study in canada

Why Masters’s in Canada for Indian students is a great option

Why Indian Students Should Study Masters in Canada?

Canada has become one of the most chosen destinations for Indian students to Canada.

From January to September 2021, 1,15,000 Indian students went to Canada to study for their masters.

That is a number that continues to grow as we speak.

In this article, we have shed some light on the benefits of doing Masters in Canada for Indian students and the steps to get there.

Let’s start taking a look at the four major advantages that Canada-bound Indian students can enjoy.

1. Tuition Fees For MS in Canada are Affordable

The first thing an Indian student thinks about before thinking of studying abroad is calculating the fees.

As most (if not all) students take loans to study in Canada or the US, affordability is central to all decisions.

The average tuition fees per year while doing MS in Canada is around ₹11 lakhs. In the US it is ₹15 lakhs. The difference is huge especially if you are from a middle-class family to complete your studies.

Keep in mind that it is the average figure and varies from college to college.

SelectRight will help you find the college that costs you the lowest.

FIND YOUR 'RIGHT' UNIVERSITY with SelectRight.

Searching for the right college that is not hard on your budget can be a difficult and time-consuming process. Going through multiple blog posts and videos to find the right college to do your masters in Canada is tiring and frustrating.

On top of that, many of those posts and videos are sponsored by colleges that will not tell you the whole story.

SelectRight will give you a list of colleges to choose from based on your budget. All you have to do is answer a few simple questions and we will show you the institutes that fit all your criteria.

2. Higher Acceptance Ratio of International Students

The best universities in Canada have an acceptance rate of 30%.

No, we are not joking.

The University of British Columbia is regarded as one of the best universities in the world and it has an acceptance rate of over 50%. There are many other colleges and universities in Canada where the acceptance rate is even higher.

That means you won’t have to spend a lot by applying to a lot of colleges. Meritorious students just need to pick a college and send their applications.

SelectRight helps Indian students select the right university/college for MS in Canada.

With many great options available, it can be challenging to find a college that is perfect for you. Going through multiple websites can be tiring. But you can skip all of that once you create your account on SelectRight and let us know your preferences.

We will show you a list of colleges you can choose from.

If the cost of the study is too high, we will help you secure a low-interest loan with no collateral.

3. Cost Of Living In Canada

Another great plus of doing your Masters in Canada is living in an affordable country. Compared to the US, the cost of living in Canada is quite low. For instance, the monthly cost of living in New York is around ₹1.04 lakhs but it is ₹77,000 for Toronto. Both figures are without rent.

You can save a lot of money if you choose to study in Canada this way too. For a short duration, this amount might not matter much, but over two years you would have saved ₹6 lakhs.

It can be difficult to estimate how much savings you can look forward to in house rent because it depends on many factors. However, you can consider that rent in Canada is lower too.

4. Work Visa and Permanent Residency after Masters in Canada for Indian Students

In the age of globalization, every country is a potential home. It is not uncommon for many Indian students to settle abroad after getting a good job. As the US is making its immigration policies stringent, Canada is now the next best destination.

Canada has also made it easy for its businesses and organizations to hire foreigners permanently and has an ever-increasing “demand list”. The demand list has the professions for which work visa or permanent residency could be given.

There are a lot of benefits of getting permanent residency in Canada.

  1. It will be easier for you to get Canadian citizenship.
  2. You can invite your family from India and have them stay with you.
  3. Moving to a different province and buying property is a viable option.
  4. You can start your own business in Canada if you want to.
  5. There are a lot of social benefits, like free education and universal healthcare.
  6. You will be closer to the USA and can drive there if you want to.

Now that you have known about the benefits of studying in Canada, let’s take a look at how you can find the perfect college for you.

How To Choose A College In Canada For MS for Indians?

Focus on the following criteria to land the perfect college to do your masters in Canada.

Popular Specializations

Based on job opportunities, salaries, and interest in the subject you should choose your specialization. Here are the most sought-after fields in Canadian universities and colleges by Indian students and the average salaries in those fields.

