Canada

1. Canada is a nation that values and respects the contributions and individuality of many different cultures.

2. Canadians place great importance on learning, and have developed a first-rate education system with high standards.

3.The country spends more on education (as a percentage of GDP) compared to the OECD average, and is the second highest among G-8 countries. 

Land
Canada is the second-largest country in the world, with a variety of landforms and an abundance of diverse natural resources.

Government
Canada is a democratic constitutional monarchy. Every act of government is passed in the name of the Queen, but the authority for every act flows from the Canadian people.

Economy
Canada's economy includes primary, secondary and tertiary economic activities, importing and exporting of goods and services and global trade connections.

Capital Cities of Canada
There are 14 capital cities in Canada - for e.g Edmorton, Victoria, Winnipeg and Fredericton the national capital is Ottawa.

Spoken languages of Canada
English and French are recognized by the Constitution of Canada as "official languages
The five most widely-spoken non-official languages are Chinese ,Spanish, Italian and Arabic. Aboriginal languages, many of which are unique to Canada, are spoken by less than one percent of the population, and are mostly in decline.

Religion in Canada:
Canada has no official religion. The preamble to the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms mentions "God" but no specific beliefs are specified. However, most people report they are Christians.

Currency
The Canadian dollar, denoted by CAD or C¢, is the official currency of Canada. One hundred cents (¢) add up to one Canadian dollar.

Time Difference
India is 9.5 hours ahead of toronto, canada.

Climate
Canada's climate is not as cold all year around as some may believe. In winter, temperatures fall below freezing point throughout most of Canada. During the summer months the southern provinces often experience high levels of humidity and temperatures that can surpass 30 degrees Celsius regularly.

Why Study in the Canada?
 
1. Internationally Recognized Education : Canadians place great importance on learning, and have developed a first-rate education system with high standards. 
The country spends more on education (as a percentage of Gross National Product) compared to the Organisation for Economic and Co-operation and Development (OECD) average, and is highest among G-7 countries.

Canadian students consistently rank among the best in world on international tests of reading, science and mathematics such as the OECD's Programme for International Student Assessment - a testament to the outstanding quality of Canadian schools. A Canadian degree, diploma or certificate is recognized globally as being equivalent to those from the United States and Commonwealth countries.

Many well-regarded leaders in business, government and academic circles around the world have received part of their education - language studies and/or academic - in Canada.

2. Competitively Priced: International students can save considerably by studying in Canada. For instance, in a 2003 survey complied by the Association of Commonwealth Universities, Canada offered the lowest tuition rates for foreign students compared to the U.K., Australia and New Zealand. And, fees in the U.S. public universities were almost 1/3 higher than fees for Bachelor's degrees in Canada, while U.S. private university fees were more than double. Factor in Canada's low cost of living, and the overall financial advantage becomes even greater.

3. One of the Best Places in the World to Live :
Beautiful Environment
Sports and Leisure Activities
Cosmopolitan and Innovative

4.    A Bilingual Nation : Canada is a bilingual country with two official languages, English and French. The majority of Canada's French speaking inhabitants live in the province of Québec. This province is located in the eastern part of the country, but there are French speaking communities throughout the country. As a bilingual nation, Canada offers superior English as a Second Language (ESL) and French as a Second Language (FSL) programs for students wishing to learn either or both languages.

5. Multicultural and Welcoming : Canada has traditionally been a country of immigrants and has a policy of encouraging multicultural diversity. In fact, one out of three Canadians has an ethnic background other than English, French or Aboriginal. Students coming to Canada will experience a secure, peaceful, multi-cultural environment in cities and towns with people who are friendly and interested in learning about other cultures. With almost all of the world's ethnic groups are represented in Canada, most ethnic foods and recreation activities associated with specific cultures are available in Canada. Clubs and associations representing a multitude of ethnic backgrounds are also easily accessible. International student advisors can help students get in touch with such groups.

6.     A Safe Place to Study : Canada is considered to be a relatively peaceful, safe and orderly country. (Crime rates in Canada have dropped consistently since the beginning of the 1990's). Firearms are strictly controlled and generally not permitted. International students who come to Canada should follow the same common sense precautions as they would anywhere in the world.

7.     Work Opportunities : International students who have graduated from a Canadian university or college have the opportunity to work in Canada after they receive their degree or diploma. International students can work on campus with a work permit.


Visa Procedure
Before going to Canada for studies international students are required to get a Student Authorization Visa . Students are recommended to have at least two months before the commencement of the study programs for the visa procedures to be processed. The overseas students heading for Canada for studies should submit the completed application kit to the immigration section of the Canadian High commission, which is a general procedure .

THE DOCUMENTS NEEDED TO GET CANADIAN VISA NORMALLY INCLUDE:
1) Completed Student Application, 
2) Completed Supplementary Questionnaire for students and postdoctoral researchers, 
3) Official letter of acceptance from Canadian university, college or technical Institute, 
4) Certificate of Acceptance from the respective province, 
5) TOEFL scores (if applicable), 
6)Passport that is valid for at least one year from the planned date of entry to Canada along with valid passports of any accompanying dependants and Bank Draft towards the fee for the appropriate visa processing etc.
7) Adequate documentation to prove monetary resources available to them to pay tuition fees, maintain him or her and dependants who go to Canada and to pay return transportation costs without engaging in employment in Canada.

Students may be required to attend an interview regarding their visa requirements by the Visa officer. They are also required to go through a medical examination along with the dependants of the students (if any) going with them. Once the visa officer is satisfied that you are a 'bonafide' student and all statutory requirements are met, you will be issued a document, which must be shown to an immigration officer at the port of entry in Canada in order to obtain a student authorization.