Why Study in Canada?
Canada is an excellent choice for education, thanks to its high-quality institutions and diverse programs. Known for its academic excellence, Canadian universities foster a welcoming multicultural environment that enhances the learning experience. Tuition fees are generally more affordable than in the U.S. and UK, and students have access to numerous research opportunities. Furthermore, Canada offers post-graduation work permits, enabling graduates to gain valuable experience. With its reputation for safety, friendliness, and breathtaking landscapes, along with a high quality of life, Canada also provides a pathway to permanent residency, making it a compelling destination for international students. Additionally, many programs include co-op and internship opportunities, allowing students to acquire practical work experience and skills.
Choosing Canada for education offers numerous benefits
High-Quality Education: Canadian institutions are known for their rigorous academic standards and globally recognized degrees, ensuring a quality education.
Diverse Programs: Canada offers a wide range of programs across various fields, from technology and engineering to arts and humanities.
Work Opportunities: International students can work while studying, and post-graduation work permits allow graduates to gain valuable Canadian work experience.
Affordable Education: Compared to countries like the U.S. and the U.K., tuition fees and living costs in Canada are generally lower.
Pathway to Permanent Residency: Canada offers various immigration pathways for international students who wish to stay after graduation.
Quick Facts
Ottawa is the capital of Canada.
Canada consists of ten provinces and three territories—Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, and Saskatchewan, along with the Northwest Territories, Nunavut, and Yukon.
Popular cities in Canada include Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Calgary, Ottawa, Edmonton, Quebec City, and Halifax.
Canada is home to 97 universities, including both public and private institutions.
5 of the World’s Top 100 Universities are located in Canada.
4 out of the 30 Best Student Cities in the world are in Canada (QS Best Student Cities 2024).
Canadian universities have produced 27 Nobel Laureates.
Cost of Studying in Canada
| Category | Estimated Cost in CAD |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fees | |
| Undergraduate Programs | 36,100 |
| Postgraduate Programs | 21,100 |
| Living Expenses GIC | 20,635 |
| Student Visa | 150 |
Language Proficiency Tests
For a student visa in Canada, the following English language tests are typically accepted:
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
- Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic)
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
- Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP)
- Cambridge English Qualifications
- Duolingo English Test
Popular Courses in Canada
Business Administration
Engineering
Information Technology
Health Sciences
Hospitality and Tourism
Environmental Studies
Arts and Humanities
Education
Media and Communications
These courses not only provide quality education but also offer pathways to employment in Canada’s diverse job market.
FAQ’s
Universities provide undergraduate and graduate degree programs (bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral) with a strong focus on research and academic study, typically lasting three to four years. While universities emphasize research, colleges specialize in preparing students for specific careers. Colleges offer diploma and certificate programs that focus on practical skills and vocational training, often including hands-on experiences such as co-ops or internships, and usually last one to three years. Both universities and colleges play a vital role in shaping the Canadian education landscape.
In Canada, the main intakes for academic programs typically include:
- Fall Intake: The most common intake, usually starting in September. It offers a wide range of programs and is preferred by many students.
- Winter Intake: Also known as the Spring intake, this usually begins in January. Fewer programs are available compared to the Fall intake.
- Summer Intake: Some institutions offer a Summer intake starting in May or June, though options may be limited and typically include specific programs or courses.
To apply for a study permit on or after 1st June 2014, an international student will need to have a letter of acceptance from designated learning institutions.
Each province and territory in Canada is responsible for designating education institutions at the post-secondary level that may enroll international students on or after 1st June 2014.
- Co-operative education programs, commonly referred to as co-ops and internship both provide students with the opportunities to gain work experience in their career fields.
- Co-ops provide students with a more in-depth and extensive work experience which can be give students an edge over their peers.
- Students who participate in co-ops stop taking classes to work full time. Co-ops are typically paid and last anywhere from 3 or 12 months
- Internship can be paid or unpaid, shorter in duration and are mostly done in the summer when students are out of school.
- S1: The S1 visa is exclusively for studying.
- SW1: The SW1 visa allows for both study and work, typically granted to students participating in co-op programs.
- All the technical Master’s programs require 16 years of Education.
- There are few institutions accepting 15 years of education for MBA programs.
- 15 years of education is generally acceptable for all PG Diplomas except for few technical courses requiring an engineering degree.
To be eligible for a post-study work visa in Canada, specifically the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), you generally need to meet the following criteria:
- Completion of Studies: You must have completed a program of study at an eligible Canadian post-secondary institution that lasted at least eight months.
- Application Timeline: You must apply for the PGWP within 180 days of receiving your final marks.
- Full-Time Student Status: You must have studied full-time during your program, and your study permit must have been valid at some point during your studies.
- Eligible Programs: The program should lead to a degree, diploma, or certificate, and be from a designated learning institution (DLI).
Consider factors such as program availability, university rankings, location, campus facilities, and student support services when selecting an institution. For expert assistance Contact IFS