PTE inspiration and advice

Canada is one of the most educated countries in the world. In fact, 63% of people aged 24-34 have completed their post-secondary education; only South Korea ranks higher among OECD countries.  

It comes as no surprise, then, that Canada is also home to some of the best universities in the world. From coast to coast, Canadian universities excel at innovation and research - and they work hard to support international students who’ve chosen to call the country home.  

So, which institutions should you have on your radar? Here are seven top international universities in Canada:  

1. University of British Columbia  

Founded in 1908, the University of British Columbia boasts some of the most beautiful campuses in Canada. It's largest

is in Vancouver and sits against a backdrop of the Pacific Ocean. Its second campus a few hours away is nestled in the unique Okanagan wine region.

But, the University of British Columbia doesn’t make our list just for its incredible locations. The university is also one of the world’s best research universities - it’s ranked 45th globally by the QS World University Rankings, and number three in Canada.  It’s also home to a top subatomic physics research lab, which possesses the world’s biggest cyclotron (a particle accelerator).  

And guess what? The University of British Columbia is also ranked North America’s most international university. Students from 166 countries are enrolled there, and the university also has a regional office in Hong Kong.  

Cost of living: Vancouver is the most expensive city in Canada. A one-bedroom apartment in downtown Vancouver costs about $2,050 CAD/month. Learn more about how much on-campus housing costs here.  

Tuition: Read more about the university’s fees here.  

You might like: How to apply for a Canadian student visa. 

2. University of Ottawa  

What better place to study than in Ottawa, the capital city of Canada? Sat on the border between Ontario and Quebec, the University of Ottawa is the largest bilingual university in the world. It was founded in 1848, and today offers more than 450 programs in French and English.  

The University of Ottawa campus features historic buildings, is close to the famous Rideau Canal, and was named number 6 in Canada for sustainability in 2020, according to the UI Greenmetric World University Rankings.  

In recent years, the university has also invested in five new state-of-the-art facilities and research labs - including a black box theatre and an innovative STEM complex. You can take a virtual tour of the whole campus here. 

Cost of living: A one-bedroom apartment downtown costs $1,618 CAD/month on average. Check out how much on-campus housing costs here.  

Tuition: Learn more about tuition fees with the University of Ottawa’s fee calculator. 

3. University of Alberta 

The University of Alberta is located in and around Edmonton, which is the capital city of the province of Alberta. It was also founded in 1908 and boasts 18 faculties stretched across five campuses - where students from 156 countries are enrolled.  

According to QS University Rankings, the University of Alberta is ranked 6th in Canada. It’s also ranked among the best in the world by the Centre for World University Rankings for a range of subjects - including forestry (5), geology (5), as well as - this one is cool -  paleontology (3)! In fact, a few hours from the University of Alberta is Dinosaur Provincial Park, which has been recognized by UNESCO for containing many of the most important fossils discovered from the “Age of the Dinosaurs.” 

Cost of living: A one-bedroom apartment in downtown Edmonton costs $1,171/month on average. Learn more about University of Alberta on-campus housing here.  

Tuition: Learn more about tuition fees at the University of Alberta here.  

4. Dalhousie University   

Dalhousie University is a research-intensive university in Halifax, Nova Scotia. It was founded in 1818, and offers students more than 190 undergraduate and graduate programs. Like a few other universities on our list, Dalhousie University is part of the U15 - a group of 15 leading Canadian research universities. Nearly 20% of students at the school are international. 

Dalhousie boasts four campuses - three in Halifax and one a couple of hours away in a town called Truro. And, the province of Nova Scotia is an excellent place for international students to call home. It’s located in the heart of the Atlantic maritime, and students here will enjoy beautiful ocean views, vibrant nightlife, great live music, and friendly people. In fact, Canadian magazine Maclean’s named Halifax the best city in Canada to live and work remotely in 2021.  

Cost of living: Halifax is an affordable city in Canada. For example, a one-bedroom apartment downtown costs about $1,415/month. Check out how much on-campus housing at Dalhousie University costs here.  

Tuition: Learn more about tuition fees at Dalhousie University here.  

