Hosting nearly half a million international students, Canada is known to offer high quality education at affordable tuition fee with degrees that are globally recognised. Add to it, an excellent quality of life, immense post-study work and immigration opportunities
One of the most important reasons why students choose to study in Canada is because of the high quality of education. When a student receives a degree from a Canadian university, it acts as a mark of trust and excellence.
Tuition fee in Canada, when compared to universities in the US and UK, is fairly cheaper. And when considering the return on investment, it is quite a viable option for international students. You can also apply to a range of scholarships to cut down on your educational expenses. Canada has been consistently ranked as one of the safest nations in the world. In 2018, the Global Peace Index*, listed Canada as the sixth peaceful country across the globe. As international student, you’ll enjoy the same rights as any other Canadian.
Thanks to its special regulations, Canada provides all its international students with an opportunity to work for up to 20 hours every week during their semesters and full-time during the summer and winter breaks. To work on-campus or as an intern in any company, you would not require any additional work permit as your study permit is enough to help you find a part time job.
Canada’s Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PWPP) allows students to stay and work in Canada for up to three years after completion of their graduation. You can gain some international work experience and apply for permanent residency later on.
Top universities in Canada
Canada has a well-established position among the world’s leading study destinations. The most popular Canadian provinces for international students are Ontario, British Columbia and Quebec, which between them are home to many of the top universities in Canada.
For those looking to study at an elite university in one of the world’s most developed nations, applying to study in Canada can be an attractive option. A total of 26 universities in Canada feature in the QS World University Rankings® 2019, of which three are in the world’s top 50, with 11 more making the world’s top 300 – a feat matched only by a handful of other nations.
The two highest Canadian entries are the University of Toronto (28th) and McGill University (33rd), located in Toronto and Montréal respectively (the two largest cities in Canada). Also ranked within the global top 220 are the University of Alberta, McMaster University, Université de Montréal, the University of Waterloo, and Western University.
Higher education in Canada
Undergraduate degrees in Canada can take either three or four years to complete, depending on the university. Postgraduate degrees last between one and three years to complete, depending on the type of degree. Different types of higher education providers in Canada include: universities (which carry out research and provide both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees), community colleges and technical, applied arts or applied science schools (which grant certificates, diplomas, associate’s degrees and bachelor’s degrees).
As universities in Canada are managed by provincial governments, you’ll find there will be slight differences in how education is carried out. Quebec, in particular, is markedly different to the rest of Canada, with different term times and length of study. For instance, students finish secondary school a year early and must take a mandatory pre-university General and Vocational College (CEGEP) course, essentially eliminating the freshman year of university. Check with your chosen institutions for specific details.
Studying a master’s or PhD? To find out about studying in Canada at graduate level, get your free online copy of the QS Top Grad School Guide.