Are you looking at applying to study in Canada and you’re not really sure of the admission requirements?
If this is you, stay with me.
To get admitted to study in any Canadian university, you would have meet certain requirements, for whatever program you are going for. Whether it is an undergraduate or a postgraduate program, you would have to go through admission process to get to study.
The procedure may very depending on the field of study you’re applying for.
Canada is home destination for many Ghanaian Student for reasons you might want to study in Canada as well.
Canada is a great and beautiful country. It beautiful landscapes, high living standards, quality education, a welcoming environment, is something worth striving to witness.
No wonder it has become a great study destination for most Ghanaian students who desire to study as International students.
Additionally, Canadian society respects human rights and equality, which every individual craves. International students benefit from the same rights and freedoms that protect all Canadians; there is no discrimination.
The quality of education and living standards in Canada are among the highest in the world.
Canada’s high academic standards ensure that you’ll be earning a high-quality education that will open doors for you and benefit your career in the future.
Let’s not forget the work opportunities available to you as a Ghanaian student and even after graduation. There is so much to benefit when you study in Canada as an international student from Ghana.
Let’s dive in already. This article will cover everything you need to know on Canadian admission requirements and study permits for Ghanaian Students;
Keep Learning: How to Study in Canada for Ghanaian Students – A Step-by-Step Guide
Understanding the Canadian Education System
To study in a Canadian institution as a Ghanaian, you must understand the Canadian education system. The bodies responsible for education in Canada are Canada’s provincial and territorial governments. They follow government standards to ensure high-quality public education across the country. Canada operates colleges, universities, and vocational schools.Â
College:Â A college is a post-secondary educational institution that cannot grant degrees. Instead, as most universities, it usually offers programs resulting in certificates and/or diplomas. Generally, college programs are more career-oriented than university programs.
This means they offer practical or hands-on training.Â
Generally, a certificate program is one year or less, and a diploma program is 2 or 3 years.
University:Â In Canada, Universities are institutions that can grant degrees. All universities have undergraduate (bachelor’s) degrees, and many have graduate (Master’s and doctoral) programs. They offer 4 to 5 years programmes.
Vocational schools: Vocational training in Canada is designed to teach career-specific skills to students for a wide range of occupations. Each program focuses on one industry or career, giving students specific skills they can use in the workplace.
It usually takes a period of some months to four years.
Generally, it is good to choose a designated learning institute while planning to study in Canada; it helps to secure a postgraduate work permit (PGWP).
| Colleges | Universities | Vocational Schools |
| – Cannot grant degrees | – Can grant degrees at undergraduate (bachelor’s) and graduate (master’s, doctoral) levels | – Focus on teaching career-specific skills for a particular industry/occupation  |
| – Offer certificate and diploma programs | -Undergraduate programs are 4-5 years | – Program lengths range from several months to 4 years |
| – Programs are 1 year or less for certificates and 2-3 years for diplomas | – Offer both undergraduate and graduate degrees | – Equip students with skills directly applicable in the workplace |
| – More career-oriented and practical/hands-on training compared to universities |
Requirements for Ghanaians to study in Canada
If you intend to study in Canada as a Ghanaian student, you need to have the necessary documents required for admission to Canada.
The admission criteria for Ghanaian students in Canada include:
- School leaving certificate (for bachelor’s course)
- Bachelor’s degree certificate (for master’s course)
- Proof of language proficiency.
- A scanned copy of the passport.
- Statement of purpose (SOP)
- Letter of recommendation (Both Bachelors and Masters)
- Resume or CVÂ
Language Proficiency Tests
To study in Canada, you must have scores from the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).Â
While both tests are okay, IELTS is better for several reasons. It evaluates language skills more comprehensively and offers more flexible testing options for language tests. Moreover, it is more recognized by a greater number of academic institutions than TOEFL.
The English language proficiency requirements for Ghanaians in Canada are a minimum band score of 6.0 in each module and an overall band score of 6, while for the TOEFL, a minimum score of 50 is acceptable.
To prepare for the exams, you need to learn about the test format and practice with official materials and sample tests online. You can also join classes or get help from a tutor.
Apart from test practice, work on improving your English skills in general. Read, listen, speak, and write in English every day. The more you do, the better you become.
This will help a great deal to improve your overall performance.
Keep Learning: How to Study in Canada without IELTS
Academic Transcripts and Evaluation
Not all universities require credentials evaluation from International students who intend to study in Canada.
But for those who do, you will need to follow the steps below:
- Login to the WES website.
- Submit your application.
- Receive your WES reference number.
- Read the document requirements.
- Send your documents, and don’t forget to send your WES reference number.
- Your credentials will be verified.
- Your report will be created and delivered to the school.
Statement of Purpose and Letters of Recommendation
To study in Canada as a Ghanaian student, you must submit an SOP and a letter of recommendation. A statement of purpose is a letter stating strong reasons why you want to pursue a particular course or study program. To write a strong statement of purpose, you need to start with:
- The Introduction.
- Educational Background.
- Professional Experience.
- Explain why you have chosen that course.
- Explain why you have chosen Canada to study abroad.
- Why Canada and not Ghana?
- Cite strong reasons to return to your home country.
- Talk about your financial Strength and sponsorship.
Ensure to mention your professional and academic achievements in the form of a story rather than statements. Also, let your writing be simple and on point. Don’t forget to edit your work after writing before submission. You will need to submit three letters of recommendation. It could be from your professor, your employer, or your mentor.
Keep Learning: How To Ace Your Recommendation letter As A Ghanaian student
Application Process for Ghanaian students to study in Canada
The admission process for Ghanaians in Canada starts with an application. But first, you need to check the admission criteria, gather your documents, and then apply.
After doing your research and deciding on the school you want to attend, do the following,
- Go to the school website where you want to apply.
- Apply and submit the required documents.
- Pay the application fee.
- Wait for admission status.
- Accept admission offer.
Then, head over to apply for your study permit. If you want to attend an undergraduate degree program here in Ontario, you have to submit your application through the Ontario Universities Application Centre (OUAC)
The OUAC will send your application information to the university or universities you applied to. Those universities will email you about what you need to do next.Â
Securing a Study Permit
The visa requirements for Ghanaian students in Canada include a study permit.
Now that you have gotten your letter of acceptance, the next thing is to apply for your study permit, without which you can’t study in Canada even if you are accepted into the university of your choice.Â
The study permit application process for Ghanaians is easy. If you are accepted, try to apply immediately to meet your resumption time.
You must apply online through their website armed with all the required documents.
 You would need:
- A provincial attestation letter (PAL) from the province or territory you want to study
- A letter of acceptance
- Proof of financial support
- A medical exam
You will be asked to pay a fee of 150 CAD for your application. Suppose your study permit was refused due to a valid reason. In that case, you must submit a fresh application with all necessary documents.
Keep Learning: Top 8 Universities in Canada –Â You Need To Know In 2024
Conclusion
Now that you have everything you need to guide you through your admission process, from the general requirements to securing your study permit, it is time to take the bold step and secure your future. Do you still have doubts? We are here to help.
We can help you explore all the details and basic requirements for studying in a Canadian school as a Ghanaian international student and assist you in actualizing your dreams.
Submit your details now for personalized assistance.
FAQs
What are the specific English Language test scores required for Ghanaians?
For IELTS, you need an overall band score of 6.0. For TOEFL, you need an average score of 50.
Can I work while studying in Canada as a Ghanaian student?
Yes, you can work 20 hours a week while in session and full-time during the holidays.
How much financial proof do I need to show for the study permit?
The minimum financial proof is 20,635 CAD.
Are there scholarships available for Ghanaian students in Canada?
Yes, some of them are:
- Royal Society International Exchange ProgrammeÂ
- Jeff Schell FellowshipsÂ
- GSLS Travel Fellowships by the University of Würzburg
- Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) Program.
- Leakey Foundation Research Grants
Keep Learning: Canadian Scholarships for Ghanaian Students
How can a Ghanaian get a scholarship to study abroad?
The Ghana EducationTrust Fund (GETFund scholarship) is a government initiative to sponsor the education of Ghanaian students to study abroad for their postgraduate (Masters and Ph. D.) degrees.
Is a vocational school the same as a university?
No, it is not. Vocational school is more hands-on training where you learn skills while
University offers a broader range of knowledge that can be applied to different roles within a line of work.
What are the average tuition fees for Ghanaian students in Canadian universities?
You will likely need between 25,000 CAD and 35,000 CAD annually.
