International Student in Canada applying for Masters?

[thegloryqueen]

Hello all,

I am a former international student who completed an honours ba degree in Canada, and I am currently on post-graduation work permit. 

As you might be aware, there are not many funding opportunities for international students. So, I was wondering, is it better to become a Permanent Resident first and then apply to grad school (hence more funding, more spots, less competition) or should I go for grad school as an international student if I get admitted (limited spots, more competition, higher tuition)?

 

I have already applied to 6 schools this year and I started working in January. After I complete 1560 hours (around Oct-Nov 2018), I'll be able to apply to PR through Express Entry.

Should I wait for PR or go for grad school as an international student in Canada?

[TakeruK]

Why can't you apply for grad schools now and if you don't get in, then apply again the next year as a PR?

I am not 100% sure about your field, but at most Canadian schools/programs I know of, your funding package as an international student is larger to balance out the higher tuition. So that your take-home pay should be about the same as your Canadian colleagues. Because the dept has to spend more money on you, this is the main reason why it's more competitive (higher cost = less spots) for international students. So, if you still get in then you won't be any better or worse off as an international student or a PR. And I believe you can still get PR as a grad student.

[thegloryqueen]

5 minutes ago, TakeruK said:

Why can't you apply for grad schools now and if you don't get in, then apply again the next year as a PR?

I am not 100% sure about your field, but at most Canadian schools/programs I know of, your funding package as an international student is larger to balance out the higher tuition. So that your take-home pay should be about the same as your Canadian colleagues. Because the dept has to spend more money on you, this is the main reason why it's more competitive (higher cost = less spots) for international students. So, if you still get in then you won't be any better or worse off as an international student or a PR. And I believe you can still get PR as a grad student.

Thanks a lot for your quick reply! That actually makes a lot of sense, I heard similar things from UofT, but York told me that I'll have to pay out of pocket.

My concern is that post-grad work permit is once in a life time thing and is cancelled the moment I get study permit. Thus, lets say I got in to grad school this year, I will have to apply for a study permit and then my work permit will be cancelled. I heard that Express Entry would be an easier path for a PR, so I dont really know what to do.

I felt like I would have a higher chance of getting in, as I would be considered in the pool of other Canadians. I have this anxious feeling that keeps telling me i wont get in  

[TakeruK]

1 hour ago, thegloryqueen said:

Thanks a lot for your quick reply! That actually makes a lot of sense, I heard similar things from UofT, but York told me that I'll have to pay out of pocket.

My concern is that post-grad work permit is once in a life time thing and is cancelled the moment I get study permit. Thus, lets say I got in to grad school this year, I will have to apply for a study permit and then my work permit will be cancelled. I heard that Express Entry would be an easier path for a PR, so I dont really know what to do.

I felt like I would have a higher chance of getting in, as I would be considered in the pool of other Canadians. I have this anxious feeling that keeps telling me i wont get in  

Oh I see, didn't realise the post-grad work permit is a one-time thing. Tough choice, I don't know for sure. You can at least still apply and see what happens before deciding though.

[A2018]

For my MA YorkU offered me a minimum package that was enough to cover tuition and some living expenses ($27k). I know for the PhD programs UofT commits to a min of $15k and tuition waiver. So by “pay out of pocket” YorkU means you have to pay from the funding you receive, it doesn’t mean that you won’t get a big enough funding. 

 

I agree with takeruK that it’s very competitive for international students. If I was you I’d apply when I already got PR so I can also be eligible for external funding like OGS and everything. (International OGS is a different competition with very limited resources) .

 

how long is your MA? If it’s one year, it might be worth it to attend now if you got in. After you receive your MA degree you can apply for the MA nomination stream in Ontario (ie you can apply for PR as long as you have an MA degree)

 

 

Edited February 6, 2018 by A2018