₦airaland Forum

NigerianNewbie:
Yes, UOttawa does have that, with the student card. Thanks for the info so far.
I have a question though. Textbooks as opposed to ebooks, are they compulsory or just better to work with in school or based on personal preferences, cos I did not expect that to be classified as a major cost. Hope you can share some more info on this.

Textbook are not compulsory but you will need it for assignments. Some courses might also require you to buy some online portal access. What program are you in?

Honestly, In my experience paper textbooks are better for studying but the price and carrying them around just outweighs the positives. All the courses that I've had paper textbooks for I've done better in but everyone ends up getting digital copies of the book for the above mentioned reasons.

NigerianNewbie:
I am planning on 8000 CAD or less a year on personal expenses, nothing too extravagant. Fair enough or ....?

Then maybe you can take a look at their website. I have seen other ads for accommodation with students. This seemed nice and it isn't too far from school.

Www.1eleven.ca/room-prices

Mevisbleek seems like he can help you with rent info. If this 8000 is for expenses after rent, then I think you should be ok. Most school id's let you get on public transit for free, I'm not sure about your school. Your major expense should just be food and going out for fun here and there. 100 bucks a week should cover those 2 things if you're cooking for yourself.

Textbooks might be the other major cost but make friends when you get to school and you can find most major textbooks for free or cheap. If I remember more things I'll add.

mevisbleek:
Good day brother. I must confess that I have little or no idea about software engineers. I'm so sorry. My department na mostly electrical engineers and they seldom hire associate hvac designers

I posted something on software engineers and computer science a couple of pages back. They make good money, this question again is too broad. Research and ask specific questions.

Crap I just realized I'm replying to you and not the guy that actually asked the question. Oh well, hope he reads it.

NigerianNewbie:
Hello everyone. I would like to find out a thing or two.

Although I know this is based on the individual, how much do you think is ok for personal expenses for a year in Canada, excluding accommodation? A range will be fine.

Also, I'm heading to Ottawa. Is 800 CAD too much to pay for accommodation per month? It is a campus suite which I will call fully serviced: heat, water, laundry, gym, furniture, Internet, full bathroom but sharing room with 1 person. Should I look to get lower? I hear housing in Ottawa is generally quite affordable.

@Kepner you're heading to Ottawa as well right. Any thoughts?

I'd appreciate some responses. Thank you.

You have to state what type of lifestyle you expect to be living for you to have a figure. The range could be too wide.

I've not lived in Ottawa but have been there a couple of times to renew my naija passport, it looks pretty affordable. Are you sharing a room or is it an apartment. $800 to share the same room doesn't look like a good deal.

I don't get why people are getting their panties in a bunch, I never insulted anyone and even said I don't think you are lying. I gave you my opinion and told you exactly why I think that way. Your replies does not refute those points in anyway, or explain why, you just said again that another people also got those admission.

Only insecure people start going personal, I am here to give my opinion and help people from my motherland with absolutely nothing to gain (especially people that want to stay and excel here). I am in energy, you need your p. Eng to be in certain positions. If you think I am wrong, you can respond as a grown up and move on.

I don't deserve to be in Canada? Haha, I've lived 3/4 of life in Canada. I know more about Canada than I do of naija. I am also man enough to say I do not know about a certain topics when I don't, as a I've already done on this thread a bunch of times.

Let's get back on topic.

kfrosh:
Just a quick one bro; how can you qualify to become a P.Eng in Canada with your Naija B.Eng knowing fully well that you can't get admitted into Canada's Masters program cos of grade wahala.Any tips

P.Eng is a long process, you have to do a bunch of different things after graduation. 4 yrs of working as an engineer under another engineer that already has a P.Eng designation, you also have to take an exam, there are a bunch of other things that I don't have off the top of my head.

P.Eng means professional Engineer, when you get that, you start making real money..$100k plus.

mrnilobrawn:
I got master (M.Engr) admission wit UNB, OTTAWA, USASK with my HND.

What schools look out for wen considering u for admission is not the name of ur degree(Bsc, btech, nce, hnd etc) rather the course on your transcript if it align with theirs.
Let your transcript speak for u...

I hope you jumped on the offer of admission because I really think those schools did not know what HND was, since we don't have that here. I've never heard of this happening before. I just think they offered it to you thinking it is equivalent, they love international students because you pay double of what we pay, so those smaller school will be quick to offer your a masters entrance so as to boost up their graduate dept (this matters a lot to the prestige of this school, the more graduate students you have the better)

The school's don't set the minimum when it comes to Engineering, The CEAB (canadian engineering accreditation board) sets it. If the school messes up they risk having their accreditation withdrawn, if that happens then your degree is pretty much worthless. You'll never be able to get your P.ENG license and nobody will hire you. (When you get finish your bachelor's you get your iron ring, if you dont have an iron ring, you are not an engineer). I've not heard of one case where even people with advance diploma gets an entrance into M.Eng. Its not just your transcript, you need a certain number of hours to qualify to for a B.Eng (or B.Sc in Eng), doesn't matter what courses you took. If you don't have those hours you can not qualify for your bachelors. That's why most schools don't offer engineering coarses in the summer, because they simple can't give the students the minimum amount of hours. A 2 or 3 yr program doesn't let you get those hours.

Every school I have came across needs a minimum of a bachelor's to get into a masters engineering program, my school for instance needs to have at least a B average in your undergrad.

I'm not saying you are lying. I'm just telling you what I know since I am in the engineering field. Maybe try your luck and apply to those school's nilobrown applied to, you might have the same luck and get in. If you get in, take your masters, go back to naija and enjoy!.

Ugochux:
@burrytee,

IMO, HND is almost equivalent to Advanced Diploma.
*i stand to be corrected*

Yea you're right, I would even consider it a normal diploma.

Finestlex:
Met phyz at the mall today

Nice, where city are you guys at?

standupguy:
Bros you are correct but XE is the official rate at CBN and the Form A is designed to help you access that CBN rate for certain transactions like tuition and BTA.
I have done this before and the exact rate on XE was deducted without an extra kobo.
Why Gtbank has decided to put a whole 9 Naira on top is what I don't understand. I just need to compare estimate from another bank.

Oh ok. I didnt know the CBN could force a bank to exchange at a certain rate set by another private company. It's not that way here, all the banks here trade at a slightly different rate no matter what you're paying for. Let me know if find out the rates from the other banks, I'm curious.

Xe.com rate never matches the real rate. Every bank uses a different rate so they can make money, so Xe will always be off.

I have an account with FCMB, and I always find their rate to be reasonable. I use their bank card to make purchases here.

Please if you are trying to reach me, post something on this thread first so we can see if its worth a personal conversation. I'm not trying to disrespect anyone, just don't feel like using my personal email with someone that has never said hi to me. Also I like the idea of people sharing ideas for everyone to see here (wish this thread was invite only though).

Sucks that this board doesn't have personal messages built in.

mevisbleek:
Good day Sir /madame,
MSc is actually cheaper than most colleges that people apply to. I believe we Nigerians do not like due process, anything that follows due process will be termed "long thing". Masters application is part of that long thing while pgd application take like 1-2 or there about. People don't want to write Gre or gmat becos they feel say na long thing

Don't crucify me oh its just what I feel. Lol

I'm not gonna argue this point because its simply not true. A master program that takes 2 to 4 yrs does not cost the same as a post grad diploma that you can get in a yr (and it is a harder threshold to qualify for academically), I don't know what schools you are looking at. I know a lot of naija people that are doing both routes here.

Regardless, anyone that applies for masters just for the sake of it is just wasting money and time. Don't be desperate, look at what matches your goals and what will get you employed without you going in debt and do whats best for you (especially if you want to stay here).

