Canada is one of the most attractive destinations for students wishing to study abroad. Every year, Canada welcomes hundreds of thousands of international students worldwide. It is known for its world-class education system and various undergraduate, graduate and post-graduate study programs.
Here are the top reasons to choose Canada when pursuing higher education:
Better quality of life
Quality of life is usually a factor of several aspects, such as education, health care, employment, job security, environmental quality and individual freedom. According to the 2022 Best Countries Ranking, Canada was ranked the third best country to live in, with the country taking top marks for its job market. Canada also scored well for economic stability, safety and its public health care system. The United States (US) ranked in fourth place, Australia in seventh, and the United Kingdom (UK) in eighth place.
Affordable education
Criteria for choosing a study destination may include tuition fees. While the cost of education abroad can be high, the average tuition fee for study programs in Canada is lower than in other popular destinations like the US, UK and Australia.
Students can access scholarships and work opportunities in Canada to help pay for their education. Many programs also offer co-op work placements or internships to get hands-on experience while they study. Most international students are eligible to work during their studies and can apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) after their studies.
Tuition fees are not the only expense while studying abroad. Students also need to account for non-tuition fees, such as additional college/university fees, health insurance and ancillary fees. They also need to budget for living expenses, including accommodation costs, food, travel, phone bill and more during their study period.
In Canada, international students can expect to spend between $19,000 and $28,000 on living expenses in their first year. This includes accommodation, food, transportation, insurance, books and other personal expenses. In addition, students need to pay the application fees for their study permit or student visa and for the institutions they’re applying to.
Flexible and high-quality education
From primary to post-secondary education, Canada is known for offering high-quality education and research opportunities. Students also have the flexibility to transfer between types and levels of education without running into roadblocks common in other parts of the world.
Two out of every five universities in Canada offer international degree programs, proving that quality education is one of the most critical factors in attracting top talent from abroad.
The QS University World Ranking 2023 features 30 universities from Canada. Higher education institutes in the country offer a range of courses in multiple disciplines, ranging from engineering, technology, economics, different fields of science and more – giving aspiring professionals from various fields numerous opportunities for professional growth and success.
University Canada West is the third university in Canada, and the first in British Columbia, to receive a 5 Star rating from QS Stars.
Job opportunities
Aspiring students in Canada have a plethora of full-time job opportunities after graduation. Several companies offer well-paying and attractive job packages to help international students start their careers.
While Canada regained many jobs lost during the COVID-19 pandemic, nearly one million job openings still need to be filled across all sectors.
Multicultural classrooms and workforce
Another benefit of studying in Canada is that students become part of a multicultural classroom and, after graduation, a diverse workplace. Canada welcomes international students from all parts of the world; consequently, international students can stay connected to their roots and learn about other cultures.
Understanding cultural differences within the classroom fosters an environment of inclusivity and respect, which will help students to be better prepared as they enter the global workforce.