About Canada

Canada is one of the most preferred destinations for international students. According to the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) data for the year 2022, Canada saw 551,405 international students from 184 countries. Out of these, 1,83,310 students were Indian students. As of December 31, 2022, India ranked amongst the top 10 countries in terms of source nations for foreign students studying in Canada.

Every year, Canada welcomes hundreds of thousands of international students from around the globe. Some of the reasons to study in Canada include a high standard of living, flexible and quality education options, a diverse and inclusive environment, affordable education, and long-term return on investment. As per the U.S. News & World Report 2022, Canada ranks at 3rd place globally for the best quality of life. Let us look at an overview of studying in Canada for international students.

Many top-ranked universities of Canada have made it to the top 200 in the world according to the Times Higher Education and QS WUR rankings for 2024. With ample state-of-the-art education institutes present and affordable tuition fees, Canada has become a major study destination for international students who want to pursue higher education. 

Here are 8 compelling reasons why studying in Canada should be at the top of every student’s list:

1. High-Quality Education: Canadian degrees are highly regarded worldwide, with institutions maintaining rigorous academic standards. Many universities consistently rank among the top in international assessments.

2. Diverse Program Offerings: With over 10,000 undergraduate and graduate programs, including professional degrees and certificate courses, students have a wide array of options to choose from. Specialized courses cater to various fields, ensuring a tailored educational experience.

3. Affordable Education: Compared to countries like the US, UK, and Australia, tuition fees for foreign students in Canada are notably lower, making quality education more accessible.

4. Abundant Scholarship Opportunities: International students are eligible for numerous scholarships and bursaries offered by the Canadian government and private organizations, further easing the financial burden and fostering academic excellence.

5. Safe and Peaceful Environment: Canada consistently ranks among the safest countries globally, providing students with a secure and welcoming atmosphere conducive to learning.

6. Multicultural Society: Embracing diversity, Canada is home to people from various ethnic backgrounds, fostering a rich cultural tapestry and promoting open-mindedness and respect for different perspectives.

7. Streamlined Visa Process: Acquiring a Canadian study visa is relatively straightforward, attracting thousands of international students annually and facilitating a smooth transition to life in Canada.

8. Scenic Beauty and Vibrant Culture: From picturesque landscapes to vibrant cities, Canada offers an exciting and beautiful environment to live and study. Cultural festivals and events add to the rich tapestry of experiences, ensuring an enriching stay for students.

Choosing to study in Canada promises not just a quality education but also a memorable and rewarding experience in a welcoming and diverse environment.

EDUCATION IN CANADA

Education in Canada boasts remarkable placement figures and abundant career opportunities for graduates, consistently propelling Canadian universities into the top ten globally. This achievement fuels a surge in student applications to study in Canada each year. With over 30 billion dollars in annual public expenditure on post-secondary education, the country offers a robust tertiary education system.

Both government and private institutions provide tertiary-level education, offering a diverse range of degrees, diplomas, certificates, and attestations. Students studying in Canada are well-positioned to become highly successful professionals, sought after by leading recruiters worldwide.

Following are the degrees generally awarded by Canadian higher education institutes.

TOP 10 UNIVERSITIES FOR FOREIGN STUDY IN CANADA ARE:

1. University of Toronto – The top university in Canada once again this year is the University of Toronto which also rose to 21st place worldwide. The university scored highly across all indicators but particularly in academic reputation where it also topped the Canadian rankings and came 11th in the world rankings. The university has three campuses across Toronto with over 1,200 student clubs, organizations, and activities. It has a student population of over 97,000. It also has a total of 42 libraries, making it the largest library system in Canada.

2. McGill University – Located in Montreal, McGill University remains in second place in Canada this year and climbs one place to 30th in the world rankings. McGill University has produced 12 Nobel Laureates and 145 Rhodes scholars among its alumni as well as Canada’s current prime minister, Justin Trudeau.

3. University of British Columbia – The University of British Columbia is ranked as the third-best university in Canada this year. It’s also ranked in joint 34th place globally and scored most highly in the sustainability indicator sharing the title of the most sustainable university in Canada. The University of British Columbia also ranked very highly for academic reputation, where it’s second in Canada and 24th globally. The University of British Columbia aims to embrace innovation and challenge the status quo. It has over 70,000 students and has produced eight Nobel Laureates, 65 Olympic medal winners and 74 Rhode scholars.

4. University of Alberta – Rising to fourth place in Canada and ranked 111th globally is the University of Alberta. The University of Alberta has over 44,000 students from 156 countries and a total of five campuses offering over 200 programmes. The University of Alberta scored most highly in the international faculty ratio indicator, where it’s ranked fourth in Canada and 116th worldwide.

5. University of Waterloo – Rising again this year is the University of Waterloo which came out in fifth place in Canada and 112th in the global rankings. Like the University de Montréal, it also scored highest in the sustainability indicator, placing the University of Waterloo as the fourth most sustainable in Canada and the joint 36th most sustainable worldwide. The University of Waterloo was first established in 1956, has three campuses and is a member of the U15 research group.

6. Western University- Western University climbs two places this year to become the sixth most highly-ranked university in Canada and the 114th most highly ranked worldwide. One of Canada’s top research universities and a founding member of the prestigious U15 research group, Western University was founded in 1878 and has over 43,000 students with around 10,000 international students coming from 129 different countries. The university’s highest score was in the international faculty indicator where it ranked first in Canada and 86th worldwide.

