Does a Study Gap Allow You to Study in Canada?

“The education break taken by the students during their higher education to get involved in other activities or for other reasons is known as a study gap”.

For Indian students, studying overseas is a gateway to high income and a prosperous future. When students plan to study abroad, they prefer Canada as a leading choice. In such a situation, the students with study gap often come across a question – can students with study gap Study in Canada? If yes, then how much study gap is acceptable in Canada?  Let’s find out the answer.

What is a Study Gap?

When a student takes a break between high school and college or between undergraduate and graduate studies, this is known as a study gap. It can happen for a number of reasons, including personal, financial, or health considerations, the pursuit of other interests or ambitions, or just the need to take some time to consider career possibilities.

There may be a study gap after high school, between undergraduate and graduate studies, or after earning a postgraduate degree. Study gaps are typical and can happen at any time in a person’s educational career. During this period, people may work, travel, volunteer, or pursue other personal or educational interests.

Is Study Gap Acceptable in Canada?

The answer is yes. The education system of Canada does permit international students with study gap to study in Canada. However, such students are required to put some more effort to get into a Canadian university. These include the submission of extra documents as well as showing a justifiable reason behind the study gap.

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How Much Study Gap is Acceptable to Study in Canada?

Are you facing the dilemma of how much gap accepted in Canada study visa? Fret not, we’re here to help you out. The students having a study gap of two to five years are allowed to study in Canada. Moreover, it is also possible for students with a study gap of more than five years to get a Student Visa in Canada, provided they are able to provide an honest and genuine reason behind the gap. For example, 10 years of study gap is acceptable in Canada. While applying for a student visa, you will need proof that you have the necessary funds for tuition fees, transportation, and living expenses while studying in Canada.

The allowed gap duration largely depends on the level of your degree or study program. For undergraduate and diploma program applicants, Canada accepts study gap of up to two years and for the students seeking to study a post-graduate program in Canada, maximum study gap for Canada student visa is of five years of gap accepted in Canada. For example, two years of study gap acceptable in Canada if you want to pursue higher education after 12th for studying in Canada and five years to pursue postgraduate courses.

Type of program	Gap years allowed
Diploma	2 years
Undergraduate	2 years
Postgraduate	5 years

Must Read: Canada Study Permit – Meaningful And Important Details

A Few Justifying Reasons Accepted by Canada for a Study Gap

Health Issues:

Problems such as serious medical conditions or accidents are likely to bound students to take study gap. Canadian universities do consider these types of study gaps provided the students are able to present medical certificates to prove their condition.

Skill Enhancement:

Sometimes the students prefer to undergo short-term courses and certifications to gain some extra knowledge instead of going for a degree. The study gap taken due to such reasons would not be a hurdle to their Way to Study in Canada.

Preparation For Competitive and Other Exams:

Entrance tests have become a common affair in today’s competitive environment. Because studying for these exams takes time, students who want to achieve a high score choose to take a study break. These gaps are justifiable and acceptable by Canadian universities.

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Family Issues:

Family problems are one of the most difficult aspects of a person’s life, and they are not avoidable. Students may become engrossed with major family difficulties, such as the death of a family member, which prevents them from concentrating on their studies. These study gaps can also be well explained to Canadian universities in order to clear your route to study in Canada.

Employment Offer:

Some students decide to work for a while after graduation before continuing their education. These types of gaps do not prevent students from obtaining a Student Visa in Canada. Students can justify such gaps by presenting payslips and letters of experience.

Financial Issues:

It is expensive to study abroad. Students with insufficient funds may need some time to collect the appropriate funds and organize the necessary proof (proof of financial stability is a mandatory document to get a Canada student visa and study in Canada). Because the process can take a long time, students may take a break before starting the application process.

Helpful Documents for Justification of Study Gap for the Canada Student Visa

Health Certificates:

If serious health issues were the reason behind your study gap, you can present the associated health certificates and medical reports to justify the same.

Scorecard:

If you were preparing for the necessary exams (such as IELTS exam) during the gap time, the scorecard can act as a reasonable gap filler.

Certificates:

If you were learning additional skills during your gap years, you can present the certificates you get after the completion of the course.

Payslips:

Your payslips might serve as proof of employment if you worked during your gap years.

Must Know: Canada PR Pathways & Requirements for International Students

List of Other Required Documents for Study Visa in Canada

• Academic transcripts.
• Proof of English language proficiency.
• A valid passport.
• Statement of purpose.
• Letter of acceptance.
• Proof of financial stability.
• Document justifying study gap.

Advantages of Study Gap

• It gives you the time for learning a new skill which will eventually refine your CV when you will enter the job market.
• You can join employment and get some valuable employment experience.
• If you are aiming to take some competitive exam/exams, you can put more focus on your preparation which leads to a better score.
• If the gap is because of family issues, you can settle them down without worrying about your academic part.

Disadvantages of Study Gap

• Academic discontinuity caused due to study gap may make it hard for you to start your studies again.
• You start your career late.
• If the gap is for a reason that is non-justifiable, it may create a bad impression on the authorities and may diminish your chances to study in Top-Rated Study Abroad Destinations including Canada.

List of Canadian Universities Accept Students with Study Gap

• Royal Roads University, British Columbia
• Seneca College, Toronto
• Centennial College, Toronto
• New York Institute of Tech, Vancouver (NYIT)
• Humber College, Toronto

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How Can Study Abroad Consultants Help?

Still in doubt about your chances to Study in Canada? Contacting a proficient team of study abroad consultants is the best way to handle the concern. Experienced Study Abroad Consultants (like us) not just help you to understand your chances to study in Canada but also help you to enhance your study abroad prospects in every way possible.

We offer best-in-class coaching for IELTS, PTE, and CELPIP, can aid you to comprehend the Canada Student Visa Process as well as acquire your student visa with ease and provide the other required support. Reach us to know about our services in detail.

Must Read: Canada Student Visa Requirements & How To Apply For Study Visa Canada