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UG in Canada

 

Undergraduate Courses in Canada – An Overview

A full-time bachelor’s degree program in Canada is a four-year full-time program, depending on the course and specialization. Educational institutions offer degrees, diplomas, and certificates depending on the type of institute, program, and duration. However, there is a difference between university and college in Canada.

Universities are normally authorized to award degree programs, whereas colleges mostly offer associate degrees. Other institutes generally offer skill-oriented diplomas and certificates.

In Canada, the provincial government controls the education system while the Federal government oversees its overall functioning. Both public and private education institutes, universities, and colleges are open to international students. However, provincial governments may not necessarily regulate private schools everywhere in Canada.

 

Types of Higher Education Institutes in Canada

Degree-Granting

At the post-secondary level, Canada has universities, university colleges, colleges, institutes of technology, and specialised institutes that have the authority to offer degree-level programs. They have a wide range of courses with an equal focus on teaching and research.

 

Non-Degree Granting

These institutions are either recognised public colleges or are private registered ones that offer vocational programs in a wide range of academic and technical fields. These institutes can be community colleges, colleges of applied arts and technology, institutes of technology and advanced learning, and private academies and institutes. These colleges may also offer short-term courses that last between several weeks to several months.

 

Types of Undergraduate Education in Canada

Certificate Programs

A typical certificate program in Canada involves three to eight academic months of post-secondary study in a single subject. These programs are meant to impart skills and knowledge for an entry-level occupation.

 

College or University Diploma

Over 200 institutions offer post-secondary diplomas in Canada. College diplomas most often comprise a minimum of two full-time academic years of specialised post-secondary study. Like certificate programs, diploma programs mainly help meet specific demands of industrial or technical skills.

 

Degree Programs

  • Associate Degree: These are typically two-year full-time study programs in the field of science, humanities, and social science. The degree is equivalent to the first two years of a four-year university degree. A student can convert an associate degree to a bachelor’s degree, using the credits earned to enrol in a program at a university/college authorised to award a bachelor’s degree.
  • Bachelor’s Degree: Most of the universities in Canada offer a three-year and four-year bachelor’s degree program as a standard practice. They require 90 and 120 credits for completion, respectively. Bachelor’s degrees can be awarded by authorised universities only. Some colleges have been granted the authority to offer bachelor’s degrees.

 

Salient Features of UG Programs in Canada

Following are some salient features of UG in Canada for Indian students:

  • Undergraduate programs at SPP institutions are typically two years long, after which students can apply for an open work visa for up to three years
  • Following the above, students can seek permanent residency in Canada after earning work experience of at least one year in a related profession.
  • Furthermore, if a student decides to continue their studies for a bachelor’s degree course provided by a university in Canada after completing two years, they can get an exemption for the studies already finished and complete the bachelor’s degree in a minimum of two years.

 

Difference Between UG Major and UG Minor

UG Major UG Minor
A Major is a student’s primary area of interest It’s a secondary concentration of courses, which complements the Major
Students would need to achieve 10 out of 20 credits for completing an honours degree program in a major subject area. Students would need to complete 4 credits in the minor subject areas.
For example: With a major in Biology, a student can study UG in Science. For example: With a minor in Political Science, a student can pursue a BA of arts and honours.
Usually UG major is not available in some of the structured programs like Engineering, Architecture, Accounting, Financial Management, Computer Science, etc. Students can pursue these courses within their home faculty. For example, Only engineering students have the options in the Faculty of Engineering.

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Why Choose Canada for UG for Indian Students?

Making the decision to enroll in Bachelor’s programs at Top Canadian Universities can change your life. Students who receive high-quality instruction and degrees that are recognized across the world are exposed to intellectually and culturally interesting environments that challenge them to advance both personally and professionally.

 

High Academic Standards

One of the primary focus areas of the Canadian government is education which has resulted in Canada emerging as a highly preferred study abroad destination for international students. Steadily for years, Canadian universities have been amongst the top 50 best universities around the world. Consistency in high-quality education, world-class faculty and resources supported with a strong framework for higher education, have made Canada an immensely popular choice for higher education.

 

Experiential Learning

The universities integrate practical learning in their curriculum to allow the students real-time exposure and hands-on training. Hence, Canada is a preferred destination for international students.

 

Affordable Education

Canada is a developed nation. However, the cost of education for an international student here is less compared to that in other western developed nations such as the UK and the USA. The tuition fee, living costs and health insurance all put together are significantly low compared to other countries. Here, public and private institutes alike extend financial support to students in the form of grants and scholarships.

 

Immigration Friendly

Canada is known for its immigration-friendly policies. Students studying in Canada find it easier to adjust here as it has a diverse society comprising different cultures. This makes life in Canada easy for international students as they find ample support from their communities.

 

Strong Employment Prospects

Canada encourages students to find employment opportunities within Canada post their studies. Students with work permits can stay in Canada for up to three years to work after completing their studies. Canada is known to be a technologically-advanced nation. It is emerging as a hub for industries based on advanced technologies such as blockchain and artificial intelligence, hence, generating numerous employment opportunities. Canadian degrees are internationally recognised, which opens up plenty of opportunities for students graduating from Canadian universities to work in reputed global companies across the world.

