How to Pursue Studies in Canada as an Indian Student?

Recent research by the Canadian Bureau of International Education suggests that Canada is a top choice for international students. Canada has garnered a safe, stable, and world-class position when it comes to academics. And, this stands true for students of Indian origin who often choose Canada as a destination to study abroad. Indian students cover 30% of the total international students in the country.
Indian students prefer Canada as a choice country to study because of the shared language, English, and well-established Indian communities through Canada. Also, international students in Canada are allowed to work for a specified number of hours a week.

How to Start Studying in Canada?

Canada is home to numerous reputable colleges, universities, and other post-secondary institutions. To qualify and find the right program there are a few steps that every student must follow:
Research
First and foremost, start your journey with a bit of research and spend time finding programs that align with your goals. You must ensure that the selected program is at a designated learning institution (DLI). A designated learning institution is a school approved by a provincial or territorial government to welcome international students. In case, a school does not have a DLI status, you will not be able to get a study permit or PGWP later. Once you decided which institution, you would like to go ahead with, then go ahead and just apply.
Letter of Acceptance
If your application to a DLI is approved, you will receive a Letter of Acceptance (LOA). An international student will require this letter to apply for a study permit. Make sure the letter includes details such as:

• The name and contact details of the DLI
• Your name, date of birth, and mailing address
• The study program, level of program, and the duration of the program

Apply for a Study Permit

Once you have the LOA, you can apply for a study permit by applying directly to IRCC. In addition to your LOA, one would require additional documents such as:

• Proof of financial support to cover your tuition and living expenses in Canada
• Police certificates
• Medical exams, if applicable
• Letter of explanation detailing your career objectives and ties to your home country

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Note that if you are applying to a DLI in the province of Quebec, you will also need to also have a Certificat d’Acceptation du Quebec (CAQ) before submitting your application to IRCC.

Apply under the Student Direct Stream

Indian students are eligible to apply for their study permits through the Student Direct Stream (SDS). Under this stream, the students from selected countries have their study permit applications expedited.
There are numerous eligibility requirements for the SDS. In addition to all the requirements, students applying through SDS must also have a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) with a participating Canadian bank of CAD 10,000. Also, with a minimum language requirement of 6 in each skill on the IELTS.

Post-Graduate Work Permit

Most graduates who wish to remain in Canada apply for a Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP). This permits recent graduates of Canadian learning institutions to live and work in Canada after graduation. Work experience gained while on a PGWP helps one with a permanent resident status through the likes of Express Entry, the PNP, and other immigration pathways.