It's only naija people that rush into masters without thinking out about it because everybody does it back home. Times have changed, employers want people with skills and not just papers. There is a huge debate going on here regarding the value of B.Arts and useless B.Sc programs. Kids go to college and come out make more money with more applicable skills.

I'm done with this one. Back to helping people that have questions...

A lot of people have been passing opinions as facts, Do not apply for things you can't afford. Masters is way more expensive and honestly a naija B.Sc does not hold up to a Canadian B.Sc, everybody know that, including the people looking at your application. A post graduate diploma is still an upgrade to a naija B.Sc. People here even do post grad diploma after going to university. If you apply for Masters you might have a better chance, but it puts a higher burden to prove that you can pay your fees and day to day living.

People are being denied on a case by case basis. It might be that you are not among the top choices during the period you applied and they have met their quota or many other reasons. Again thousands of people apply from almost every country in the world, including the states that is next door. Apply to what makes the most sense to you.

Lets not confuse people.

NaD720:
Don't say there are no Vo's on the thread. Do you know how many people are reading this messages without commenting? And do you know how many agents or VO assistant are currently scouting these threads to know more about whatever we are talking about and to change tactics? Have you heard of Edward Snowden? If you have, then you should know what I am talking about.

I'm pretty sure there are no immigration officers reading this thread daily to keep up with your application tactics. Don't confuse intelligence gathering with normal everyday people working. There is a reason why they ask for so many documents and with the amount of people applying, they can easily see trends when people start lying.

simeon83:
[b][/b].
I don't fink is for all applicant....

I don't understand what your trying to say but thats the reason why you have a passport. If you've been to canada the US knows your travel history when they run your passport and vice versa.

Crich:
Thanks for your response.
Although, I know they cross check with US database but not sure if they do for all applicants.
Note: my passport is still as clean as though nothing happened. My visa wasn't cancelled. So, I'm a bit confused here, if I should come out straight and let them know, or I should just apply like nothing of such happened.

for sure they do, they'll know everything. Personally, I would let them know but I might be wrong.

Crich:
My questions are:
-will this affect my Canadian study permit?
-if I apply, should state clearly, then US ban and the situation?
-if yes, should I submit docs from the US immigration of the status change denial, and the school's notice of appeal letter I was meant to submit? (So as not to be accused of misrepresentation and concealing of information when they eventually find out from the US database)
-should I go through paper or online route of study permit application?

Thanks

I'm sorry but you might be screwed for a bit. I'm not sure about the American system but the Canadians don't play with overstaying your visit even by 1 day. I've heard several stories of people getting banned for a couple of years for the same thing. The good news is that you are more than qualified academically.

My advice is to wait and then apply for Canadian study. Bring up the issue before they ask for it and provide as much evidence (and I mean anything you can think of) as you can to show that it was an honest mistake.

hayqinsbFX:
Personally ill say that doesn't hold water atall!
Because as busy as ontario onyeoma posted a link of the canadian government the other time which sayas that the economy of ontario is as risk due to the lack of skilled professionals..
If atall there's one thing which is that ontario isn't overpopulated... ....canada as a whole is even underpopulateed..

This is not as straight forward as you think. Canada is underpopulated but the greater Toronto area is growing at an incredible rate, people are constantly complaining about traffic during rush hr, house/rent prices(a lot of people are on the waiting list for govt subsidized rent) and jobs. We lack skilled workers but it is in very niche sectors, must of the skill most of the ppl from naija are bringing are not rare in Toronto. When they say skilled workers that just doesn't mean people that went to post secondary school, we are one of the most educated population in the world.

I don't know for sure but if it'll make sense to apply out of town where most other immigrants don't apply to. My family knows people at the Canadian consulate branch in PH but I don't know people that actually go through application or I would ask them myself.

Let's wait and see how the rest of the applications from people on the thread go though, it'll still be tough to know because everyone's case is so different.

lastpage:
I agree with you 100%!

