly to the tax bureau, you will first get a temporary tax card (Individual Tax Number). You can file taxes by mail. You need to wait for about three months.

For a formal tax card application, you need to submit proof of identity, student certificate and work certificate. After issuance, you can file your tax electronically, so you don’t need to prepare additional paper documents, you can just submit the application directly and it will be reviewed. The speed will also become faster.

2. Proof of income

Only those with income need to pay taxes, and students’ income, in addition to part-time work, will also include scholarships. This is everyone’s legal income. In addition There will also be interest on your deposits in the bank, which is also considered part of your income and can be reported for tax purposes.

Everyone’s income from work will be proved by a T4 form; the proof of receiving a scholarship is a T4A form; the interest earned from deposits in the bank is a T5 form. You can show all your income. There is a form "For income tax purposes".

2. Tax refund requirements

1. Tuition fee refund

The tuition fee paid to the school should be an expense of international students in Canada, and the tax refund for this fee The method is different from our regular tax refund. Only when you work in Canada after graduation can you apply for tax refund, and it is not a regular cash refund.

After you enter a formal job, you need to pay taxes on your income. If you have experience studying abroad, you can use the tax paid on tuition to directly offset the tax paid on your income. Know the taxes All reimbursements are completed, and everyone can save a lot of money.

2. Part-time tax refund

Students who work part-time in Canada need to pay taxes as long as they have income, and the tax paid for everyone can be done at the beginning of each year Tax returns must be processed before the end of April, and taxes will be distributed in batches over three months.

3. Consumption tax rebate

Everyone’s large expenditures in Canada will also incur taxes. As long as you obtain the receipt, you can unify the tax declaration, process and part-time tax refund. It’s almost the same, and everyone can file taxes together.

Extended reading: Guide to choosing a school for studying in Canada

1. Academic achievements

You can first examine the school’s known achievements, including its international rankings. The papers published by the school, the research results obtained, and the evaluation in society are all relatively reliable information that can only be obtained after a long period of accumulation.

2. Teacher-student ratio

The ratio of teachers to students will directly affect the teaching mode and results. Generally, a high ratio will be more helpful for teachers to improve the classroom. Control is also conducive to mobilizing students' enthusiasm and learning in a relatively free and relaxed atmosphere, and elite education will explore students' potential.

3. Book collection

It can directly reflect the size and achievements of the school, because in addition to the school’s procurement, alumni donations are also a very important source of books, and core publications need to be guaranteed Subscriptions will make it more convenient for students to search for information, and it will also have a positive impact on learning.

IV. Publications

The school’s publications are also one of the important displays of the school’s strength. Although most of them are only sold internally, the source of the articles is also the school, which can directly reflect the internal affairs of the school. The academic and research strength of students and teachers, after all, the preparation of a high-quality article is affected by various aspects.

5. Popular majors

Even a comprehensive university cannot guarantee the comprehensive development of each discipline. There will definitely be high and low. To confirm whether a major is popular, you can check Depending on the amount of resources invested by the school, the ranking and reputation of the major, everyone will have an advantage if they study in a popular major.

6. Admission Requirements

The entry threshold for schools and majors is also something that everyone cannot ignore. After all, the choice is two-way. When everyone is inspecting and comparing schools, the school will also Applicants are screened and only those who meet the basic requirements are eligible to enter the school and start studying.

7. Software Services

In addition to the inspection of various hardware, international students also need to pay attention to the supporting services provided by the school, including medical services, psychological services and student services. These will have an impact on Students' sense of belonging has a relatively large impact.