Field of study and salary in canada

Available Scholarships for Indian Students

Scholarships are a lifesaver if your finances are limited. Luckily, Canadian universities and colleges offer a lot of scholarships. Here are the top five scholarships that you can apply for if you plan to study in Canada.

  1. Ontario Graduate Scholarship: The applicants should have been offered a degree from the University of Toronto. The scholarship amount ranges from CAD 10k-30k.
  2. JN Tata Endowment Scholarship: This scholarship has been helping Indian students since 1892 and has helped over 5400 students. The scholarship amount is in the range of CAD 2k-19k.
  3. Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship: The scholarship is given on the basis of a 50% grant and 50% loan basis. It is extremely competitive to get and only meritorious students get through. The amount depends on factors like college and the cost of study.
  4. Quebec Provincial Government Scholarship: It is awarded to meritorious students studying in Quebec. It is a government-based fund and the amount can be as high as CAD 25k.
  5. Graduate Dean’s Entrance Scholarship: The amount of the scholarship is CAD 5000 and is relatively easy to get. It is allocated annually and is only given to the incoming students of the University of British Columbia.

The fact is looking for a scholarship that you qualify for is difficult.

You have to watch multiple videos, read many blog articles, and write countless emails to college boards to know if you are eligible. Even after all that, there is no guarantee if you will get it for studying Masters in Canada.

That’s right. All you need to do is answer a few simple questions so that we know what you are looking for. After analyzing your profile, we will send you the list of colleges where you get the highest scholarships.

Through our help, you can save yourself lots of time and know with certainty how much financial help you can get.

Now let’s take a look at the steps to get admission to a Canadian university.

How To Get Admission To A Canadian University For Masters?

There are three simple steps.

  1. Make sure that you are eligible
  2. Gather the relevant documents
  3. Select colleges and apply

The steps, although simple, is quite tedious and lengthy and will take a lot of time. Furthermore, there is a high chance of errors because you have to focus on multiple things like loans, scholarships, etc.

SelectRight makes your application process to study Masters in Canada as easy as A-B-C.

Hoe SelectRight works

All you need to do is create your account and we will do the rest. Just let us know your details and we will filter out the best options for you.

Applying to different colleges and taking a look at their “eligibility criteria” can be cumbersome. Then you have to think of the finances. Finally, you have to start sending out applications. By the end, all the excitement to join your new college would have faded.

Let us help you. We will do all the hard work while you relax and plan your future.

Here are the outlines of the steps in the application procedures.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Have a GPA of equal to or above 3.0 or equivalent during your undergrad studies.
  • Good scores in qualifying tests like GRE. Although it depends on your university and field of choice.
  • High scores in language proficiency tests.

Note: Please take a look at the college’s own eligibility criteria to avoid any complicacies further down the road.

Documents Required

Academic Documents (these documents are mandatory for every applicant):

  • Undergrad college certificate
  • Marksheet of all semesters
  • Certificates of language proficiency tests
  • Scorecards of qualifying tests
  • Resume
  • Work experience certificates (if you have work experience)

Profile Documents (these documents might not be mandatory but enhance your profile):

  • Statement of purpose
  • Recommendation letters
  • Portfolio (your previous work, e.g. designs, articles)
  • Extra-curricular activities recognition letters or certificates (if any)

Financial Documents (in case you are applying for a scholarship or a loan):

  • Bank statements
  • Tax details
  • Clearance letters from banks regarding standing loans
  • Property details (for collateral loans)

Top Colleges To Do Masters In Canada For Indian Students

That’s A Wrap

If you made it so far, congratulations.

You are one step closer to studying Masters in Canada.

We have helped countless students get into their dream colleges in Canada to get into their dream universities and colleges. Not only that, but we also helped them secure the highest scholarships.

We can help you too.

Create a profile and we will send you a list of colleges and universities that would be best for you.

 

What are you waiting for?

Study in Canada

Wish to Study in Canada? Read About The Scholarships in Canada

Wish to Study in Canada? Read About The Scholarships in Canada

The number of Indian students who study in Canada grew from less than 50,000 in 2015 to nearly 220,000 in 2019.
Two key reasons. 
 
  1. Canada is home to three of the world’s top 50 universities. (Notable examples are McGill University at Montreal, University of British Columbia, and the University of Toronto.) 

  2. The Canadian government’s immigration policy is, arguably, the friendliest among international education hotspots for Indians (USA, Australia, UK, and Germany)
Competition is just one of your concerns; the other is finding funding for your study in Canada. 
Even before that, you need to find the ideal international college (out of 1000s). 
Once you know how much you’ll spend for your higher education in Canada, you know which scholarship(s) you should pursue. This guide could help. In this guide, we’ll answer these FAQs of students seeking scholarships for study in Canada.
 
  • Which are the top 10 scholarships to study abroad for Indian students (destination: Canada)
  • Who sponsors these scholarships?
  • How many students can benefit from these scholarships?
  • What is the upper limit of the sum awarded by these study-in-Canada scholarships?
  • Which among these are the top-rated scholarships for MBA in Canada?
  • When can you apply for these study abroad scholarships?

Note: Again, before you start looking for scholarships, find your ideal target set of international universities. For this, use SelectRight—our AI-boosted college search service, SelectRight. More on SelectRight, later. For now, back to finding the right scholarship. 

Study in Canada

Before you explore your study in Canada scholarship for Indian students, you should read this

As you navigate this guide, please note that you must strive to understand the fine print of your Canada scholarship for Indian students. This lets you
 
  • evaluate the scholarship’s relevance, and 
  • prepare an application that is likely to be successful. 
We’ve prepared this guide to introduce you to the top Canada scholarship for Indian students, answer your burning questions, and then let you research and read the fine print on your own
 
We’ve avoided the tabular-information format. That’s because you will find such tabulated info sources by the dozens. Most of this information is likely to have been outdated when you consume it. 
 
Instead, use this comparison table. Fill in the details from the official source of information. Your most reliable source is the scholarship’s official URL, which we’ve included below our explanations

Top 10 Canada scholarship for Indian students

1. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship Program

The VCGS scholarship is sponsored by the Canadian government. The sum awarded is CA$50,000 annually for a period of 3 years. It is non-renewable (one cannot apply for it after the expiry of the standard course duration).
 
166 Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships are awarded every year, and there are about 500 active scholarships at any time. Find out whether you’re eligible by checking the criteria, here
 
The application package has to be submitted in July-August every year.
 
Find more information on the official scholarship page

2. Ontario Trillium Scholarship

The OTS, as it is known, is a welcome initiative by the province of Ontario to lure the world’s best students to study in Canada and settle down in the province.
 
The scholarship is for doctoral study and provisions CA$40,000 annually for four years. Two-thirds of the funding is provided by the Ontario government and the rest by the institution.
 
Under this program, 75 overseas graduate scholarships are granted every year. The recipients must have a First Class average of A-/80% for the past two academic years. Academic merit is the sole criteria for selection. The student cannot hold any other scholarship that exceeds CA$5,000 per term. Those who migrate to part-time study or fail to complete the Ph.D. might be required to repay the award.
 
Find more information on the official scholarship page.

3. Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship

The Pearson Scholarship is for undergraduate students. It is offered by the University of Toronto (QS World ranking 25 in 2021).
 
The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship will cover the cost of tuition, books, residence, and incidental expenses for four years. There is no fixed award every year.
 
Every year the University of Toronto selects 37 candidates from applications received by January. They make the choice based on merit.
 
The applicant has to be nominated by their alma mater. The application has to be completed by the school and the student must, in tandem, apply for admission to the University of Toronto
 
Find more information on the official scholarship page

4. International Major Entrance Scholarship

The University of British Columbia offers it to incoming undergraduate students. The scholarship amount varies depending on the funding received available to the institution. There is no fixed number of scholarships. The UBC has granted CA$30 million to foreign students in the past two decades.
 
The scholarship is provided when the new student enters UBC and is renewable for three years. It is only available to international students entering Canada with a study permit. If you acquire a permanent residency visa, then the scholarship is voided.
 
To receive the award, you must exhibit remarkable academic brilliance and also excel in extracurricular activitiesAny undergraduate student applying to UBC is automatically considered for the International Major Entrance Scholarship.
 
