Frequently Asked Questions#

You have questions. I have answers. These are the most common things students ask me about studying in Canada on a full scholarship.

Can I work while studying in Canada?#

Yes. With a valid study permit, you are allowed to work:

• Up to 20 hours per week off-campus during the school term
• Unlimited hours during scheduled breaks (summer, winter break)
• Unlimited hours on-campus at any time

You do not need a separate work permit for this. Your study permit automatically allows it. This is a great way to earn extra money, gain Canadian work experience, and build your network.

Many students work part-time in retail, food service, tutoring, or campus jobs. Some find work related to their field of study, which looks even better on your resume.

What IELTS score do I need?#

For most Canadian universities, the minimum is:

• IELTS: 6.5 overall, with no individual band below 6.0
• TOEFL: 90+ overall

Some competitive programs may require higher scores. Always check the specific requirements for your program on the university's website.

My advice — aim higher than the minimum. A strong English score strengthens your entire application, not just the language requirement.

Can I apply to all 4 schools at the same time?#

Yes, absolutely. In fact, I strongly recommend it. Apply to all four — University of Toronto, UBC, SFU, and University of Regina.

Each school has different selection criteria. You might not get into one but get a full scholarship at another. You never know. The application fees total around $471 CAD, which is a small price compared to the value of a full scholarship worth $100,000+.

Do not put all your eggs in one basket. Spread your applications wide.

What if I don't get the full scholarship?#

First, do not panic. Here is what could happen:

• You get partial funding. Many students receive partial scholarships that cover some of their tuition. This is still valuable.
• You get admission but no scholarship. You are still accepted at a great Canadian university. The question becomes — can you fund it another way?
• You can apply for external funding. Organizations like MPOWER Financing offer loans specifically for international students in Canada. No cosigner needed, no collateral required.
• You can defer and try again. Some schools allow you to defer your admission by one year and reapply for scholarships.

Getting partial funding plus a student loan is how many international students make it work. Do not give up if you do not get the full ride on the first try.

Is Canada safer than the USA?#

Both countries are generally safe, but Canada consistently ranks among the safest countries in the world. The crime rate is significantly lower than the United States, especially for violent crime.

Canadian cities are known for being welcoming to immigrants and international students. There is a strong multicultural culture, and diversity is celebrated. You will find communities from all over the world, especially in cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and even smaller cities like Regina.

That said, use common sense wherever you go. Stay aware of your surroundings, especially late at night. But overall, Canada is a very safe place to live and study.

Can I bring my family?#

It is complicated. On a study permit, bringing dependents (spouse, children) is possible but not easy. Your spouse may be eligible for an open work permit, but this depends on your specific situation and program level.

My honest advice — focus on yourself first. Get to Canada, establish yourself, and then explore options for family later. Trying to bring everyone at once adds complexity, cost, and stress to your application.

What is the cost of living in Canada?#

It varies a lot by city:

These numbers include rent, food, transportation, phone, and basic expenses.

The good news — if you receive a full scholarship with a living allowance, most or all of this is covered. And if you work part-time (up to 20 hours per week), that extra income helps a lot.

University of Regina is the most affordable city on this list by far. If cost of living is a major concern for you, that is something to consider.

Do I need to speak French?#

No. Unless you are specifically applying to a French-language university, you do not need to speak French.

All four universities I recommended — University of Toronto, UBC, SFU, and University of Regina — are English-language institutions. Your classes, exams, assignments, and campus life will all be in English.

Canada is officially bilingual (English and French), but French is primarily spoken in Quebec and parts of New Brunswick. In the rest of the country, English is the dominant language.

What happens after I graduate?#

This is one of the best things about studying in Canada. After graduating from a 4-year program, you can apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) for up to 3 years.

This is an open work permit — you can work for any employer, in any field, anywhere in Canada. No job offer required to apply.

After gaining Canadian work experience through your PGWP, you can apply for Permanent Residency (PR) through the Express Entry system. The pathway is clear:

Study → PGWP → Work Experience → Permanent Residency → Citizenship

This is why Canada is one of the best destinations for international students who want to build a long-term future abroad.

Can I switch universities after I arrive?#

Technically yes, but it is complicated. You would need to:

1. Get accepted at the new university
2. Receive a new Letter of Acceptance
3. Update your study permit with IRCC
4. Potentially lose scholarship funding from your original school

My strong advice — do your research before you go and apply to the right school from the start. Switching universities means losing time, money, and potentially your scholarship.

If you are unsure about a school, visit their virtual campus tours, talk to current students, and read reviews before making your decision.

What if my English is not strong enough yet?#

You have options:

• Take IELTS or TOEFL preparation courses. There are many free and paid resources online. Give yourself 3-6 months of dedicated preparation.
• Conditional admission. Some Canadian universities offer conditional admission where you are accepted into the program but must first complete an English pathway program at the university. You study English for one or two semesters, reach the required level, then start your degree.
• Retake the test. You can take IELTS or TOEFL multiple times. Many students improve their score significantly on the second or third attempt.

Do not let English hold you back. It is a skill you can improve with practice. Start preparing now.

Is it harder to get into Canadian schools than American ones?#

Different, not necessarily harder.

Canadian universities focus heavily on academics — your grades and test scores matter the most. If you have strong grades, you have a real shot.

American universities look at the whole profile — grades, test scores, essays, extracurriculars, recommendations, interviews, and sometimes even demonstrated interest. The process is more holistic but also more unpredictable.

For many international students, Canadian admissions are actually more straightforward. The requirements are clear, the process is transparent, and the outcomes are more predictable based on your academic record.

The scholarships are competitive at both countries. But Canada gives you something the US often does not — a clear path from student to permanent resident. That alone makes it worth applying. If you want to explore US options too, check out Studying Free in the USA (Bachelor's).

---

Still have questions? Reach out to me on my social media channels. I am always happy to help students figure out their path to studying abroad. You can also check out Full Scholarships in Canada (Master's) if you are considering graduate school.