Is study gap acceptable in Canada?

The study gap is when a student takes a break from studying usually after their last qualification. In the meanwhile, they may get engaged in various other activities like preparing for any entrance or competitive exams or using gap years to work and intern to gain experience.

Yes! Most colleges and institutions providing higher education in Canada accept study gaps, provided they are supported by 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.

Do you know Canada also accepts students with backlogs? Read more here.

Students who wish to take a study gap are also required to justify the reasons behind taking those gap years. Here is a list of a few such reasons for taking a study gap that are usually accepted by the educational institutions in Canada.

1. Professional Experience/Internships: A lot of students take gap years to gain work experience in the professional field after graduating or getting a certain qualification. This reason is widely accepted by the colleges and universities in Canada, provided, the student can produce valid proof such as payslips, etc.

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

3. Medical or health-related problems: Some students might face unforeseen medical issues such as accidents. In these situations, the Canadian colleges and universities grant a study gap provided there is sufficient medical proof to support the stated reason.

4. Holistic growth: Apart from getting the required degree, it is good 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.

Apart from these, students also take gap years to arrange for the funds required to study abroad. But these above-mentioned reasons are usually considered and accepted by educational institutions in Canada. An individual must show valid documents to prove what he or she has 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.

Know how you can apply to the Canadian institutions

Taking a study gap can prove to be beneficial as you can utilise the time on yourself and gain experience. 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, with the right documents and valid reasons, you can get admission to a university in Canada.

Using a gap year sensibly can make a lot of difference in the future and provide you with 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