A review of questions and answers concerning studying in Canada.

So am new to this whole blogging thing and never knew I will be blogging until about a month ago.

The above title used to be a thread on Nairaland.com educational section. I began the thread in February 2011 and dedicated it to helping Nigerians who need information about studying in Canada. If you search "emakgaga"  on Nairaland.com, you will still be able to see most of my posts.

I will go straight to why I started this blog. A month ago, about 3years after I posted under the above title on Nairaland, I went on to edit some of my post, add a few more details and clicked on the submit button only to be banned. Next thing the link to the thread displayed " This topic has been removed or hidden". see http://www.nairaland.com/598911/studing-canada-what-need-know/2

So I tried to get in touch with the mods on the educational section but no reply. see http://www.nairaland.com/1663190/studing-canada-what-need-know

After a month of no response and no reply I  resulted to this;  a blog to continue the good work.

A lot of people have emailed me in the past week complaining about not being able to access the threads.

Fortunately I retained a copy of the original write up including the edited version and also copied most of my posts from Nairaland to this blog. You will find most of it below.

Interactive Question and Answer Forum
How much I need in my bank account and other visa requirement
Scholarships in Canada
Job search in Canada
Work and pay your tuition?
Affordable schools in Canada
Low marks for a masters program?

 ORIGINAL POSTS FEBRUARY 2011

I was reading nigerian news online and came across this website: 

http://234next.com/csp/cms/sites/Next/Home/5672138-146/story.csp


I decided to write this up here after i saw a few discouraging comments on that website. This is my experience:

I wouldn't discourage any student from coming to Canada. But there are a few things i feel one should know before even making the first step. I have been here for over 6years now.

 
1st of all. It is cold ok! But dunn be scared especially after seeing Bala's comments. It is indeed cold but you can adjust to the weather. Bala and I adjusted and so can you. 1st time I arrived it was 17 degrees celsius and then I thought it was cold till winter came. It was anything from -1 to -35 degree celsius. To get a feel maybe open ur deep freezer and jump in with a sweater , lol not advisable though.

  

The key thing is every Nigerian adjusts to the weather once they arrive. So 4get about the weather. Just understand it could be really cold in winter. ( I live in manitoba anyways but do move around alot, Alberta, Ontario )

One of the challenges was the level of education in Canada. It is indeed a high Standard compared to Nigeria.

 If for instance, your transcript from Nigeria says you had a A+ in chemistry or physics or biology. They assume yes u know that stuff well, and they dunn start u from scratch. They continue from there and expect u to know much as well.

Again, in Nigerian system, at least for me, we were taught to memorize. If you do recall the smartest student often was the one that could memorize his or her books well. Unfortunately, this is not the case in Canada especially for those of you who are science inclined.

In Canadian system, they teach you theory and application, but you most likely be tested in application questions. No one is going to ask you define for instance specific heat or velocity or sth. Most of your math, physics and chemistry questions are hardcore calculations and you will have to make alota connections to solve the problems. If you just plug in equations, chances are, you failed already if you haven't thought about the question.

For those of you in business or arts, maybe a typical question maybe, how does the militant conflict situation in the niger delta affect the global price on crude oil. In other words, in Canadian system you learn to use your head to think more than just memorize notes. Every student is an inventor. You have to learn to think so you can make connections. 

So again u learn theory but then you apply it. simple.
 

So if ure one of those who got perfect waec/neco/gce or perfect degrees some how under the table ( am sure u know what i mean), chances are, you will not be able to fit into canadian system except you choose to dedicate extra time to study and catch up. 

 
For example, if you bribed someone and got all A+ in physics, chemistry and math. when you get here and enroll in engineering or some science you will be very frustrated and often people here switch to something completely different from what they came to study. Canadian system is indeed hard, but you can do it. You will need to study harder cuz we nigerian students are behind unfortunatel.

So when you get here, give yourself an adaptation period, say 1-year to catch up on how things are done in class. And don't be discouraged if u get bad grades, just keep studying and make sure you go for help with your professors and tutors. 

