South African adolescent's dream to study in Canada

[McDank]

Hey all, I'm a young South African (18 years of age to be precise) who has just completed school and hopes to study, as an undergraduate student, in a Canadian institution. I would like to know some basic info concerning studying abroad in Canada, such as the following :

1) Is it possible for an international student, such as myself to apply for a loan - whilst in Canada - that would greatly decrease my monthly tuition fees?

2) Are there universities that cater for international students in terms of living opportunities (such as dorms) and financial aid (excluding scholarships)?

3) What would the benefits be of applying for an on-campus job and what are the average earnings?

4) The advantages and disadvantages of on-campus jobs as opposed to off-campus part-time jobs (such as working in a public shop).

5) The average tuition, rent and living costs combined per month for a young student (all the basic necessities).

6) Is it possible for a NON-RESIDENT, with a student visa, to apply for a CANADIAN loan ?

7) What are the financial necessities that a person, such as myself, should have before emigrating to Canada.

P.S : I look forward to hopefully joining you all at 420 fest

 

[scylla]

1) Extremely unlikely. You will have nothing in Canada (no property, other assets) to secure the loan. If you require a loan - you should obtain it in your home country.

2) Pretty much all universities have dorms. I don't believe any specifically cater to international students. Dorm rooms to fill up quickly. So you should apply well in advance to make sure you can secure yourself a place to live right on campus. Financial aid is really geared towards Canadian citizens and permanent residents. Assume there will be none for you. It's expected that foreign students have sufficient funds to pay for their studies and don't need help from Canada.

3) The benefits of having an on campus job are that you can start working as soon as you arrived. It's difficult to say what the average earnings are since the hours are only part time and typically minimum wage is paid. If you are able to secure an on campus job (no guarantee this will happen), you should not expect the earnings to be able to cover either your tuition or living expenses.

4) The advantages of an off campus job are that more are available than on campus. The disadvantage is that you're limited to 20 hours of work per week and don't qualify to work off campus until you have completed six months of full time studies in Canada.

5) Assume around $1,500 to $2,000. Depends what school you attend, the cost of your program, how expensive your accommodations will be, etc.

6) Again, extremely unlikely since you have no assets here to secure the loan. You can certainly try applying however you should expect to be refused.

7) What are you asking exactly? Are you asking how much money you need to immigrate to Canada? If so, then the answer is: it depends on what immigration program you are applying under. You will however need money in the bank to be approved for a study visa.

 

[newtone]

1. You cannot apply for loan because you are an international student, the whole point is you are financially capable of supporting yourself. Ideally you should take loan from South Africa and spend it here.

2. Most universities have dorms and fees for dorms is separate from tuition fees. but they cant help you with financial matters (non-scholarship), the whole idea is they need your money and not the other way around.

3. Benefit of on campus job is you can rush to class right after finishing your job, minimum wage in the province of Ontario is $10.25. The disadvantage I cant think of any.

4. Some other people in the forum may be able to provide more information about this

5. Full-time tuition (5 courses) $17,934.00
Textbooks and supplies (estimated) $1,000 - $1,500
Residence (double room) $4,784
Personal expenses (entertainment and other) $2,200
This will bring your grand total to only $ 25,918 for the whole year (2 semesters)

6. NO, Its not possible for international students to apply for loan, because it defeats the whole purpose of having international students in the first place. They are supposed to bring revenue into the country not take money away.

7. Financial necessities and please please bring lots and lots of money cause you'll need it.

If you are in the 420 lifestyle then please make sure you smoke responsibly