Study in Canada 2015

1. O CanadaO Canada
International School Manila 2015/2016

2. The Canadian Expert?The Canadian Expert?
• Born and raised just outside of Toronto,
Ontario, Canada. (Kitchener-Waterloo)
• home to Sir Wilfrid Laurier UniversitySir Wilfrid Laurier University and
University of WaterlooUniversity of Waterloo
• Undergraduate degree from the University ofUniversity of
GuelphGuelph (Ontario)
• Graduate degree from the University ofUniversity of
TorontoToronto (Ontario)
• Some ISM students think I have an accent.

3. The BIG Three?The BIG Three?

4. Where are the BIG 3?Where are the BIG 3?
UBC
U
of T
McGILL
Vancouver to Toronto/Montreal is a 5 - 6 hour flight

5. More than the BIG 3More than the BIG 3

6. The Plan for this Evening?
Assuming a VARIETY of
levels here in terms of
your knowledge of the
Canadian Education system
Assuming a VARIETY of
levels here in terms of
your knowledge of the
Canadian Education system

7. 1. Why Canada?1. Why Canada?
2. Canadian University 1012. Canadian University 101
3. What to do now Juniors? Resources?3. What to do now Juniors? Resources?
Learn about and consider a fewLearn about and consider a few
universities outside of the BIG Threeuniversities outside of the BIG Three
3 Simple Things

8. Why Canada?

9. Top 10 Reasons toTop 10 Reasons to
go to University ingo to University in
CanadaCanada

10. #10#10

11. Canada...the BEAUTIFUL!Canada...the BEAUTIFUL!
• The expanse of Canada's natural beauty, from
mountains and glaciers to secluded lakes and
forests, is almost unparalleled worldwide.
• There are 41 National Parks
• Canada has cosmopolitan cities that are clean,
safe, friendly and multicultural.
• In fact, Canada repeatedly is lauded as one of
the world's most livable countries.

12. Vancouver, British ColumbiaVancouver, British Columbia
Commerce (Business)
Arts/Sciences

13. Squamish, British ColumbiaSquamish, British Columbia
Liberal Arts
Keystone Project

14. Calgary, AlbertaCalgary, Alberta
Engineering
Health Care (Bio-Medical)
Vet Medicine

15. Saskatoon, SaskatchewanSaskatoon, Saskatchewan
Urban Planning
Toxicology

16. Toronto, OntarioToronto, Ontario
Engineering
Cell/Molecular Biology
Commerce/Business
Illustration
Industrial Design
Environment and Urban
Sustainability
Journalism
Acting
International Business
Digital Media
Space Engineering

17. Kitchener-Waterloo, OntarioKitchener-Waterloo, Ontario
Business and Computer Science (5
years)
Kinesiology and Physical Education
Music
Nano Technology
Engineering
Environment/Business)
Math and Computer Science

18. Kingston, OntarioKingston, Ontario
Life Sciences
Commerce/Business
World Languages

19. Montreal, QuebecMontreal, Quebec
Finance
Communications
Civil Engineering
Engineering
Law
Music
Kinesiology
Business
Geography
Francohone University
Francohone University

20. Halifax, Nova ScotiaHalifax, Nova Scotia
Environment, Sustainability and Society (ESS)
International Development
Agriculture

21. #9#9

22. High Standard of Living - CountryHigh Standard of Living - Country
• From 1992 - 2011, the U.N. has consistently
ranked Canada in the top 8 of all countries in
the world in their annual Human
Development Report (education being one of
the analyzed factors).
• Except for 4 years (1992 - 2011), Canada was
ranked no lower than 4th
in the world
• Canada was ranked Number 1 for 9 years
during that time.

23. High Standard of Living 2012High Standard of Living 2012

24. High Standard of LivingHigh Standard of Living

25. #8#8

26. IB Diploma = No SATIB Diploma = No SAT
• In most, if not all cases, you DO NOT need an
SAT score to apply if you are doing the FULL IB
Diploma
• However, an SAT score is required for the
partial IB Diploma/Certificate students.

27. #7#7

28. The WeatherThe Weather
• Range of weather with distinct seasons
• The reality is that where most universities are
located, we have very comfortable summers
and reasonable winters
• Winter really can be a beautiful and enjoyable
time of year (skiing and snowboarding)
• The weather is part of the cultural experience

29. Toronto, CanadaToronto, Canada

30. #6#6

31. Co-op (& Study-Abroad) ProgramsCo-op (& Study-Abroad) Programs
• Universities in Canada pride themselves in the
abundance and variety of co-op placements
they provide.
• Excellent opportunity to gain real world
experience.
• University of WaterlooUniversity of Waterloo (Waterloo, Ontario) –
largest co-op placement in the world with
over 14,000 students enrolled/over 3,500
active employers

32. #5#5

33. Working in CanadaWorking in Canada
(while in University)?(while in University)?
• Up to 20 hours/week for international
students
• On-campus/off campus opportunities
• Summer jobs
• Up to three 3 Years post graduation (*see next
slide)

34. Work in Canada after GraduationWork in Canada after Graduation
• The Post-Graduate Work Permit Program
allows students who have graduated from a
post-secondary institution to gain valuable
work experience.
• If you study in Canada for more than 2 years,
you are eligible for a work permit for up to 3
years (no real restrictions on the type of
work).

35. Permanent Residence in CanadaPermanent Residence in Canada
• If you are a foreign student who graduated in
Canada, you can apply to stay in Canada as a
permanent resident under the Canadian
Experience (Economic) Class qualification.
• An easier process in Canada overall than in
the U.S. (the processing time is about 10
months compared to 5 years in U.S.).
• Citizenship and Immigration Canada
www.cic.gc.ca

36. #4#4

37. Continue to Make Yourself UniqueContinue to Make Yourself Unique
• For those hesitant about what companies
might think about a “Canadian” degree…
How do you think this looks in the eyes of a
global minded company?
• Your unique cultural background
• HS degree from an International School in Manila,
Philippines
• Undergraduate degree from Canada AND…
• Graduate degree from the U.S. (or elsewhere)

38. #3#3

39. Save Money $$$Save Money $$$
• In the “latest survey” (2003) compiled by the
Association of Commonwealth Universities, Canada
offered the lowest tuition rates for foreign students
compared to the U.K., Australia and New Zealand, for
the same or higher quality of education.
• Also, fees in the United States public universities
were almost 30% higher than fees for Bachelor’s
degrees in Canada, while U.S. private universities are
100% higher than the same program in Canada.
Canada’s cost of living is considerably affordable
among developed nations

40. World Comparison (2013)
Only public
universities, I
believe 

41. Canadian Tuition (2013)Canadian Tuition (2013)

42. Save Money $$$ - Conversion?Save Money $$$ - Conversion?
• Queen’s UniversityQueen’s University (CDN 19,522 – 22,249)
• U.S. Dollar = USD 14,933 – 17,019
• Philippine Peso = PHP 697,824 – 795303
• Japanese Yen = JPY 1,801,173 – 2,052,777
• S. Korean Won = KRW 17,040,114 – 19,420,423
• Chinese Yuan = CNY 93,522 – 107,498
• Australian Dollar = AUD 20,925 – 23,848
• Euro = EUR 13,568 – 15,463
*As of October 31, 2015

43. #2#2

44. Our Global VillageOur Global Village
• Canada ranks among the most
multicultural nations in the
world.
• Our ISM students are living in a
multi-cultural “bubble”….nice fit
with Canada
• 1 of 3 Canadians has an ethnic
background other than English,
French or Aboriginal.
• As a result, regardless of ethnic
origin, students feel at home in
our diverse communities and
campuses.

45. Latest New TODAY!
• London based “Think Tank”
• Canada: freest nation in the world
• According to the study, Canada is the most
tolerant of people from other countries, with
92 percent of Canadians thinking the country
is a good place for immigrants.
• In addition, about 94 percent of Canadians
believe that they have the freedom to
choose the course of their own lives, the
study says.

46. #1#1

47. Top Quality ProgramsTop Quality Programs
• Canadian universities are noted for offering
the highest quality of education.
• A Canadian degree is recognized globally as
being equivalent to degrees from the United
States and Commonwealth countries.

49. Other World RankingsOther World Rankings

50. MacLeanMacLean’s Magazine’s Magazine

51. MacLeanMacLean’s Magazine’s Magazine

52. MacLeanMacLean’s Magazine’s Magazine

53. Canadian University 101?

54. Some BackgroundSome Background
• 95 universities (more than 3,000 in the U.S.)
• Canadian universities receive a great deal of
public funding and so their programs,
particularly at the undergraduate level, are
quite uniform in quality.
• University definition
• College (community) definition
University College

55. Where are these universities?Where are these universities?
UBC
U
of T
McGILL

56. What about the IB?What about the IB?
• “We find the IB Diploma to be very good
preparation as it requires breadth of study,
development of primary research, critical
reading and writing knowledge skills, as well
as involvement in creative/cultural arts, sports
and volunteer service.”
• McGill University Admissions

57. The Application ProcessThe Application Process
• All applications are available online
• Ontario University Application Center
(OUAC) for Ontario
• www.ouac.on.ca
• Apply directly to any other university
• Application Deadlines (varies) – January to
March
• Acceptances - February to May

58. Apply through OUAC

59. Apply through University Site

60. What are Canadian UniversitiesWhat are Canadian Universities
looking for?looking for?
• “Good students”
• Strong grades with the appropriate
pre-requisite HS courses
• Less emphasis on extra-curricular activities in
terms of the application (important but not to
the degree it is for U.S. colleges).
• “Officially” no quotas for international
students and their citizenship/immigration
status has no impact on admission

