(Updated on 04/07/2022)
Study at Canada is, for many, the first step towards immigration in the country. This is because after graduating from a Canadian higher education institution, there are many possibilities to stay. That's right. Keep this information in mind and later in this text I will talk about it under the subject “PGWP”. To begin with, I will explain what college is. college It's something that doesn't exist in Brazil, so it's good to start detaching yourself a little from the educational concepts we know and open your mind to the new and the North American educational system, more specifically the Canadian one.
In Canada, “college” is a term that refers to certain post-secondary institutions, that is, higher education. It is not a type of course but an educational institution that grants certificates, diplomas and also bachelor's degrees and specializations. With courses ranging from 8 months to 3 years, a college is different from a university, as the courses offered at colleges, for the most part, are very practical, that is, very “hands on”. Students leave a college straight into the job market and during the course they are instructed on how to look for work, write a CV along Canadian lines and prepare for interviews.
Many students – especially Canadians – graduate from a college that offers the possibility of entering a university later, if they choose to do so, being able to “transfer” to study the desired bachelor's degree, eliminating some subjects already studied at college.
Generally speaking, public college students can start a study program at a college in September or January, but there are other intakes at some public colleges. Many private institutions offer several admission dates (intakes), allowing the student to start the course at various times of the year.
CAN I WORK WHILE STUDYING?
Having an international student visa (which is actually a study permit – study permit) in a higher education institution, the student has the right to work for 20 hours per week In Canada.
“Okay, I understand that much, but what is the difference between a public college and a private college?”
Public colleges, firstly, they are not free. On the contrary, they are much more expensive. They are called public because they are financed by state governments, therefore, they are generally more structured and include more course options. The requirements for entry are also higher than private colleges, especially the level of English (requiring proof of tests such as IELTS, for example). But what most attracts Brazilians and many other international students to a public college is the eligibility for PGWP – Post-graduation work permit, which is a work permit that international students can apply for after completing their studies in Canada to stay in the country longer, working full-time. Public colleges can also add points towards your immigration, so it is a much better option for those who have the funds and the necessary English.
Staying longer in the country is great, as it gives you more chances of finding a job in the area after graduating and then trying to immigrate (there are several possible types of immigration processes). The time you can get PGWP varies depending on the course chosen (from one to three years). Generally, a long course, lasting two years, for example, can provide a visa for an additional three years in the country, but this is always decided by the government, that is, the immigration officer who will evaluate your process.
Furthermore, public colleges are also advantageous for who has children. Couples who come to Canada where one has a student visa at a public college and the spouse works full time (on a visa called Open Work Permit – OWP), can have their children (over five years old) enrolled in public schools, free of charge. It is a complete international experience, allowing everyone to learn the language while working and studying.
Take care. Many students are misguided by agencies that “promise” the OWP for the spouse, enrolling the person in a private college. Then, when they get here, people realize that they don't have this benefit and could find themselves in a bad financial situation. Others think they will get their PGWP by studying at a private college, but this is also risky. So if you want something guaranteed and not rely solely on luck, study at a public college, a university (undergraduate) or do a postgraduate degree.
That's why the BFF CANADA exist. To guide you to do the right thing and best suited to your profile. 🙂
It is also necessary to keep in mind that a public college will demand much more from the student. Lots of work, more hours of study and a level of demand that can make many people feel tired at the end of the day. This should also be considered when choosing a college, after all, studying in another language in itself is a big challenge.
But what about the private colleges? These, as the name suggests, are private institutions and, as a general rule, They do not provide eligibility for PGWP nor OWP for the spouse. But they also have some advantages, such as being much cheaper. Furthermore, the level of English required is lower. There are numerous quality, renowned and market-recognized private institutions across Canada. Private colleges do not add points towards your immigration, but the advantage of being cheaper provides access to many students who do not have budget to study at public colleges.
Here comes one big dilemma which is often the subject of discussions in groups, videos, blogs and conversation circles: Which college to choose?
I'll leave my honest opinion here for you, but I'll warn you something very important: the decision must always be up to each person, very well analyzed and taken with care by each student or family. Choosing a course/college is often the basis for an entire future career in Canada and this is very serious. Each case is different and there is no point in taking the example of your friend who studied marketing at college “X” and thinking that this applies to you too.
I believe that both – public and private – have their advantages, but what needs to be taken into account are the risks and who is taking the risk. If you are reading this text, you are single, young, you still have a lot of time ahead in your life to try different things, you don't have a lot of money and you don't even have enough English for a public college (usually a 6.0 or 6.5 on IELTS), the college private can be a great option, if you design your strategy well. If you choose a co-op course, for example, which is a modality where there is a period of study and a period of paid internship in companies related to the course, it can be a great chance to do networking and show your work. In Canada, it is very important that people get to know you, everything here is based on trust and many companies end up hiring interns. Of course, a single person may also want the PGWP and have this guarantee. But if you don't have enough money or English for a public college, but really want to get to Canada soon, it's an option. Yes, with risks, after all, there are always risks for anyone who makes a plan with the intention of immigrating in the future, but at least it doesn't involve an entire family.