Find more information on the official scholarship page

5. Shastri Research Student Fellowship

The Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute is a non-profit charity registered in Canada. The Shastri Research Student Fellowship or SRSF is offered to students who want to pursue undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate studies in Canada.
 
You must be an Indian national pursuing education in a recognized Indian institution of higher learning and must have scored at least 65% marks.
 
The Canadian scholarship for Indian students provides CA$500-1,000 and covers research and study in any field. The aim is to provide a transformative education that broadens the intellectual horizon. The stipend is released in two instalments—one at the initial stage and the other after midterm reports.
 
Find more information on the official scholarship page

6. Ontario Graduate Scholarship

The Ontario Graduate Scholarship is offered for a period of three years. In the case of doctoral students, it is for four years. The value of the award is CA$5,000 per year. 
 
It is funded by the Government of Ontario and supports students pursuing Masters and PhD programs at universities in OntarioThe big question: should you choose an Ontario university just because of this scholarship? Perhaps you should, perhaps not. 
 
Who can answer? SelectRight can. Thousands of students use SelectRight to find universities that fit their budget, location preference, academic potential, and career aspirations. You could too. Build your profile and let SelectRight’s AI do the rest.  
 
Every year 22 students are chosen based on merit and academic performance in the preceding periodThe application process is overseen by each institution’s administration. Applications have to be accompanied by transcripts of previous examinations and a statement of interest.
 
Find more information on the official scholarship page

7. University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowships

The fellowships are awarded to exceptional students at Master’s and Doctoral levels studying at the University of Manitoba.
 
Every year, the university invests CA$2 million to support postgraduate and Ph.D. students. UMGF for Master’s is provided for 12 or 24 months. UMGF for PhD is provided for 12, 24, or 36 months.
 
The value of the scholarship is CA$14,000 at the Master’s level and CA$18,000 at the doctoral level. To receive the award, the student has to enrol in a full-time Master’s or PhD program at the university. Eligibility is decided by GPA, and the application has to be submitted to the Faculty of Graduate Studies.
 
Find more information on the official scholarship page

8. Pierre Elliott Trudeau Scholarship

Established by the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation, the scholarship provides financial aid to doctoral-level students for study in Canada.
 
The amount of the scholarship is sizable—CA$40,000 annually for tuition and board and CA$20,000 for travel. A generous scholarship for a Master’s in Canada indeed. To meet the eligibility criteria, the student must already be enrolled in a doctoral program at a top Canadian university such as McGill.
 
The field of study has to be humanities or human sciences and the topic of the dissertation must be closely related to Canada, its society, polity, and economyThe application has to be sent to the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation. It has to be accompanied by academic transcripts, publications, and seminar presentations.
 
Find more information on the official scholarship page

9. University of Saskatchewan Undergraduate Scholarships

Undergraduate entrants at the University of Saskatchewan automatically become eligible for scholarships if they have scored above 85%.
 
The amount varies from CA$500 to CA$3,000 annually and increases in four bands, depending on academic achievementsBesides the above, the Indian students who wish to study in Canada are eligible for International Student Awards at the University of Saskatchewan.
 
International Excellence Awards of CA$10,000 are given to the best international students based on their academic record. IB students receive CA$20,000. Also, CA$1,500 is granted under USask Bridging Scholarship Awards to those applying for joint admission.
 
Find more information on the official scholarship page

10. Carleton Scholarships For International Students

The Carleton University at Ottawa offers a generous financial award to those beginning undergraduate educationThose with an admission average of 80% and more are automatically eligible for aid. Students who have received 90% or more would be also eligible for Prestige Scholarships.
 
Besides these entrance scholarships, international students are considered for the International Award of ExcellenceThe university also selects sixty promising students of BE degree for awards of CA$1,000 to CA$5,000.
 
Carleton University has an entrance bursary that offers students funds for completing their first-year study in Canada. Unlike other scholarships, Carlton actively encourages students to take up on-campus employment to meet their needs.
 
Find more information on the official scholarship page.
 

Of course, knowing your options is only the beginning. The mountain of expense remains yours to climb. As you climb this mountain, your scholarship is your rope, harness, helmet, boots, and safety blanket. In this guide, we’ll prepare you for the climb.

