STUDY, WORK & TRAVEL:
YEAR ABROAD
FOR GRADUATES

A college certificate is a post-secondary qualification awarded by Canadian colleges after completing a short, focused program (usually 2-3 semesters). It provides practical, job-ready skills and may serve as a stepping stone to further education or employment.

• High school diploma (or equivalent, including Realschule)

• Proof of English proficiency:

  • IELTS Academic: 6.0 overall (no section below 5.5)

  • Duolingo English Test: 105+

  • Other standardized tests also accepted by some institutions

Yes, if you are 19 year or older. You will be considered a "mature student". In this case you will be asked to complete placement tests in English and Mathematics.

You can start your study program in January, May and September each year, depending on college and program availability.

No problem. Many colleges and language schools offer "English for Academic Purposes" (EAP) programs, which you can take before or alongside your certificate program. Once you complete the EAP program, you can start your main program without taking IELTS or other standardized tests.

Yes, you will need a study permit for any program longer than 6 months (24 weeks). All our programs require one. You'll also need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). Don't worry, we handle all your immigration needs at no extra cost.

Yes! Your study permit allows you to:

• Work up to 24 hours per week off-campus during the semester

• Work full-time on-campus

• Work full-time during scheduled school breaks

The PGWP is an open work permit that allows graduates of eligible programs to work full-time in Canada for up to 3 years (depending on your program length). It’s a great way to gain Canadian experience and potentially qualify for permanent residency.

After a 2 or 3 semester college certificate program, you are eligible for a one-year PGWP. Please note, that you can get a PGWP only once in a lifetime, regardless how many educational programs you complete in Canada.

No. Only Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) and certain full-time programs qualify for the PGWP. We’ll help you choose a program that meets these requirements. 👉 Check PGWP-eligible programs here (link)

• Minimum wage in Ontario: $17.60 CAD/hour

• Working 24 hours/week = approx. $1,690 CAD/month This income is typically enough to cover room, food, and local transport. During holidays or with a PGWP, you can work full-time (32–40 hrs/week), potentially earning $2,300 CAD/month or more.

Yes. Health insurance is mandatory and included in your tuition fee. It is provided through your college's student association and covers medical needs during your studies.

A one-year college certificate program in Canada for international students typically costs between CAD $10,000 and $20,000, depending on the college, program, and province. This usually includes tuition fees, student services fees, health insurance, and access to campus resources like labs, libraries, and career centres.

Yes, absolutely! In addition to one-year certificate programs, international students can choose from a wide variety of academic options, including:

• 2- or 3-year college diploma programs

• 4-year Honour Bachelor’s degree programs at colleges or universities

These programs offer deeper specialization, broader career options, and often provide stronger pathways to Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP) and permanent residency.

For more details go to www.startwithcanada.com or write info@startwithcanada..com

While international students do pay tuition (on average CAD $17,000 per year), studying in Canada can still be a smart financial investment — especially when you factor in your legal work rights during and after your studies.

Let’s break it down a realistic scenario:

Program & Living Costs:

• Year One:

  • Tuition: $17,000 CAD (average)

  • Accommodation & meals (homestay/private room, 3 meals/day): $12,000 CAD Total Cost for Year 1: CAD $29,000

• Year Two:

  • Accommodation & meals (homestay/private room, 3 meals/day): $12,000 CAD

• Total Cost for two years: $31,000 CAD

Your Earnings:

While Studying

As an international student, you're allowed to work up to 24 hours/week off campus during the academic term. At Ontario’s minimum wage of $17.60/hour. Assuming you have a min wage job, you can earn:

• $17.60 × 24 hours/week = $422.40/week

• Over 32 study weeks/year = ~$13,516/year

During School Breaks (Full-Time)

During scheduled breaks (winter, spring, summer), you can work full-time (32–40 hrs/week). Let’s say you work 10 weeks full-time at 35 hours/week:

• $17.60 × 35 hours/week = $616/week

• 10 weeks × $616 = ~$6,160

After Graduation – PGWP (1 Year)

With a Post-Graduation Work Permit, you can work full-time for up to 1–3 years.

Let’s assume one year of full-time work at 40 hrs/week:

• $17.60 × 40 hours/week = $704/week

• 52 weeks × $704 = ~$36,608/year

💡 Total Potential Income:

• While studying: ~$13,500

• On breaks: ~$6,100

• PGWP year: ~$36,600

Total: ~$56,200 CAD in legal income over two years

Compare this to your $32,000 CAD cost of studying and living, and it’s easy to see:

📈 Your program can pay for itself, while giving you education, international work experience, and a life-changing adventure.

And remember — CanStart Group helps you every step of the way, including free study permit application support and choosing PGWP-eligible programs.

Canada is not just a top destination for education — it's also one of the best places in the world to explore! As part of your Study, Work & Travel experience with CanStart Group, you'll have plenty of opportunities to enjoy Canada’s incredible entertainment, culture, and natural beauty.

Entertainment & City Life

• Experience the vibrant multicultural life in cities like Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, and Quebec City

• Enjoy live music, theatre, international festivals, sports events (like hockey or basketball), and buzzing nightlife

• Explore local cafes, museums, shopping districts, art galleries, and food from every corner of the world

Travel Across Canada

• During school breaks and weekends, you can travel to world-famous destinations like:

  • Niagara Falls & Niagara-on-the-Lake

  • Banff and Jasper National Parks in the Rocky Mountains

  • Old Quebec City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

  • Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia’s coast, and more

• Our programs include guided trips such as a 4-day Canada tour (Ontario & Quebec) and a 1-day Niagara Falls adventure

• You’ll also have the freedom to plan your own trips across the country using your earnings from work

Seasonal Activities

• Winter: skiing, snowboarding, dog sledding, ice skating

• Summer: hiking, kayaking, beach trips, camping, festivals

With a year or more in Canada, you’ll have the time to truly experience the country from coast to coast — not just as a tourist, but as a student, worker, and explorer.