If you are planning to study in Canada, the first thing you need to get is an Acceptance Letter from a designated learning institution (DLI). Being an international student, it may be a bit confusing where to start and how to get that golden ticket, luckily we have prepared this list for you!
Here are 6 important requirements you need to gather and submit to your school to get admission:
Diploma or School Certificates
You must have all your previous secondary and post-secondary academic records when applying. This confirms your highest educational attainment and if it qualifies you for the program you want to take. You also need to make sure that all your documents are translated into English (or French).
Academic Transcript of Record or Certified True Copies
Although the completion of your highest educational attainment is proven by your diploma and school certificates, more than. being a supporting document, your transcript of record confirms if your grades make the cut. Certain programs may require a minimum grade or equivalency for you to qualify.
Language Exam
Canada has two official languages that schools use as a medium for teaching – English, and French, you must have a language exam that best suits your school. More often than not, schools accept English exams for international students – you can take IELTS or TOEFL if applicable. International students going to a french speaking school, or to Quebec, will more likely need a proof of proficiency in French – Test d’Évaluation du Français (TEF Canada).
Schools can also exempt you for an English exam depending on which country or school you came from given that you can provide a letter that states the mode of teaching use is English.
Application Form
Schools usually provide their own application form for you to fill out and it can be found online on their website. Duly, legible, and complete application forms must be accomplished and send along with your other requirements to create a profile for your application.
Application Fees
Application fees are necessary to finalize your application. Your receipt will serve as proof of confirmation that your application has been received. while application fees are nonrefundable whether your application has been approved or not, other schools can reimburse this to successful applicants by deducting it towards other school expenses.
Copy of Passport
You will be required to submit a copy of your passport to confirm your identity. Being an international student, your passport is the most valid and acceptable identification card.
Others:
Educational Credential Evaluation (ECA)
Some DLI’s will require you to have your highest educational attainment be assessed to know its equivalency to a Canadian degree.
Here is the definition of ECA according to canada.ca:
An Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) is used to verify that your foreign degree, diploma, certificate (or other proof of your credential) is valid and equal to a Canadian one.
Letter of Intent
A Letter of Intent simply states your purpose of studying in Canada and why you wanted to attend that school and take that program of your choice. You can include things like: what can this program do for your career, what is the importance of learning from this course, and the likes.
Reference Letter
A reference letter is often required from students who are applying to get a Master’s degree. Reference Letters can come from your professors (current or previous), work reference and any other related source that can improve your chances of getting admitted to your school.
Resume
It is understood that among the international students who are applying to study in Canada are young and may not be legal adults with relevant work experience. However, some schools will require a resume depending on the program you are applying to be in. Programs that include intensive research, an overseeing professor, and require previous experience will ask for a resume.
These are all the general requirements that most DLI asks for you to be accepted into a program, but for the more thorough application detail, it is best to get in touch with the DLI of your choice to get to know their process better.