Click here to print this article
Financing Canadian education
Scholarships and financial assistance for international students in Canada
Canada's public universities and colleges welcome international students from around the world. Young international scholars can choose among more than 160 degree-granting institutions across the country and a complete range of internationally recognized undergraduate bachelor's degrees. They find that Canada offers safe, supportive campus environments, world-class libraries and research facilities, outstanding professors, friendly classmates - and the experience of a lifetime!
Costs of a Canadian Education
For international students, studying at a public university or college in Canada is relatively affordable, compared to similar institutions in the United States or the United Kingdom. Nevertheless a Canadian education is an investment, and Canadian universities expect that an admitted student will take primary responsibility for educational and living expenses. Prospective students and their families must therefore plan carefully for all the costs involved.
International undergraduate tuition fees vary by institution and may also vary by program. Tuition fees in business or engineering for example may be higher than in arts, social sciences and humanities programs. In 2007, international undergraduate tuition fees at thirteen of Canada's top-ranked research universities ranged from $11,000 ($ Canadian) per year to $24,000 per year. Although the cost of living varies across provinces in Canada, international students should budget a further $10,000 a year to cover living costs, including accommodation, books, supplies, transportation and other personal expenses. Travel between the home country and Canada is an additional cost consideration.
Scholarships and awards
In general, Canadian universities offer more support for international students at graduate and post-graduate levels than for undergraduates.
The Association of Universities and Colleges in Canada (AUCC) recently determined, however, that 69% of its member institutions have special scholarships for international undergraduate students. More than half (58%) of institutions offer first-year entering scholarships (recognizing academic merit) to both international and Canadian students.
Merit-based awards and prizes are competitive, and in addition to demonstrated academic excellence, some require achievement in the arts, athletics, or community leadership or service. Many Canadian universities also allow international students, once enrolled in their university, to compete alongside Canadian students for donor-based awards and prizes, faculty-recommended awards and other forms of recognition based on academic achievement.
A few Canadian public universities are able to offer full scholarships to international undergraduate students. A 'full scholarship' covers tuition and living costs, and is usually renewable each year, provided the student maintains scholarship standing.
Financial Assistance
Other forms of financial assistance for international students at Canadian public institutions are limited. Bursary support may be available in emergency situations, but cannot finance a student's education. Talented student athletes may be offered bursaries to support their participation on varsity teams, but full athletic scholarships are not as common at Canadian universities as they are at US universities.
Canadian universities do not offer institution-based loans to help fund educational costs. The Canadian government student loan program is available only to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada. US citizens can apply for Stafford/Plus loans.
Work opportunities
International students may be able to supplement their income through paid work in Canada. Students in Canada on a Canadian Study Permit are allowed to work part-time on campus without a work permit. Some universities allow international students to participate in work-study programs which provide a wage subsidy to campus employers willing to hire students. Typical opportunities might include working at university food-service outlets, libraries, bookstore, or as assistants to faculty or staff on special projects.
In addition, international students at public post-secondary institutions may apply for a work permit to work off-campus for up to 20 hours a week during the school year, and full-time during study breaks. And as part of their degree, international students may, with appropriate work permits, participate in co-operative education, internships, and other work-study programs.
One cautionary note: Canadian Study Permits are issued to students on the understanding that study is their principal occupation in Canada. Working on- or off-campus adds value to the educational experience, but cannot be relied on to cover an international student's full educational costs.
After completing their degree in Canada, graduating students may work full time in the country for up to three years. Work permits are required.
MORE INFORMATION
Canada's degree-granting universities and colleges:
Study in Canada, Canada Study Permit, and working in Canada:
Karen McKellin is Associate Director of the International Student Initiative at The University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada