Studying a second program in Canada can unlock a three-year Post-graduate Work Permit (PGWP). But it also means finding fresh cash for tuition fees. 

This guide compares all the realistic options, from loans for international students to scholarships. This will help you choose the best option and extend your study permit.

Why enroll in a second Canadian program?

There are many advantages of applying for a second program at a designated learning institution (DLI) as an international student. One of the biggest advantages of studying for a longer period is that you can be eligible for a longer work permit. 

A student who studies in a 1-year program is only eligible for a 1-year work permit. However, if a student completes two 1-year programs or one, 2-year program, they are eligible for a 3-year work permit. 

This longer work permit helps them with career advancement, earn more money, and get a longer work visa to stay in the country. 

Some other benefits to applying to a second program as an international student include:

Better specialization

With a second program, international applicants can deepen their specialization and enhance their existing skills further.

Better employability

When you have honed your skills with a second program, you will have better expertise in the specific area and boost your chances of getting employed in a reputable organization.

Help with industry-specific relationships

Choosing a second program also helps international applicants develop industry-specific relationships and build a network through the college or university. It might also help you connect with like-minded individuals with similar career goals.

How to apply for a second program

When you are considering applying for a second program, ensure that you check with your respective college or university first. Many Canadian colleges and universities have defined a Second Program Application for students who are already enrolled or have graduated recently. 

If you’re still deciding which program to study in Canada, you can browse various diploma and certificate programs on the Passage platform.

Here is the step-by-step guide:

• Use the Passage website to check eligibility and apply for the program. The first application with Passage is free, and you can also apply for financing through the same application.
• Ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria/admission requirements and fill out all the required details correctly
• Seek support from the support desk if you have questions or need more clarity
• Keep an eye on your email account and ensure that the admissions team can reach you easily to get you the Letter of Acceptance (LOA).
• Some colleges restrict program or campus changes after your Letter of Acceptance is issued. Always confirm your school’s internal policy before paying your deposit.

What happens if you qualify for admission?

If you are accepted, you will receive a Letter of Acceptance via email. Passage’s credit will either reject or approve your loan application. 

If approved, you will get a loan agreement showcasing the funding you are eligible for and the cash collateral needed, with a specific deadline (usually 2 weeks).

To secure your seat, you need to accept the offer at the earliest, pay the tuition fees by the deadline, and extend your study permit.

 If your current permit will expire before the new program starts, you’ll need to pay your tuition deposit, request a Proof of Enrollment and a Provincial Attestation Letter, and then submit a study-permit extension via IRCC’s online portal. 

Then, you can use the Letter of Acceptance, Proof of Study, and Fee Invoice to extend your Study Permit. 

It’s always smart to submit a study permit application for extension before your existing permit expires. You can learn more about the IRCC’s requirements to extend your study permit here, and all the supporting documentation you will need. 

What to do if you want to switch to another program?

If you don’t want to complete the program you are currently enrolled in, and you want to switch programs, it would be different than applying for a second program.

Passage might still be able to finance your education based on eligibility and program requirements.

Contact your college/university to know the exact process if you wish to pursue a different program of study at your school.

Funding options and eligibility

There are many high quality colleges and universities in Canada that allow international students to continue their education or study specific techniques within their field.

It is important to look into the CIP code and ensure that the program you are selecting will enable you to get a post-graduation work permit (PGWP).

Then you should look into financial assistance programs. Funding programs by the Government of Canada are mostly available to permanent residents and citizens.

Passage partners with some of the top public colleges in Canada to help international students receive the financing they need to study there. Here are three of the top public colleges in Canada that partner with Passage:

1. George Brown College: George Brown is located in Canada’s economic hub, Toronto, and provides students with hands-on training to help them gain real-world experience in the fields of Healthcare, Trades, and STEM.
2. Niagara College: Niagara College is an excellent school for students to continue their post-secondary or post-graduate studies. It’s located in Ontario and emphasizes experiential education, applied research, and close ties with employers to ensure graduates are career-ready.
3. Bow Valley College: Located in Calgary, Alberta, Bow Valley offers a diverse range of diplomas, certificates, and post-diploma programs. Their programs are hands-on and focused on training students to be well-equipped to join the workforce.