 

Popular Specializations Offered by Canadian Universities

There are around 160 universities in Canada, with over 18 million enrolled students. Students can complete their UG studies in Canada by choosing from a variety of courses and course combinations. We understand that this can be a stressful situation and hence, have trained and experienced mentors who can expertly advise you on the right track to take up.

Major Fields Specialisation options
Engineering Degree Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electronics & Communication, Computer Science & IT, Chemical Engineering, Mining Engineering, and Architectural Engineering
Arts and Design Fashion Design, Graphic Design, Film, Photography and Media, and Visual Arts
Business Administration Human Resource, Supply Chain Management, Commerce, Finance, Project Management, and Accountancy
Hospitality & Tourism Management Hotel & Food Administration, Hospitality and Tourism Management
Health Nursing and Health Care Technology Management

 

Top Specialisations Chosen by Indian Students to Study in Canada

Following are some specialisations preferred by Indian students to study in Canada:

  • Accounting and Finance
  • Architecture
  • Arts and Cultural Management
  • Aviation
  • Business
  • Communication
  • Cyber Security
  • Data Science
  • Design
  • Education and Teaching

 

Average Median Salaries for UG Graduates in Canada

 

Top Industries to Choose in Canada

  • Aerospace & Defence
  • Banking & Financial Services
  • Consulting
  • Drugs & Biotechnology
  • Education
  • Engineering & Manufacturing
  • Healthcare
  • Information Technology
  • Transportation & Logistics

 

Top Universities for UG in Canada

Following is the list of top universities in Canada for UG:

Name of the University QS World University Rankings 2022 The World University Rankings
University of Toronto 34 18
McGill University 31 40
The University of British Columbia 47 34
University of Montreal 111 =73
University of Alberta 110 =131
McMaster University 152 69
University of Ottawa 237 = 145
University of Calgary 242 = 200
University of Waterloo 154 201-250
Western University 172 201-250
Dalhousie University 308 251-300
University Laval 414 —
Queen’s University 240 251-300
Simon Fraser University 298 251-300
University of Manitoba 601-650 351-400

 

According to the 2022 Times Higher Education World University Rankings, the following are the top universities in Canada for Undergraduate Degree programs:

University of Toronto (UofT) Offers over 200 postgraduate degree programs. With a long-standing reputation for innovation and research, it counts five Canadian prime ministers among its former students and associations with 10 Nobel laureates.
University of British Columbia (UBC) A global centre for teaching, learning, and research, and is consistently ranked among the top 20 public universities in the world. UBC has two campuses — one in Vancouver and the other in Kelowna.

UBC researchers work with industry, university, and government partners to advance knowledge and create countless new products, treatments, and services.

McGill University The oldest university in Montreal with 11 faculties and schools. McGill has an alumni network of roughly 250,000 that consists of 12 Nobel Prize winners and 140 Rhodes Scholars, more than any other university in the country.
McMaster University One of four Canadian universities consistently ranked in the world’s top 100, McMaster has a proud tradition of academic and research excellence, evidenced by the achievements of the best and brightest whose ranks include three Nobel Prize winners, global business leaders, technological innovators, prominent politicians, public intellectuals, philanthropists, and performers.
University of Montreal A leading research university with its affiliated schools, Polytechnique Montreal (engineering) and HEC Montreal (business), is also one of the largest universities in North America.

Many renowned laboratories were born at the University of Montreal, including MILA, the world’s leading university research centre in deep learning; the Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer (IRIC), one of the most productive in its domain; and the Centre de Recherche en Droit public (CRDP), the most comprehensive public-law research centre in Canada.

University of Alberta A public research university in Canada. According to the school, it has graduated 75 Rhodes scholars and boasts more than 200 undergraduate programs and more than 500 graduate programs.

The university offers French instruction at the Faculté Saint-Jean, which provides courses in arts, science, education, commerce, engineering, nursing, conservation, and environmental sciences and is also well known for its palaeontology research.

 

Tuition Fees to Study in Canada

In Canada, the education system is primarily controlled by the provincial government. Hence, students may see policy variation among universities depending on their province. The tuition fee may also vary depending on the type of course and its duration. On average, tuition fees for full-time undergraduate degrees can range between CAD 12,000 and 30,000 per year. The fees could be higher in the case of engineering & medicine courses. SPP Colleges in Canada charge cheaper tuition costs, ranging from CAD 12,000 to 14,000 per year.

There are many scholarships available for international students pursuing undergraduate programs in Canada. Being highly competitive, these are awarded on a merit basis. A few of them are the Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan, York University International Scholarship, University of British Columbia Scholarships for International Students, and Vancouver Island University International Regional Scholarship.

Know More About the Cost of Studying in Canada.

 

Eligibility Criteria for UG Program in Canada

GPA

Canadian universities/colleges use a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) score to assess the academic eligibility of applicants to study in Canada. GPA is a standard method of calculating a student’s average grade for her/his studies period in high school. Universities/colleges have metrics to convert Indian divisions to GPA scores.