5. York University  

Founded in 1959, York University is the third-largest university in Canada. It’s located in Toronto - a great student city - and is home to 11 faculties. York excels in a range of courses - from education to psychology, to business. In fact, its executive master of business administration (EMBA) program was ranked first in Canada and number 21 in the world by Financial Times in 2020.  

York University has one main campus in Toronto, as well as a smaller bilingual campus closeby. It also boasts a Hyberbad campus, where students have the opportunity to split their two-year master of business administration (MBA) course between Canada and India, as well as Las Nubes EcoCampus, located on 414 acres of protected land in Costa Rica!  

Cost of living: A one-bedroom apartment in downtown Toronto costs about $2,100/month on average. But since York University is located outside the city center, rent may be cheaper. You can also find out more about on-campus housing at York University here.  

Tuition: Learn more about tuition fees at York University here.  

6. University of Manitoba  

The University of Manitoba is located in Winnipeg, right in the center of Canada. It was founded in 1877 - making it the oldest university in Western Canada! The university offers more than 100 programs, and more than 20% of students are international. The University of Manitoba also has one of the largest Indigenous student populations in the country.  

The university has two campuses; the largest one features 60+ buildings spread out through 692 acres, and the second is a world-class health sciences center located downtown Winnipeg. It’s also home to the Smartpark Research and Technology Park, an innovative hub that’s home to 10 buildings and 20 companies working in areas like ICT, engineering, and health and biotechnology.  

Cost of living: Winnipeg is very affordable. A one-bedroom apartment downtown costs just $1,077/month on average. Learn more about on-campus housing at the university here.  

Tuition: Learn more about tuition fees at University of Manitoba here. 

7. McGill University  

McGill University is based in Montreal, Quebec. Founded in 1821, it’s one of the most prestigious universities in Canada - and ranked 2nd in the country by QS University Rankings (31st in the world).  

For the last 16 years, McGill’s also been ranked by Maclean’s Magazine as the best medical school in Canada. The university also has a global research focus - for example, they have international research partners in 99 countries. If you’re interested in the research they do, you can read about the 7 themes they focus most on here. 

One of the best parts of enrolling at McGill? You get to live in Montreal! McGill University boasts two campuses; the main downtown campus is filled with green space and historic buildings, while the second sits on 1606 acres about 45 minutes from the city. And with its incredible arts, culture, and diversity, Montreal was named the world’s best student city for international students this year.  

Check out our blog: 6 reasons to study in Quebec 

Cost of living: Montreal is also one of the most affordable big cities in Canada. It costs about 1,300 CAD/month on average to rent a one-bedroom apartment. Learn more about student residence costs here.  

Tuition: Learn more about tuition fees at McGill University here.  

Canada is home to many world-class universities - and we can help you earn a spot. Our computer-based, unbiased English language exam PTE Academic is accepted by the majority of Canadian universities and colleges. 

Discover more about PTE English tests for Canada.

Studying abroad is the experience of a lifetime. You’ll have an untold number of opportunities,  make friends, grow your network and broaden your horizons. But there are nerves too – and lots of questions before you start packing your bags.  

So, if you’re considering moving to the UK to study for a pre-sessional English language course, a degree, or even a Ph.D., we have some top tips.  

Read on to explore our short guide to studying in the UK for international students. 

1. Setting up a bank account 

Unless you plan to stuff your money in your mattress (not recommended), you’ll probably need to open a bank account in the UK. The process is usually completed in one or two days and is much simpler if you do it once you’re living in the country.   

If you’re a student and come from abroad, you’ll need to show the bank a number of things before you can open your account, including: 

• A valid passport and visa; 

• Proof you are studying in the UK (your student ID or a letter from your university); 

• Recent proof of address in the form of a utility bill that’s less than three months old (e.g. electricity bill); 

• A bank or credit card statement that’s less than three months old. 

Note that the requirements may differ from bank to bank and you may also need to show proof of employment. Some banks, like HSBC, also allow you to set up your account in your own country before leaving for the UK.  

