Applying for a student visa in Canada means you’ll need to submit a study plan. A study plan gives a visa officer a brief overview of why you want to study in Canada, and how your choice aligns with your future objectives to study abroad in Canada.
You want to be clear and concise, but also specific. Don’t recount your entire life history in your study plan. Instead, focus on how pursuing an education in Canada will help you achieve your academic and career goals.
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Before we get into the types of questions you must answer when writing your study plan, here are a few quick tips:
Study Plan Tips
- Don’t exceed one page.
- Be factual.
- Be concise.
- Have someone with strong English writing skills review and edit your study plan.
Study Plan Questions and Strategies
1. Why do you wish to study in Canada in the program for which you have been accepted?
Describe the reasons why you want to study this particular program in Canada. What advantages does it offer? Why is Canada your preferred destination for international studies? Is it because of the country’s quality education system? Its multicultural society?
2. What is your overall educational goal?
Go into greater detail and describe your educational goal. Is it to continue your education immediately after secondary school? Perhaps it’s to expand your knowledge by achieving a master’s or post-graduate degree. You can support your answer by discussing the field of study you’re interested in and how this particular route will further your career goals.
You may even consider researching the type of industry you want to work in after graduating and its general requirements. Keeping this in mind will help you better understand whether your educational plans align with your overall career goals.
3. Why are you not pursuing a similar program in your country of residence or of citizenship?
Canada is globally recognized for its quality education system. This reason alone may be why you’ve chosen to pursue a program in Canada over your home country. Or maybe only a Canadian institution offers the program you want to study.
4. What research have you done into studies in your country of residence or of citizenship?
Take this opportunity to discuss the options your home country offers in regard to schools and programs. Don’t limit your research. There’s a chance a school in your country will offer the same program you’re hoping to pursue in Canada, so you’ll want to explain why you prefer the Canadian school or program. You may even choose to discuss the overall differences in education between your home country and Canada.
5. How will this program enhance your employment opportunities in your country of residence or of citizenship?
Discuss the various employment opportunities you have explored in your country. It’s possible you found a desirable job at home, but lack the appropriate education to qualify for it. In this case, you can discuss how continuing your education in Canada will help prepare you for this role.
6. What ties do you have to your country of residence or of citizenship?
For this particular question, you must state whether you have family in your country of residence or citizenship. Family ties may include children, parents, a spouse, or a partner.
7. In the case of a minor applicant, what are your reasons for wishing to study in Canada? What is your parents’ or guardians’ immigration status in their current country of residence?
If you are a minor under the age of 18, outline your reasons for wanting to study abroad in Canada. Be sure to include your parents’ or guardians’ immigration status. You must also include their bank balance certificate, bank statements, investments, property, and anything else that indicates the financial assets owned by your parents or guardians.
8. Provide details of your education history. This includes dates when the course started and ended, the name and address of the school, the course taken, and the qualification, degree, or certificate you earned.
In this section, you must provide details of all the schools you’ve attended to date. Be sure to include the following:
- Start and end dates
- Full institution name and address
- Course name
- Qualification, degree, or certificate awarded
You must also state the programs completed if you’ve attended college or university.
Finally, share your work history in this section. This includes jobs or volunteer positions you’ve held, and how they may help with your studies and overall goals.
To conclude your study plan, summarize your educational goals and the reasons you want to study in Canada. Your summary also provides an excellent opportunity to thank the person reading your application!
