How to Study in Canada for Free: A Step-by-Step Guide
Immigrating to Canada doesn’t have to be expensive. If you want to study in Canada, there are plenty of ways to do it without spending too much money on tuition and living expenses. This step-by-step guide on how to study in Canada for free will take you through the entire process of finding out what you need to know, proving that you meet the requirements, actually moving to Canada, and staying there long-term. You’ll get advice on what steps you can take while still living in your home country as well as tips on how to transition into life in Canada once you move.
Getting your student visa
The first step to studying in Canada for free is to get your student visa. You can do this by visiting the website of the Canadian embassy or consulate in your home country. Once there, you will need to fill out an application and submit it, along with any required supporting documents, Check Out How to Study in Canada without A Visa
Once you have your student visa, you’ll be able to study freely in Canada, but there are other things you need to know about being a student here. Getting settled in university will take some time and effort on your part, as will finding part-time work or an internship that fits into your schedule. Fortunately, life outside of classes is just as enjoyable when you have unlimited access to all the cultural experiences Canada has to offer. Whether it’s watching an opera at Place des Arts, shopping at Yorkville Avenue, or taking a stroll through Stanley Park, there are many ways for students to enjoy their lives in Canada!
What you need to know about finances while studying
When it comes to studying in Canada, there are a few things you need to know about finances. First and foremost, you’ll need a student visa. You can apply for one online through the Canadian government website. The cost of a student visa is $150 CAD. Once you have your visa, you’ll need to find a place to live. There are many options available to students, including dormitories, apartments, and homestays. Homestays are usually found by word of mouth or social media; people will offer their home as lodging in exchange for food, help around the house, or an additional monthly payment. If you’re not interested in this option, there are plenty of places where university accommodations like these can be found. It’s worth noting that housing costs will depend on what city you’re living in; Toronto has much higher prices than Edmonton for example.
You’ll also need to figure out how you’re going to pay for things like tuition, books, and supplies. Most Canadian universities have scholarships and bursaries available if you apply early enough. Depending on your degree, you may qualify for programs like StudentAid BC or OSAP from Ontario. Many students end up with a mix of work and loans—it all depends on your personal situation. Some students choose not to find a job on campus at all because having time to focus on studies is more important than earning money.
Practical tips on getting accommodation
The first step is finding somewhere to live. If you’re planning on studying in Canada, you’ll need to find a place to stay. There are a few options available to students, including dormitories, homestays, and apartments. Dormitories are usually the most affordable option, but they don’t offer much privacy. Homestays are a great way to immerse yourself in Canadian culture, but they can be expensive. You might also need to make sure that your home country’s government will issue you a study permit if you want to stay with someone not related to you. Apartments come with more independence than dorms or homestays, but they often require a one-year lease commitment which could make it difficult if your plans change or if something goes wrong with your course of study. Consider all of these factors before making any decisions about accommodation – and do some research into what is available near your school!
List of free stuff in Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, Calgary and Edmonton
There are plenty of ways to get free stuff in Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, Calgary and Edmonton. Here are a few examples:
- The Vancouver Public Library offers free memberships to everyone who lives in the city. This gives you access to all of their resources, including books, ebooks, movies and more.
- In Toronto, the Toronto Reference Library also offers free memberships to residents. With this membership, you can borrow books and use other resources at the library. You can also check out laptops, iPads, printers and other equipment. If you’re looking for specialized research materials like old newspapers or historical maps, they might be available through interlibrary loans with participating libraries across North America!
- In Montreal’s Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec (BAnQ), anyone living in Quebec is eligible for free membership – just show your proof of residency! They offer reading rooms, public computers, group study rooms and special collections of rare books that include medieval manuscripts.
- In Ottawa, the National Library holds both free general admission hours every day as well as free passes for one week or one month if you live in Ontario or Yukon respectively. Visitors from elsewhere in Canada are eligible for a limited number of passes per year by showing ID.
- Finally, Calgary has an extensive network of public libraries where membership is absolutely free – no matter where you live! All you need to do is fill out a form and have it signed by a parent or guardian. As for Edmonton, it only takes $60 to become a member of the Edmonton Public Library, which includes borrowing privileges. You’ll also get discounts on programs and services throughout the system.
Subsidized grocery stores, where are they?
In order to help you get started on your search for a subsidized grocery store, we’ve compiled a list of resources below. Keep in mind that eligibility requirements vary by province, so be sure to check the requirements for your province of residence. If you are not eligible for a subsidy at one place, try another!
- Public Health Services will also provide free groceries to those who are unable to purchase food due to illness or special circumstances
- Some organizations offer grants and loans to individuals who need financial assistance with food costs; apply if this is the case
- Donate fresh produce and canned goods when possible; some programs require that items have not expired and have been purchased within the last week or two
- Check out thrift stores as well; most sell food for much cheaper than regular stores do
Subsidized activities that don’t cost a thing!
- Look online for scholarships, bursaries, and grants that can help you pay for school.
- Apply for student loans and student lines of credit from banks and other financial institutions.