2. Student accommodation in the UK 

You have two main options when it comes to student accommodation in the UK:  

On-campus accommodation 

In the UK, on-campus student accommodation is often referred to as living in halls. When you apply to live in halls, you are given a room in shared accommodation. Your room is usually private, however you will often share bathrooms, kitchen, and other communal areas with other students.  

Living in halls is recommended if you’re coming from abroad. Not only does the university manage the housing, but it will be easier for you to find a place with other students.  

Shared student accommodation 

You can also opt to go through the university and find a place in privately rented accommodation. Second and third year students usually choose this option and move in with friends. Generally, this type of housing has been approved by the university, but you will be responsible for paying rent to a private landlord.  

Ask your university admissions department or student services about the right option for you.  

Alternatively, you may wish to rent privately, through a real estate agent. However, this is likely to be a far more expensive option and you won’t necessarily have university support. 

Average student rental prices 

The cost of living in the UK varies from region to region. According to a Save the Student survey in 2021, the average rent for students in the UK is £146 per week.  

Here’s the breakdown of costs: 

• Scotland: £127 per week 

• Northern England: £122  

• Wales and the Midlands: £119 to £129 per week 

• East Anglia: £132 per week 

• Southwest: £147 per week 

• Southeast:  £146 per week 

• London:  £152 per week 

Living cost in the UK for international students 

On top of rent, you also have to consider how much food, leisure, transport, and other expenses will be. Our handy guide to living expenses in the UK for international students, outlines the following, and also compares costs in different cities: 

• Groceries – £100 per month  

• Going out – £46 per month  

• Transportation– £46 per month  

• Household bills (like electricity and water) – £37 per month 

• University tuition fees for international students – £10,000–£38,000 per year (Reddin survey of university tuition fees) 

3. Health care systems in the UK 

UK culture and traditions are rich and diverse – and it’s not all about drinking tea at 5 o’clock, we promise. There are lots of British festivals and events, and you’ll never find yourself stuck for things to see and do. If you’re studying at a British university, you’ll definitely want to make your time as memorable as possible.  

That’s why we’ve put together a list of the best cultural events and festivals in the UK. You can take a break from your studies and go exploring at weekends throughout the academic year.  

With everything from flower shows to fashion shows - you’re sure to find a UK festival that suits you.  

Read on to discover the best 10 British cultural events for international students. 

1. London Fashion Week  

Do interviews make you nervous? You feel under the spotlight. Every answer is important – and it’s even scarier when something big is at stake, like a place at your dream university.

But college interviews really don’t have to be nerve-wracking!  

First, remember that not every UK university or subject will ask you to do an admissions interview. Only some universities, like the University of Oxford, Imperial College London and University College London always interview their applicants.  

For others, it will depend on the course you are taking. Dentistry, teaching, social work and medicine, tend to feature admissions interviews, for example.  

In this guide, we’ll share some interview tips for freshers, so you’ll feel fully prepared by the day of your university interview. You’ll soon be able to leave your nerves behind and walk into the interview room with confidence.  

1. Take care of the practical preparation 

If you’re attending an in-person interview, research how to travel there and make sure you have your ticket organized. It might even be worth doing a trial run a few days before. This will  just to make sure you know exactly where you’re going.  

University campuses can be confusing, and departments can be spread out over different buildings. So, make sure you know the exact street address, floor and office number where your university interview is being held.  

What if you are doing an online university interview? Well, the standard Zoom interview tips apply! Make sure that your laptop is connected to charge, that your microphone is working properly, that you have a good Wi-Fi signal and a quiet place where you won’t be interrupted. You might also want to set up a neutral virtual background, if you think your surroundings look unprofessional. That way, you won’t get distracted during the interview and you’ll be able to do your best to answer the student interview questions you’ll be asked.  

It’s also a good idea to do a bit of research into the academics who will be interviewing you. You don’t have to read all their published works, but showing that you are at least familiar with their research will create a good impression. It will tell them that you have a genuine interest in the subject and in their work.  

On that note, it’s important to dress smartly. You don’t need to wear a suit, but wearing something smart like a shirt or a blouse shows that you are taking the interview seriously and that you want to give the interview panel a good impression.  

