If you have just completed your 12th in Arts and are mulling further studies in a foreign country, then Canada might just be the right pick for you. While it’s true that Engineering and Medicine are the most popular fields of study after 12th in Canada, the country does offer a lot of options for students hailing from an Arts background as well.
Canada has more than 9,00,000 Indian students, as per estimates procured in 2024. Associate of Arts (Business), Associate of Arts (General), Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, and Bachelor of Arts in Business Communication are among the most popular courses picked by Indian students in Canada. Needless to say, an undergraduate degree in Arts from one of the top Canadian universities is followed by a slew of highly rewarding career options.
Let’s read on to explore the most popular courses after 12th Arts in Canada, duration, tuition fees, eligibility, and more.
Popular Courses After 12th Arts in Canada - A Detailed Guide
Canadian universities offer a host of undergraduate programs in the Arts. Make sure you’re taking your personal interests and career goals into consideration before choosing a course. Here’s a look:
Top Universities Offering Courses After 12th Arts in Canada (H2)
Canada has a host of top-ranked universities offering undergraduate courses in the Arts. Let’s take a look at the top colleges and universities offering Bachelor’s in Arts degrees to international students:
Admission Process for Courses After 12th Arts in Canada
Make the most of the post-12th arts courses and career opportunities in Canada by starting your preparations way ahead. Your admission process for courses after 12th Arts in Canada ideally begins with you selecting a course that aligns with your interests and career goals, and then researching the top Canadian colleges and universities that offer the course:
Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Start researching colleges
Shortlist the ones that align with your career goals, learning style, and eligibility.
Get all your documents ready
Documents Required for Admission to Courses After 12th Arts in Canada
You can only get a study permit from Canada if you have the following documents:
A valid Indian passport
Acceptance letter from the educational institution
Proof of sufficient financial support
A Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter from the province or territory you’re studying in
Diploma vs Degree Courses after 12th Arts in Canada: What Should You Choose?
Degrees, in general, are perceived as more worthwhile compared to diplomas, but the latter come with their own set of benefits as well. As a student exploring post-12th arts courses and career opportunities in Canada, you can weigh the pros and cons of both a degree and a diploma before selecting one:
A diploma is defined as a post-secondary certification awarded by technical schools, colleges, or universities, while a degree is a specialized certification awarded by universities
Diplomas usually have a 1-2 year duration, while a degree takes 3-4 years to finish
Diplomas are usually a more cost-effective option than degrees
Diplomas are better for students looking for a quick entry into the workforce, while degrees are tailored to students with higher academic ambitions.
So, the choice between a degree and a diploma in Canada really boils down to your future goals and budgetary preferences.
Eligibility Criteria for Courses after 12th Arts in Canada
Sharing a quick look at all the eligibility requirements that you must fulfill before being considered for a course after 12th Arts in Canada
Twelve years of formal school education
A minimum IELTS Score of 6 - a few Fine Arts courses may require a higher score
A minimum TOEFL score of 580
In certain cases, you might be requested to take the PTE (Pearson Test of English) and MELAB (Michigan English Language Assessment Battery) tests as well
Cost of Studying Courses After 12th Arts in Canada
The total cost of studying in Canada may vary greatly with the program you have chosen and the university's ranking. We’re still offering you a breakdown of the average costs of the top Bachelor's courses in Canada:
Courses
Tuition Fees (Approx.)
Bachelor’s in Psychology
CAD 18,000 (INR 11,12,051) - CAD 29,000 (INR 17,91,638) per year
Bachelor of Fine Arts
CAD 18,000 (INR 11,12,051) - CAD 28,000 (INR 17,30,700) per year
CAD 14,000 (INR 8,65,522) - CAD 28,000 (INR 17,30,700) per year
Besides tuition fees, please consider the average accommodation, food, medicines, transportation, and other utilities costs to get a feasible estimate of your total living costs in Canada.
Scholarships Available for Courses After 12th Arts in Canada
You can reduce the costs of studying in Canada significantly by applying for a scholarship. Scholarships in Canada are typically divided into 3 categories, i.e, government-funded, non-government funded, and institution-specific scholarships.
