Canada is one of the best education destinations for Nepali students who seek quality education and post-study work opportunities. Lately, it has indeed become very popular among Nepali students due to its perks, namely affordability and feasibility. Moreover, other features such as co-op programs, work opportunities, a safe learning environment, reasonable tuition fees, and a student-friendly atmosphere make Canada a preferred international study hub for Nepali students.
Those scholars who aim to establish themselves as ‘skilled HR’ in the global labour market after obtaining international quality education consider Canada as their safe haven. However, bear in mind that you need to be very thoughtful in managing your finances if Canada is your choice. It’s not a walk in the park as soon as you leave Nepal and arrive in Canada. It takes approximately 5-6 years to firmly establish your foundation and achieve stability. Canada offers a much easier path to permanent residency compared to other countries.
If you envision only a short stay in Canada, it can end up costing you a considerable amount of money. According to our statistics, students who choose colleges or universities in cities other than Ontario have found it easier to obtain visas. However, we’ve also observed that many students have encountered difficulties in finding employment, which is not uncommon elsewhere either. You must emotionally prepare yourself for this and remember that there is light at the end of the tunnel. One must work hard and remain consistent. Therefore, it’s essential to schedule and plan for all accommodations and potential expenses in advance. Unfortunately, many Nepali students still believe that the grass is greener on the other side. I say, ‘The grass is greener where you water it.’
Nepali students enrolled in programs such as Information Technology, Hotel Management, Social Services, Health, and others often have an easier time as they are likely to secure work placements related to their field of study. It is common for Nepali students to apply for subjects offering scholarships and a higher chance of visa approval, typically choosing the nearest intake. I suggest that students opt for technical and business-related courses as they align directly with their goal of studying in Canada.
At ICCC, we admit economically sound students who are well-versed in English language adaptation and proceed with the visa application process. Prior to embarking on your Canadian journey, you should acquaint yourself with the college, its programs, and post-study opportunities. You are required to write your own Statement of Purpose, in which you clearly state your future goals and justify your intentions for Canadian education.
Why Canada?
The mass of Nepali students comprises about 20% who choose Canada as their ultimate destination for studying abroad. They tend to research all facets, enticed by the prospect of permanent residency and the quality education that Canada offers, which they can attain more comfortably than in other countries. English is the native tongue, making it a no-brainer for Nepali students.
Canada offers quality education at a more affordable price than other countries of the same esteemed rankings. Some students who fail to obtain permanent residency also apply for PR in Canada. Although statistics show a yearly increase in the number of Nepali students flying to Canada, it still doesn’t always top their list of choices. In many cases, students choose Canada because they have family or relatives there. Additionally, scholarships, health insurance, and easy settlement further incentivize choosing Canada. Students can also justify any academic gap years. Applicants with +2 academic credentials and 5-6 years of academic gap have also been noticed. Meanwhile, those with 10+ years of academic gap have been accepted for Masters or Post-Graduate programs.
Things to remember
Students must be decisive about whether Canada is truly their aspiration or not. Those with strong linguistic skills and robust academic records can apply for scholarships in publicly funded universities. If you belong to the group where managing finances is a daily concern and you need to take out loans, then you must carefully consider whether you can repay the loans or not. You should be well-prepared with sponsorship of 30 to 32 lakh rupees, even for a two-year program. Parents need to consider managing 50 lakh rupees for the application. Furthermore, you should be aware of whether the college or university you’ve chosen is publicly funded or privately funded. You need to plan your future carefully and begin striving right from Nepal. Do not choose Canada under the influence of others.
Prerequisites
The number of students who want to fly abroad after completing high school is increasing, which aligns with the trend of Canada granting visas easily to fresh graduates. Applying students must score at least a 3.0 GPA along with certifications in English language proficiency. You can opt for IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL. Since the amount of scholarship is directly proportional to the score in your TRF (Test Report Form), you must strive to achieve a higher score in ELPTs. You can apply to between 4-5 universities, and whichever offers you the highest scholarship, you should choose.
Another thing to consider is visiting multiple counsellors. Meanwhile, the application process resumes only after the results of +2 are published. Then, you need to provide all educational accreditation certificates.
If you’ve participated in extracurricular activities, it’s wiser to attach such accolades along with training and skill-assessed certificates. While preparing financial documents, parental incomes, accounts of wealth, and property should be highly taken into consideration as they meet the academic expenses. Education loan is prioritized mainly. You need to clearly state your intention for selecting Canada by choosing the college/university before the deadline of the intakes. It takes around 3 to 4 months to complete the visa application process.
Recent Changes in Education Policy
In recent January, some amendments to the international student visa have been made. Any applicant whose intake is after the 15th of May 2024 in a public-private partnership college won’t be awarded a post-study work permit (PSWP). Hence, you must choose a public college or university for it. It was much easier to take a dependent with the applicant, but it has become much stricter now.
Applicants applying for specified bachelor’s programs, master’s degrees, or higher can apply for a ‘dependent’ after the issuance of their study permit. However, applicants for diplomas and postgraduate programs cannot apply for dependents. Even if the applicant is married, they must apply solo. The Canadian government implemented these amendments with the aim of reducing the total number of international students.
Employment Opportunities
If you’re a reference for someone who’s studying in Canada, you can easily find a job. More than 60% of international students find jobs in Canada. Normally, it takes about five to six months for an individual to secure a job.
Since students fly to Canada for study purposes, they can quickly search for part-time jobs. A student can work up to 20 hours per week to manage their pocket money, but it’s not sufficient to cover their tuition fees. Therefore, it’s wise to make the payment for an entire year (two semesters) prior to flying. The Canadian Government also facilitates students with full-time working opportunities during their vacations. They also provide the opportunity for a three-year post-study work permit. Then, graduates can pursue further study at the master’s level. Regardless of any skill (from hairdressing to cookery) you possess, you have a better chance of finding a job. Some IT students have even been noticed getting jobs during their study time.