2. Prepare some relevant student interview questions and answers  

Preparation is key when it comes to how to impress in an interview. That being said, it’s not a good idea to learn answers off by heart. Even if the exact question you have prepared for comes up, you’ll be so focused on trying to remember your answer that your answer will seem stilted. It’s better to make notes about the things you’d like to talk about, and then your answers will flow more naturally, and you’ll be able to convey your enthusiasm and excitement.  

So, what are some common student interview questions that you might be asked? Let’s take a look: 

• Tell us about yourself.  

• Why do you want to study at this university? 

• Why have you applied to study this particular course?  

• What are your academic strengths and weaknesses?  

• Tell us about someone you admire.

• What would you like to be doing ten years from now?

• What are you reading at the moment?

• What do you like doing in your free time?

• What will you contribute to our institution?  

When you’re preparing, it’s important to remember there are no right or wrong answers. The interviewers want to get to know you, so try to give full, detailed answers to the questions. The final question you are likely to be asked is:  

• Do you have any questions for us?  

It’s really important to prepare some thoughtful questions for your student interview panel in response. This is where your research can come in handy! You can ask the panel about their work and how it informs the course, or any questions you have about the university.  

A well-informed question shows the panel that you are well-prepared and you’ve done your research. Again, this will create a good impression.  

And if there is a question you don’t understand, don’t panic! Just ask the interviewer to repeat the question, or ask for clarification. Likewise, if you make a mistake when you’re speaking, try not to worry or get embarrassed. Everyone makes mistakes sometimes - even fluent English speakers!  

3. Read over your personal statement just before the interview  

Your personal statement is what got you the interview, and it’s likely to set the agenda for the conversation. So, it’s a good idea to read it over before your interview as part of your interview preparation, and remind yourself of the talking points.  

Your interviewers will refer to the things that you said in your personal statement when they are asking you questions, so it’s worth refreshing your memory - after all, you probably wrote it a few months ago.  

Rereading your personal statement will also help you feel more confident. It will remind you of everything you’ve achieved so far. Seeing your qualifications, talents and attributes written down in black and white can have a powerful effect. It will help you to shake off any lingering imposter syndrome and you’ll go into the interview feeling that you deserve to be there.  

Get tips on how to write a great personal statement for your UCAS application.  

4. Do a power pose 

Research has found that power posing - standing in an open, expansive stance for two minutes - can change your body chemistry and make you feel more confident. In a job interview experiment, researchers found that people who did a two minute power pose before the interview projected more confidence, seemed less flustered, and were more dynamic and enthusiastic when speaking. As a result, the interviewers scored their performance higher than people who didn’t do the power pose.  

So even if you’re doing an interview over Zoom, it’s worth doing a power pose beforehand. Just stand with your legs wide apart and your arms held up and out in a wide, expansive pose. The idea is to take up as much space as possible. Hold this pose for two minutes - and you’ll be ready to impress!  

Learn more 

If you need to prove your level of English as part of the UCAS application process, PTE Academic can help you. You’ll typically receive your score in typically just 48 hours, and PTE Academic is accepted by the UK Home Office for student visas, as well as by 99% of universities in the UK.  

Learn more about how PTE Academic can help you achieve your dream of living and studying in the United Kingdom.

Studying in the United Kingdom opens doors for international students. With the right to work during your studies, you’ll have the chance to gain valuable work experience before graduation.  

But what if you decide you want to stay and work in the UK after your studies? Now, it’s easier than ever to find graduate jobs in the UK, thanks to recent visa changes.  

Let’s explore what this new UK government initiative means for finding a job after graduating.  

How to work in the UK after graduating

You can start your career off with the Graduate Route. Since July 2021, International students have been allowed to spend an additional two years in the UK after successfully completing their degrees. It’s an unsponsored route: this means you don’t need a job offer or funding to apply. 

You’ll be able to search for a job and get professional experience of the UK job market before returning to your own country.  

If you decide to remain in the UK and pursue your career after your visa expires, you’ll be able to switch from the Graduate route to the Skilled Worker route.  