You carry Drugs, you are caught, YOU DIE!
No Excuse!

I hope Gen. Buhari will ONCE AGAIN, pass the DEATH SENTENCE on these Criminals who not only give this country a bad name and image, but also ruin the lives of others through their Greed and dealings in this merchant of deaths.

#SaiBAba, please act on this menace, please!


Lastpage!

Ya, because the death penalty has stopped it in other countries and that is what Jesus would do.

Go Bleep yourself, you heartless Bleep.

Jakay:
I really don't know what's wrong with those guys. I didn't indicate on my application that i had any family in Canada yet it got ticked as one of the reasons for the refusal.

That's why I don't know if they want you to have family here. I'm not even applying and I am frustrated with these process.

Ugochux:
Good day... Please is there any activity going on over thereI mean apart from d football tournament.. Cos the Visa denial rate is much now ooo...

The Pan American games, women's World Cup and an election in a cpl of months. So they are probably getting a lot of visit request especially from South America, that should not have nothing to do with student visa though. One thing I've noticed is a bit of an influx of rich international students from China and Saudi Arabia. Also, maybe since most naija students don't go back, they are tougher on naija students, I know a naija guy that got denied PR earlier this year.

Maybe looking for schools that are not close to major city might help. Did most of the people delayed apply to Toronto area schools?

I don't get why people keep getting rejected with 'family ties in Canada' ticked. Do they want you guys to have family in Canada or not?

neoneyo:
I am relatively new here @just wise @solo8 and everyone in the house good day, pls i need your opinion and suggestions

i want to do a program in information technology/systems technology. My situation is not so straight forward. Information technology has always been something ive been interested and excited about right from time, but i ended up studying ACCOUNTING and i am currently working in an AUDIT FIRM. During my undergraduate days i did short courses in computer system maintenance and repair (A+) and networking(CCNA) at aptech, tho i did not end up doing the certification exams, i used the knowledge gained to setup a computer and accessories sales and support/repair business while in the university. after completing my bsc i tried to get into IT support positions in organization but was unsuccessful because i did not have a background in IT or enough relevant experience.

I currently have an opportunity to study in canada, and am looking at doing a program in computer systems technology/technician. The problem i have is i don't qualify for most or even all of the post graduate/degree diploma in IT because i dont have the required academic background in IT/compt sci or work experience in the IT field. The better option here is an undergraduate diploma/advanced diploma 2/3yrs respectively, i don't mind doing an undergraduate program again since its something i really want, but i am concerned if i could be at a disadvantage for college applications and especially for visa applications because of my age(27) and because of lack of continuity as per i already ave a degree in accounting

My question is can my age (27) disqualify me from doing a diploma or disqualify me from getting a study permit.
Thank you

hello,
27 yrs is nothing here, you are pretty young. There are a lot of people in their 30's and 40's that go to school here(i had a guy that almost 50 doing B.Eng in my program). I'm not sure how that affects your visa but as for school application, it actually gives you an advantage to be a mature student.

With your experience you can qualify for some graduate certificate and advance diploma programs from some colleges even if you didn't do a tech prog. for your undergrad. You just need to search a bit. I just did a quick search and I found one that takes people with a business degrees, which is basically what you have.

The 2 things you have to think of is how much money you have saved up. I would suggest doing a college 1 or 2 yr program so you can get back to work quickly.

Ps. When searching for IT schools, you might run into some stupid schools like everest and other for profit colleges, don't even think about those. They'll take your money and no one will employ you. Only apply to publicly funded schools.

Cheers

minnietope:
Hi, @Team 12 & @Taike both said they are not opened today, its a Canadian public holiday.
So you will have to go tomorrow.

Cheers

Yesterday was a holiday, not today.

ferdimako:
Bros, can someone who did Biochemistry in Nigeria get over with say public health, Masters and later find his way to a medical school or must he redo a B.Sc in a health-related major before that move? We need to be insane...seriously!