GradRight - University of Calgary Webinar

University of Calgary – GradRight Webinar: Quick Highlights

University of Calgary - GradRight Webinar:Quick Highlights

The University of Calgary and GradRight have come together to co-host a webinar for aspiring study abroad students who wish to pursue their higher education in Canada. The webinar took place on the 7th of December at 20:00 IST. Sasidhar Sista, co-founder of GradRight, Diana Kim, Marketing & Recruitment Advisor for the FGS and Himanshu Kachave, Student Ambassador, UCalgary were the panelists for this UCalgary – GradRight webinar.

GradRight - University of Calgary Webinar

Here are the quick highlights of the webinar:

What does GradRight do?

  • Maximize return on education for students and ensure they find the most authentic information in their journey.
  • A twin-platform model that assists students in determining the right university and the best funding options.
  • Our latest platform, SelectRight, a university selection platform, listens to students, their preferences and recommends the right university as well as connects them with alumni.

How does UCalgary and Calgary stand out?

  • UCalgary ranks among the top 10 research universities in Canada and is comparatively, one of the affordable options.
  • Calgary city is one of the most liveable cities in NA, with a lower cost of living compared to Toronto and Vancouver while the state of Alberta offers one of the highest minimum wages in Canada, a high labour productivity and lower taxes.

On-Campus Experience

Dynamic and lively campus with:

  • An Olympic stadium
  • Taylor Institute Library (one of the largest university libraries in Canada)
  • Recreational activities
  • Sign language club
  • Indian students community

Popular programs

  • Engineering and business programs are very popular.
  • UCalgary is also famous for PhD and Masters in Education.

Application process

  • Online application with an application fee of 145$ for intl students post which you get a unique id and can log in to apply for awards.
  • Transcripts to be uploaded but required to mail them in sealed doc, but if in contact with school registrar, they can direct the email it to the admissions office which is a faster route.
  • English proficiency test for non-English students is mandatory.
  • For thesis-based some programs, students need to get the supervisor approval in prior.

Part-time work opportunities

  • Part-time work available on-campus through book stores, cafes, restaurants etc.
  • For off-campus work, there are many seasonal part time jobs where students can upto 20 hours a week with a minimum 15$ wage in Alberta (one of the highest compared to other provinces).
  • Metro line directly through school and hence easy to commute from university to city and vice versa.

Fee Structure

  • Students can pay each semester or month on month with flexible payment options.
  • For Masters students, the fees would be on and about 30,000 CAD.
  • For PhD, most programs are funded.

SOP Tips:

  • For a thesis-based program, look into the supervisor and reference their work.
  • For all programs, mention the relevant work experience, extracurricular activities, volunteer experience, research experience, and cover important aspects like what drove you to choose this particular program.
  • Don’t make the essay too long; a 1-page essay is good enough.
  • Be precise and authentic.

The Right Time To Apply

  • Applications open in October for the upcoming Fall intake with a general deadline of February
  • For thesis-based programs, the applications are open throughout the year.

For further questions and/or clarifications, feel free to reach out to us via email or Instagram and we’d be happy to help!

University Of Calgary

University Of Calgary: A Definitive Guide For International Students

University Of Calgary: A Definitive Guide For International Students

The University of Calgary is one of Canada’s top-ranked research-based universities with 360 new inventions and innovations against its name since 2017.

Ranked 8th nationally by the Times Higher Education in 2020, the institution is home to over 250 programs and has a graduate employment rate of 94.1%.

The University of Calgary stands out among Canadian universities in how it actively engages students in leadership development and is recognized worldwide for its research breakthroughs in several areas, including arts, athletics, science, medicine, engineering, volunteerism and business.

University Of Calgary

Why Should You Study At The University Of Calgary?

The University of Calgary offers students who wish to study in Canada an unprecedented educational experience combining academics, research and student life.

  • It has a diverse range of academic programs and graduate options to help you gain the knowledge and skills you need to pursue your career
  • The campus is home to a range of student services for you and your family, such as the First-Year Centre, Parent-Child Centre, First-Year Orientation, Sport and Recreation, Wellness, Student Activities and International Programs.
  • Its popular inter-campus programs include the Traditional Engineering Summer Session (TEES) that allows high school students to experience university life.
  • Undergraduate students and graduate students have access to over $35 million in funding and resources.

