What is a study plan and how do you write one?
A study plan is a vital piece of information that is submitted to the Canadian government when you apply to study in Canada. Even if you have all your documents in order, if your study plan is not included, or has been incorrectly written, you may not obtain the study permit that you are seeking. The study plan includes your rationale for studying in Canada and the benefits that it will provide you in your home country. The plan helps the assessing officer to determine if your motives for studying in Canada make sense, if you are using your study for immigration purposes and if you will return to your country of citizenship or residence at the end of your study period. The study plan is also your chance to communicate directly with the assessing officer and to convince them why you should be permitted to study in Canada.
Keep in mind that the study plan is meant to be brief, no more than 1 page, but it should be thorough and explain your plan well. Your font should be between 10.5 and 12 so that the officer can reasonably read the plan but you can fit more onto the page.
When you write your plan do not include information about Canada unless it is specifically relevant to your plan. An example of this would be, do not tell the officer that Canada is a great country-they know that. Do tell the officer that you would like to participate in a specific program that is known to be high quality in Canada or perhaps that you are seeking an inclusive environment in which to study that is only obtainable in Canada.
The questions associated with this part of your study permit include the following:
Your plan for study should make sense in the context of your current education and work experience. So, if you have a PhD in computer science, do not apply to a diploma for computer science as this will be viewed negatively.
In contrast, if you have a Bachelor's Degree in Economics, you may consider doing a Master's of Economics in Canada because the education is high quality and your international experience will be well received in your home country.
The following questions are part of the study plan. Read through them and consider how you may answer them in relation to your study goals:
1. Why do you wish to study in Canada in the program for which you have been accepted?
2. What is your overall educational goal?
3. Why are you not pursuing a similar program in your country of residence or of citizenship?
4. What research have you done into studies in your country of residence or of citizenship?
5. How will this program enhance your employment opportunities in your country of residence or of citizenship?
6. What ties do you have to your country of residence or of citizenship?
7. In the case of a minor applicant, what are your reasons for wishing to study in Canada? What is your parents’ or guardians’ immigration status in their current country of residence?
8. Provide details of your education history—dates when the course started and ended, the name and address of the school, the course taken, qualification, degree, or certificate awarded for the course. This is for all education including colleges or universities you have attended.
When you are planning the structure of your study plan, consider the whole picture as each question is related to the next or the previous. Make sure that your study plan makes sense. Include information on how you will pay for your studies.
The study plan is also a great tool for you to solidify your own study goals. If you need help with your study plan or would like to access our study plan template, please email us at info@immigrationstationcanada.com with the subject line "Study Plan Template." For more information or to book a consultation, please visit our website at www.immigrationstationcanada.com.
About Us
Immigration Station Canada is a dedicated, professional Canadian Immigration firm practicing out of Northumberland County, just east of Toronto, in Canada. We serve clients from Kingston, Belleville, Brighton, Cobourg, Oshawa, the GTA, Guelph, Milton, Stratford and St. Catharines and around the world. Our Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant, Anne C. McCaughey (Annie) is an experienced immigration services provider and a fifth generation Canadian who values the immigration process and the unique individuals who immigrate to Canada to become part of the fabric of this wonderful country. If you would like to submit a question to Ask Annie, use the link located at the top right of the page.
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We do work permits, study permits, visitor visas, Express Entry, spousal sponsorship, family class sponsorship, and Canadian citizenship with an expertise in Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) applications and Global Talent Stream applications.
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