Often because Nigerian students have to play catch-up with the Canadian system, it often takes long to graduate. Say you came to study engineering (which is a 4year program). For an average Nigerian student it might take up to 5-6 years. Yes it’s the inconvenient truth. The truth they don't tell you. Those college administrators coming to promote their schools in Nigeria just assess you based on the transcripts you present to them. If your grades say all A+s then they assume you are a very bright student and so you will be placed where A+ students are.

        Another thing is parties, if you arrive they will be alota Nigerian parties, clubs calling, going out every weekend with friends. If you leave your books and go party in Canadian system, you will pay dearly for it simple. Your grades will plunge.

In Canadian system unfortunately if you want to progress and be happy spend more time with your books and less parties. Cuz Canadian system its all bout book book books. Thats it. And dats why you will find yourself very bored, i mean super bored like homesick and stuff. No fun at all if u wann to see good grades simple. 
You will definitely see people, posting party pics on face book and twitter. its tempting but stay with ur books. I used to party only in summer alot when am working and not taking courses. Its that simple. 

It feels like am killing the excitement here. But atleast you are getting the truth.
If you are focused and know what ure doing chances are you will graduate in 5years. Otherwise you will be stucked and frustrated. 

         Finally, i like to bring in the issue of planning. if you dunn plan for this system(Canadian), chances are you are bound to fail alot. And this includes not just your academics but everything from financial issues to jobs after school.

 Make sure you are in the right course, don't just stay there cuz daddy wanns you to study Engineering, Law or Medicine. Plan and make sure u love doing what you do otherwise you will be frustrated.

Make sure your source of income or parents can support you not just for 4 years but in the next 5-6 years whether you have a job or not. There have been cases where students drop out cuz their parents thought the programs run for 4years but unfortunately it does take longer. Cuz again it is a very high standard. And understand you could be going from a low-medium standard of education to something very challenging. Brace your self!

And jobs! Make sure while you are in school ( ofcourse as you approach 3rd year), you know what the the job market looks like if you intend to work in Canada when your are done. Do not wait until you finish school to start applying for jobs. You start applying for jobs in your field as summer student or internship student. So you can get experience in your field. This step is very crucial. You don't want to spend $80,000 studying engineering after 5-6 years and then working in a call center or convenience store because you have not been able to get a job. its not right, but it does happen.

And generally, there alot of jobs in western canada compared to the east coast, for instance alberta, saskatchewan and british columbia, so u might have to move there for good paying jobs in your field. Just good to have that in mind.

 Many times people stay in the big cities like Toronto, Montreal and lament about jobs. If you live in the big cities, chances are, you are competing with alota people for the same position. You must be open minded when looking for jobs. Be ready to move out west. 

Some people work part time while going to school but it doesn't work for some people. if your grades starts to plunge quit working and focus on your academics except you really have to work.

Canadians are generally very nice people, try to make friends with them and learn the culture quickly, it helps and they will help you alot. They are generally very polite and nice, so be nice as well to them. 
In your first year, you will challenged with the weather, the culture, new environment, accent(Oyibo dey rap english quick quick for this side oh). Please try to adapt na you wann come Canada shuuu!

And finally, the most important of all will be prayers. Everybody dey go abroad, doesnt necessarily transform to success. Pray and ask God for directions b4 you move. There have been alot of horror stories too. Just type in "Nigerian News" on www.google.com. And you will get what i mean.

I have set up an email incase any one has questions or corrections. Am open to all of them : emakgaga@gmail.com
Goodluck guys!

MY REPLIES. 

Educational Services / Re: Studing In Canada, What You Need To Know From A Nigerian Student by emakgaga: 2:41am On Aug 07, 2012

Its been more than a year I posted this write up. I never knew I would be making such a difference with some many questions bombarding my email. I am happy everyone is finally getting the help they need. Please feel free to email me anytime guys. I might be slow If am busy but will definitely answer you. God bless you all.

1 Like

 Educational Services / Re: Studing In Canada, What You Need To Know From A Nigerian Student by emakgaga: 5:43pm On Oct 30, 2012

 Guys alot people have emailed me about working and paying their Tuition and all other expenses by their self. MY answer? ----> IMPOSSIBLE.

I recently replied a guy and I have pasted my reply below giving a typical scenario.

It seems budget is an important issue here for you so I will tell you what I know.

If you want to send him to a University then consider paying his tuition until he graduates because there is no way he can raise money for tuition and still take care of himself.

