Why you should study in Canada?
With affordable tuition fees, quality institutions, post-study work and immigration options and welcoming people, it's no surprise that Canada is quickly becoming a leading destination for international students. The number of international students holding Canadian study permits (as of 31 December) reached 652,920 in 2019, up from 552,545 the year before. Canada is one of the top international student destinations in the world. Here are the top reasons why you should study in Canada
1. Benefit from a world-class education
One of the biggest reasons students choose to come to Canada is the quality of a Canadian education. A Canadian degree is widely recognized as equal to one from the United States, Australia, or the United Kingdom, and Canadian universities consistently do well in international rankings.
2. Affordable
Cost is the most significant barrier for most students hoping to study abroad. Canadian international students have to pay higher tuition fees than domestic students. That said, the average annual tuition for an international student’s Canadian undergraduate degree was $16,746 USD in 2014. Compare that to the U.S. ($24,914 USD), Australia ($24,081 USD) or the United Kingdom ($21,365 USD ). You will find that it is more affordable to study in Canada than other western countries.
3. Safety and cultural diversity
Canada has traditionally been a country of immigrants and has a policy of encouraging multicultural diversity. In this vibrant setting, different perspectives are respected and learning together is encouraged.
Almost all of the world's ethnic groups are represented in Canada. As a result, most ethnic foods and recreational activities associated with specific cultures are available in Canada. Clubs, informal clubs and associations representing a multitude of ethnic backgrounds are also easily accessible. International student advisors at schools can help students get in touch with such groups.
All major urban centres have a variety of shopping malls, restaurants, theatres, art galleries and museums. Canadian cities provide numerous parks, gardens and beaches for public use, as well as excellent sports and recreation facilities
4. Permanent residency opportunities and open work permits
When you travel abroad to study, you usually get temporary status in the country you’re studying in. That status usually expires when your program ends, so you have to return home when you graduate.
The Canadian government offers a work program to students who have obtained a diploma from a post-secondary school in Canada and are looking to gain work experience. This is an excellent way to continue to live in Canada while diversifying and developing your professional skills. Canada has a lot of programs designed to encourage international students to transition to permanent residence after their studies. Options like the Post-Graduation Work Permit let graduates stay and work on an open work permit after graduation and give them an opportunity to get some Canadian work experience. Most Canadian provinces have Provincial Nominee streams for applicants with experience studying or working in the province, and Canada’s federal economic immigration streams offer additional points for Canadian work and study experience. In 2015, 51 percent of international students planned to apply for Canadian permanent residence.
5. Enjoy an excellent quality of life
According to QS World University Rankings, three Canadian cities, Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver, made the list of the top 50 student cities. The ranking was based on several criteria, including affordability, the diversity of the student population, and employers’ perception of graduates on the job market.
Canada boasts an enviable quality of life, with a cost of living (e.g., housing, transportation, tuition) that is lower than in other countries, such as the US, France and the UK, and offers safety, stability and respect for the rights of individuals and communities.
6. Discover the country’s natural beauty
Canada is an extremely vast country: Its surface area is 14 times larger than that of France. It offers a multitude of magnificent landscapes that can be explored throughout the country’s four distinct seasons. Many Canadians complain about the country’s harsh winters, but the cold season provides an opportunity for dedicated skiers and ice skaters to practice their sport in majestic surroundings. Here are just some of the most scenic places to visit: the pristine beaches of Prince Edward Island, the impressive fjords of the Saguenay and the Percé Rock of the Gaspé in Quebec, the fascinating Rockies and Lake Louise in Alberta, Niagara Falls in Ontario, Jasper National Park also in Alberta and Whistler Mountain in British Columbia. From the sea to its mountains, prairies and forests, Canada is an endless source of natural beauty!
For international students, very few places offer the advantages that Canada does. Its universities, among the best in the world, are at the heart of its rich and diverse culture. Canada is a country with an excellent standard of living and where there are many opportunities to get some experience in your field of studies. As a bilingual, safe and welcoming place, Canada won’t disappoint students who are looking to broaden their horizons…