When you decide to take a gap year, you must have a good enough reason to do so. A study gap year, be it one or more, can create not only a lapse in your study years but also cause a late career head start. Also if your reasons are not genuine or valid enough to take a gap year then your chance to study in Canada and get into a top Canadian University decreases.
However, gap years are not to be taken lightly. They are means to use that time to develop your abilities and discover more about your interests.
Isn’t it possible to build your necessary skills while you study? Your ongoing academic year helps you to develop the skills you require based on your curriculum. However, as an individual, you need time to understand many other skills and capacities for the road ahead no matter the career path. Therefore, a gap year or more can help you discover yourself so that you are more confident of your chosen career choice as you study abroad in Canada.
What does a gap year look like in Canada?
The education system of Canada permits international students to study in Canada after a study gap. It’s the number of study gap years that define their decision about your chances ahead.
Students with gap years are required to put some more effort to get into a Canadian university compared to students without gap years.
If you have taken up a gap year then you need to make sure that you submit the required documents at the time of your admission process in a university. These documents must justify the reasons for your study gap.
What if you’ve taken more than a year’s gap? Canada allows students with gap years of five years and more, but with a few reasonable conditions.
It is also possible for international students with a study gap of more than five years to get a Student Visa in Canada. Again, this depends on their capacity to provide an honest and genuine reason behind the gap.
The gap duration permitted to any student largely depends on the level of the degree or study program. For instance, Canada allows a study gap of up to two years for undergraduate and diploma program applicants. On the other hand, the students applying for a postgraduate program in Canada are allowed a study gap of up to five years.
When should you take a study gap?
Study gaps can be taken for a number of reasons. Sometimes, taking a study gap year may not be a choice, while for some it may be a choice out of compulsion.
By this, we mean that many international students have had to take a gap year or more for the following reasons.
Family issues
A student may be challenged by family issues back home, compelling them to go back until personal matters are resolved. They may be engrossed with major family concerns, such as the death of a family member, preventing them from focusing on their studies. Study gaps of this nature can be addressed to and clarified with the Canadian universities in order to clear the student’s route to study in Canada.
Health issues
Some students inadvertently may develop an unexpected illness or come across an accident, rendering them incapable of continuing their studies until recovery. Canadian universities consider these types of study gaps if the students present medical certificates to prove their condition.
Financial Issues
To study abroad in Canada means that you have to arrange for your finances beforehand. However, for some international students, this may be difficult. Therefore, students with insufficient funds may need considerable time to collect the appropriate funds and organise necessary proof of financial stability. This form of proof is a mandatory document in order to obtain a Canada student visa and study in Canada. Since the process may take a long time, students would have to take a break before starting the application process.
While the issues above may not be in one’s control to a large extent, there are other reasons that permit students to take gap years.
If the student is offered employment
Canadian universities do not prevent students from gap years that involve getting employed. The necessary documents that one has to submit to provide proof of employment is payslips and letters of experience.
If the student is preparing for competitive exams
Studying for common entrance tests or competitive exams takes time. Therefore, students who want to achieve a high score must take a study break. Such gaps are acceptable by Canadian universities.
If the student want to explore their skill enhancements
Sometimes the students want to take up short-term courses and certifications to gain extra knowledge. This type of study gap would not hinder their way to Study in Canada.
Are you looking to study abroad in Canada after a gap year? Reach out to our consultants to advise you on your chances to study in Canada and help you to improve your study abroad prospects in every way possible.
FAQs
1. How much of a gap is accepted for studying in Canada after completing my 12th-grade studies?
Generally, a gap of two years is accepted. This period spans between completing your 12th-grade studies and starting a post-secondary program in Canada.
2. How much of a gap is accepted for studying in Canada after graduation?
This gap is variable and depends on the college or university you apply to study in Canada. Some institutions may not permit a study gap, while other institutions may allow a study gap of up to five years.
3. How do I cover my gap to obtain a study visa in Canada?
Any gap taken can be justified as long as you have done something productive in that period. This includes you investing your time in activities that contributed to your overall growth and development as an individual. Therefore, it is essential to explain your reasons for taking a study gap and how it helped you nurture your existing skills and develop new ones.
4. Is a 7-year gap accepted in Canada?
Education Institutions in Canada generally accept not more than two years of a study gap. However, if your study gap is more than two years then you may have to enquire with other universities. You will have to check if they can consider a longer study gap based on your circumstances.