Often Nigerians abroad spread this myth that you can pay your tuition but it is not true. Your part time job can pay your rent, feed you and maybe pay a few bills but thats it.

I will break this down a little bit more.

Say you work part time on campus for $10 an hr for 20hrs a week. After taxes you are sitting at roughly $135 a week which amounts to $540 a month. But guess what your rent is $400 minimum. You will need a bus pass, pay phone bill, feed your self, school supplies,etc. Keep in mind that during the school year that the immigration requires only 20hrs maximum of work a week.

The average tuition atleast for the school I attended was $5000 per semester. How can you afford that with your work.

I will give you another scenario.

During the summer months (May - August) students can choose not to take classes but rather work. In these months the Immigration allows students to work as long as the want but as long as they return to school in September. (keep in mind that when they return in september they can only work 20hrs a week again).

Say during the summer months your brother gets a good job for $13 an hour for 40hrs week by the end of the month he will be down to $1100 after taxes.

Lets calculate his monthly expenses from the amt earned.

Rent ---$400 (this is the cheapest)

Food --- $175

phone bill-- $80

Bus pass --- $70

miscellaneous ---$50 (depending on his life style)

total --- $775

$1100 - $775 = $325 savings a month.

$325 x 4months = $1300 ( savings from May to August).

As you can see this cannot pay $5000 school fees in september and he cannot return to school without support.

I had to break this down first for you so I can help you debunk the myth about paying tuition by yourself. It takes the grace of God. 

 Educational Services / Re: Studing In Canada, What You Need To Know From A Nigerian Student by emakgaga: 6:34am On Dec 07, 2012

decreamaster: @emakgaga, pls how do i get secondary school transcript from nigeria for undergraduate studies in canada

@ decreamaster: You need to get in touch with the secondary school and request for one. Not sure If you need one for yourself or someone else. Its better If you rather email me though. I could be slow to respond on Nairaland.

Educational Services / Re: Studing In Canada, What You Need To Know From A Nigerian Student by emakgaga: 7:39am On Dec 08, 2012

peterugoobi: @emakgaga

Am so happy to see you on this forum, l'm an engineering graduate, l read electrical and l really want to migrate to canada and settle down i.e get my citizenship. Everthing is on hold since l dont have a job, but from my research l think l have to first get a masters degree, preferably in nigeria since it would be cheaper, then apply 4 phd, which is a sure way of getting your permant residence. Please advice as you are there, this info i got from www.cic.ga.ca

thanks in anticipation

@ peterugoobi----> I think Cic.gc.ca has all the necessary information about permanent residence and citizenship. So you should be on the right track If you follow their instructions as disclosed on their website.

Educational Services / Re: Studing In Canada, What You Need To Know From A Nigerian Student by emakgaga: 5:48am On Jan 26, 2013

Guys I found a forum that discusses Immigration issues in Canada. Everything from visiting to working and citizenship is discussed. You can ask questions or just learn from people`s mistakes and advice. Here is the link: http://www.canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-discussion-board/international-students-b2.0/

One more thing. I have emails asking about what tuition cost for different programs. This information can be gotten directly from the school you choose to work it.

So It is important to choose a school that offers a program in your field and check the tuition section to see what the estimate is or atleast email the admissions officer (Their email is always made public for inquiries) for details on tuition.

Please understand different schools charge differently for tuition and so there is no fixed tuition amount for all schools in Canada.

Here is a list of schools in Canada:

by University names: http://www.aucc.ca/canadian-universities/our-universities

by Province: http://www.univsource.com/canadaregion.htm

Don't forget you can always send me an email: emakgaga@gmail.com - I will be slow to respond on Nairaland

 Educational Services / Re: Studing In Canada, What You Need To Know From A Nigerian Student by emakgaga: 9:04pm On Feb 04, 2013

papy4real: Hi,

I am a B.tech Civil Engineering graduate here in Nigeria and finished with a Second Class Upper (3.52/5.0). I will like to proceed with my Msc in Canada and would prefer either Civil Engineering/ Environmental Engineering/ Petroleum Engineering or any other closely related engineering course you think i'm eligible for.

A second class upper is the minimum requirement for most of the Canadian Universities i've checked but i feel my 3.5 upper is on the low side.

