Imagine going to school in a country with beautiful scenery, busy, multicultural towns, and some of the best universities in the world. Your education would be paid for by the government. Hey, welcome to Canada!
This guide not only talks about how to get grants to go to school in Canada but also how to get a job through the Federal Student Work Experience Program (FSWEP). This is a program that helps Canadian students get paid jobs while they are in school.
Let’s look at some ways you can study in Canada for little or no money and start your job at the same time!
How Much It Costs to Study in Canada (2024)?
Even though studying in Canada is a great experience, it does cost money. But these change based on your level of study (bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD), the field you choose, and the university you attend.
Here’s a breakdown of the average tuition costs in 2024:
- Bachelor’s Degree: $20,000 to $60,000 CAD per year
- Master’s Degree: $18,000 to $50,000 CAD per year
- PhD: $7,000 to $25,000 CAD per year
Other costs can be between $10,000 and $15,000 CAD a year and include a study pass, housing, food, transportation, and personal costs.
The exciting part is that if you win a grant, you can greatly lower or even get rid of these costs. International students can get a lot of grants in Canada that pay for their tuition, living costs, and even travel. There are scholarships that pay for all or part of your schooling in Canada. Either way, they make it easier for people to go to school there.
Top 10 Canadian Scholarships for International Students
- Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
- Benefits: Up to $50,000 per year for PhD students (3 years).
- Next Deadline: November 2024.
- Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship
- Benefits: Covers tuition, books, incidental fees, and full residence for undergraduate students.
- Next Deadline: January 2025.
- University of British Columbia International Scholars Program
- Benefits: Full or partial scholarships based on financial need for undergraduate students.
- Next Deadline: December 2024.
- Ontario Graduate Scholarship
- Benefits: $5,000 per session for Master’s and PhD students.
- Next Deadline: January 2025.
- Trudeau Foundation Scholarships
- Benefits: $40,000 annually for PhD students, plus $20,000 in research and travel allowances.
- Next Deadline: December 2024.
- University of Calgary International Entrance Scholarship
- Benefits: $15,000 for undergraduate students.
- Next Deadline: December 2024.
- Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarships
- Benefits: Up to $60,000 per year for PhD students, plus $20,000 for travel and research.
- Next Deadline: November 2024.
- University of Toronto Fellowships for International Students
- Benefits: Varies by program, covering full or partial tuition for graduate students.
- Next Deadline: February 2025.
- Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships
- Benefits: $70,000 per year for postdoctoral researchers (2 years).
- Next Deadline: September 2024.
- Canada-ASEAN Scholarships and Educational Exchanges for Development (SEED)
- Benefits: Up to $15,900 for undergraduate and graduate students from ASEAN countries.
- Next Deadline: March 2025.
What is FSWEP and How Can It Help You Find a Job in Canada?
The Federal Student Work Experience Program (FSWEP) has thousands of jobs available in different government offices and is Canada’s biggest program for getting students to work. There are flexible part-time and full-time jobs in areas like finance, IT, environmental sciences, and administration. The goal is to give students the chance to get work experience while they are still in school.
This program is a great way for international students to learn in Canada to get useful work experience, make extra money, and maybe even start a full-time job in the Canadian government.
FSWEP Eligibility Criteria
Student Status:
You must be a full-time student at a school that has been approved. Students with disabilities are also welcome, as long as their school counts them as full-time.
Age Requirement:
You have to be at least the minimum age to work in your province or region.
Returning to Studies:
If you’re not in your last year and have already been in FSWEP or a similar program, you should plan to go back to full-time studies after your work period.
How to Aim for FSWEP?
If you want to get a job in Canada, here’s how you can carefully target FSWEP:
You can carefully target FSWEP to get a job in Canada by following this step-by-step plan that fits your academic path:
Secure a Scholarship First
Get a grant to cover your school costs in Canada as a first step. A scholarship can help you with your finances a lot, so you can focus on your studies and job growth. You might want to apply for the grants we already talked about, like the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship or the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship.
Get Enrolled and Start Your Degree
Once you have a scholarship, you can start your academic journey by enrolling in the school you want. Focus on getting good grades and learning skills that are useful in your area of study. This will help you when you apply for jobs in the future.
Complete 80% of Your Education
Having finished 80% of your program will put you in a great situation to look for work. At this point, your school record and skills will match what the Canadian public sector is looking for in a job.
Add Your Profile to the FSWEP Pool
Once you’re done with school, go to the official site for the Federal Student Work Experience Program (FSWEP) and add your name to the program pool. This will make it easier for you to find a job in Canada while you are still in school.
Benefits of FSWEP
Paid Work Experience
You can get real-world job experience through FSWEP and also make money, which can help pay for your school and living costs.
Career Development
The school gives you a look at different job opportunities in the Canadian government. This way, you can gain skills and experience that will help you get a job in the future.
Networking
Working with professionals and other students is a great way to make useful connections through FSWEP. These connections could lead to future job opportunities in Canada.
Flexible Work Options
FSWEP gives you the freedom to balance your work and school tasks by offering both part-time and full-time jobs.
Conclusion:
Canada is a great place to study because it gives a high-quality education at a low cost thanks to scholarships. This journey is made easier by programs like FSWEP that give foreign students the chance to work, make money, and build a successful career in Canada. You can achieve your academic goals and start building a bright future if you plan carefully and take the right steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to study in Canada?
Tuition varies by degree level and field, with Bachelor’s degrees costing $20,000–$60,000 CAD per year, Master’s $18,000–$50,000 CAD, and PhDs $7,000–$25,000 CAD.
What is FSWEP?
The Federal Student Work Experience Program offers paid government job opportunities to students, allowing them to gain work experience and earn money while studying.