Graduate Employability At The University Of Calgary

  • UCalgary graduates have a 94.1% employment rate after graduation with over 90% finding full-time jobs and over 80% of employed grads working in fields related to the discipline.
  • In the area of advanced engineering, over 73% of graduates find employment in industry, with numerous positions available in Alberta and across the globe.
  • In the field of science, over 57% of graduates find employment in industry or continue with post-secondary education or university studies, while 38% pursue post-secondary education in the health sector or practice health care.
  • As per the most recent report, UCalgary maintains its rank at no. 7 nationally among 18 Canadian universities in the QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022. 
  • The institute also saw increases in four of the five indicator scores, with an impressive jump in the ‘Graduate Employment Rate’ score which increased by 43 per cent compared with the previous year results.

Faculty At The University Of Calgary

The institution is a favored destination for those who want to study in Canada. It boasts having over 30,000 students, 1,800+ academic staff and 14 faculties including the following:

Details about other faculties could be found here.

Campus Life At The University Of Calgary

  • As a public post-secondary institution, the University of Calgary is open for enrollment 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. 
  • It features a state-of-the-art campus that is home to almost 30,000 students. 
  • This includes the MacKimmie School of Business which is ranked number one in Canada in entrepreneurship by the University of Toronto, as well as numerous state-of-the-art labs.
  • Calgary is known for its low-rise downtown area, with apartment buildings lining the downtown area and the hill communities of the university district. 
  • The town is surrounded by mountain ranges, rural areas and nature trails, and is home to the Calgary Zoo. 
  • The city is a transportation hub, being a gateway to several surrounding mountain towns and cities such as Banff, Canmore, Canmore and Lake Louise.

Application Process For International Students

Most graduate programs require a minimum of 3.0 CGPA, a minimum GRE of >309, an IELTS score of a minimum of 6.5. (and a GMAT of >600 for an MBA degree)

The application process for international students is the same as that for domestic students (mentioned below) with an additional requirement:

  • Gather the required documentation based on your program, followed by references.
  • Create an eId to begin the application.
  • Submit your application by paying $145.
  • As an international student, you will need to provide your immigration status and would need to indicate that you’re on a study permit.

For more information, you can refer here.

Required Documentation

All international students who want to fulfill their wish to study in Canada at University of Calgary need to submit the following documents as part of their application process:

  • Official Transcripts
  • CV
  • Reference letters
  • Study proposal
  • Writing sample (if applicable)
  • Standardized tests
  • Document translation (if your documents are not in English)
  • Program documents

Scholarships & Awards For International Students

International students could explore the following Awards options:

Students fully funded by a third party sponsor, including government funding, are not eligible for University of Calgary awards under the Graduate Award Regulation.

For more awards and scholarships, you can refer here.

Calgary City: Quick Highlights

  • 4th largest city in Canada 
  • 3rd most diverse city in Canada 
  • The most liveable city in North America, 5th worldwide 
  • The youngest population of major cities in Canada
  • #3 educational attainment in Canada
  • Largest urban pathway network in North America
  • Highest concentration of corporate head offices per capita in Canada
  • Home to Canada’s National Music Centre and the internationally renowned Calgary Stampede
  • Most patents per capita in Canada
  • Energy capital of Canada and global finance hub

How Can GradRight Help You Study In Canada?

With Canada reopening more airports to international flights starting today i.e. November 30th, 2021, more and more international students would opt for studying in Canada.

You might be aware of GradRight’s World’s first education loan bidding platform, FundRight, which has helped students save more than 112 crores so far by providing cost-effective education loans.

Now, we can help you tackle another important problem in the international education space; shortlisting and selecting the right university.

Shortlisting the right university for you (probably, it is The University of Calgary) involves looking beyond just rankings.

You need to look at other factors too like the location of the university, course ranking, alumni success rate, graduate employability, tuition fees, living expenses and career opportunities just to name a few. 

