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Study in Canada from Belgium – Complete Guide

Get all you need to know about studying in Canada from Belgium.

Canada has one of the highest standard of living in the world is a very good reason why you should study in Canada from Belgium, as an international student from Belgium wishing to immigrate to Canada to study, there has never been a better time than now to do so, this is because of the amount work put in by the Canadian government to do the needful to ensure studying in Canada very smooth and exciting for international students.

As a student from Belgium you get access to high quality education from the home of great academic institutions, to take advantage of incredible opportunities to not only build a great career by gaining top-notch education.

In addition, you get the chance of becoming a permanent resident of one the finest countries in the world that boast one of the highest standard of living.

Benefits to Study in Canada from Belgium

When you choose to study in Canada from Belgium, you place an amazing value on your career and the possibilities of what it can become and achieve.

Therefore, you have set your career and by extension you life heading in the right path, this life changing decision and move gives you everything that helps your dreams come through.

Furthermore, taking advantage of the outstanding generosity granted to international students by the government of Canada through its numerous Immigration programs goes a long way to help your career.

In addition, you have the opportunity to become a permanent resident of Canada after your graduation. This is definitely a good time to make that move to Canada through a study program.

As a Belgium citizen that want to study in Canada, you also get the chance to work while you study, thus, aside from acquiring the very important international work experience, which will help you build your career, you also get the needed financial resources to support you throughout your study.

Similarly, opting to study in Canada from Belgium, earns you extra points, which are credited to your profile in the Canada Experience Class program, which will make you become a permanent resident in Canada after you graduate.

What other Benefits are there to Study in Canada from Belgium

  • You are educated in one of the best academic institutions in the world.
  • Opportunity to work as a Belgian in Canada
  • A very simple and hassle free application process.
  • Long term visa pathways that guarantee you permanent residency in Canada.

Not very many countries in the world offer the kind of generous immigration programs offered by Canada to international students. Therefore, these benefits will inspire you to make the decision to study in Canada from Belgium.

What is Canadian Study Permit?

This is an official travel document that grants international students permission to study at any Designated learning institutions (DLI) in Canada.

Consequently, a Belgian will need a study permit to study in Canada; however, this must be applied for before travelling to Canada.

Criteria to get a Study Permit in Canada for a Belgian

The following documents are required to apply for Canada Student Visa from Belgium:

  • Valid Belgian Passport.
  • Letter of Acceptance to a Designated Learning Institution in Canada.
  • Evidence of Funds in Belgium
  • A passport size photograph
  • Proof of Immigration Medical Examination (IME)
  • English Language Proficiency Score.
  • Statement of intent to travel (to study)
  • Valid Credit Card

Do I require a Study Permit to study in Canada for less than 6 months?

No, Belgians do not need a study permit, especially if the course of study in Canada is less than 6 months in duration. Nevertheless, you are not permitted to stay in Canada beyond your permitted course time.

Furthermore, if your course of study in Canada from Belgium is more than 6 months, you must apply for a study permit, and this you must do before you leave for Canada.

Do I require a Sponsor for my Study in Canada?

Belgians, that desire to study in Canada, do not require anyone to stand as a sponsor for their studies in Canada. Nevertheless, to obtain a Study Permit;

  • You must be enrolled in a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada,
  • Provide proof of sufficient funds for your tuition, other fees, as well as for living expenses, for both you and any family member that may accompany you to Canada.

Canada encourages you by creating an enabling environment for international students and ensures that its higher institutions follow rigorous quality controls to make them stand out as world class institutions.

In addition, Canada welcomes students from every part of the world including Belgium to live and work in Canada, while they undergo their studies. Similarly, it assists them to transition from students to permanent residents of Canada without a need for a sponsor.

Canada is ready for you

Canada is very ready to receive you; the question is, are you ready to make that bold move? The country is willing and poised to receive international students to its world class educational system and institutions whenever and for whatever.

Canada gives you everything necessary, including the very generous immigration pathways for students from all over the world including Belgium, who desire to study, live and work in Canada, even down to living in Canada on a permanent basis.

