Why should I study in Canada?

Canada is a top Overseas Education destination – attracting thousands of Indian students to its globally top-ranked universities! The Hurray team has prepared a list of reasons for you to study in Canada.

Why should YOU study in Canada? The reasons are plenty – and these are just the top 5!

1. Top-notch Education

With high quality control, and continuous innovation in teaching – it’s no wonder that a large number of Canadian universities feature highly in global rankings, year after year! Whether you are looking for a hands-on, practice-oriented programme to help you build career-ready skills… or a research-based programme to deepen knowledge – you will find the right path for you in Canada!

2. Campus Life

Excellent infrastructure, competing with the best in the world, coupled with a huge international student body representing more than a hundred countries worldwide, makes Canadian university life enriching. You will study in an environment conducive to learning and education – and build a network of contacts spread across the globe.

3. Affordable Education

While overseas education is always expensive, it is relatively less so in Canada – both owing to lower tuition fee rates, as well as a relatively low cost of living. Add to that the range of scholarships on offer across universities, and your overseas education in Canada will be very affordable!

For a quick reference: The tuition fee for a Master’s programme ranges from 16000-30000 CAD per annum, with most averaging at 21-22000 CAD. The cost of living in Toronto or Ontario i.e. major metropolitan areas, averages at 14-16000 CAD per annum, and falling lower still at regional locations.  

4. Post-Study Work opportunities

Canada has generous post-study work opportunities in place for its international graduates of eligible institutions/programmes. You can apply for the Post-Graduation Work Permit which permits you nationals to remain in the country for work, following graduation, with, education and work experience ultimately qualifying you to gain Permanent Residency! 

5. Varied experiences

Canada is a vast country, its landscape consisting of mountains, forests, and rivers, offering a wealth of exploration experiences to be had. It also is multicultural, and even bilingual! Several regions have French, in addition to English, as their main language. So whatever interests you – from travel and exploration, to cultural exposure, to even learning a new language – you can get it in Canada!

How do I Study in Canada without IELTS? – Duolingo English Test

If you want to study in Canada in 2020 or 2021, your plans will be affected by the coronavirus pandemic – a global phenomenon that has affected education for students all over the world!

One of the most essential steps you require as an international student is to pass a recognised and accepted English proficiency test – ordinarily IELTS is the test that is universally accepted in Canada. 

However, owing to the pandemic and lockdowns around the world, IELTS testing has been suspended.

But you now have no need to worry – thanks to the Duolingo English Test!

Duolingo, best known for its app that teaches a range of foreign languages, recently launched an English proficiency test – like all other major language tests, it tests your major language skills or LSRW i.e. Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing.

How does this help me?

While at the start, universities were accepting the Duolingo test only as a supplement to the major tests – now, several universities are now accepting the Duolingo English Test as fulfilling English language requirements for international applicants.

Take the English Test at Home during Lockdown

The biggest advantage of the Duolingo English Test is that it can be taken at home.

Testing centres for IELTS and other exams are now closed – but with the Duolingo English Test, you do not need to attend a testing centre.

How do I take the test at home?

The process could not be simpler.

Step One: Register

Make a free account on the Duolingo site – Duolingo English Test

You will have access to a 15-minute practice test, which you can take as many times as you like.

When you’re ready, pay the fee and unlock the test. 

Step Two: Make sure you have all the requirements

You will need:

• Identity documentation, such as your passport, driver's license or government ID

• A quiet, well-lit room

• A computer with a reliable internet connection, a supported browser, a front facing camera, speakers and a microphone

• To be seated alone – there can be no other person in the room. Your test will be recorded and checked by proctors to ensure that there is no malpractice.

Step Three: Take the test, anytime!

Once you pay the fee, you can then take the test any time that you want – no fixed appointment required!

How do I prepare for the Duolingo English Test?

So, the good news is, you do not need to wait long to take your test.

And it is totally possible for you to prepare for the Duolingo test during lockdown!

Here’s what you can do:

1. Practice!

You can take the official practice test an unlimited number of times. Each time you do the test you’ll have a different set of questions – which means you will be able to get plenty of useful practice in.

Practising this way is highly recommended. It is the best way to help you get used to the structure of the exam, including the nature of the question types, the time limit given for each question, the shifts between different skill categories (e.g. a listening task may be followed by a reading task), and so on.

2. Hone your vocabulary and grammar skills

Vocabulary and grammar skills are the building blocks of effective communication. Vocabulary involves knowing a large repertoire of words, their meaning and appropriate usage. Grammar skills involves the correct usage of the various functional elements of language, including punctuation, sentence construction rules, tense formation and so on. You will require these skills for tasks across the major skill sets you will be tested on.

• Read: We recommend selecting good publications, well-known for their quality and with a wide variety of content – Time, The New Yorker, and National Geographic are a few examples.

• Listen: to audio-based programmes, including television programmes, radio programmes, recorded lectures and podcasts. Ensure that you select good quality programmes, preferably of American/British origin, so that you can get used to the accents and pronunciation as well – CNN and BBC are excellent starting points.

3. Get Feedback

For the speaking and writing tests, getting feedback is an extremely valuable tool – something that, unfortunately, you will not get from the practice test. 

Here’s what you can do: take a note of some of the topics given for both speaking and writing, and practice on your own. Submit your work to someone you trust, preferably a teacher or a trainer, for feedback regarding the quality of your language use as well as areas where you require improvement. The more feedback you get, the better – it helps you to remember your problem areas and to watch out for them during the test.

Where will my Duolingo scores be accepted?

A large number of universities in Canada have started accepting Duolingo! These include:

McGill University

Canada’s top-ranking university is now accepting Duolingo – a minimum score of 115 is required.

Thompson Rivers University

Applicable for admissions submitted until December 31, TRU is accepting Duolingo with a minimum score of 110. 

University of Alberta

This university is accepting Duolingo scores for tests taken after February 1, 2020, for Fall term admission. You would require a minimum score of 115, and 125 in Speaking. 

University of Manitoba

Applicable for Fall 2020 and Winter 2021 intakes, you require a minimum score of 115.

Memorial University of Newfoundland

You would require a Duolingo score of minimum 105 (for programmes that require 6.5 IELTS) to 115 (for programmes that require 7.0 IELTS).

P.S. Duolingo permits you to send your scores to an unlimited number of universities – at no added cost!

Find your Canadian University with Hurray

Our Overseas Education counseling team has all the experience and expertise required to help you find the right university in Canada – based on your interests and strengths, your background and your goals.

Our services cover everything from the English proficiency test, to your application and SOP, and finally to settling you into your new home abroad!

With Hurray, your dream of studying in Canada can come true!

Reach out to us to book your FREE one-on-one session, at: info@hurrayedutech.com or 8971357938 / 9900426501.

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