- Get a part-time job or participate in a work-study program to help cover the costs of tuition, books, and living expenses.
- Find a room to rent in a shared house or apartment with other students.
- Work as an international student assistant (ISA) at your university; they’ll provide housing and you’ll be able to earn some money!
- Seek out opportunities on campus such as tutoring other students, being a peer tutor, teaching English as a second language, or participating in research studies.
- Start now by completing your FAFSA application form which will determine how much funding is available for you at Canadian universities!
- Prepare for your entrance exam.
- If you’re studying a French-speaking program, take the Test d’évaluation de français pour les nouveaux arrivants au Québec (TEFQ).
- Use all of these tips to study in Canada for free and save money!
The student card benefit (student discounts everywhere!)
The student card benefit is one of the best reasons to study in Canada! With your student card, you’ll get discounts on food, clothing, entertainment, and more. Plus, you can use your student card to travel around the country and explore all that Canada has to offer. Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting your student card and taking advantage of all the great discounts:
- Apply to a Canadian college or university. You can find a list of schools here. To be eligible for a student card, you need to be enrolled full-time in an undergraduate degree program at an accredited institution. Be sure to make sure it’s accredited before applying!
- Get your ICA (International Co-op) work permit if necessary. If you’re coming from another country besides the US, UK, Australia, New Zealand or Ireland and plan on doing co-op during your studies then you need an ICA work permit. There are two ways to do this: a long-term visa, which will take about 3 months to process; or a short-term visa which takes just 10 days but does not allow for working as much as with the long term visa.
- Find out where your nearest Service Canada office is and head there with your documents in hand – proof of enrollment, ICA work permit (if applicable), passport photo, letter from school registrar stating you are attending full time course load etc., application form. Make sure you have enough copies of everything! Take note that some offices might not have space available so call ahead first. Your application will be processed within
- Business days with service agents being available Monday – Friday 8am – 4pm EST. Once approved, you should receive your card within 7-10 business days.
Moving around with the public transportation system – How much does it cost?
The cost of living in Canada can be expensive, but there are ways to cut corners. One way is by using the public transportation system instead of opting for a car. Depending on the city, the monthly pass can range from $70-$130. Additionally, many schools offer discounts for students who use public transportation. Another cost-saving option is using a bike. Biking can help you save on gas, but it also means you’ll have to find secure places to store your bike at home and when visiting other cities.
Sharing an apartment with a group of friends – How much does it cost?: Another way students living on a budget can save money is by sharing an apartment with a group of friends.
Finding a job as a student can be tough. Here are some tips.
- Look for part-time jobs on campus. Many universities have job boards where students can find part-time work.
- Check with your student union. They may have a list of businesses that are looking for student employees.
- Ask around. Talk to your friends and see if they know of any businesses that are hiring students.
- Look online. There are many websites that list part-time jobs for students, such as Indeed and Craigslist. You should also check the classifieds at local grocery stores or coffee shops. Most importantly, don’t give up! It takes time to find the perfect job, but you’ll eventually get there.
Five places you have to visit if you are studying in Montreal
- Montreal is a great city for students, with plenty of affordable housing and a vibrant nightlife.
- The city is also home to some of the best universities in the country, including McGill University and Concordia University.
- If you are looking for a cheaper place to live, consider studying in Quebec City or Sherbrooke.
- For those who want to experience all that Canada has to offer, Vancouver is a great choice. With world-class universities like UBC and Simon Fraser University, it’s one of the top student cities in North America.
- Have you considered Toronto? It’s one of the most diverse cities in the world, and home to many excellent schools such as York University, Ryerson University, and George Brown College.
Ten places you have to visit if you are studying in Vancouver
- Granville Island
- Capilano Suspension Bridge
- Stanley Park
- Grouse Mountain
- Vancouver Aquarium
- Steveston Fisherman’s Wharf
- Surrey Public Library
- UBC Botanical Garden
- VanDusen Gardens
- The Dairy Queen on 4th Ave and Main Street
Ten places you have to visit if you are studying in Ottawa/Gatineau/Quebec City
- Parliament Hill
- The Byward Market
- Rideau Canal
- National Gallery of Canada
- Canadian Museum of History
- Ottawa Art Gallery
- National War Memorial
- Chateau Laurier (hotel)
- 9. Rideau Hall (residence of the Governor General)
- Gatineau Park
Sixteen places you have to visit if you are studying in Toronto
- The Royal Ontario Museum
- The Art Gallery of Ontario
- Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada
- The Toronto Zoo
- The CN Tower
- Casa Loma
- Kensington Market
- Hockey Hall of Fame and
- Scotiabank Arena,
- Massey Hall,
- Royal Alexandra Theatre,
- Yorkville,
- Kensington Park
- TIFF Bell Lightbox
- St Lawrence Market
- St Lawrence Halls
Conclusion
Applying to study in Canada as an international student can be a daunting task, but it is definitely possible to do it for free! By following the steps outlined in this guide, you will be well on your way to studying in Canada without having to pay a single cent.
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