Every year, students from Panama travel to Canada to study for a variety of reasons.
As a result, there is an increase in Panamanian students currently enrolled in undergraduate and graduate academic programs in Canada.
Furthermore, Canada and Panama have diplomatic relations. They are also members of the Organization of American States (OAS).
Choosing Canada over other countries is thus a wise and rewarding decision.
However, this article contains information on a variety of topics that will help you through the various application processes.
Such aspects include applying for admissions and scholarships, as well as available study loans and benefits for Panamanian students.
Why Should You Study in Canada as a Panamanian
As a Panamanian student, here are some reasons why Canada should be considered when deciding where to study.
#1 To begin, graduation from a Canadian post-secondary institution entitles you to the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PWPP).
This program, on the other hand, allows you to work in Canada for three (3) years.
Furthermore, you may apply for immigration through any of the available immigration pathways and programs (Express Entry, PNP, etc.)
#2. Second, Canadian colleges and universities provide opportunities to gain international work experience.
#3. Canada’s educational institutions provide high-quality education to all students, including Panamanians. These universities are also highly ranked in global university rankings.
#4. Studying in Canada from Panama improves your research and development skills because of its research-intensive universities.
#5. Compared to other foreign countries such as the United States of America and the United Kingdom, the cost of enrolling in an academic program in Canada is relatively low.
Above all, Panamanian students in Canada have the opportunity to apply for scholarships and study loans.
Canadian provinces for Panamanian students
- British Columbia
- Ontario
- Quebec
Available Study Programs in Canada for Students from Panama
The table below shows a breakdown of the available level of studies, duration, requirements and the certificate earned at the end of each program.
| Programs | Requirement (academic requirement) | Program duration (years) | Certificate earned after study |
| Undergraduate programs | High school grade 12 certificate | 3 to 4 | Bachelor degree certificate |
| Diploma programs for undergraduates | ” | 1 to 2 | Diploma certificate |
| Graduate diploma programs | Bachelor degree certificate | ” | GDip degree certificate |
| Masters | ” | 2 | Master in (discipline) degree certificate |
| Master of Business Administration (MBA) | ” | Not less than 2 | MBA degree certificate |
| Doctor of Philosophy (PhD/DPhil) | Master degree certificate | Minimum of 3 | PhD degree certificate |
What is the Cost of Studying in Canada from Panama
The cost of studying in Canada as a Panamanian student ranges from tuition, textbook fees, student fees, and health insurance. So, the cost is between CAD 13,000 and CAD 22,000 if you apply to study in Canada from Panama.
In terms of graduate programs, you’ll need to budget anywhere from CAD 9,000 to CAD 22,000 to enroll in master’s, MBA, and Ph.D. programs.
Furthermore, you must maintain a minimum personal support amount of CAD 10,000. This fund will cover your living expenses once you arrive in Canada.
To avoid not meeting up with the necessary things you need to travel to Canada as a Panamanian, you have to plan for extra fees.
These fees include the following;
- Flight (from Panama to Canada): CAD 870
- Student services fee: CAD 400
- Housing: CAD 1,800
- Health insurance fee: CAD 500
- Books & supplies: CAD 280
Who sponsors Panamanian students to Canada?
Your parents, guardian, family member, relative, spouse, common-law partner, and employer can all provide financial assistance to help you study in Canada from Panama. Sometimes, one can travel from Panama to Canada on scholarship.
Study loan for Panamanian students in Canada
Panamanian students are undoubtedly among those who qualify for some international student loans in Canada.
As a result, you’ll be able to apply for popular student loans like RBC Student Line of Credit and MPOWER Financing. These student loans can meet the financial needs of Panamanian students studying in Canada.
Scholarship Programs for Panamanian Students in Canada
Certainly, scholarships of varying amounts are awarded to eligible Panamanian students based on their commitment, academic achievement, and other factors. As a result, the following scholarships are available to Panamanian students enrolled in a program of study in Canada.
1. Conestoga College International Degree Entrance Scholarships
International students (including Panamanians) can now receive partial funding for Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programs.
2. UCW Second Language Excellence Scholarship
Provides partial funding to Panamanian students pursuing Bachelor’s, Master’s, and MBA degrees.
3. The University of Winnipeg -President’s Scholarship for World Leaders
International students (including Panamanians) enrolled in Bachelor’s degree programs are eligible for partial funding.
Eligibility for scholarships in Canada for Panamanian Students
Many entrance scholarships only require you to apply after you have been awarded one.
Other scholarships, on the other hand, have a number of prerequisites that must be met before submitting an application.
Among these requirements are:
- Least admissions/entrance average of 70%
- Commitment to the student union, community development services, etc.
Organizations which offer scholarships to Panamanian students in Canada
- MasterCard
- British Council
- The Leakey Foundation
- The International Brain Research Organization (IBRO)
- The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC)
