Canada has always been and continues to be at the forefront of education, especially for international students. As a renowned country for students and young people alike, it makes for the perfect place to start a new life and flourish academically and professionally.

If you are thinking about studying abroad, you probably want to understand the culture and daily life of the country you’re going to live in, the nature of the student communities there, and the quality of educational institutions available. As one of the top international student destinations, we’re shedding light today on Canada! Why study in Canada, you ask? From a great quality of life to excellent educational institutes, there are many reasons you should study in Canada. Let’s go through all of them together!

Why Study in Canada?

Grab your notepad, and let’s list all the compelling qualities that make Canada the great study destination it is!

Quality Education

Canadian universities offer top-class education. When you get a degree from a Canadian university, you can compare it to degrees from the United States, Australia, or the United Kingdom. Moreover, Canadian educational institutions are often ranked highly internationally. There are 30 Canadian universities in the QS World University Rankings 2024, three of which are in the top 50 universities in the world. Here are some of them and their raking in detail! 

1. University of Toronto

Ranked 21st on the QS World University Rankings 2024 scale, the University of Toronto

is the highest-ranked Canadian university that also functions as a distinguished research university and offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes to both local and international students. 

The university offers over 700 undergraduate and 200 graduate programmes across three campuses in the Greater Toronto Area. Here are some of the top programmes of study at the University of Toronto: 

• Accounting 

• Anthropology

• Art History

• Astronomy and Physics

• Bioinformatics

• Civil Engineering

• Computer Science

• Dentistry 

• English

• Economics

• Medicine

• Music

• Law

2. McGill University

McGill University is one of the best universities in Canada; it is ranked 30th according to QS 2024. The university excels in research and offers a variety of graduate and postgraduate programmes and degrees. 

The faculties at McGill University include the following:

• Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences

• Faculty of Arts

• School of Continuing Studies

• Faculty of Dentistry

• Faculty of Education

• Faculty of Engineering

• Faculty of Law

• Desautels Faculty of Management

• Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences

• Schulich School of Music

• Faculty of Sciences

3. University of British Columbia

Ranked 34th is the University of British Columbia; this is a global centre for research and teaching that is consistently ranked among the top 20 public universities in the world. With a diverse and inclusive culture, this university offers a wide range of graduate and undergraduate programmes for both local and international students.

Other Canadian universities and their rankings on the QS World University Rankings 2024 scale include the following:

• Université de Montréal - 141

• University of Calgary - 182

Work Opportunities

You don’t have to wait to finish your degree to start working. In fact, there are a wide range of jobs you can apply for while studying in Canada. International students in Canada can work up to 20 hours per week during university semesters and up to 30 hours per week during breaks, according to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Furthermore, international students don’t need a work permit to work on-campus or off-campus in Canada. The study permit is enough documentation to allow students to work there. In short, part-time jobs can align perfectly with your semester studies, so you would gain work experience along with more financial support throughout your stay in Canada. 

Also, part-time jobs can help you prepare for the job market in Canada. The country has a thriving economy, so many companies expect graduates to gain practical experience alongside their academic studies. This serves as a great answer to why study in Canada!

Affordable Cost of Living

The main aspect you consider when you decide to study abroad is the cost. Among the countries with a majority of English speakers, Canada is considered the cheapest country when it comes to tuition costs. The average tuition ranges from CAD 1,800 per year to approximately CAD 20,000 per year, according to EduCanada. In essence, you will earn a globally recognised degree at an affordable cost. Besides tuition, the cost of daily life is not high, and you won’t feel like you’re breaking the bank, especially if you manage to land a part-time job.

Suitable Student Accommodation

Part of affordability is presented in the variety of affordable and suitable accommodations in Canada. Student accommodation in Canada ranges from private rooms, en-suites, and studios to private flats and shared apartments. You can explore all types of residences via Casita. Pick the city you will study in and browse through various accommodation options. You can filter using facilities, amenities, your expected arrival date, and your budget. Here are some of the top accommodation options in Canada!

• Church Street Apartment: Students looking for one- and two-bedroom apartments in Toronto would enjoy staying at this student accommodation in Canada. It is close to the University of Toronto and has features like Wi-Fi, a gym, and a swimming pool.
  
  

• Simcoe Street Apartments: This is another Toronto student housing with studios, one-bedroom apartments, and two-bedroom apartments for students to take their picks. They’re fully furnished and are a short walk from Northeastern University. Some of the offered features include Wi-Fi, parking, and a fitness centre.
  
  

• Duke of York Blvd Apartments: This Canada student housing is located in the city of Mississauga, just a short drive from the University of Toronto Mississauga. It has fully furnished units as well as facilities like Wi-Fi, laundry, and parking.
  
  

• EVO Vieux Montreal: Located in Montreal, this Canada student housing has unique features like Wi-Fi, an on-site gym, a games room, an indoor heated pool, a fitness and Yoga studio, a library and business centre, communal areas, a cinema room, laundry facilities, and a restaurant. It is also minutes away from McGill University and the University of Montreal.

Immigration Prospects

When you study abroad, you are granted a temporary resident status that is bound to your university years. Upon graduation, your status expires, and you have to return home. That being said, Canada welcomes international students to stay longer after graduation. The country offers various programmes for students to encourage them to stay and work in the country. A programme like the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PWPP) encourages international students to work after graduation for three years, during which they will gain valuable experience. These programmes help students gain work experience that allows them to apply for permanent residency.

Diverse Community

Canada is characterised by an international community that promotes multicultural living. This healthy environment encourages a sense of friendliness among residents and across student communities that are also characterised by the same diversity. In fact, the country houses more than 120,000 international students annually. Therefore, while living in Canada, you will be enriched by dealing with diverse cultures and people from all over the world.

Bilingual Country

Canada has two native languages, English and French, with 56% of the population speaking English and 21.4% speaking French. Lovers of both languages will find multiple language centres that teach both to foreigners. Moreover, since 86% of the population understands and speaks English, communication is easy in the country. Nearly all the universities teach their subjects in English too, and you can enhance your language skills through various pathway colleges that offer language courses, like Fraser International College.

Safe Country

Studying abroad means living independently in a new country; therefore, choosing a safe destination is important. Canada is known to be one of the safest countries in the world. Moreover, Canadian laws ensure that everyone, whether residents or international students, is protected from discrimination. 

Canada is definitely a one-of-a-kind educational destination for both local and international students. In our efforts to answer the question of why study in Canada, we’re ready to move there ourselves! What are you waiting for? Sign up for a better quality of life and education, a diverse community, and a safe living environment by applying to a Canadian university today! You don’t even have to worry about accommodation; leave that up to us!