Once you’ve decided which program to study, you’ll need to think about how to fund your studies. International students can self-fund their studies, apply for scholarships through the school, or apply for private loans through a lender. 

Passage is an AI-enabled talent mobility platform that offers loans to international students to cover tuition fees. If you’re not sure what program to choose, Passage can help!

Passage’s eligibility checker gives program recommendations according to their profile and shows the financing amount they might be eligible for.

Apart from that, Passage provides support and guidance to students to find part-time work as well as full-time work.

What costs are generally covered when you secure funding for a second program?

The following costs might be covered when you secure funding for a second program. Examples of such costs include:

• Tuition fees
• Cost of books/ other course materials
• Living allowances
• Travel/commute support

It varies depending on several factors and the policies of the school. Most educational institutions don’t enrol any student automatically. You need to follow the process and fill out the required forms to be eligible for the funding. 

There is usually a limit on how much money a student can get when seeking funding for a second program. 

It’s important to understand that funding is given on a first-come, first-served basis and is subject to both institutional budget caps and federal lifetime limits. Approval is never guaranteed, so make sure that you apply as early as possible.  

For international students with a valid study permit in Canada, Passage finances the entire tuition fee (subject to credit approval).

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A loan for living expenses is generally available to prospective students in their home country and those with a visitor or work visa.

Estimate your monthly payments

To better understand how you will be required to repay the loan, you can estimate your monthly repayment amount with the Passage Loan Calculator.

Here’s how the loan calculator works:

1. Choose your school and program. The default selection will be "Tuition only".

2. Passage will provide an estimated loan amount for the program selected.

3. Passage will then break down the loan into an estimated upfront payment and monthly payments to help students understand how they will be expected to pay back the loan. 

FAQs

Can I get a second student loan in Canada?

Yes, you can get a second student loan to study in Canada. Use the Passage’s eligibility checker to determine the amount of loan you qualify for. 

What are the funding options for international students in Canada seeking a second program?

The most common way to fund a second program is through private loan providers such as Passage. 

Some Canadian universities offer scholarships or bursaries, but they are very competitive and very limited in quantity. 

The University of Toronto offers the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship, which provides a full-ride scholarship to 37 international students each year who have shown outstanding academic achievements and leadership skills. 

The University of British Columbia also offers special scholarships to international students based on academic achievement and merit. 

How many student loans can a student get in Canada?

In Canada, the loan limits are based on the number of weeks instead of a specific dollar amount. 

Most students can get Canadian student loans for up to 340 weeks. Please remember it includes interest-free periods while you are in school. 

There are exceptions as well. For instance, students in doctoral studies have 400 weeks, while students with disabilities have 520 weeks.

What other options do I have to secure a second student loan in Canada?

Passage offers private loans to students looking to study a second program in Canada. All loans through Passage are subject to credit approval and Passage’s underwriting criteria. 

Passage is not associated with the IRCC, and all study permit approvals are at the IRCC’s discretion. 

You can check your eligibility for a Passage loan through the Passage’s eligibility checker. 

Some schools may offer scholarships for international students, but these can be very competitive and specific to certain programs. Talk with your school early to discover if you qualify for any scholarship opportunities.

Do I need to go for an English language proficiency test?

It depends on the college and admission requirements. Typically, if you have completed a 2-year program in Canada already as a full-time student, you will not need to give the English proficiency test again to gain admission. Also, if your English Proficiency test result is not more than 2 years old, you can use the same.

Takeaway

We hope that you now have better clarity on how to secure a second student loan in Canada, and you’ll use this information to extend your education with a suitable student aid. 

Need more help with funding a Second Program as an International Student in Canada? You can use Passage's loan calculator to estimate your funding needs based on your program length and expenses.