And the process might look daunting at first glance.
Well, who are we kidding? It indeed is a daunting task.

But every modern problem requires a modern solution and that’s exactly what GradRight has come up with; SelectRight, a data-driven matchmaking platform that enables you to select, shortlist and apply to the right universities that are best suited for your profile based on your preferences.

You are in luck because the platform (currently) helps students find the right US and Canadian Universities and best of all, it’s a free-to-use platform.

Click on SelectRight below to get started!

Canada To Reopen Airports To International Flights​

Canada To Reopen Airports To International Flights​

Canada To Reopen More Airports To International Flights

Canada to reopen more airports to international flights starting November 30. November 30 is also the same day that passengers and crews would have to prove they’re fully vaccinated if they want to depart from a Canadian airport.

The announcement was made by Transport Minister Omar Alghabra at Region of Waterloo International Airport (YKF), one of the eight.

In the official statement, Omar Alghabra said, “Increased vaccination levels have allowed us to safely reopen these additional Canadian airports to international flights. This measure will help ensure travelers are able to access more regional airports for their international travels, while continuing to support the Government’s measured approach to reopening our border.”

Which Canadian Airports Are Currently Accepting International Flights?

The 10 Canadian airports currently accepting international flights include:

  • Halifax Stanfield International
  • Québec City Jean Lesage International
  • Montréal-Trudeau International
  • Ottawa/Macdonald–Cartier International
  • Toronto Pearson International
  • Billy Bishop Toronto City Centre
  • Winnipeg James/Armstrong Richardson International
  • Edmonton International
  • Calgary International
  • Vancouver International

Canada To Reopen More Airports.

Starting November 30, 2021, the following additional Canadian airports will be reopened for international travel:

  • St. John’s International
  • John C. Munro Hamilton International
  • Region of Waterloo International
  • Regina International
  • Saskatoon John G. Diefenbaker International
  • Kelowna International
  • Abbotsford International
  • Victoria International

Omar Alghabra added that additional airports would be considered as conditions dictate. 

Do you wish to study in Canada?

Canada reopening more of its airports comes in as great news for students. 

But if you are still trying to figure out the right university and the program for you, worry not.

Shortlisting the right university(s) might seem a bit daunting but it’s also an important step that has the potential to determine your future life. Thankfully, there are ways to make better and informed decisions.

To tackle this problem, GradRight has launched another platform (in addition to our education loan platform, FundRight) called SelectRight, an AI-based data-driven platform that enables you to select, shortlist and apply to the right universities that are best suited for you.

Click On SelectRight below to get started!

India To Canada Direct Flights Have Resumed

India To Canada Direct Flights Have Resumed; Here’s What You Need To Know

India To Canada Direct Flights Have Resumed

Direct flights from India to Canada have resumed after almost 5 months. Canada first announced its ban on direct flights from India in April 2021 during the second wave of Covid-19. After multiple postponements, the latest being in August 2021, direct flights from India are officially back in business!

Air Canada, the flag carrier and the largest airline of Canada, has restarted nonstop flights from India to Toronto with the Delhi Airport being the first port of call for them effective September 21, 2021, onwards with a new Covid testing protocol.

Air Canada’s Covid Test Requirements For Flights From India

As per Air Canada’s website, these are the new requirements from all the passengers travelling to Canada:

  • WHO-approved vaccinated passengers must undergo an RT-PCR or a rapid PCR test within 18 hours of boarding their flights from the Covid-19 Testing Centre and Lounge at Delhi Airport’s Terminal 3.
  • The requirement of a negative RT-PCR report from a third country (transit country) has been dropped.

In addition to the new requirements, the following conditions still remain:

  • All travellers must be double vaccinated.
  • Only the following vaccines are recognised by Canada:
    1. Johnson
    2. Moderna
    3. Pfizer
    4. Covishield
  • All documents must be uploaded before departure on https://www.arrivecan-online.com

With the ban on direct flights from India to Canada lifted, it comes as a sigh of relief (albeit new stringent testing requirements) as it now doesn’t require travellers to opt for indirect flight routes.