As long as you meet the relevant requirements, the Skilled Worker route allows you to work in the UK for a further five years. It allows you to stay in the UK to do an eligible job with an approved employer. This visa also contributes to settlement rights – meaning you may be able to apply to live permanently in the UK.  

Read more about the different types of Visas available in the UK.  

Employment opportunities in the UK 

Now that working in the UK after your degree is easier than ever before, what kind of graduate jobs are available?  

The jobs market in the UK is full of opportunities for international students. After all, the UK economy is the fifth biggest in the world. And, there are certain fields which are crying out for workers.  

It’s certainly helpful to know what’s available for you when it comes to your graduate job search in the UK. Science technology, engineering, and maths (STEM) careers in the UK are in especially high demand.  

Let’s take a look at some of the STEM jobs on the UK Shortage Occupation list:  

Graduate jobs in the sciences 

If you have recently graduated with a degree in the sciences, then you’re in luck. There are lots of science jobs in the UK for graduates. The nuclear industry, the oil and gas industry, and the engineering industry need people in the following roles:  

• Chemical scientists 

• Biological scientists and biochemists 

• Geologists and geophysicists 

• Hydrogeologists  

• Geoscientists and geochemists 

It’s good news for students planning to study biology, physics, chemistry, or geology. Your knowledge and skills will be in demand after you graduate!  

Find out more about studying the sciences in the UK.  

Graduate jobs in engineering  

Engineers of all kinds are always in high demand in a wide variety of industries, from manufacturing to construction to retail. Most undergraduate engineering degrees require you to specialize in mechanical engineering, for example, or electronic engineering. But there are some general engineering degrees where you can specialize later in your studies, once you’ve decided where your interests lie.  

Once you graduate, there’s a shortage in the UK of the following:  

• Civil engineers 

• Mechanical engineers 

• Electrical engineers 

• Electronics engineers 

• Design and development engineers 

• Production and process engineers 

Find out more about studying engineering in the UK.  

Graduate jobs in the tech world 

Studying computer science or software engineering is a good choice if you want to future-proof your career. Nowadays, technology is all around us, underpinning our everyday life.  

With a computer science degree, you can work in virtually any sector. The following jobs are in high demand:  

• IT business analysts, architects, and systems designers 

•  Programmers and software development professionals 

• Web design and development professionals 

Learn more about studying computer science in the UK. 

Graduate jobs in the arts   

It’s not just science and technology jobs that are in demand in the UK. The creative industries are also looking for skilled practitioners to work within the UK in the following roles:  

• Artists 

• Classical ballet dancers 

• Contemporary dancers  

• Orchestral musicians  

• Arts officers, producers, and directors  

• Graphic designers 

• Architects  

If you’re studying in a creative field, you’ll have lots of opportunities to work in the UK after graduating. Learn more about studying the creative arts, design, music, or architecture in the UK.  

Discover 5 more graduate jobs in demand in the UK.  

How PTE Academic can help you study in the UK 

If you want to study at a university in the UK, you’ll need to attend lectures, participate in seminars and tutorials, write essays, and complete assignments — all in English. So, you’ll need to show that you have good language skills.  

PTE Academic is a robust, reliable test of English that’s accepted by 99% of universities in the UK, as well as the UK Home Office. So, you can also use your PTE Academic score to apply for a UK student visa. 

Learn more about studying in the UK with PTE Academic.

Syed Wasi is a pioneer in many ways. He was the first PTE trainer in Bangladesh, and the first Bangladeshi to score 90 in PTE – no mean feat in a country of 166 million people! Syed is the founder of the Center for Innovative Language Learning (CILL) where students come for his help in preparing for PTE. The center is renowned for its high student success rate.  

So, how does Syed help his students to get the scores they need in PTE? Let’s find out.  

How Syed teaches PTE  

When a student arrives at CILL, their first step towards PTE success starts with a language assessment. “If we find that their language skills aren’t particularly strong,” says Syed, “the first thing we do is create a course which includes general language classes. We go step by step through the levels, helping them to improve their language skills – and once they are ready for PTE, they join a PTE preparation class.”  