 

English Language Proficiency Tests

IELTS

International English Language Testing System is an international standardised test of English language proficiency for non-native English speakers. In the test, speaking, listening, reading, and writing abilities in the English language are tested for aspirants who want to study or work in an English-speaking environment.

TOEFL

Test of English as a Foreign Language is an internationally accepted standardized test of English language proficiency for those who want to study and work abroad. The test evaluates students’ reading, listening, speaking, and writing skills in the English Language.

The minimum TOEFL iBT score in the range of 70-89 and IELTS score in the range of 6-7 is considered good for applying to Canadian universities/colleges. Both TOEFL and IELTS scores are valid for 2 years.

  • Extracurricular activities and soft skills such as leadership, teamwork, communication, and analytical skills are also taken into account by the Admissions Committee in evaluating a candidate’s profile for the particular program/college.
  • Even the documents such as SOP, essays and letters of recommendation help provide a holistic view of your profile to the Admissions Committee.Know more about the Entry Requirements for Canadian Universities.

 

Candidates Can Apply Without IELTS or After Results of Class 12th

We are all aware of the significance of the IELTS score as well as the academic percentage in determining whether or not your application will be accepted by any university. One of the most important things to remember while applying to a Bachelor’s program in Canada is that you can do so even if you don’t have your Class 12 results or IELTS score. The institutions will accept you based on your grade 11 transcripts. When your offer letter arrives, you will be required to show your Class 12 results.

 

Application Process for Bachelors in Canada

Following is the application process for UG in Canada for Indian students:

  • Make a list of all the courses and options that match your subject. It is critical to conduct research before enrolling in a bachelor’s degree program in Canada. Research the courses you want to take, the city you want to study in, scholarships and financial aid alternatives, and, of course, a list of colleges you want to attend.
  • Once you have selected a university you want to study in, read and examine the criteria, such as the admission deadline, needed documents, and language proficiency test. Make a list of everything so you don’t forget anything.
  • Following is the list of documents you would need to apply to the universities of Canada:
  1. Copy of your High School Certificate/Diploma
  2. Application Form
  3. Statement of Purpose
  4. English Proficiency Test like IELTS/TOEFL
  5. Documents proving that you can afford to study and live in Canada
  6. Educational Credential
  7. Updated CV
  • Make sure that the documents are translated into English language.
  • Wait for the university to contact you. After receiving UG admission in Canada, start applying for a student visa.

Know About Upcoming Intakes to Study in Canada.

 

Undergraduate Scholarships for Indian Students in Canada

Most Canadian universities help students in managing their expenses by offering them undergraduate scholarships in Canada. The undergraduate scholarships in Canada offered to Indian students are divided into the categories mentioned below:

  • Tuition fee waiver
  • Scholarships provided by Provincial Government
  • Merit-based scholarships
  • Grants based on the needs and bursaries by universities
  • Scholarships provided by private organizations

 

Canada Work Permit

Another significant benefit of earning a bachelor’s degree in Canada is the ability to work while studying. International students must apply for a work permit to work while studying in Canada. Students have the option of working either on or off-campus. In any event, having a Canadian work permit is required.

Candidates are allowed to work 20 hours per week under the terms of the work permit, which is valid for the duration of the course. During the vacation season or semester breaks, the number of hours each week can be increased. Working while studying will assist you in both managing your finances and gaining the necessary field experience in Canada.

 

Post Study Stay Back Options in Canada

International students who complete their post-secondary education in Canada may apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit, or PGWP, to gain Canadian work experience. The PGWP allows eligible international graduates to work in Canada after their studies for a period of up to three years.

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FAQ's

What is an Undergraduate Degree in Canada?

In Canada, undergraduate education begins after the completion of senior secondary or high school, with a standard undergraduate education lasting three to five years (and culminating in a bachelor’s degree). While Canada has long been recognised for its diploma and post-graduate diploma programs, which provide students with a three-year work permit, bachelor’s degrees have recently become as popular among students who want to study for three to five years to enhance their job prospects.

How Long Is An Undergraduate In Canada?

Depending on the university, undergraduate degrees in Canada can take three or four years to finish. Depending on the sort of degree, postgraduate degrees might take anywhere from one to three years to finish.

Is College Cheaper Than University In Canada?

College is usually less expensive than university. This is because college programs are typically shorter than university ones, and universities are generally held in higher regard. Your decision between college and university is largely influenced by the type of career you wish to follow. The tuition fee in Universities per year generally ranges between CAD 25 – 40K for Bachelor’s degree programs, whereas the tuition fee at colleges generally ranges between CAD 12K and 25K.

Do Indian Students Get Scholarships In Canada?

The Government of Canada and many post-secondary schools provide students with various sorts of scholarship awards, grants, or bursaries to help them pay for their studies. This attracts a big number of Indian students who wish to pursue higher education and a better quality of life in Canada.

How much percentage is required to earn a scholarship in Canada?

To be considered for a scholarship, a candidate must have scored at least 80% in their class 12 examination. In addition, the candidate’s parent’s annual income should not exceed Rs. 4.5 lacs.

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