My preferred institution choices are about 5 which are: University of Alberta, University of Calgary, University of Manitoba, University of Regina and finally University of Saskatchewan.

Please i need advice on my chances of acceptance in this schools or other good options/schools you think are feasible in order for me to know how to plan ahead.

Secondly, what are the job prospects for my discipline in Canada?. I'd really appreciate your response. Regards

emakgaga: You have to choose exactly what you would like to study. I can not choose for you. It is important you know what you want so you can avoid frustration when you get here. Usually when these engineering programs get tough its only people who have the passion for it that remain even in bad grades, the rest just switch to something else. So please make up your mind before you send out your application.

You seem to know what the Canadian Universities want in terms of masters ( a 2,1) so I don't understand why you think Its too low.

The best way of increasing your chances of getting in is to apply to all 5 of them, that way you don't have all your eggs in one basket.

Engineering seem to be doing quite good now in Canada although no one holds the magic wand for the job market in the future. It always changes. But you are in the right direction

Send me an email If you have future inquiries. All the best

Educational Services / Re: Studing In Canada, What You Need To Know From A Nigerian Student by emakgaga: 7:32am On Feb 06, 2013

papy4real:  Really appreciate your response. Made up my mind about pursuing my M.sc in Civil Engineering but most Canadian Universities require a B at least (3.0 on a 4 point scale) which is the main reason why i'm thinking my 3.5/5 may not meet up after being converted. I'd try to apply to all 5 of them as you've advised and hope i'd be lucky to secure an admission at least. Regarding the Visa application process, how long does it take, can i use my uncle's Bank statement (don't have the same surname) and what are my chances of getting a TRV considering the fact that i don't have any prior travelling experience (not traveled out of the country before). Regards

emakgaga: Any statement of funds other than your parents will lead to your immediate rejection(wrong! pls see the April 3rd 2014 post about using a relatives bank statement)

Except you are being sponsored by the Government. Also your employer may sponsor you or you may sponsor yourself.

If you intend to use uncle/aunty it makes your application a little difficult in my opinion. Not sure about direct siblings but its worth exploring.

The fact that you never traveled out before has nothing to do with your student visa application. If you follow the rules and provide the necessary requirements you will be granted a visa.

Am not sure how long the visa process takes but I know It is always better to give yourself 1year from applying for admission to acquiring a visa, that way you don't work under too much pressure.

Send me an email at emakgaga@gmail.com IF YOU STILL HAVE QUESTIONS.

Educational Services / Re: Studing In Canada, What You Need To Know From A Nigerian Student by emakgaga: 5:23am On Mar 18, 2013

BashToks: Hi @Emakgaga

You're doing a good job helping people. It's real nice.

I have a question on the requirements documentation by the embassy.

Read somewhere that they require one's transcript (in the case of PGD or Masters prog) as part of your application process.

I wana know how true this is considering the fact that Universities don't just ditch out transcripts to students, the prefer mailing it to the destination where it's needed.

Thanks!

emakgaga: @ BashToks

It is very important that the embassy sees your transcript especially if you are going for post graduate studies.

Your transcript tells an academic story, it shows what you have been doing over the years and how serious you are in It. It also backs up some of the information you have supplied in the application form.

So yes they will really have to see it. Same goes for people who are going for undergraduate studies.

Educational Services / Re: Studing In Canada, What You Need To Know From A Nigerian Student by emakgaga: 6:33am On Mar 20, 2013

emmausa: Hi emakgaga!

Pls i will want to know if paying my tuition fees will make easy for study permit been issue to me?

Secondly how did u see seneca college as i got admitted to study computer systems technology, hope the college is sound and okay??

Thanks

emakgaga: Am not sure if much has changed but they make everyone pay their tuition before they process your application. Atleast that was part of the requirements during my time.

They are no guarantees, you still have to meet every other requirement to be granted a visa.

There are lots of schools in Canada that offer computer systems technology. Am sure you did the necessary research before you applied for admission and so you should not have any problems settling down once you arrive.

