Table of Contents

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT STUDYING IN CANADA

Below we have listed answers to some questions often asked by Nigerian students who want to study in Canada. We strongly recommend that you book an appointment with our trained consultants, to ensure that you are provided with a personalized advice, as answers to various of these questions can change depending on your academic, financial and personal situation.

Please keep in mind that the information provided here are subject to change, but we will do our best to ensure that it is updated regularly. For an up-to-date information, please visit the Study Section of Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) website.

CANADIAN EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION APPLICATION & ADMISSION PROCESS

Q: How far in advance should I start planning for my studies in Canada?
A: It is recommended that Nigerian students wanting to study in Canada should start planning for their studies in Canada, 4 months to 1 year in advance. This is particularly important as it could take CIC up to 3-5 months to process an application for a study visa to Canada from Nigeria.

Q: How long will it take for me to secure an admission at a Canadian college or university?
A: Our office will forward your application to the Canadian educational institution once you complete all requirements. The turnaround time could range from 1 to 8 weeks, depending on the Canadian educational institution. It should be noted that colleges usually have a faster turnaround time compared to universities. Likewise, there is a faster turnaround time for undergraduate programs compared to graduate or doctoral (PhD) programs.

Q: When can I commence my studies in Canada?
A: The main intake for study in Canada is predominantly 'Fall' (September). The other intake is 'Winter' (January), but it depends on the students’ program and the institution that he/she is applying to. Very few institutions may have the ‘Summer’ (May) intake as well. If you are hoping to get an entrance award or entrance scholarship from the Canadian educational institution, then your best bet is the September intake, as most Canadian universities only consider ‘Fall’ (September) applicants for entrance awards/scholarship.

Q: What are the requirements for admission into Canadian universities?
A: Each university in Canada has its own policy regarding admission requirements. The admission requirements will usually be available on the educational institution’s website, or the university will have to be contacted directly for the admission requirements of the program you are interested in. However, as a general rule, Nigerian undergraduate students wanting to study in Canada are expected to have a WAEC or NECO result with at least five/six credits including English and Mathematics. While Nigerian postgraduate students looking to study in Canada are expected to have a minimum of a Second Class Lower (2:2) with a high GPA in the last two years of their undergraduate studies or Second Class Upper (2:1).

Q: Will you (i.e. Plumville International) be responsible for searching for the school for me?
A: Yes. We take the stress off you. We will assist you with college/university selection, including assistance with course selection if required. We have several educational institutions in Canada that we partner with, so you will be rest assured of speedy admission processing. In addition, our educational consultants will take care of the complete application process for you, from filling in the application forms, to dealing directly with the educational institution on your behalf.

Q: Can I do a Master’s program in Canada with HND or Third Class?
A: At this time, Canadian educational institutions do not accept HND nor Third Class undergraduates, directly into their Master’s program. So, you will have to consider first going for a post-graduate diploma (PGD) or post-degree certificate/diploma or an advanced certificate in Canada. Then, if you have good grades in the post-degree diploma/certificate program (usually a minimum of B average), you should be able to secure an admission into a masters program afterwards.
Another alternative will be for you to use your HND or Third Class degree to pursue an undergraduate degree in Canada, whereby some courses will be waived for you, so you only get to spend 2-3 years to obtain an undergraduate degree in Canada.

Q: Do I have to write an English Language Proficiency Test (i.e. TOEFL, IELTS, etc.), considering that Nigeria is an English speaking Country?
A: The colleges and universities that we deal with, exempt Nigerians from providing proof of English language Proficiency. However, some Canadian educational institutions evaluate Nigerian applicant for English language proficiency when their applications is processed.
In general, a Nigerian student applying to an undergraduate program in Canada who has a WAEC/NECO result with a minimum of C6 (or C5 depending on the institution) in English Language, may be exempt from the English Language proficiency requirement. Also, for postgraduate studies in Canada, a Nigerian student who have completed a 3 or 4 years’ undergraduate degree may be exempted from the educational institutions English Language proficiency requirement since undergraduate degrees in Nigeria are taught in English Language. However, the Canadian educational institution reserves the right to ask a student for a Proof of English Language proficiency at any point.

Q: Would I be required to write GMAT or GRE for a Masters Degree in Canada?
A: A couple of educational institutions do not require GMAT/GRE for a Masters Degree. However, if you want to have more choices, then you may have to write the GMAT/GRE, as some educational institutions require GMAT/GRE for a Masters Degree.

Do you want to Study in Canada, but you are not sure where to Start? Contact Us to assist you with securing an admission into Canadian Educational Institutions (i.e. Universities, Colleges, Institutes...).
Our consultants have a first-hand understanding of how the Canadian education system works, as well as the dynamics of dealing with Canadian educational institutions.