Once Syed’s students are part of a preparation class, they follow a carefully designed curriculum. Each language skill tested in PTE (speaking, writing, reading and listening) is covered in a module of three classes. The first class introduces the type of exam questions that students can expect. The second class gives students the practical tools and techniques that they’ll need to answer the exam questions, and the third class is a practice session. But the secret to Syed’s success? He doesn’t let the students sit PTE before they’re ready:  

"The final step in PTE preparation is the mock test. We don’t let them take the test until they’re ready for the test, which is why we have a very high success rate.”  

Flexibility is also important. The PTE preparation courses at CILL are blended courses; some students attend the center in person, and others join online. When the pandemic began, there was a massive shift to teaching online, and many schools had to adapt quickly. But Syed’s language school was ahead of the curve when it came to blended learning. “I did my masters in online teaching back in 2012,” says Syed. “We’ve been teaching with a blended learning model since 2016, so it was easy for us to adapt. Now, students are returning to the classroom, but we still offer the blended learning option.”  

Building a community of learners  

An important part of the school culture at CILL is the accessibility of the teachers. Learning isn’t confined to the classroom – the teachers are available to answer questions outside of class times. “We create WhatsApp groups for different classes, and it’s like a virtual hub,” Syed explains. What’s more, the teachers follow up with students after class. This dedicated service has helped Syed to build a loyal community of learners around the world. “Many of our students have moved to Australia, to the UK, or to other countries,” he says. “And wherever they go, if they meet anyone interested in PTE preparation, they refer them to our school. They’ll say, there’s a person in Bangladesh who can give you the support you’ll need to pass the test.”  

Syed’s advice for PTE teachers 

“If you’re new to PTE teaching, the most important thing is to make sure you have the expertise you need to prepare students for the test,” Syed says. After all, there’s a lot on the line when it comes to PTE. Students often need a certain score for a university application or a visa. So if you don’t prepare students thoroughly, it could have an impact not only on their score but on their careers. Syed recommends taking the test yourself in order to gain real insight into PTE.  

And for more experienced teachers, Syed believes that honesty is the best policy when it comes to test preparation. “Tell your students exactly what they’ll need to do in order to get the score they need. Be honest with them, and that way they know what they have to do.”  

PTE is a high stakes test. When you’re helping students to prepare for the exam, you’re helping them to change their lives, to do something new. “It’s not just a business,” says Syed. “We are helping students to reach their goals. It’s my passion, and my vocation.”  

Learn more

Each month, we feature the profile of a teacher from our PTE community. If you have advice and insights to share with other PTE preparation teachers, we’d like to hear from you! Fill out this form and we’ll be in touch shortly.  

In previous months, we featured Jurine Ruperto, who teaches in Cebu in the Philippines, and Ramesh Thapa, a PTE teacher in Kathmandu. You can read all about them on our blog, where you’ll also find lots of resources for PTE preparation classes. And don’t forget to sign up to our monthly newsletter.

The PTE exam includes four main sections: reading, writing, speaking, and listening. You will do the speaking and writing tasks together in part one of the exams. While your writing will be assessed in your answers to other tasks, there are only two specific writing tasks: summarize a written text and write an essay.   

The PTE essay writing task aims to test your grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and written discourse skills. Therefore, it’s important that you understand this section, and what’s expected before going into the exam.  

If you’re looking for some tips and guidance on how to approach this part, look no further! 

Read on to find out what the essay writing task is about, how to approach it, and what the examiners are looking for. 

Essay Writing Task Structure 

For this task, you will receive a 2 to 3 line prompt stating an opinion or statement. Prompts can be written in a number of ways.  

For example, you may have to discuss problems or solutions, or argue for or against an opinion: 

Canada needs immigrants to grow its population. And there’s good news for students: foreign learners and people with a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) are some of the most important propellers of the country’s population growth.  

So how does a PGWP work? In this guide, we cover what you need to know. You’ll learn about who’s eligible, how much it costs, and most importantly, how long you can stay in the country after graduation to gain Canadian work experience.  

Canada’s post-graduation work permit: how does it work? 