If you have any other questions email me : emakgaga@gmail.com

Educational Services / Re: Studing In Canada, What You Need To Know From A Nigerian Student by emmausa: 4:36pm On Apr 02, 2013  

Hi emakgaga! Pls i will want to know if i use my uncle's statement of account both personal and company's acct for my visa application, wil it be acceptable.
Secondly should i pay my tuition fees before applying for visa or if after i have applied for visa and later paid for my tuition....will the canadaian embassy know that i have paid my tuition fees. I.e if the school will notified the embassy that i have paid my tuition fees.
Your immediate reply wil be of great help. Thanks!

Educational Services / Re: Studing In Canada, What You Need To Know From A Nigerian Student by emakgaga: 2:16pm On Apr 03, 2013 

emmausa: Hi emakgaga! Pls i will want to know if i use my uncle's statement of account both personal and company's acct for my visa application, wil it be acceptable.
Secondly should i pay my tuition fees before applying for visa or if after i have applied for visa and later paid for my tuition....will the canadaian embassy know that i have paid my tuition fees. I.e if the school will notified the embassy that i have paid my tuition fees.
Your immediate reply wil be of great help. Thanks!

Make sure the statement of account is your parent's and no one else (see the previous replies above).

While paying for tuition can be helpful, It is no guarantee for a visa, you still have to meet every other requirement to be granted a visa. But If you pay for your tuition make sure you get some proof of payment(email preferable) and include it in you application.

Educational Services / Re: Studing In Canada, What You Need To Know From A Nigerian Student by lottoe(m): 9:38pm On Apr 03, 2013  

Hello house!@emakgaga,i really appreciate your altruistic gesture,in putting up vital information about studying in Canada.I studied elect elect eng.,in Obafemi Awolowo university.I would love to inquire from you about some information as regard masters in Canada, would appreciate if you can send me your email address.Thanking you for your prompt positive response.

Educational Services / Re: Studing In Canada, What You Need To Know From A Nigerian Student by emakgaga: 1:21am On Apr 04, 2013

lottoe: Hello house!@emakgaga,i really appreciate your altruistic gesture,in putting up vital information about studying in Canada.I studied elect elect eng.,in Obafemi Awolowo university.I would love to inquire from you about some information as regard masters in Canada, would appreciate if you can send me your email address.Thanking you for your prompt positive response.

emakgaga@gmail.com

Educational Services / Re: Studing In Canada, What You Need To Know From A Nigerian Student by emakgaga: 9:30pm On Apr 26, 2013

jonnyp: hi bro u re 2much pls re u on facebook

Am not on facebook Jonny but you can send me any questions you have at emakgaga@gmail.com

Educational Services / Re: Studing In Canada, What You Need To Know From A Nigerian Student by ahmedonia4real(m): 7:44pm On May 21, 2013

emmausa: Hi emakgaga!
Pls i will want to know if paying my tuition fees will make easy for study permit been issue to me?
Secondly how did u see seneca college as i got admitted to study computer systems technology, hope the college is sound and okay??
ThanksHi emakgaga!
Pls i will want to know if paying my tuition fees will make easy for study permit been issue to me?
Secondly how did u see seneca college as i got admitted to study computer systems technology, hope the college is sound and okay??
ThanksHi emakgaga!
Pls i will want to know if paying my tuition fees will make easy for study permit been issue to me?
Secondly how did u see seneca college as i got admitted to study computer systems technology, hope the college is sound and okay??
Thanks

Congrat on ur admission I also applied bt still waitting for my admission letter,plz I want to confirm hw long it takes b4 one can get the acceptance letter from seneca college?

Educational Services / Re: Studing In Canada, What You Need To Know From A Nigerian Student by emakgaga: 3:25pm On Jun 07, 2013

mr.drizzy:
how about geology for freshmen,i wonna knw which would be quite cheaper for freshmen...interms of cost

@ mr. drizzy, am not sure if the question is directed at me or someone else but am guessing you are asking for the tuition for a geology program in Canada? Well different schools charge differently so you might want to follow the link to schools on page 1 for a link to schools that may offer the geology program. See their tuition page and compare the tuition amount for different schools. I hope that helps otherwise send me an email: emakgaga@gmail.com

Educational Services / Re: Studing In Canada, What You Need To Know From A Nigerian Student by Sir Gbogs: 11:35pm On Jun 09, 2013

Sir Gbogs: Hello emekagaga. This is quite an interesting thread, and one that might help me answer a few question I have been pondering on.

