Is study gap acceptable in Canada?

With its world-class education system, excellent faculties, affordable fees, and a plethora of job opportunities, Canada has become a popular destination to pursue higher education among international students. Canada's educational institutions are pretty flexible; most allow study gaps or gap years. Candidates who pursue diploma and undergraduate programs can take two years off. In contrast, students who apply for postgraduate degrees are permitted to take a study gap of five years.

What is a study gap?

When students need to take a break from studying after their last qualification, they take a study gap. During their gap period, they may get engaged in various activities apart from studying, like preparing for any entrance or competitive exams or using gap years to work and intern to gain experience.

Is study gap acceptable in Canada?

Most Canadian colleges and institutions accept study gaps, provided students have valid reasons and legitimate documents. It is very common for international students to take gap years to work for two or three years before aiming for another degree. Some of the institutions in Canada even allow an extended gap if you have a valid reason to support it.

Reasons accepted in Canada for a study gap

Study gap is only acceptable with valid reasons we have listed for you to understand and take the necessary steps:

1. Health Situation

   : Some students might face unforeseen medical issues such as accidents. In these situations, Canadian colleges and universities grant a study gap provided sufficient medical proof supports the stated reason.

2. Professional Experience/Internships

   : Many students take gap years to gain work experience in the professional field after graduating or getting a specific qualification. Colleges and universities in Canada widely accept this reason, provided the student can produce valid proof such as payslips, etc.

3. Integrated growth

   : Apart from getting the required degree, it is suitable for students to learn new skills such as photography, programming, graphic designing, etc. Many students take gap years to acquire and enhance these skills to have a great career ahead.

4. Second try

   : Several students are unable to clear entrance exams in one single go, and so it is prevalent for students to take study gaps to prepare for such exams and try for a better education abroad.

Apart from these, students also take gap years to arrange the funds required to study abroad. But these reasons mentioned above are usually considered and accepted by educational institutions in Canada. Individuals must show valid documents to prove what they have been doing or learning during the gap years.

Documents such as mark sheets, medical prescriptions, salary slips, skill certificates, etc. must be shown during the visa process so that the study gap can be justified, and you are granted admission to a university.

Study gaps can be useful

The gap years will help you grow and give you time to prepare yourself for exams, study abroad, and financially secure yourself. There is no reason to worry about a study gap because you can get admission to a university in Canada with the proper documents and valid reasons. Taking a study gap can prove to be beneficial as you can utilise the time on yourself and gain experience.

Using a gap year sensibly can make much difference in the future and give you the right momentum to move ahead. If you want to discuss about study gaps, you can talk to our international education experts and seek the right guidance.