Canada, known for quality education and multicultural amity is a favorite nation for students from around the world to study. But let us not deny the fact that tuition fees can really be a big challenge. So, the question remains: can students get education for free in Canada?
As per sources, it is clear that no university offers 100% free tuition; nonetheless, some strategies can help make tuition fees manageable.
Here, you will read about some of the methods that you can use for getting free education in Canada.
The Scholarship Lifeline
Many universities located in Canada extend their scholarship opportunities for international students. These scholarships can be partial or full scholarships that offer to pay for tuition and even personal expenses.
Search for universities with international student scholarships; for instance, the University of Toronto offers a scholarship known as the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship. Check if the government of your home country is offering a scholarship in the partnership with Canadian government for foreigners pursuing their studies in Canadian universities. However, do not forget that scholarships are often awarded to students who meet specific criteria that offer competition for all applications to your preferred program based on academic results and achievements.
Beyond University Scholarships
Do not forget to apply for the scholarships that are specific to the university you are attending or going to attend. Research on other available organizations for the financial support of international students in Canada. Search for programs that are supported by private endowments or by university alumni, or programs that are associated with a certain academic discipline. Searching for such opportunities requires some extra time and energy, yet having a well-funded scholarship really can change a lot.
Work While You Learn
One of the major advantages of Canada as a study destination is the allowance of international students to engage in part-time work during their studies. This enables you to have some work experience and/or be in a position to afford some of your basic needs in life. Although there are restrictions as to working hours, it is one of the ways to lighten the financial load. However, note that holding a study permit with a work authorization is a must, add this to the list of things to prepare.
Consider Program Costs
The cost of tuition fees might also differ depending on the type of program, and the university of your choice. The targeted research programs have traditionally relatively low studying fees. Try to look at the possibilities of living in such regions as towns or provinces that are not so crowded for a lower cost of living. Of course, it is important not to confuse the ranking of a university and the elevated price of the program.
Planning Makes Perfect
A proper understanding of how to manage personal finances is important when it comes to learning how to go study abroad on a tight budget. Research current living costs for the city where you want to study and incorporate such costs into your scholarship/funding estimates. Sensible spending during the process of your education is very helpful.
Affordable Student Accommodation
Seek out affordable student accommodations when searching for a place to live. With the help of some online student accommodation service platforms in the form of websites and mobile apps, you can easily get affordable student housing Waterloo, or student housing in any city in Canada.
On these platforms, you can find lists of accommodation properties in different cities in Canada with features like filtering the list as per your preference and budget and comparing multiple properties on a single webpage.
