Student visa rejections have been one of the darkest nightmares for most Indian students interested in studying in Canada. You must meet certain requirements by the university and immigration like specified percentage of marks, age, justified gap, and sufficient funds.

I’ve been counselling students for various degree programmes in Canada for several years. And one of the most frequent queries that I receive is about the percentage criteria.

A minimum of 65% is required for the humanities stream in class XII and 70-80% for the science and Commerce stream in class XII. Students with 60% or below can apply for Foundation or Diploma courses. However, this requirement might change based on the level of degree or ranking of the university in Canada.

What Is A Study Permit In Canada?

A study permit is basically a legal official document issued by the Canadian Government that allows foreign students to study at DLIs also known as Designated Learning Institutions in Canada.

It basically shows that you have met all the basic requirements to study in the country and grants you legal permission to pursue your chosen career at your dream Canadian college.

You can think of the study permit as the key to unlocking a world of educational opportunities in Canada. It also gives you access to other benefits like working part-time on campus, taking part in co-op programs, internships, and more.

How Much Percentage Is Required For Canada Study Visa?

The overall percentage required for a Canada Study Visa is around 60 to 65% in the 12th grade. However, don’t be sad if you have a lower percentage than that. If you have lower than 60%, you can still apply for a diploma or foundational programme.

We have done some research and the average percentage that you should have will depend upon the course you are applying to. Here is the list of course names along with the minimum percentage that you will require –

Minimum Percentage Required To Study In Canada

The minimum percentage required to study in Canada is –

 Admission Requirements For Indian Students

Let’s explore the eligibility criteria which is there for Indian students applying for study Visas in Canada. Some of the common requirements are –

Academic Qualifications

Canadian institutes require a certain level of academic achievement. Specific programs and universities may have additional requirements but the basic requirement is a High school diploma or its equivalent.

English Proficiency

It is very important to prove that you are fluent in English. Most universities use standard tests like the IELTS or TOEFL to assess your English language proficiency.  Note that your band score is also a deciding factor as universities in Canada often have specific band requirements.

Financial Resources

Applicants must show that they have enough money to pay for tuition, living bills, and other costs. You can show proof of funds through bank statements, scholarship letters, or letters of support to show that you have enough money to study in Canada.

Medical Tests

It is possible that certain students will be asked to go through medical examinations to verify that they are in compliance with the health standards necessary to study in Canada. This comprises a comprehensive health evaluation as well as a screening for infectious diseases in accordance with the legislation in Canada.

Documents Required To Study In Canada

To obtain a study permit from Canada, you will need the below-mentioned documents –

• Proof of acceptance from the institution you are applying to
• Proof of identity
• Proof of Financial Support

You may also require some other documents like –

• Letter of explanation – It will show why you are applying for Canadian Study Visa
• Academic records
• An attestation of Issuance of your Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ)
• A medical test reports
• A custodian declaration (In case of minors only)
• Any other document which may be requested specifically by the Visa office

You can read about the details of the documents required for a study permit here.

How To Get A Canada Study Visa With Low Percentage?

Getting a Canadian Study Visa with a low percentage can be challenging but not impossible. Here’s how to can do it:

Low Percentage In 10th

If you have a low percentage in 10th, you can emphasize extracurricular activities. Highlight any significant achievements or improvements in your academic performance to show your overall growth.

Low Percentage In 12th

If you have a low percentage in 12th, you can explain any personal circumstances that might have impacted your 12th-grade results. Showcasing strong performance in some of the relevant subjects and highlighting your strong skills will do the work for you.

Low Percentage In Bachelors

If you have a low percentage in your Graduation, consider highlighting it in your letter. Explain any challenges that you might have faced. Show relevant internships or live projects to demonstrate your skills and knowledge. If you have played any sports for National or State Levels, highlight them to strengthen your Canada student visa application.

Low Percentage In Masters

Like with the bachelor’s degree, you should talk about the low number on your master’s degree application. Explain any problems or events that affected your performance, and bring up any research projects, thesis, publications, or related work experience in the industry.

Popular Destination For Studying In Canada

Canada is a sought-after destination for many international students for its diverse culture and the experiences it offers. Some of the popular destinations in Canada are Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Calgary, Ottawa, and Waterloo.

Toronto is Canada’s largest city and home to many prestigious universities like the University of Toronto and Ryerson University. Apart from college, you can also experience a bustling city while having a wide range of access to many cultural attractions as well.

On the other hand, there’s Vancouver, which has many outdoor recreational activities and art scenes. The University of Columbia and Simon Fraser University are renowned institutions here.

If you are planning on studying at McGill University or Concordia University, then you can experience the delicious cuisine and the vibrant art scene in Montreal. These are some of the popular destinations in Canada that offer international students an opportunity to explore diverse cultures along with educational opportunities.

