There is no doubt that Canada is a great place to study – studying here is an opportunity to receive world-class education and position yourself for success after school.
However, it costs a lot of money to study in Canada, the tuition fees are off the roof – aside from the tuition fees, you also have to cater for your living expenses and other daily needs.
If you don’t have the funds to achieve your dream of studying in Canada, getting a sponsor is the best option.
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A sponsor will not only provide you with financial support but also mentorship and guidance throughout your academic journey.
They can help cover your tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs, and even provide additional support for academic materials and extracurricular activities.
Being sponsored sounds great but who can sponsor you to study in Canada?
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Not everyone is allowed to sponsor you to study in Canada.
Sponsorship for international students in Canada is subject to specific eligibility criteria and regulations set by immigration authorities.
Who can sponsor me to study in Canada?
You can be sponsored to study in Canada by different groups like schools, government programs, private organizations, family members, friends, employers, and international groups. Each sponsor has rules you need to follow to qualify for their support.
Sponsors must have the financial capacity to fund your stay in Canada before they will be allowed to sponsor you to study in Canada.
Also, read: Proof of funds for Canada student visa
They must also demonstrate their ability to cover your tuition fees, living expenses, and other costs.
You can be sponsored to study in Canada by:
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Educational Institutions
Any educational institution can partially or fully sponsor you to study in Canada
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- Universities and Colleges: Most universities and colleges in Canada offer scholarships, grants, and financial aid to international students based on academic merit, financial need, or specific criteria. These institutions often have dedicated offices or departments to assist students in finding and applying for scholarships and financial support.
- Private institutions: Any private educational institutions like language schools and vocational training centres can also sponsor you to study in Canada. They can offer you scholarships or other financial assistance.
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The government can also sponsor you
- Canadian Government sponsors students through scholarships: The government of Canada sponsors international students through agencies like Global Affairs Canada and the Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE) – which offer students scholarships and awards for their studies. Some of these scholarships are based on your academic excellence, research potential, or specific fields of study.
- In addition, different provinces in Canada also sponsor international students to study in Canada. For example, in Ontario, the Ontario Trillium Scholarship (OTS) is available for international PhD students, while in Alberta, the Alberta Innovates Graduate Student Scholarships support graduate students in specific research areas.
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Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) can also sponsor you to study in Canada
Aside from the government, non-governmental organizations can also sponsor you to study in Canada.
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- International Foundations: Organizations like the Fulbright Program, Commonwealth Scholarship Commission, and Rotary International have scholarships and fellowships through which they provide sponsorship for international students to study in Canada.
- Corporate sponsorship: Furthermore, companies and corporations in Canada can also sponsor you to study in the country. Many of them have sponsorship or scholarship programs that they offer to international students, especially in fields related to their business interests or corporate social responsibility initiatives.
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A family or relative can sponsor you to study in Canada
This is very popular among students in Canada, you can be sponsored to study in Canada by any of your family members.
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- Parents or Guardians: Family members, such as your parents or legal guardians, can sponsor you to study in Canada. They will cater to all your financial needs like tuition, living expenses, and other educational costs.
- Relatives or Friends: In some cases, if you have a relative or a friend living in Canada who is financially capable of funding your studies, they can sponsor you to come study in Canada. While you are there, they will cover all your academic expenses.
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International Organizations and Agencies
You can also be sponsored by international organizations like:
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- United Nations (UN) Agencies: Some UN agencies, such as UNESCO or UNICEF have sponsorship, scholarships or grants for international students in Canada pursuing studies related to their mission areas, such as education, health, or sustainable development.
- Embassies and Consulates: Your home country’s embassy or consulate in Canada can also sponsor you – they have scholarship programs and other financial schemes for students from your country studying in Canada.
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Your employer
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Your employer can also sponsor you to study in Canada.
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- Employer sponsorship: If you are already employed or plan to work while studying in Canada, your employer can sponsor part or all of your education expenses. Some employers offer tuition reimbursement programs or scholarships for employees pursuing further education.
- Co-op and internship programs: Many Canadian universities and colleges have co-op and internship programs that allow students to gain work experience while studying. Some of these programs also offer you financial compensation or sponsorship.
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Your community or cultural organizations can sponsor you
- Your ethnic and cultural organization: If you belong to a community organization or cultural association in Canada or outside Canada, they can sponsor you to study in Canada. They can offer you a scholarship or other financial assistance.
- Religious institutions: Your religious organizations and institutions are also allowed to sponsor your academic program in Canada.
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You can be sponsored by research grants and fellowship program
- Research Councils: Organizations like the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) can sponsor you to study in Canada through research grants and fellowships.
- Research Institutions: Universities, research institutes, and think tanks in Canada also have funding opportunities for international students. If you are participating in research projects or pursuing advanced degrees in research-focused disciplines, you can apply for these opportunities.
Can I sponsor my married sister to Canada?
You can sponsor your married sister to Canada if you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and meet the sponsorship requirements set by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
If your married sister isn’t going to Canada to study, then you must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident to sponsor her but if she is going to Canada to study, you can sponsor her even if you are not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
Can I sponsor my cousin to Canada?
You cannot directly sponsor your cousin to Canada under the Family Class sponsorship program. However, your cousin can be eligible for other immigration pathways like the Express Entry system or the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), depending on their circumstances.
Can my brother sponsor me to study in Canada?
Yes, your brother can sponsor you to study in Canada if he is financially capable and agrees to pay for all your academic expenses in Canada. He will pay for your situation fees, accommodation, and other necessary fees during your studies.
Suppose you are looking for sponsors to fund your studies in Canada. In that case, you need to thoroughly research and explore all available sponsorship options based on your eligibility, qualifications, and academic goals.
Also, read: New Rules for international students in Canada
You can look to your relatives, institutions, organizations and other agencies to sponsor you to study in Canada.
Each sponsor has specific requirements, application deadlines, and selection criteria, so ensure you meet these requirements before you apply for any sponsorship.