What is meant by a study gap?
Study gaps are known as the time when a student takes a break from studying usually after the last qualification. In the meanwhile, they may get engaged in various other activities before pursuing their next qualification. Students may take gap years to prepare for entrance or competitive exams, and, some students may also use gap years to work and do internships after completing their graduation.
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Is study gap acceptable in Canada?
Yes. Most of the 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 prepare for IELTS exams or even 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.
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Reasons accepted in Canada for a study gap:
Students who wish to take a study gap, are also required to justify the reasons behind taking the gap years. Here is a list of a few such reasons for taking a study gap that is usually accepted by the educational institutions in Canada.
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 pay slips, etc.
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- 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.
- 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.
- 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 fool proof future ahead.
Apart from these, students also take gap years to arrange for the funds required to study abroad. The 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, and so must be shown during the visa process in Canada so that the study gap can be justified and you are granted admission to a university.
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Conclusion
Taking a study gap can prove to be beneficial as you can utilize 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.
Reach out to SIEC for application enquiries and assistances.
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