I have applied to 2 Universities in Canada (British Columbia and Waterloo) for Post Graduate studies and I plan on applying to a third before the end of this week. All of them are for the January session. Assuming they take 2 to 3 months to get back to me with a decision (say around August to September), in your opinion is that enough time for me to still get a visa and catch up with the January entry? I hear getting the visa takes some time.

Secondly, for BC and Waterloo, the courses I have applied for have a duration of 1 year each. For the third place in Alberta, it is 2 years. Some people have told me it is better to do a 2 year course as it gives me better chances of getting a working visa and then later permanent residency, as opposed to the 1 year course. From what you know, how true is this? Will the 1 year course prevent me from staying back in Canada say for 1 to 2 years, say with a hope to work and gain some international experience?

I look forward to a swift reply. Thank you,

Apologies by the way; emakgaga not emekagaga

  Educational Services / Re: Studing In Canada, What You Need To Know From A Nigerian Student by emakgaga: 10:16pm On Jun 18, 2013

Sir Gbogs:

Apologies by the way; emakgaga not emekagaga

@ Sir Gbogs I believe I already responded via email.

Educational Services / Re: Studing In Canada, What You Need To Know From A Nigerian Student by claycares: 1:17pm On Jun 22, 2013

emakgaga: That explains your rejection. You are sitting at a 74% and they need an 80%.

thanks. Do you know of any Sch that accepts 74%? I also have a colleague who has a grade above 3.0 but below 3.5, do you know any possible uni he can apply to? The field is law.

Secondly, can I secure a PhD spot with this 74% grade+LL.M obtained in Nigeria?

Educational Services / Re: Studing In Canada, What You Need To Know From A Nigerian Student by emakgaga: 2:24pm On Jun 22, 2013

claycares: thanks. Do you know of any Sch that accepts 74%? I also have a colleague who has a grade above 3.0 but below 3.5, do you know any possible uni he can apply to? The field is law.


Secondly, can I secure a PhD spot with this 74% grade+LL.M obtained in Nigeria?

Am not sure of any schools that will accept anything lower than a 2,1. You might have to look into some sort of a post graduate program or perhaps a 2year program in a college where you can get the grades up and be able to apply for a masters program from there. Otherwise feel free to search for schools online and please update everyone on this thread if you find any school that is willingly to accept you.

Masters program is based on academic requirement and availability of supervisors, hence If you are having trouble with the academic requirement then I don't think you can proceed any further, not a even masters. So my guess is the Ph.d part is even tougher than the masters requirement.

Send me an email: emakgaga@gmail.com

I will only respond to you via email from now.

Educational Services / Re: Studing In Canada, What You Need To Know From A Nigerian Student by emakgaga: 7:49pm On Jul 01, 2013

Degreatjoe: thanks so much bro for the kind break downd of every thing
i'm currently studying hardware, networking and digital communication in India and will want to migrate to canada immediately after my graduation for MSC in Telecommunication management and i have been searching for schools over there and some good immigration tips and will really need ur kind advise
thanks

You have to be specific if you need help with any information. Send me an email :emakgaga@gmail.com

Educational Services / Re: Studing In Canada, What You Need To Know From A Nigerian Student by emakgaga: 11:16pm On Nov 20, 2013

chimobiofo1: Im a Nigerian n ill soon be in Canada with tourist visa by Gods grace n I plan applying for a pgd program in any of d schools dere n I tink dat tourist visa maximum stay in canada does nt exceed moredan 6 months pls i nid help i wnt to no if its possible to apply inside canada n also if yes how long ll it take for me to get d admission within dat period n also I heard dat ill nid to apply for study visa also to extend my stay dere pls I wnt to no if its possible to be inside canada n apply for admission n also study visa n if yes will it work within dat period of my tourist visa n also wat re dere requirements n also ive my students copy of my transcript I wnt to no if its acceptable in schools in canada or I shud send my original copy...pls help me with answers tnx u can send it to my email: chimoskiwire@gmail.com

Will reply you via email after I look into it.

I prefer email(emakgaga@gmail.com) and please type clearly. Its a lil tough to read.