Students are usually asked to furnish proof of a strong academic record, letters of recommendation, a Statement of Purpose, and IELTS scores to be considered eligible for the scholarships. Here’s a quick look at the top scholarships available for courses after 12th arts in Canada:
UBC International Major Entrance Scholarship
Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship
UBC ILOT Award
University of Alberta International Undergraduate Scholarship
University of Waterloo International Student Entrance Scholarship
Career Opportunities After Studying Arts in Canada
Getting your BA degree or undergraduate diploma from one of the top Canadian universities can help you grab lucrative career opportunities ahead. The top job roles include:
How upGrad Can Help You Apply and Prepare for 12th Arts in Canada
Talk about having a highly credentialed mentor right by your side as you go through the elaborate process of applying to the top Canadian universities, and upGrad steps in with everything you need. We will help you with:
Choosing the right university or college in Canada, aligning with your plans
Arranging online classes with our partner university in India during the first year of your program
The best bet would be to take your personal interests and career goals into close consideration before selecting a program. Once you’re sure of which course you want to pursue, then go about researching top colleges/universities offering that particular course, ranking, and tuition fees, etc. Make sure the program you’re enrolling in promises future employability.
What is the difference between a college and a university in Canada for Arts programs?
The universities in Canada mostly award undergraduate degrees, while the colleges are focused on diplomas and certificate courses. A university is recommended for students willing to broaden their academic horizon, while colleges are tailored to those looking for a quick entry to the workforce facilitated by practical learning.
How early should one start applying for Arts courses in Canada after the 12th?
Students, seeking top scholarships in Canada after 12th, should ideally start applying 8-10 months ahead to facilitate easy application timelines and visa processes. Researching scholarships is a time-intensive procedure since it requires you to consider eligibility, suitability, and several other factors.
Can you apply for Arts programs in Canada without Mathematics in the 12th grade?
Yes, you can apply for Arts programs in Canada without Mathematics in your 12th grade. There are several undergraduate programs that are solely designed to hone your creative, intellectual, and innovative capabilities, and Mathematics is not required for that.
Can students study in Canada without IELTS?
Yes, you can study in Canada without IELTS. However, in that case, you have to try and crack other alternatives like PTE (Pearson Test of English) or Duolingo English tests based on similar segments- listening, reading, speaking, and writing.
Are international students allowed to stay in Canada after completing their studies?
Yes, international students can live and work in Canada after completing their studies. Make sure that if you’re planning to stay back in the country after getting your Bachelor’s degree in Arts, you’re seeking suitable work permits.
How can students aspiring to take up the Arts in Canadian colleges or universities apply for a visa?
As an international student seeking a Canadian Visa after your 12th, make sure you’re ticking all the boxes below:
You have a valid Indian passport
You have an acceptance letter from the designated learning institution
You have proof of sufficient funds
You have no criminal record
You have no health issues (preferably)
How is student life for Arts students in Canada – clubs, events, and networking?
As an international student living in Canada, you have a great opportunity to learn about both the British and American influences on the country’s cuisines and culture. As far as clubbing, networking, hiking, backpacking, horse riding, and overall outdoor activities are concerned, you’re spoilt for choice too!
Can a student work while studying in Canada?
Yes, Canada offers you both on-campus and off-campus work opportunities while you’re studying there. However, there are different guidelines governing on-campus and off-campus work opportunities for international students. Make sure you are acquainting yourself with these guidelines.
Can Indian students access specific scholarships for studying in Canada?
You can look up a range of government-funded scholarships meant for Indian students studying in Canada. Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute Scholarship, Ontario Graduate Scholarship Program, Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan, and Quebec Provincial Government Scholarship are just a few of those names.
Do Canadian Arts programs offer Co-op or internship options for international students?
Yes, you will have Co-op or internship opportunities while studying in Canada. To qualify for such a program, you need a valid study permit and a letter from your institution stating that you need to complete your work placements to get a degree. The co-op or internship should account for 50% or less of your study program.
Rakhee Talukdar is an edtech expert with five years of experience in the education technology sector, focusing on K-12 and higher education systems in various countries, including Canada, USA, Finland...
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