Do you aspire to study in Canada? Pursuing academics in Canada is a dream for many students. The country is quickly becoming a preferred study destination. It is known for its education system, cultural diversity, and student life with a high possibility of migration. But the cost of education there always causes concern. This is where an education loan for study in Canada comes in handy. Opting for such a loan is a great way to finance your education there.
There are mainly two types of education loans to study in Canada. Both are discussed below:
A secured education loan means you need to give something valuable (called collateral) as a guarantee to the bank. This can be things like a fixed deposit, an LIC policy, land, a house, or a shop. Most government banks in India ask for such security when giving a loan to study abroad.
Educational loans for studying in Canada are generally available for a wide range of programs at recognized institutions. The key is that the program should be career-oriented and offered by universities or colleges approved by the lending bank or NBFC. Common eligible programs include:
A plethora of banks and financial institutions in India provide education loans to support students aspiring to study in Canada. These institutions offer customized loan options based on the student’s profile, university, and course of study. Here’s a categorized list of top lenders:
These institutions offer loans that cover tuition fees, living expenses, travel, and other related costs. Some lenders offer collateral-free loans based on the student’s and co-applicant’s financial background and the university’s ranking.
When opting for an education loan for Canada, you can either receive the full sanctioned amount at once or opt for periodic disbursements based on your needs. Periodic disbursement is usually better, as interest is charged only on the disbursed amount, not the entire sanctioned loan. This helps you save on unnecessary interest.
Most banks and financial institutions cover a wide range of expenses under the education loan, ensuring you can focus entirely on your studies without financial stress. Here’s a quick look at the major expenses typically covered:
The eligibility requirements vary from one educational institute to another. As a student, meeting the criteria is necessary. Listed below are some basic criteria:
Every university has set educational requirements. You need to meet the educational criteria for admission. You need to submit your 12th-grade marksheet if you want admission in a UG course, or your bachelor’s degree marksheet for a PG program. Additionally, many educational institutions need you to fulfill the merit score benchmark. For example, many Canadian universities accept students with over 75% marks.
Since English is widely spoken in Canada, you need to prove your proficiency in the language. IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE are accepted English Proficiency Exams. Check the score criteria on your preferred university’s website and try to acquire that score.
Like CUET in India, educational institutes in Canada have set specific entrance tests for students. You need to appear for these standard entrance examinations to gain admission to your dream university. Your marks will help you ascertain your options for studying overseas in Canada. The Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) are especially for bachelor’s degree courses, whereas the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is for master’s degree programs.
To study in Canada, international students must open a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) account with a minimum of CAD 10,000 as proof of living expenses. This GIC acts as a short-term liquid investment with a guaranteed return, making it a secure financial requirement for the Canada student visa process.
Students can apply for a GIC account online through authorized Canadian banks such as Scotiabank, ICICI Bank Canada, HSBC, SBI Canada Bank, and CIBC. A one-time processing fee of CAD 200 is also required. Once the payment is made, students receive an Investment Balance Confirmation, which is essential for the visa application.
Upon arrival in Canada, students must open a personal bank account. An initial amount of CAD 2,000 is transferred to this account, while the remaining CAD 8,000 is disbursed in monthly installments of CAD 666, helping manage living expenses in Canada throughout the year.
This structured GIC payment plan supports international students in covering essential costs while meeting student visa requirements for Canada.
Getting an education loan to study in Canada can take time, depending on the lender. That’s why it’s smart to start your loan process 4 – 6 months before your course begins. Visiting each lender individually can be confusing and time-consuming, but that’s where QCKLoans makes it easy.
Follow these simple steps to get your education loan:
A loan expert from QCKLoans will contact you and help you choose the best lender based on your profile and course.
You’ll get a customized checklist to gather all necessary documents. Our team will also guide you with alternatives if you’re missing anything.
Once you submit your documents, QCKLoans will handle the processing. Loan approval usually takes 7–15 days, depending on the lender.
After signing the agreement, your loan is disbursed, either directly to you or your university, based on lender rules.
Once your education loan for Canada is sanctioned, you will receive a loan agreement detailing all the terms and conditions. It’s important to review this document thoroughly before moving forward with the disbursement.
For your Canada student visa, a pre-visa loan disbursement is often required, as per the guidelines issued by Canadian immigration authorities. This step is crucial to show proof of funds while applying for the visa. Make sure your lender supports pre-visa disbursement to avoid delays in your visa approval process.
An academic permit in Canada lets you work part-time when you are still studying. Several students benefit from this chance of earning some money and covering basic expenses. Your education loan for study in Canada will only cover your academic-related expenses. For covering other expenses, you need to work and gain experience while balancing your studies.
You can also join internships and gain work experience before actually seeking a job. You can work in libraries, restaurants, cafes, departmental stores, administrative offices, etc. Both off-campus and on-campus part-time employment opportunities are available. You can work as a translator, tutor, babysitter, dog walker, cleaner, or take up freelance gigs.
Post-completing your studies with an education loan for Canada, you can search for ways to establish yourself in the country. Listed below are two ways:
If you have finished an educational program whose duration is over 8 months, you are eligible for the PGWP. It has the same validity as that of your course duration, a 3 year validity. It is a good way to extend your stay and gain valuable work experience, which opens doors to more jobs.
When you have earned ample work experience through the PGWP, you can apply for PR. Getting the status takes time and has certain requirements. You need to fulfill those criteria during the course of your application. Therefore, consider other options for extending your stay while your PR application is in process.