There are currently more than 20,000 students from Vietnam studying in Canada, which makes up 4% of Canada’s total international student population. But that wasn’t always the case. In 2015 there were 4,850 study permit holders from Vietnam. Since then, Canada has made great strides in welcoming more international students and has seen a 400% increase in students from Vietnam.
Where Are Vietnamese Students Studying?
According to ApplyBoard, these are the Top 15 Canadian Post-Secondary Institutions for Vietnamese Students, 2019:
| Rank |
Institution |
Location |
# of Study Permits |
Approval Rate |
| 1. |
George Brown College |
Toronto, ON |
1,038 |
45.8% |
| 2. |
Seneca College |
Toronto, ON |
519 |
61.4% |
| 3. |
Humber College |
Toronto, ON |
436 |
51.5% |
| 4. |
Centennial College |
Toronto, ON |
331 |
44.9% |
| 5. |
Douglas College |
New Westminster, BC |
320 |
64.7% |
| 6. |
Algonquin College |
Ottawa, ON |
251 |
52.4% |
| 7. |
Sheridan College |
Mississauga, ON |
225 |
48.0% |
| 8. |
Fanshawe College |
London, ON |
217 |
43.5% |
| 9. |
Langara College |
Vancouver, BC |
201 |
50.8% |
| 10. |
Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) |
Calgary, AB |
189 |
49.4% |
| 11. |
Niagara College |
Welland, ON |
137 |
27.9% |
| 12. |
International Academy of Canada (ILAC) |
Toronto, ON |
135 |
18.9% |
| 13. |
Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) |
Edmonton, AB |
134 |
13.9% |
| 14. |
British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) |
Burnaby, BC |
132 |
34.9% |
| 15. |
University of Manitoba |
Winnipeg, MB |
127 |
56.1% |
| 15. |
York University |
Toronto, ON |
127 |
81.6% |
As you can see, students from Vietnam attend school in various provinces, but most of them are located at colleges and universities in Ontario, with British Columbia, Alberta, and Manitoba right behind.
This list is a starting point. There are more than 160 recognized public and private universities and more than 180 recognized public colleges and institutes throughout Canada. Decide what criteria are important to you and select the school based on your needs and goals.
Support for Students
Deciding on where to study is a major life decision. How do you decide on something when you may not have an opportunity to visit the campus of your choice in person? And once you’re on campus, how do you adjust to the change in culture, climate, and classroom environment?
Perhaps the largest and most well-known forum for current students and students planning to study in Canada is a student-run Facebook group called Hoi du hoc sinh Canada (Canada Vietnamese International Student Association). The group currently has more than 118,000 members. It’s a private group, so you’ll need to request to become a member, but it’s a great place to discuss the issues Vietnamese students face while studying abroad in Canada. You’ll find meaningful and rich conversations in the threads.
Once you decide on a school, you’ll find Vietnamese student associations on campus as well as onli
The Admissions Process
Check the school’s admission requirements and follow them closely. Provide the transcripts, diploma, and other documentation they require.
As part of the application process, you may need to provide the school with a credential assessment. This report provides a Canadian equivalency for the education you earned in Vietnam.
ECE provides high-quality credential assessment reports with the fastest turnaround time in Canada – an average of just 5 business days.
Our most popular report is a Course by Course Assessment Report which provides:
- A Canadian equivalence for each educational credential
- Credit and grade equivalents for college and university courses
- Grade average for each educational credential
- Identification of upper-level courses for undergraduate or professional studies (without a grade average), if included for evaluation
Find out what your school requires and order a report if necessary.
The admissions office will be happy to answer your questions and guide you through the admission process. Don’t hesitate to contact them.
Study Permit
To study in Canada, you’ll need to apply for a study permit. You should apply before travelling to Canada. You may also need a visitor visa or electronic travel authorization (ETA). Follow the process carefully so you don’t miss the application deadlines.
You may be able to get your study permit faster though the Student Direct Stream program. Students from Vietnam qualify for this program but be sure to check all of the other requirements.
Another option is known as the French Immersion Stream. To be eligible you must submit proof of language proficiency, such as having completed a French course in the last three years of your academic career or presenting the results of a French language proficiency test (minimum level of B1 is required). If you speak French, check with your school to see if this option is available.
Working as a Student
Canada treats international students favorably. As a student you can work up to 20 hours per week during the semester and full-time during summer and winter breaks. The incentive to make money is why so many international students decide to study in Canada.
Scholarships for Vietnamese Students
Scholarships may be available to you to help offset some of the cost of your education. Be sure to check eligibility criteria, deadlines, and application requirements and follow instructions carefully.
Finding a Job After Graduation
Many students stay in Canada after graduation. One-fifth of Canada’s population are immigrants. This helps Canada maintain a robust economy and vibrant culture. You will be welcomed to be a part of it.
You will need a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) after graduation if you plan to stay. The experience you gain while working can help you qualify for permanent residency if Canada is the place you decide to live.
Best of luck with your decision to study in Canada!