The PGWP lets international students who have graduated from an eligible designated learning institution to stay in Canada and work for up to three years. Not surprisingly, the program is a big draw to work and study in Canada for international students – and it’s grown in popularity over the last several years.  

Just take a look at the numbers: between 2005 and 2016, the amount of permits issued to new graduates increased by 15 times – from 7,400 to 117,700 per year. By 2018, 143,000 permits were issued. And in the first quarter of 2021, PGWPs increased 160% year-over-year.  

The PGWP is an open work permit, which means you can work for any employer in Canada. You also don’t need a job offer to apply. The length of your PGWP depends on how long you’ve studied in Canada. For example, if your program was: 

• Under 8 months, you won’t be eligible for a PGWP. 

• Less than 2 years, you may get a permit for the same amount of time as you studied (for example if your program was one year, you might get a permit for one year).

• More than 2 years, you could be eligible for a 3-year permit. 

If you studied more than 1 program, you may also get a PGWP that combines the length of each program.  

Who is eligible?  

To be eligible for a PGWP, you need to meet a number of criteria. For example, you need to have graduated from a program that was at least 8 months long at a designated learning institution – and have earned a degree, diploma, or certificate from that. 

International students who were approved for a study permit and are studying online outside Canada due to the pandemic are also eligible for a PGWP.  

However, people who’ve only studied English or French as a second language in Canada are not.  

For a full list of criteria, make sure to check out the Government of Canada website.  

How can you apply? 

Before you begin the application process, you need to have proof that you’ve completed your studies. You need to show either: 

• An official letter from your institution 

• An official transcript  

• A degree or diploma  

After you’ve got one of these, you need to apply for a PGWP within 180 days.  

Instructions for exactly how to apply depending on whether you’re applying from inside or outside Canada. You can find the step-by-step instructions on the Government of Canada website – including an official guide and a document checklist.  

How much does it cost? 

It costs $255 CAD to apply for a PGWP. Processing times differ, but it can take up to 73 days to be approved on average. However, the good news is that many graduates can work while they’re waiting on a decision.  

Other visa options  

Being able to work and study in Canada for international students around the world is often a dream come true. However if you’re not eligible for a PGWP, you do have some other visa options.  

An employer-specific work permit 

This type of work permit allows you to work for a certain amount of time for a specific employer. You might be eligible for this if you’ve gotten a job to be a researcher at a university, or a charitable worker at an NGO, for example.  

Canada has a tool to help you learn more about what type of work permit you could be eligible for. You can check it out here.  

Permanent residence  

If you’ve worked full-time for 12 months after graduation in a skilled trade, a professional job that requires a degree, or a management-level job, you could be eligible for permanent residence.

You’ve always dreamed of studying in the UK. But what’s student life in the UK actually like?  

From living costs to class schedules, to accommodation options, we answer some of the most frequently asked questions we get from international students coming to study at UK universities. Check them out! 

What will my class schedule be like? 

University classes in the UK typically run between late September and June. At some universities, courses are divided between two semesters: fall (or autumn) and spring. But at others, courses are divided into three terms. In the last term students usually take exams.  

How many hours you’ll spend in class each week will depend on the course you’re studying. If you study something like English - which requires a lot of reading outside of class - you might only spend 10 hours in lectures and seminars each week. But if your course is more hands-on, you could be in class for several hours each day. You’ll also have several weeks off each year - usually around April or March (Easter), December and January (Christmas), and in July and August (summer).  

And what will classes look like this upcoming term as coronavirus restrictions ease? Well, the UK has allowed students to head back to campus starting in May. However, many universities say they’ll run hybrid classes (both online and in-person) this fall, so that’s something you should be prepared for.  

Check out our blog: Study tips for the UK 

What housing options will I have? 

Lots! As an international student in the UK you can choose to live in residence on-campus, or similarly, in student housing off-campus.  

These options are designed for students in mind. They usually feature study spaces, social rooms, as well as restaurants and cafeterias. Many people decide to live in student accommodation because it gives you a real taste of student life in the UK. You’ll also have the opportunity to meet and socialize with other students from around the world. 

