Canada checks all the boxes for international education. Indeed, the number of overseas students studying in Canada has increased considerably in the recent decade as many international students consider Canada to be an outstanding destination for higher education. Many Canadian colleges are ranked well in prestigious international rankings and the country boasts of 12 entrants in the Top 200 Universities in the world.
The Canadian Ministry of Education’s recent educational policy emphasizes growing the number of overseas students. The detailed educational plan encourages foreign students to work while pursuing their bachelor’s or master’s degrees and to stay in the country after graduation to explore job possibilities. Full-time graduates can easily apply for a work permit that allows them to stay and gain work experience for a period of up to 3 years which is honestly, more than most countries.
The largest foreign-student populations in Canada are in Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Ottawa, and Quebec, all of which have a vibrant and active atmosphere. Students in Canada can enjoy an interesting academic life while also participating in a variety of enjoyable leisure activities.
Canada’s education system is regarded as one of the best in the world. Not only does it provide quality education, but it also provides the option for immigration. Let’s have a look at the reasons that make Canada one of the best study destinations in the world:
1. Standard of Education
With top-ranked universities, high quality of life, easy visa and PR norms, and excellent post-education job opportunities. Canada is well-known around the world for its high academic standards, which extend from pre-kindergarten to secondary school, as well as in colleges and institutions. Canada has 26 top universities listed in the QS World University Rankings 2021. Chemical engineering, management sciences, finance, geosciences, business administration, and pharmacology, etc are some of the most popular subjects offered by Canadian universities and colleges.
2. Enjoys a multicultural and cosmopolitan environment
Besides world-class universities, Canada is famously known for its diversity and tolerance and is one of the safest countries to live in. The country is among one of the world’s most culturally and linguistically diverse countries. With over 120,000 international students in Canada each year, you will experience a vast multinational environment, both in classrooms and in general. This is an important factor for international students, knowing that you will be able to simply adjust and make friends.
3. Plenty of part-time opportunities for students
For most students who want to study in Canada the most important barrier is cost. Tuition fees for international students in Canada are higher than for domestic students. Additionally, international students also need to find lodging and finance their daily life. In comparison to other popular international study destinations such as the US, New Zealand, and Australia the cost of living in Canada is significantly lower.
The average cost of living for overseas students in Canada is US$ 11,835 per year. The cost of living and tuition together can be expensive for some but Canada more than compensates for that through numerous part-time opportunities for international students. International students in Canada are permitted to work up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and full-time (30 hours per week) during specified vacations such as summer vacation. Most students do not require a work visa to work while studying, whether on or off-campus. This means you can successfully manage your living expenses while also saving some money.
Have you taken the GMAT before?
4. Prospects for Immigration
When you travel to another country to study, you are normally granted temporary residency in the country where you are studying. Because that status normally expires when your program concludes, and you are required to return to your home country once you graduate.
But there are many ways in Canada through which international students can stay in the country for a few years or even permanently after finishing their education. Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP), for example, allow graduates to stay and work after graduation on an open work permit. This also allows them to gain work experience in Canada. Full-time graduates can easily apply for a work permit that allows them to stay and gain work experience for a period of up to 3 years which is more than most countries. Recent international graduates from a Canadian post-secondary institution can also apply for PR through temporary resident to the permanent resident pathway which has an impressive application limit of 40,000. Of course they fill up fast so keep track of application deadlines.
5. Safety and Security
According to the Global Peace Index 2018, Canada is one of the safest and sixth most peaceful countries in the world. This guarantees that Canadian University pays close attention to its students on campus. Universities in Canada have a unique body to ensure the safety of students, particularly those from other nations. After hours, most colleges provide services such as shuttles and security escorts to transport you to your lodging or train terminals. Some institutions have their own mobile apps with a direct line where students can immediately contact security if necessary.
Not only universities but also the Government of Canada, place a high priority on the well-being and safety of students across the country. Canada has a democratically elected government, and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms protects the fundamental rights and liberties of all Canadians. Canada has a well-deserved international reputation for being a tolerant and non-discriminatory society. Immigrants account for one-fifth of the Canadian population, and Canadian laws protect all persons from discrimination, regardless of their circumstances which is comforting to know.
From health care to security, all required precautions are taken to keep students safe. As a result, students studying in Canada have a great deal of freedom in terms of health and security. In practically every hospital in Canada, medical insurance is very affordable. For the past eight years, the United Nations has consistently ranked Canada as one of the greatest places to live and there’s no wonder why!
If you have more questions about studying in Canada or how to get a study permit for Canada, connect with our counsellors for a free 15-minute session to get all your doubts resolved.