Part 2 of 4
Students from the UAE see Canada not just as a place to actualize their educational goals but also a place to settle down and acquire a new identity and citizenship. Students, who may or may not feel an affinity for their home countries because they have lived abroad for all their lives, see the opportunity to relocate and find a niche for themselves in Canada.
The admission to Canadian institutions is quite straight-forward and simple. You would need to demonstrate proficiency in English or French if it is a French speaking province where the language of instruction is French. International students can do their IELTS or TOEFL and present their scores for consideration.
The English proficiency required may differ based on programme and institution. All institutions list their entry requirements in their website. When you do not have the required level of language proficiency, the institution will recommend a pre-sessional English/French programme. Some institutions waive this requirement if the language of instruction has been English or the student has secured a C or above in IGCSE English. Individual variations exist so it is safest to check with the institutions of your choice.
The pre-requisites
The SAT is not a mandatory pre requisite for most schools; for students applying from here. However, students who have studied in an American curriculum school, would need to submit this for some universities.
Those students who wish to be considered for scholarship would be encouraged to furnish this score. It would give you an edge especially if you have a good academic record because other potential scholarship aspirants may have attained a good score on this test.
Institutions be it universities or colleges want to see profiles of students with a wide range of extracurricular pursuits, internships and interests but the single most impost important factor that will earn you a place would be your academic record.
Outstanding academic standing will earn you not just a place but maybe even a scholarship. You would need to submit your grades/marks from grade 9 to the present, whether you are a high school student or a transfer applicant. Canadian institutions place strong emphasis on academic standing.
Some students from the Indian, CBSE curriculum drop Math in their grades 11 and 12 and opt for subjects like PE –Physical Education or Informatics. This can pose a challenge especially if you are aiming for a place in a Canadian business programme. If you are a prospective applicant and have dropped Math, you may want to take up an AP Math course or an online Math progrramme to demonstrate your competency.
Last year I had one advisee who was in this situation. She bridged the gap by taking an Ontario based Math online course and took her Math exam after her CBSE board exam. She was a Canadian PR holder so this was ‘doable’. However, those of you who are dropping Math because you just want improve your overall average, remember you can get tutors and support while you are here easily. Try not to take the easy way out. Push yourself a little now and you’ll benefit for life.
Admission requirements
Typically, admission to a Canadian University or College is granted upon successful completion of high school graduation. Some institutions may even accept you with your IGCSEs but most institutions would need to see 12 years of schooling. A good IB score or As and Bs in the GGES could earn you transfer credits at some institutions while others may offer you a scholarship or both. Many students ask me if they can apply with their AS grades. Well, you can. The institutions, especially Universities may want to see 4 AS level subjects while applying.
Application deadlines vary but traditionally ranges from January to June so please do not wait for your final grades to apply. Apply earlier than indicated to ensure that all your documents are received and there is no delay in securing a study permit.
Mature students who may be considering going back to school after a long gap may need to have their credentials evaluated. The Canadian Information Center for International Credentials (CICIC) is a good resource for you. Those of you who are considering the option of migrating to Canada, I know this includes several of our readers, please visit the www.cicic.ca website.
This is the only Canadian online and authoritative directory of universities, colleges and schools recognized and authorized by Canada’s provinces and territories. This site includes information on foreign credential evaluation and qualification recognition. If your migration consultant has not given you this site, you are missing something.
Demonstrate your aptitude
Some students want to send evidence of every award, certificate or letter they have secured while participating in community service initiatives, assuming leadership roles, participating in sports, literary activities or for internships undertaken. Instead, it would be better to create a student profile with all this information. Most of the application forms ask for information on your extracurricular pursuits.
The OUAC for example allows you to list extracurricular activities, internships and volunteer roles as part of the form. You may also need to submit letters of referral from your teachers/counsellor for the institutions to better understand you, the institution you are coming from, its curriculum and your capability/potential.
I get a number of enquiries for Medicine in Canada. Well, like in all of North America, one would need to do a basic undergraduate programme before sitting the test for Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). This is followed by an interview. It is the Association of Faculties of Medicine of Canada (AFMC) that represents Canada’s 17 faculties of medicine.
Their member faculties graduate over 2300 MDs a year; have 10,148 undergraduate medical students in training and 12,453 postgraduate trainees; and employ 21,687 full and part-time faculty members.(Source www.afmc.ca) Competition for places is intense and it is not easy for students to secure a place.
Admission for professional programmes like Architecture, is based on competitive grades in program specific subject requirements, competitive overall admission averages and where applicable, non-academic requirements (e.g., portfolio, essay, interview etc). Grade 11 results may be used in the early admission offer process.
University professional degree programs in architecture may last from five to seven years and provide training which includes critical analysis and integration of knowledge.
Programmes are currently offered at both the bachelor level (B.Arch.) and the master’s level (M.Arch.); however, the professional degree is granted only at the master’s level. The vast majority of Architects complete a bachelor’s or master’s degree in architecture from a university program approved by the Canadian Architectural Certification Board (CACB). (Source: www.raic.org)
Similarly, institutions that offer fine art, music, film, drama and other creative fields, would need to see your aptitude for the subject demonstrated through a portfolio, audition, excerpts from concerts, film clips or such submissions.
The searchable AUCC website will help you learn more about your options.
The writer is the Director & Founder of Counselling Point Training & Development, a KHDA-approved student counselling consultancy.