Best Universities To Study In Canada

Canada is home to some of the world’s most well-known and well-rated educational institutions, as determined by external metrics like student achievement and faculty/graduate employment rates. Some of the top universities in the world can be found in Canada, and they all provide an excellent education and a good atmosphere for international students.

Some of the best Canadian universities:

1. University of Toronto

It is a public institution founded in 1827 and consists of three different campuses i.e., St. George, Mississauga, and Scarborough. This university offers disciplines such as management, public health, science, and engineering.

The primary language in which subjects are taught is English and you can easily find student housing near all three campuses. It has been ranked 25 among the top universities in the world.

2. University of British Columbia

Established in 1915, this university is famous for teaching, learning, and research. It is ranked 45 among the best universities in the world. UBC offers 256 undergraduate programs and 253 postgraduate programs. You can check their official site for detailed information about different courses and to avail of scholarships.

3. McGill University

Ranked 31 in the QS Ranking, this university has campuses in Montreal. It boasts a diverse curriculum that includes the arts, sciences, medicine, engineering, and more with a focus on innovation.

4. University of Alberta

5. Brandon University

6. York University

7. Athabasca University

Canada Student Visa Rejection Rate For Indian Students

2022 vs 2023

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) release reports every year declaring the count of students holding Canadian student Visas. In 2021, around 6,17,315 students applied for Canadian student Visas.

In 2022, around 230,000 applications have been submitted for Canada study permit. However, the rejection rate for Indian students is 60% in 2022, which is above average (30%). Most of these rejections are done on common ground which we have discussed in the upcoming section.

These high rejection rates for Indian students in 2022 raise concerns and warrant closer examination. One of the most common grounds for rejection is the failure to meet necessary academic requirements.

You can take guidance and support from educational consultants, and student advisors who have knowledge about the Canadian study permit process.

5 Common Reasons For Canada Student Visa Rejection

If you are planning to study in Canada, you must know about the common reasons that lead to student Visa rejections, so that you can avoid it. The five most common reasons for Canadian student Visa rejection are:

1. Lack of Financial Proof

When you apply for a Canada student Visa, you will need to prove your financial stability such that you can pay at least one year’s tuition fee for the college you enrolled in, along with your ability to sustain yourself during the first year in the country.

The official usually asks for a minimum of six months of your bank statement to make sure that you have the financial means to cover the cost of tuition and other expenses. If they believe that you don’t have enough money to support yourself, then your student Visa might be rejected.

2. Insufficient Documentation

If you don’t have a complete record of your travel history or your identity documents are unclear, the IRCC may reject your Visa application. The officials must be able to verify your criminal record and that you meet medical requirements to be admissible in Canada.

The officials will examine your academic record to find if there are study gaps without a valid justification and identify them as problematic periods. This is one of the most common reasons for visa rejections, so you must carefully submit your documents and provide strong evidence if you have study gaps.

3. Intent To Leave The Country

A student permit is a temporary Visa that comes with an expiration date. While applying for the student Visa, you need to demonstrate your plans to leave Canada and return to your home country.

That being said, you can extend your student Visa with certain government programs that help international students explore job opportunities stay and work in Canada.

However, at the time of application for your study permit, if you are not able to present strong reasons to the officials that you will return to your home country after Visa expiration, your application may get rejected.

4. Letter of Acceptance

A letter of acceptance from a Designated Learning Institute (DLI) is mandatory before applying for a study permit or student Visa. You must submit your letter of acceptance from your respective DLI to the officials for your application to proceed.

If you haven’t received your letter of acceptance from a registered Canadian educational institute, your application will be instantly rejected. You also need to be eligible for the minimum requirements as stated by the Canadian government.

5. Choice of Program

The field of study course plays a very important role when it comes to the study permit. Your choice of program must align with your career goals and your past educational background.

If the official notices a sudden change in your field of interest or study, it may raise concerns and lead to the rejection of your application. Therefore, it becomes crucial to select programs that align with your previous academic background and future profession.

People Also Ask

Can I study in Canada with 50% marks in 12?

While 50% of marks in 12 may not meet typical academic criteria requirements for admission to Canadian universities, it does not mean that you are ineligible to study in Canada. There are many universities and institutions that consider applicants with lower academic scores on a case-by-case basis.

Is Canada study Visa easy?

Obtaining a Canadian Visa requires certain specific requirements and can turn out to be a complex process. With proper planning, research, and meeting the eligibility requirement, many individuals are able to successfully obtain study permits for Canada.

Can I study in Canada with 60% marks?

Yes, you are eligible to apply for a Canadian student Visa with 60% marks. However, whether you will get the permit will totally depend upon your Visa interviewer and how you put your case based on your field of study.

Getting standardized test scores, letters of recommendation, and a clear criminal record is highly recommended to increase your chances of selection.

How much gap is accepted for study in Canada?

Canadian universities generally accept a gap of up to 2 years before the completion of previous studies and the start of a new program. This is not common for all institutions as they have their own criteria for selection.