61. Documents?Documents?
Generally Required
• Online Application
• Transcript (including 1st
semester of senior year)
• Predicted IB grades
• TOEFL/IELTS score (depends
on the # of years of study in
English speaking curriculum
schools)
Generally Not Required
• SAT/ACT scores (except for
non IBDiploma students)
• Reference Letters
• Essays (usually some short
answer instead)
• Information about extra-
curricular activities

62. Other Admission InformationOther Admission Information
IB Diploma
• Canadian universities will put some emphasis
on the first term of your senior year during
the admission process – not only this term
though (but looking at everything)
• Many programs will grant transfer credit for
HL subjects with a strong final grade (normally
5 or better). Some (but not many) may grant
advanced standing for excellent SL subject
scores.

63. Getting a Visa for CanadaGetting a Visa for Canada
Depending on your country of origin and the
type and length of study, you may require:
• A temporary resident visa
• A study permit
• For Quebec-bound students, a CAQ (Quebec
Application Certificate)
Each university will help you with this process

64. Financial Aid/Scholarships
Canadian Citizens
• Provincial Assistance may
be possible (Ontario
Student Assistance Plan =
O.S.A.P.)
• Institutional Aid (Merit
based)
• IB Awards/Scholarships
• Private Scholarships
International Students
• Limited Institutional Aid
• Limited Private Aid

65. O.S.A.P.O.S.A.P.
https://osap.gov.on.ca/OSAPPortal

66. IB Scholarships
http://blogs.ibo.org/funding-opportunities/

67. Private Scholarships
http://www.scholarships-bourses.gchttp://www.scholarshipscanada.com

68. What to do now Juniors? Resources?

69. Timeline (the next 1 and 1 /2 years or so)
• Now – June 2016Now – June 2016
– Academic performance
– Standardized testing?Standardized testing?
• SAT, ACT,SAT, ACT, TOEFL
• June 2016 – August 2016June 2016 – August 2016
– Exploration
• Service work, Internships,
travel, college visits
– Research universities & narrow
down list (ISM limit of 10)
• September 2016 – December 2016September 2016 – December 2016
– Academic performance
IMPORTANT!!!!
– Standardized testing?Standardized testing?
• SAT, ACT,SAT, ACT, TOEFL
– Essays (depends)Essays (depends)
• December 2016 – January 2017December 2016 – January 2017
– Submit applications
– Submit financial documents
• January 2017 – April 2017January 2017 – April 2017
– Wait….
• February 2017 – April 2017February 2017 – April 2017
– Decisions
• February 2017 – May 2017February 2017 – May 2017
– Deposit to ONE institution

70. Where should I be in the process?
• Determine your own criteria for a “good college”
• Create a college list
– Now: 20-30 colleges (less if only Canada)
– August: 5-10* colleges
• Be open-minded
• Create an organizational chart, including deadlines
and requirements
*ISM strictly limits students to 10 applications (UC,
UCAS count as one)

71. What to do now?
• Self-reflection; Determine priorities
• Research
• Junior college meeting #1Junior college meeting #1 (get to know each other)
– Now - February
• Junior college meeting #2Junior college meeting #2 (includes parentsparents)
– February - April
• Register for:
– SAT, if appropriate (January)
– TOEFL, if appropriate
• Junior Parent Survey (in Naviance) due: Jan 5
• Senior profile due: First Day of Senior Year

72. ResourcesResources
• 95 universities (University Websites –
“Admissions” or “International Admissions”
– Reading websites and Contacting Admissions
• Family Connection (Scattergrams feature)
• Publications/Rankings (as one perspective)
• Attend Canadian University visits to ISM
• Visit Canadian Universities yourself…next
summer
• ISM Alumni

73. University WebsitesUniversity Websites

74. Family ConnectionFamily Connection

75. Family ConnectionFamily Connection

76. Publications/WebsitesPublications/Websites

77. Canadian University VisitsCanadian University Visits
• Most university college visits are September to
December
• Subscribe to the ISM College Visits Google
Calendar (next slide)
• Unfortunately, we not at the moment getting
many visits by Canadian universities (we are
working on it).

78. College Visits CalendarCollege Visits Calendar

79. College ToursCollege Tours
(www.tscollegetours.com)

80. Your Own College Tour?Your Own College Tour?
You could easily fly to Toronto and see a number of
universities…driving distance away
(University of Toronto, McGill University, York University,(University of Toronto, McGill University, York University,
QueenQueen’s University, University of Waterloo, McMaster University,’s University, University of Waterloo, McMaster University,
University of Ottawa etc.)University of Ottawa etc.)

81. ISM Alumni?ISM Alumni?
If you don’t know…
talk to your
Grade 11/12 Counselor

82. Any Questions?Any Questions?

83. For Future ReferenceFor Future Reference
Doug McQueen
Grade 11/12 HS Counselor
mcqueend@ismanila.org
Thank-youThank-you