But, what about the families with children? The reasoning behind the relationship between funding + English and public x private college continues. Of course, a private college is much more risky for families, as in addition to not having the guarantee that they will be able to enroll their children in free public school (some can, others can't), there is also no guarantee of the PGWP when the student graduates. But you also need to do the analysis and ask yourself “What is my priority?” or yet “Are we willing to take the risk?” and most importantly “do I have enough funds to keep us going, in case something goes wrong?”. I always suggest this reflection, because even though they are being advised by companies with the most diverse skills, the risk and the decision always belong to the student and their family, No one will decide that for you.
“Adri, but I know some families who went to study at a private college and got permanent residency after a few years.” Yes, I know them too, but they are people who took risks and calculated that risk by making a good financial plan, taking a co-op course, for example, entering the market in a very professional and assertive way, like this family I interviewed for the my channel, that you you can check it here. There are many success stories, as well as cases that didn't work out. There is no magic formula, what always exists is planning. Mainly financial.
Speaking of financial plans, in addition to the cost of college (usually the first year or first term is paid, depending on the institution chosen), it is necessary to prove to the government that the student and his family (if applicable) are able to support themselves. here without difficulties while studying, on the website of Canadian government you can check the values to prove.
Do you understand how important it is to analyze case by case? That each person has a goal, a budget, a level of English, a “rush” and many particularities?
One thing that you always need to keep in mind is: there is no perfect plan. Cheap college, with a low level of English and that offers PGWP, plus school for children? Sorry. Public college at the price of a private college? Rare. Generally in cities in more remote provinces or in small, remote cities, whose colleges often have huge waiting lists. Even so, the level of English required remains high.
In fact, this is another important point: I never recommend choosing college just because it is cheaper. Education is not cheap and should not be the only criterion. The affordable price of a college for those who wish to immigrate in the future can be combined with other criteria, but never have this alone as a factor in choice.
Another thing to take into account is the coherence when choosing the course and institution. When it comes to Canada, immigration and future plans, you need to keep in mind that whatever you decide to study, the government will have to approve. In this first phase of your dream of immigrating, the government will be seeing you as a student only, who, in principle, will return to his home country when he graduates. So to get one study permit you must make it clear why the chosen course is related to your background or because it will add something to your career in Brazil, in addition to proving ties, financial situation, etc.
“But what if I want to go to university, do a master’s degree, a doctorate or even an MBA?”. This is a subject that you find in this post, but I would like to say that bachelor's, MBA and master's degrees at Canadian universities, even private ones, give the benefit of eligibility for PGWP. Very good, isn't it? Read there and advance in your research and plans. 😉
Some links for you to start your research about studying in Canada:
List of colleges that give PGWP eligibility https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/study-permit/prepare/designated-learning-institutions-list.html
Official government website about studying in Canada: https://www.educanada.ca/index.aspx?lang=eng
In a recent 2019 study, Canada was ranked as the third best country in the world in education. Read more here https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/canada-ranked-best-country-education-2019
TAKE YOUR FIRST STEP
So, how about studying and living in the country considered the first in quality of life in the world? We guide you in this first and important step, studying in Canada. And then we carry out your entire enrollment process, providing full support until you arrive here.
Don't have English? There are no problems, as many of our students took English courses in Canada before starting college and are doing very well today.;) During the pandemic, there is the option of studying online, from Brazil, without affecting your PGWP.
We have several English course options for all levels and also academic English (Pathway) that prepares you for entry to college or university, without the need to take a test such as IELTS.
How can BFF CANADA help you?
- EDUCATIONAL CONSULTANCY
- ADMISSION AND REGISTRATION IN THE COURSE
- VISA (Study permit and other visas)
- OTHER SUPPORT SERVICES FOR YOUR ARRIVAL
Why is consultancy the first step? Because if you want to immigrate in the future and have a professional career in Canada, you need to do good planning and this involves many things. The course is just one of them.
Choosing the course and enrolling is not everything, that's why we work with personalized educational consultancy, where we will cover important things for YOUR plan to stay in Canada after studies, such as:
- Ideal course type: diploma program or MBA? Which is best for your case?
- Is the course you will take recognized by companies in the province where you will live?
- Language: is your level of English sufficient for the course? Will I have to do a pathway? IELTS test?
- Family: will you come alone or with family? What does all this involve and what are the best paths for everyone? Who will study and who will work?
- Budget: How much do you need? College or university fees, general expenses, what the government requires, etc.
- Future in the professional market: BFF CANADA helps you choose the program that best suits your goals in the country.
- Immigration: 98% of our clients want to immigrate in the future, so choosing a course can greatly contribute to their dream of staying. Issues such as course time and PGWP eligibility are very important.
DO YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE THE PROFILE TO IMMIGRATE WITHOUT NEEDING TO STUDY?
Get an immigration consultation with our regulated consultant Ana Medeiros, who can evaluate your profile. Click here to know more.
Live in Canada. Change your life.
Hugs,
BFF Canada team