CANADA STUDENT VISA APPLICATIONS (PART ONE)

Q: How long does it take to be issued a Canadian study permit (student visa)?
A: The processing time for a Canadian study visa could take up to 3 to 5 months, so it is recommended that you apply as early as possible. The time frame varies depending on where (i.e. the country) your application is processed, the application method (i.e. paper or online) used, and the number of application received by CIC during that period. You should avoid the risk of last minute visa applications by ensuring that you apply early to the educational institution in Canada, so that they provide you with the necessary documents (letter of acceptance), which you will need for your visa application. This will ensure that you have enough time to prepare necessary documents and meet other requirements for your visa application.

Q: Can I be refused a visa to study in Canada or is the visa automatic?
A: According to Canadian law, it is a criminal offence for any consultant to state that a visa is guaranteed. However, if you follow our advice, you will have a 99% chance of securing your study visa. In the rare event where your application is unduly refused, we will request for your file from CIC*, do a review of the visa officers notes, and then advise you on the next course of action which could be to reapply (and address the visa officers concerns) or proceed with a judicial review. There are several benefits of using Plumville for your visa application process, click here for more details.
* Note: Only a Canadian Citizen or a Canadian Landed Immigrant (Canadian Permanent Resident) can request for a visa file from CIC

Q: Will I be interviewed by a visa officer when I apply for my visa to study in Canada?
A: You will not typically be interviewed by a visa officer at the Canadian Consulate when applying for your study permit. However, if the visa officer finds a reason for you to be interviewed, you will be invited to come to their office for an interview. But it should be noted that this is not a common occurrence, as most study visa applications are handled without the need for an interview.

Q: Will I be required to pay my complete tuition fees before my visa is issued or before travelling to Canada for my studies?
A: No, you do not have to pay all your tuition fees before applying for your visa or before travelling to Canada for your study. Most colleges/universities have instalment plans, but it goes with deadlines so you will have to ensure you pay within the dates given. Some educational institutions may require that you pay a portion of your tuition fees (i.e. Deposit) before you are given the necessary documents (final acceptance letter) to apply for your study visa. However, this varies from one institution to another. It should be noted that the visa officer in charge of your visa application may consider it necessary for you to make the full payment and it will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Q: Who can sponsor me to study in Canada?
A: You can sponsor yourself. Alternatively, an individual (such as your parents, spouse, family members, etc) or an institution (e.g. your employer, religious organization, scholarship agency, etc) can also sponsor you.

Q: Can my Spouse and children accompany me to study in Canada?
A: There is an option for you to bring your family members (i.e. husband/wife and children, only) with you to Canada for your studies. However, you must prove to the visa officer that you have sufficient funds to support yourself and any accompanying family member, while you are in Canada for Study. Also you have to apply for a separate visa for each accompanying family member and then demonstrate that you all have sufficient ties in your home country (Nigeria) that will bring you back home after your studies in Canada. The minimum amount that you will need is as follows:
SINGLE STUDENT: Tuition for one year + $10,000 for a 12-month period (or $833 per month)
+ ONE FAMILY MEMBER: Additional $4,000 for a 12-month period (or $333 per month)
+ EACH ADDITIONAL FAMILY MEMBER: Another additional $3,000 for a 12-month period per dependent child of any age (or $255 per month)
* Source: CICs (now: IRCC) Website. *

Have you already secured an admission into a Canadian educational institution (e.g. College, University, Institute, etc.) & you need a Reputable Agent to assist you with your Canadian Study Permit/Visa Application? Contact Us!
We have a 99% Canadian Study Permit Success Rate.

If you have any Additional Canada Student Visa (Study Permit) Application questions that is not already answered here, go to our Additional Canada Student Visa Application Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) post, for more Questions & Answers.

WORKING IN CANADA

Working in Canada is a good idea, as it can help you gain valuable work experience, supplement your income, establish business contacts for the future and can even help you immigrate to Canada after graduation.

Q: Can I work while studying in Canada?
A: Yes. As an international student, you are able to work part-time (20 hours a week) during the school year and full-time (40 hours a week) during scheduled school breaks/holidays. Also, international students who have graduated from a Canadian university or college have the opportunity to work in Canada for up to 3 (three) years after their studies. There are a number of work options for international students (such as: On-Campus, Off-Campus, Co-op or Intern). There are also options for the spouses of international students to work in Canada, if desired. Learn More -> Study, Work, & Remain in Canada.

Q: Can my spouse (husband/wife) work in Canada while I study?
A: Yes. If your spouse wants to work in Canada, he/she must apply for his/her own work permit. Typically, your spouse must meet the same requirements that you do. If your spouse gets an open work permit – allowing him or her to accept any job with any employer – it is normally valid for the same periods as yours. In some cases, your spouse will need a medical exam. Contact our office to assist with the work permit application processing for your spouse.