Educational Services / Re: Studing In Canada, What You Need To Know From A Nigerian Student by emakgaga: 9:37pm On Jan 04 2014

Happy New Year guys.

I like to start the new year with a few notes.

For those of you who would like to live off campus please look in www.kijiji.ca for rental options.

Once on that website please choose the province on your top right and select real estate on the mid portion of the page. Look for the room mates or apartments option. Try as much as you can to rent close to campus to save travel time. You will get an idea of how much rent is going for in those areas which will help you plan.

Please lets strive this year to refrain emails like " Hey I like to study in Canada what are my chances of getting admission and a visa.

In biblical terms I will say I am astonished and find it eccentric. I would not know how to reply you, simple.

Just start by telling me a bit about yourself and try to avoid giving me a long story and then what areas you might need information and please watch out for your abbreviations they do really get out of hand.

I am not by any means an expert in any thing. Information you get from me is mostly from my experience or information I get from website resource. Don't depend on it a 100% unless you have done your own research.

Just as a reminder for visa applications in Nigeria follow this link below:

http://www.vfsglobal.ca/Canada/Nigeria/index.html

You can download the application forms here: http://www.canadainternational.gc.ca/nigeria/visas/forms-formulaires.aspx

Here is a link to frequently asked questions you might be interested in: http://www.vfsglobal.ca/Canada/Nigeria/faq.html

List of schools in Canada:

by University names: http://www.aucc.ca/canadian-universities/our-universities
by Province: http://www.univsource.com/canadaregion.htm

Forum discussing immigraion issues in Canada:

http://www.canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-discussion-board/international-students-b2.0/


Finally, it is worth while going online to read about where you will be studying. Say you plan to study at University of Manitoba, it is worth while reading about University of Manitoba, the city is situated, the people, weather, economy, etc. I used to do all night browsing in Nigeria just to read about Canada as a whole not just where I was going to attend school. It is really worth while.

If is your first time on this thread please start reading from page 0 before sending me an email (emakgaga@gmail.com).

I find it funny when people address me as Emeka.

Happy new Year.

  Educational Services / Re: Studing In Canada, What You Need To Know From A Nigerian Student by emakgaga: 6:52pm On Feb 13

Come June 2014 the government of Canada will be applying some new rules to the immigration application. Follow the link below:

http://www.cicnews.com/2014/02/canadian-immigration-news-briefs-midfebruary-2014-023232.html

Educational Services / Re: Studing In Canada, What You Need To Know From A Nigerian Student by emakgaga: 4:00pm On Mar 03

pastormrs: Hi, I will like to migrate to canda with my family as a skilled worker. my questions are
*is it a worthy exercise for couples in the mid life
*we are both professionals in ICT, how viable is our trade in canada
* do we come in as students or as skilled workers
thanks

You have indicated that you want to come to Canada as a skilled worker so the student option is out of the question especially because you have work experience.

Look into www.cic.gc.ca for information on skilled workers.

No one holds the magic wand to the job market in Canada it changes all the time.

Educational Services / Re: Studing In Canada, What You Need To Know From A Nigerian Student by emakgaga: 3:32pm On Mar 06

If interested in finding out what the job market says about your field in Canada, here is a good tool. http://www.workingincanada.gc.ca/mobile/occupation_search-eng.do?lang=eng (Modify) (Quote) (Report)

Ngbafor Eziokwu Bundu

Educational Services / Re: Studing In Canada, What You Need To Know From A Nigerian Student by emakgaga: 7:30pm On Mar 03

I got an email from a lady who structured her email like I have always wanted. See below. " My name is ********. I read sociology first degree. I have a 2-2 so I want to apply for a pgd. I'll like to ask a few questions 1. Is it better to apply through ontariocolleges.ca or to the school? I intend to study global business mgt or international business 2. I hope I'm not late in my application for september intake 3. I intend to study a 2yr programme since it entitles me to 3yrs post study permit Pls I want to know if I'm making the right choices " Remember your questions in point form helps me go straight to the point and helps me understand your situation better. Plus I will be quick to respond. *** ***See the following links to help you prepare for your admission process:http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/study/index.asp , http://www.vfsglobal.ca/canada/nigeria/ , http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/resources/publications/delay.asp