Proof of financial Sufficiency for Student Visa Application for Belgium

Part of the Student Visa requirements is that you provide evidence of funds in other to demonstrate that you are able to support yourself financially during the period of your study.

Currently, the financial criterion for new Belgian students is C$10,000 (~US$7,650) per year.

Similarly, if applying to Study in Quebec the amount is C$11,000 (~US$8,400) per year. Ii is also important to note that this amount is in addition to your tuition fees.

As proof of funding you must provide one or more of these documents

  • A Canadian bank account in your name
  • Education loan from a funding institution
  • Your bank statements for the past 4 months
  • Bank draft in convertible currency
  • Proof of payment of tuition and accommodation fees
  • Letter of financial assistance from individual or an institution
  • Evidence of funding from scholarship

Age Limit Requirement for Student Visa for Belgium

To get a student visa to Canada, you must satisfy the recommended age limit. This is between ages of 18 years and 35 years.

  • Minimum age for Student Permit in Canada is 18 years
  • Maximum age for Student Permit in Canada is 35 years

Therefore, the age criterions range from the date of your 18th birthday up until a day before your 36th birthday.

Nevertheless, you can still study in Canada even though you are above the specified maximum 35 years limit; however, you can only achieve this under a different immigration program,

Do Belgium Students require an Interview for a Canadian Student Visa Application?

No. Belgians do not require an interview for study permit in Canada. Applications for Study permits generally do not require interviews. Nevertheless, your visa officer can request one at his discretion.

If one is needed, the visa officer in charge will contact you directly to make the arrangements.

Medical Examination Requirements for Belgian Students Applying for Student Permit

Medical examination requirement in the study permit application is compulsory for all international students who wants to study in Canada from Belgium.

Work and Study in Canada as a Belgian Student

There are two visa types to study in Canada from Belgium

Firstly, is the SW-1 Visa: this is for students who have mandatory work, internship or co-op program added to their study program.

Secondly, is the S-1 Visa: this is for all categories of students studying in standard academic programs, who also do not require work or internship as addition to their course of study.

This is the visa type given to most students to study in Canada from Belgium.

IELTS Requirements for Study Permit for Belgium Applicants

You do not need IELTS to make application for study permit in Canada. Nevertheless, for a Belgian citizen, that is not a native English speaker, you must provide must provide a proof of English language proficiency to most higher institutions in Canadian in order to get admission.

Difference between a Canada Study Permit and Students Visa

A Student Visa is the official travel document to enter Canada as a Belgian citizen.

On the other hand, a Study Permit is what you need to stay and study in Canada.

How much does the Canadian Student Permit Cost for Belgium?

The cost of the Canadian study permit is C$150 per person

Do I need to Provide My Biometrics for a Canada Student Visa?

Yes. All international student, as well as students from Belgium, must provide their fingerprints and a recent passport photograph (Biometrics) to apply for a Canadian visitor visa, work or study permit and permanent residence in Canada. These are for identification purposes by immigration.

For how long is the Biometric Data Valid?

Biometric data for Belgium is valid for up to 15 months. Thus, Belgian students must attend several biometrics appointments as long as they are in need of visa extensions, visa upgrades or permanent residency for the duration of their stay in Canada.

Can a Belgian Student extend the Canadian Study Permit?

Yes, as a Belgian studying in Canada, you can extend your student visa and study permit.

When should I extend my study permit / student visa?

You can extend your study permit before it expires. This you can do by submitting your application for extension at least 30 days before your current study visa expires.

Nevertheless, it is better you get an extension of 60 days before your current study permit expires, just in case more information for the extension is needed. .

Can I get the Canadian Permanent Residency after 2 years of study in Canada?

Yes. This you can get through the Canadian Experience Class Program.

The Canadian Experience Class visa for Belgium citizens is one of the most sought after Permanent Residency Immigration pathway in the world currently.

Therefore, Belgians can also join the program. However, the decision to work and study in Canada under the study permit is the starting point.