You can apply to medical school if you do a related Canadian masters program. They'll still ask for your undergrad transcript.

babajust:
@Solo8, I still await ur reponse please!

Sorry, I thought I already responded to this post. Computer science graduates are always in need, I think they are more available jobs in that field than most other professional industries. The bad news is that it is incredibly competitive. What role did you have in your company? Do you keep up to date with all the systems in the Canadian telecom industry and can you prove your technical ability during your interview. What I'm trying to say is that having the degree will just not cut it, you have to show what you bring to the table because a lot of people with a technical background know a lot about your field. I'll use myself as an example, I am not in your field but I code daily, build computers, servers, know a bit about control systems, work on personal computer science projects and the only formal education I have related is just my normal computer science related courses from engineering school, so you have to show that you know way more than someone like me for them to pay you more. The pay is fantastic in your field by the way, probably a higher starting salary than most engineering starting positions.

This section now is purely my opinion. If you have a choice, you should try and apply for masters (I almost never recommend doing masters or Ph.Ds if you don't plan to be a prof or have naija undergrad degree. I don't have one myself and I don't think I'm going to do it ever, except if my work pays for it totally and make some other guarantees) but in your case I think you should. There are a lot of computer science and software engineering graduates that will be competing with you with Canadian grades and portfolios. A College diploma will not give an edge except if you have a lot of experience and just need something Canadian on your resume. If you don't want to spend the time or money to do a masters program, look for an advance diploma course but from a university, This will probably be only a yr long or so.

I think I've answered most of your concerns, if you think there is something I did not make clear, let me know.


update: Actually there is way the college route might be of an advantage. After school, you'll be able to apply to jobs that you might be overqualified for and will probably have to do more technical jobs meant for those with a diploma. The pay will still be good though, probably about $40 to $50k starting, which you can live comfortably on. After Some yrs you'd have enough experience to use your naija degree to apply for higher positions but with way more Canadian experience, you will not have that much of an issue.

Let me know what type of lifestyle you expect to be living and i'll estimate your cost of living.

mosopefoluwa:
Thank u so much for ur response. He started work officially last year. His aim is to do his residency again in Canada n get into deir system. His plan was to do a masters program dere afta which he hopes to get into residency but unfortunately he didn't get admission into any of d schools n got d diploma instead. U know ow medicine is like for young docs in naija. Hez rili at a cross road n doesn't know if to go ahead wit d diploma plans n doesn't want to waste money

It is almost impossible to transfer any experience as a medical doctor to that of the Canadian system. Even doctors from the States and England find it a bit difficult to get in. The standards are too high and no one will want to take a risk if you are not certified by all the Canadiane boards.

Also, its way too hard to get into medical school over here. I have some friends that are doing their residency now and they all had to have incredible marks in undergrad to get admission. I still dont understand the naija GPA system, so I can't translate when you can say things like 2.2 or upper class lower, I don't know what that means in our system.

The advice I would give you is that maybe he try applying to pharmacy school (still over 100k a yr starting salary), that is hard to get into but its not as hard as medical school. If he plans on practicing medicine here, then a diploma will not get him anywhere. He has a choice, either change field, or apply for an undergrad science degree program and then apply for medical school.

The good news is that if he becomes a doctor here, he is set for life. The pay is insane.

ada4all:
Hi guys. I have just been denied sadly. Just got denial update on my application.

Really sorry to hear that, did they mention why you were denied?

Don't give up, find the right time to try again. We have an important election coming up later this yr. Immigration will be an important issue, so things might change for the better.

Keep your head up. Nothing good is ever easy!

If you go to his church, you deserve to have your money stolen by him.

Nigerians donating aid to Israel. Hahahaha, Israel military budget alone is bigger the entire naija GDP.

In one thread Yoruba, south south and Igbo 'Christains' gang up on Muslims, then here those same people want to kill each other.

Lack of employment is the problem I guess

I guess this is the part of this forum where idiots come spout hate.