Flight tickets’ prices can be very expensive and to help students get a cheaper rate, we have additional services called GradOns.
This includes services like student accommodations,
flight tickets at cheaper rates, US bank accounts, Canada GIC Account, Forex services, debit cards and credit cards. 

Click on GradOns below to get started.

Canada GIC For International Students

Canada GIC for international students

What Is A GIC?

A GIC (Guaranteed Investment Certificate) for international students is the proof of funds required for a student’s Canadian visa/Canada study permit application. The Canadian government needs an assurance that once a student lands in Canada, he/she has sufficient funds (minimum 10,000 CAD) to cover their living expenses for at least one year. A Canada GIC for international students would prove this. 

GICs lock in the funds for a predetermined time with a fixed or variable interest rate. The interest rate is directly proportional to the time chosen i.e. the longer the time, the higher the interest rate.

Types of GICs For International Students

There are 2 types of GICs:

  • Cashable or Redeemable GICs
    In a cashable/redeemable GIC, financial institutions allow the holder to redeem or cash out their principal before maturity. Interest rates are typically lower.
  • Non-Cashable GICs
    A Non-Cashable GIC cannot be cashed in before the maturity date. The funds are locked in for a specific term. These yield a higher return.

How Does A GIC Work?

A GIC acts as a savings account that offers fixed returns to all eligible candidates over a period of time.

Once a student owns a GIC, the interest is paid out to their savings account at regular intervals or it can be added to the initial investment and paid at maturity. 

When the term is over, and the GIC matures, the student can choose to automatically invest in another GIC or have the earnings deposited into his/her savings account.

How Is A GIC Different From A Regular Savings Account?

  • Interest rates for a GIC do not fluctuate unless the student has opted for variable interest rate. 
  • GICs are typically non-redeemable. If he/she decides to break the non-redeemable GIC, they may be charged a penalty. 

Benefits Of A Canada GIC For International Students

  • Low-risk and predictable returns.
  • The principal amount is insured.
  • A good option for short or mid-term financial goals.

Quick GIC Facts

  • A Canada GIC for international students is needed to qualify for a student visa/Canada study permit.
  • An advantage of the program is that the student will have access to a Canadian bank account once a student account is set up in his/her name.
  • As an alternate option, some universities allow students to submit a copy of:
    The receipt for the first year’s tuition fee
    An Educational Loan from an Indian Chartered Bank equivalent to CAD 10,000.

GIC For International Students: FAQs

What is the minimum & maximum amount that can be transferred into a GIC account?

Min: CAD 10,000 + 200 (processing fee)

Max: CAD 50,000 + 200 (processing fee)

What will be the monthly disbursed amount?

An equal monthly instalment of principal and interest will be paid from your GIC account into the student’s savings account for 12 months.

What if my VISA gets rejected?

 If your VISA gets rejected, the entire amount deposited will be refunded back. However, the student needs to provide valid documents to support it.

What does a student have to do after arriving in Canada?

After reaching Canada, the student must do the in-person verification at the nearest branch of the GIC Account bank. With few banks, the verification can be done for your Canada GIC for international students at the nearest post office.

Speaking of arrival in Canada, if you’re looking for indirect flight routes from India to Canada, you can find them here.

Can a third-party in India transfer or deposit funds into my GIC Account?

GIC For Students: Why GradRight Is A Good Option!

GradRight’s additional services, GradOns has partnered with ICICI Bank to help Canada-bound international students open a GIC Account. But why should you choose GradOns for your GIC?

  • ICICI Bank is one of the most popular options for Indian students heading to Canada.
  • Receive the Proof of Funds Certificate within 24 hours & if the source account is ICICI, then within 3 hours.
  • 24/7 customer support in India and Canada.
  • Debit Card delivered at Indian residence before travel.
  • Operate the account from India.
  • Low rejection ratio.
  • Avail Credit card at no annual fee.
  • Cashbacks & offers are available.
PS: We recently did an Instagram Live session with Mr Venu Chinta, Product Solutions Manager, ICICI Bank Canada. The live session revolved around topics like Canada GIC for international students, Forex and prepaid cards. Make sure you check that out. 

Click on ‘GradOns’ below to get started with your GIC Account.