7. University de Montréal – Dropping three places to number seven is the University de Montréal. A French language public research university based in Montreal, the University de Montréal was founded in 1878 and has almost 67,000 students including around 10,000 foreign students. It’s highest score, however, came in the sustainability indicator, where it’s ranked as the fifth most sustainable university in Canada and 50th globally.

8. University of Calgary – Rising one place to be the eighth highest-ranked university in Canada this year, the University of Calgary is 182nd in the world with its highest score in the citations per paper indicator. For this indicator, it’s ranked eighth in Canada as well as being within the top 125 in the world. The University of Calgary was founded in 1944 as the Calgary branch of the University of Alberta and has since separated into an independent university with five campuses including one campus based in Doha, Qatar. The university has over 34,000 students and offers more than 250 courses.

9. McMaster University – After dropping three places in the rankings this year, McMaster University is now in 189th place in the world university rankings. The international faculty indicator is where McMaster University earns its highest ranking, placing second in Canada and 93rd worldwide. The university is located in Hamilton, Ontario, and is best known for its prestigious medical school.

10. University of Ottawa – Rising into the top 10 this year is the University of Ottawa which came in at joint 203rd place worldwide. The University of Ottawa scored most highly in the international faculty indicator, coming in 12th place in the Canadian rankings and 203rd in the world rankings. It also scored highly in the international research network indicator, ranked fifth in Canada and 111th worldwide.

TOP COURSES TO STUDY IN CANADA FOR INDIAN STUDENTS:

• Engineering – All Specializations
• Health Sciences
• Information Technology
• Business Management
• Animation / VFX / Graphics Designing
• Media/Communications
• Hospitality Management
• Telecommunications
• Fine Arts
• Environmental Science
• Computer Science

STUDY ABROAD IN CANADA: WHEN AND HOW TO APPLY:

Canadian universities, mostly, invite and accept applications individually, which can be found and completed online on their websites. However, some provinces have a centralized application system for universities, such as the Ontario Universities Application Centre (OUAC). Students can apply to multiple universities using a single application through these platforms. Deadlines for applications are generally later than other countries. September is usually the start date for the application but many universities start accepting applications in January or even May.

Students must track the important dates of individual universities to avoid losing out on options.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

The general criteria for application are mentioned below:

English Requirements

• The minimum TOEFL score required by most universities is 80-84 (internet-based test) for PG courses
• Most universities and colleges accept equivalent IELTS and PTE Academic scores

Undergraduate study in Canada

• Universities in Quebec require a minimum of 13 years of secondary school education, i.e. an additional year of formal education after the 12th standard or intermediate degree. But, if your academic credentials are very impressive, some universities may consider your application even with 12 years of education
• Minimum aggregate marks of 70% in 12th grade for bachelor’s degrees, and above 50% for diplomas and advanced diplomas
• Mathematics in-class XII (a prerequisite for some sciences, technology, and business courses)
• Minimum required IELTS/PTE Academic scores with an overall score of 6.0 bands or equivalent PTE scores

Masters in Canada

• Most universities require a qualification equivalent to the Canadian bachelor’s degree, which requires 16 years of formal education. It would mean another year of education after an Indian bachelor’s or a four-year bachelor’s degree course like B.E., B.Tech. or other such courses.
• Minimum required IELTS / PTE Academic scores with a minimum score of 6.5 bands as an overall score for PG Diploma and 7.0 bands for a master’s degree. Some universities accept equivalent PTE scores too.
• Relevant work experience (some universities require this for MBA and Master’s Degree in IT)

Doctorate in Canada:

• Masters Degree in the particular subject you wish to pursue doctorate program

STUDENT LIFE IN CANADA

Student life in Canada is very exciting and fascinating. There is no shortage of shopping malls, art galleries, theaters, cafeterias, and exhibition halls in the urban areas. Its cities and towns are rich in public gardens, beaches, parks, sports and leisure facilities. One of the most important reasons why you should study in Canada is because of its welcoming and heartwarming environment. Canada is a peaceful country and is considered very safe for a living. Most of the universities keep campus security for the whole day. All universities in Canada have 24×7 campus security which includes security patrol cars and campus security offices to solve students’ grievances. Certain universities have also instigated the ‘Walk Safe’ program, in which the students can easily get access to public conveyance during late-night hours.

The Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) provides roadside assistance if your vehicle breaks down while driving in Canada. All Cabs in Canada has assistance information found in the backseat.

Scholarships to Study in Canada:

Universities in Canada also offer scholarships to study in Canada for meritorious students who are unable to fund their education. When applying for scholarships you should know that:

Cost of Studying in Canada

The total cost of studying in Canada is mainly constituted of different factors such as the chosen course, the city of study, accommodation, etc.

Cost of Living in Canada

Part-time jobs in Canada

If you’re working while studying in Canada, you obtain great job experience especially if your ultimate plan is to apply for PR (permanent residence). Not only this but getting into part-time employment will also help you meet new people and build professional ties which could help you in the future when you start looking up for a full-time opportunity. Overseas students searching for part-time jobs do not need to necessarily possess high skills. There are plenty of jobs that require you to only be diligent, hardworking and have a knack for learning new things. In this article, we will discuss about the part time jobs in Canada for international students.

On the Canadian student visa, you have permission of working for 24 hours/week at a paid job. However, this is the maximum number of hours that you are allowed to work for. Students who are enrolled in difficult or intensive courses are recommended by the universities to work for a maximum of 12 hours a week. This is because working for more than this number can affect a student’s performance in studies. So you can reduce the number of working hours if you feel you are unable to maintain a work-study-life balance.

For further guidance and assistance with visa applications, please reach out to us.