FINDER

Canada

Canada

Quick Facts & Figures

  • capital

    Ottawa
  • language

    English, French
  • currency

    Canadian Dollar ($) (CAD)
  • government

    Federal parliamentary representative democracy
  • religion

    Top 3: Christianity, No Religion, Islam
  • weather

    Temperate to Severely Cold Climate
  • timezone

    UTC: -3:30 to -8 / (DST) UTC: -2.5 to -7)
  • internet domain

    .ca

Study in Canada

Known for its majestic natural wonders, intense winter cold, and the warmth of its people; Canada is one of the up-and-coming study abroad destinations for Filipino students.  Like the US, family connections are a strong incentive for many Filipinos who want to study in Canada especially since there are more than 850,000 people of Filipino descent living in Canada (2016 Canadian Census) and a third of them living in Toronto. Major student cities in Canada include Montreal, Vancouver, and also Toronto which makes it a great place to have a Filipino community surrounding students.

With partner schools in Vancouver and Ontario to name a few, Filipino international students have a lot to choose in pursuing their international studies.

We have 3 Canadian schools and universities on our website that you can search and apply from!
 

Why study in Canada?

Canada is a great destination for Filipino international students thanks to its top-ranking universities and liveable cities. There are a handful of reasons why Filipinos should study in Canada.

  • Relatively Affordable Education
  • Multiculturalism
  • Quality Standard of Living

Schools in Canada

Canada's rigid education system is ranked 5th in the QS Higher Education System Strength Rankings 2018.

Life and Culture in Canada

Canada consistently ranks high among the best places to live in thanks to its education system, low crime rate, and excellent healthcare system. It comes as no surprise that Canada is one of the top destinations for students to study abroad in.

Study and work opportunities in Canada for Filipinos

Filipino international students can work part-time in Canada for up to 20 hours per week during school season. Students can work full-time during breaks without needing any permit. This setup allows international students to support themselves while studying abroad.

Students are also asked to have a Social Insurance Number (SIN) to work in Canada and receive benefits from government programs. 

Student and work visa requirements in Canada

Learn all the requirements, processing time, fees, and everything Filipinos need to know to apply for a study and work visa in Canada. Discover how you can apply for a student and work visa in the Great White North. 

 

How Filipinos Can Apply for a Canadian Student Visa

Why Canada’s Post-Study Work Permit is Great for Filipinos

 

Scholarships in Canada

Although studying in Canada is relatively more affordable than the United States, international students may still need to find financial aid to offset other costs while studying abroad. There’s a variety of scholarships offered to international students: government, international organizations, and even universities provide scholarships!

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Partner Schools

Studying in Canada

Are there scholarships available? How can I finance my studies?
There are many scholarships offered by the Canadian government and even the schools themselves. Visit the Edukasyon profiles of the schools you are interested in to check if they are offering any scholarships.

There are also some international student loans available from different loan giving bodies. University representatives usually work in tandem with their financial aid department that focuses on helping students find options to finance their education. Explore our partner schools here, and inquire to get connected with your university representative.
Why should I study in Canada?
Around 265,000 international students go to Canada each year for its high quality, yet affordable college education. Having claimed the title of “best place to study”, Canada is home to many world-renowned universities, such as University of Toronto, and University of British Columbia, among others. In fact, Canadian degrees, certificates, and diplomas are globally recognized as being equivalent to one from the US, and other Commonwealth countries.

The Canadian government and many organizations also offer many scholarships, ranging from partial scholarships of 10,000 USD to full scholarships of as much as 50,000 USD.

Canada has also been accepted by the United Nations and the Global Peace Index as one of the world’s safest countries. It also offers great student health benefits, along with an easier transition to post-school life and permanent residency.
How do I choose a school in Canada?
Schools in Canada offer many undergraduate and graduate programs in every academic field. After deciding (1) What your career goals are and (2) What academic programs can help you achieve those goals, it's time to do some research on which school is best for you! There are schools in Canada that are looking for Filipino students just like you! Explore them here.
What are the requirements for studying at a school in Canada?
    Generally, schools in the Canada will ask for your:
  • Education credentials,
  • Proof of English proficiency
  • An essay.
The specific requirements will vary depending on your school, course, and level of study. Visit the Edukasyon profile of the school you like to find their specific requirements. For a list of schools in Canada looking for Filipino students, see here.
What are the required languages for studying in the Canada?
Both English and French are the official languages of Canada. However, all courses are offered in English, while only some are offered in French. Furthermore, every foreign student is required to submit proof that they are proficient in any of the two languages through a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL®) test, or a Diplôme Approfondi de Langue Française (DALF) test.

If you’re worried about your English language proficiency, check out our partner language centers that can help you improve your skills!
 
Do I need a visa? How do I get it?
If you’re a Philippine passport-holder, you’re going to need a student visa to attend school in Canada. The process involves:
  1. Completing the online application form
  2. Gathering all required documents, which may include the following:
    • Your passport
    • Proof of financial support
    • Your acceptance letter from a Canadian institution
Note that you can’t start processing your student visa until you get accepted by a school in Canada. For the full list of details, please visit the Canadian embassy website or contact the Canadian embassy in Manila.
 

Living in Canada

How much is the cost of living in Canada?
Living costs in Canada vary depending on the location and your lifestyle. For large and densely populated cities like Vancouver and Toronto, average monthly rental costs would span from 1,000 to 1,800 CAD per month. On the other hand, living outside of the city center would cost around 750 to 1,000 CAD monthly. Moreover, a three course meal at an average restaurant would cost 35 CAD, while a train/bus fare in the city would cost 3.75 CAD.

University representatives are great resources to understand the cost of living in their school's city! Explore our partner schools here, and inquire to get connected with your university representative.
Are there Filipinos living in Canada?
If you choose to study in Canada, you certainly won’t be alone! According to Canadian Ambassador Neil Reeder, there are around 3,000 enrolled Filipino students in the Canada from the Philippines each year.

Working in Canada

Part-time Jobs
Your eligibility to work while studying in Canada depends on your academic performance, along with the type of program you are enrolled to; programs that last less than 6 months would disqualify you from having a valid work permit.

The Off-Campus Work Permit Program allows you to work for a maximum of 20 hours during the academic year. However, during scheduled breaks and holidays, you will be authorized to work full time. On the other hand, working within the campus does not require a work permit.
 
Benefits of being a graduate from Canada

Canadian education is recognized worldwide and some of the world's most notable leaders and figures are alumni of Canadian schools. Should you be interested in migrating to Canada, studying at a post-secondary institution there may help with your application. Spouses or common-law partners of full-time students may choose to apply for work permits while their significant others pursue their education.