You might also decide to rent a room in a shared space with roommates. Alternatively, you can find your own private apartment, which can provide you with a bit more independence abroad.  

Check out our blog: How to choose international student accommodation in the UK.

What will my living costs be? 

Living costs in the UK can vary depending on where you’re located. For example, university life in London will be more expensive than in smaller cities like Leicester or Nottingham. But a survey conducted by Save the Student found that students across the UK spend an average of £795 each month. Expenses include things like rent (£418), groceries (£100), going out (£46) and getting around (£46).  

Can I work? 

Many students who move overseas want to work while studying. And in the UK, lots of international students can. If your course is at a degree level and you’re studying full-time, you should be able to work for 20 hours each week during the semester. If you’re studying below a degree level full-time, you should be able to work 10 hours per week. The rules surrounding exactly how many hours you can work will be clearly stated when your student visa is approved. 

Learn more about the minimum and living wage in the UK.    

What can students in the UK do for fun? 

With its multicultural cities, charming towns and breathtaking rolling landscapes, the UK is an incredible place for international students to explore. Why not hop on the train to visit some centuries old castles? Or spend an afternoon alone exploring a renowned museum? Wherever you are in the UK, there’s no shortage of activities to take part in between classes - all of which can help you experience the different cultures across the UK. 

If you’re looking for something unique to do, design my night is a good website to check out. It lists events across more than a dozen UK cities. It includes activities like quiz nights, escape rooms, pop-up cinemas, afternoon tea, and more. There’s also Sofar, which plans intimate, pop-up gigs in secret locations around London – and work to follow COVID-19 regulations.  

Lots of restaurants, museums, and stores also boast generous student discounts. You can take a look through them on Save The Student’s student discount directory.  

Now, what does the PTE team like to do in London? Here’s what they recommend: 

“I've really enjoyed cycling on all of the bike routes in London during lockdown! There are so many cycle highways that it's easy to see the whole city on bicycle," said Richelle Zakrzewski, who’s the Digital Marketing Manager at PTE Academic.  

“I've been making the most of the great British countryside and going hiking at the weekends in small group," said Melanie Drake, our global training and resources manager. 

“I've become a member of the National Trust and have enjoyed visiting the UK's historic houses and gardens. My favorites include Chartwell - Winston Churchill's house growing up - and Osterley House - a Georgian country estate in West London. I also went to a socially-distanced concert and really enjoyed it! I saw a band called Squid play outside in London's docklands, at sunset, with Canary Wharf and the Emirates Cable Cars in the background. It was a really nice way to see live music, and we felt very safe with mask wearing, social-distancing and table-service in place,” said Gemma Considine, who is the director of English Assessment Marketing at PTE Academic.  

"With less people in town, I’ve been enjoying taking photos of iconic landscapes that would normally be very crowded,” said Erica Da Rocha, our Global Marketing Manager.  

Are there support services for international students? 

Yes. International student life in the UK can be full of great moments - but it can also be challenging at times. Your university will have a team to support international students, who should give accessible information on university matters. These teams help foster a community for international students and provide general support for every international student on campus.  

You will also be able to get academic, well-being, and community support through your university. This might include language support, study skills programs, employment and housing services, academic accommodation, and financial support.  

Student Minds, a UK charity which focuses on student mental health, also has a great resource for university students. It addresses a number of issues that might come up such as questions about identity, excelling in courses, and developing positive mental health.  

How should I plan for life after graduation?  

There are new visa changes in the UK - and they make them much easier for students to plan for after graduation. The UK’s new post-study work visa - called the Graduate Route - opened on July 1st. It lets bachelor’s and master’s students stay in the UK to work (or job search) for two years after completing their studies.  

Doctorate students will be allowed to stay for three years. So, graduates are now able to take time to grow their careers in the UK - and make long-term plans to stay if they choose.  

Looking to study in the UK?

PTE Academic can help you begin your adventure. Our computer-based test is accepted by 99% of universities across the UK as proof of English language proficiency and it’s also accepted by the UK government for immigration purposes. Learn more today!