Q: Would I be eligible for Post Graduation Work Permit (PGWPP) in Canada after my studies?
A: The Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWPP) give students who have graduated from a participating Canadian post-secondary institution the opportunity to gain valuable Canadian work experience. The length of your work permit will depend on the length of your study, up to a maximum of three years. Skilled Canadian work experience gotten through the PGWPP helps graduates qualify for permanent residence in Canada through the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).

Q: What are my chances of getting a good job and settling down in Canada after studying?
A: There are many job opportunities in Canada and there is a high likelihood that you will get a job after studying. The current laws in Canada allow you to apply to live in Canada (i.e. for permanent residence) after working in Canada for a minimum of one year.

Are you the Spouse of an international student who is currently studying in Canada? & you want to join your husband/wife in Canada? We can help you apply for a Spousal Work Permit to join your spouse in Canada. Contact Us Today!

TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS

Q: Will I need to purchase travel insurance before travelling to Canada for my studies?
A: Most Canadian educational institutions will provide basic medical insurance coverage for international students. However, you will have to check with your particular educational institution to ensure that you have health/medical insurance coverage. On the other hand, if you need additional insurance coverage such as flight cancellation, lost baggage, etc., you should purchase travel insurance before travelling to Canada. Contact Us to Purchase your Travel Insurance.

Q: What are the student accommodation options for international students?
A: It is imperative to find a housing option that works best for you. There are typically 3 main accommodation choices available to Nigerians for study in Canada:
1. Homestay or Peerstay: Homestay is an opportunity to live with a Canadian family; who will provide food for three meals a day. A homestay student is treated like a member of the family. Peerstay is suitable for independent students who will like to live with a Canadian family, but will prefer to cook their own meals and buy their own groceries. As an international student, we recommend that you spend at least your first semester in Homestay or Peerstay.
2. Student Residence: These are University/College owned student housing, usually located on the institutions campus thereby providing a convenient location that is close to classes and the educational institutions facilities. The residences usually offer a mix of accommodation choices from single private rooms to apartments. If you want to live in the Student Residence, applications for a room should be made well in advance (typically 1-6 months prior to the start of a semester).
3. Off Campus Housing: There are many different types of apartments, room and boards options, and shared housing opportunities in Canada. The Off Campus Housing is the best option for a student that is being accompanied by family members (i.e. spouse, children, etc). It is possible to rent an apartment before arrival in Canada, however we encourage you to exercise caution before entering into agreements. Speak with our educational consultants to get more details about how to secure an Off Campus Housing in Canada.

GENERAL

Q: Can I get scholarships to take care of my tuition fees and living cost in Canada?
A: Scholarships and opportunities for financial assistance are available to Nigerian students for study in Canada, but they are competitive and limited to students of top academic standing. Most of these are available at the graduate level, but there are some secondary school and undergraduate entrance scholarship available, particularly through individual institutions. A Nigerian student who is hoping to get an entrance award or scholarship at a Canadian educational institution, should apply early to their educational institution of choice, to ensure that they are considered for entrance scholarships and awards. Also, the ‘Fall’ (September) intake will be the best option for such a person, as most Canadian universities only consider ‘Fall’ applicants for entrance awards/scholarship. Other bodies and organizations often offer scholarships too. Again, they will look for strong grades and all round achievement.

It is important to note that if you make use of our (i.e. Plumville International’s) educational institution placement service for your study in Canada, you have an added advantage as our qualified educational consultants are constantly updated about scholarships for Nigerian undergraduates and graduates, that are available at various Canadian educational institutions. Also, we will do a comprehensive search and ensure that we apply for any entrance awards and scholarships that is available at the chosen Canadian educational institution. Click here to learn more about scholarships and awards available to Nigerian students for study in Canada.

Q: How are Canadian universities ranked?
A: Rankings are based on subjectively perceived "quality", or on some combination of empirical statistics, or on surveys of educators, scholars, students, prospective students or others. There are several types of rankings so be careful that you are looking at the correct one for your needs. Your Plumville educational consultant can guide you on this.

Q: Why should I choose to study in Canada?
A: When you study in Canada, you will earn qualifications that are recognized and respected all over the world. Also, you will become part of a diverse, welcoming and vibrant society that offers you a unique cultural experience in a safe and beautiful environment. Furthermore, there are many Post Study work opportunities for international students, including a pathway to immigrate to Canada. Click here for more information about the advantages of studying in Canada.

Q: Is it true that Canada is very cold?
A: Coming from a tropical climate, you will certainly feel the difference in terms of weather. However, the infrastructure is built for cold such as having heated rooms, heated transit (buses/trains), so you will be ok! Also you will have to dress-up for the weather. Our educational consultant will provide you with more details about this, during your pre-departure briefing/orientation session.