Studying at a Canadian University – An Ideal Path to Immigration

Canada is increasingly establishing itself as a top study destination in the world, not only because of its excellent education quality but also due to attractive immigration opportunities for international students. With a university system ranked among the best globally and a student-friendly immigration policy, the University of Toronto, ranked #13 in the world, along with many other prestigious institutions, attracts thousands of Vietnamese students each year.

Why choose a Canadian university for your immigration journey?

The University of Toronto is the only Canadian university in the top 20 of the 2023 World University Rankings, clearly demonstrating the quality of Canadian education. In addition, universities such as McGill, UBC (University of British Columbia), and the University of Waterloo are all ranked among the top 100 universities globally.

Choosing a Canadian university for an ideal immigration path

McGill University, established in 1821, is the only Canadian institution among the 26 top universities represented in the Global University Leaders Forum, highlighting the prestige and international influence of Canadian education.

Canada has a long-standing tradition of welcoming immigrants, creating a favorable environment for international students who intend to settle permanently.

Top 5 Canadian universities for Vietnamese students

1. University of Toronto

• Ranking: Top 13 globally

• Strengths: Diverse programs, modern facilities

• Employment opportunities: 92% graduate employment rate

2. McGill University (Montreal)

• Founded: 1821

• Characteristics: Bilingual environment (English-French)

• Advantages: Lower tuition fees compared to Ontario schools

3. University of British Columbia (UBC)

• Location: Vancouver – a multicultural city

• Strengths: Natural sciences, engineering

• Climate: Mild year-round

4. University of Waterloo

• Famous for: Co-op programs (study combined with work)

• Strong majors: IT, engineering

• Employment rate: 96% of graduates employed within 6 months

5. University of Alberta

• Tuition: Relatively affordable

• Strong programs: Medicine, business, engineering

• Immigration opportunities: Favorable Alberta PNP policies

Requirements for studying at a Canadian university

Complete Grade 11 with a GPA above 6.5 and an IELTS score over 5.0 for a university foundation program. For a full undergraduate program in Canada, higher requirements apply:":

• High school graduation: Average score of 7.0 or higher

• English proficiency: IELTS 6.5 (no band below 6.0) or TOEFL iBT 90

• Other certifications: SAT, ACT (depending on the university)

Financial requirements:

• Tuition: 15,000 – 40,000 CAD/year depending on the program

• Living expenses: 12,000 – 18,000 CAD/year

• Health insurance: 600 – 1,000 CAD/year

Undergraduate tuition fees in Canada range from 15,000 to 40,000 CAD per year, depending on the program

Admissions and application deadlines

Canadian universities have three main intakes: fall (September), winter (January), and summer (May):

• Fall (September): Main intake with the most programs

• Winter (January): Suitable for students who want to start earlier

• Summer (May): Fewer programs, mainly short-term courses

Immigration path after graduation

After graduation, students are granted a work permit for 1–3 years depending on their study duration. This is an important first step in the immigration journey.

Immigrating to Canada through the study pathway is a top goal for many young people. The Express Entry system prioritizes candidates who have:

• Canadian degrees

• Work experience in Canada

• High English/French proficiency

Many provinces have their own immigration programs for graduates:

• Ontario: OINP – Masters Graduate Stream

• British Columbia: BC PNP – International Graduate

• Alberta: AINP - Alberta Opportunity Stream

• Quebec: Programme de l'expérience québécoise (PEQ)

Immigrating to Canada through the study pathway is a top goal for many young people.

Quebec offers fast-track immigration policies for students even before completing six months of study, providing a quick path to permanent residency.

Studying at a Canadian university not only offers an internationally recognized degree but also opens the most favorable path to immigration. Canada does not require permanent residents to renounce their original nationality, allowing you to retain Vietnamese citizenship while becoming a legal Canadian citizen.

With increasingly favorable immigration policies and high labor demand, now is the golden time to start your study-and-immigration journey in Canada. Let Quoc Tich Thu Hai accompany you in planning and achieving your Canadian immigration dream effectively.