Top Reasons to Study in Canada
Learn everything you need to know about benefits of studying in the Canada and get end-to-end expert guidance from us.
Did you know that there are over 2 million lakes in Canada? This means that no matter where you study in Canada, there is a breath-taking view waiting for you to help you decompress after a long and heavy week. This is just one of the many reasons to study in Canada and why you should also choose to pursue your higher studies in the country this year.
In 2023, Canada saw over 1 million international student enrollments, which was a record high in decades. This number is a simple indication of how popular Canada is among all other popular study abroad destinations. One of the major reasons to study in Canada is its post-study work opportunities, where international students can start their journey to becoming permanent residents in Canada.
Additionally, Canada has maintained its reputation in offering quality yet affordable education to its students, which is further supported by their work while studying policies for international students, which allows them to earn while studying, thus significantly reducing their financial commitments.
In this article, we will talk about the different benefits of studying in Canada as an international student in the next academic year.
Why Study in Canada?
There are several reasons to study in Canada, which include top-ranking universities and one of the best post-graduate work opportunities in the world. Here is a list of all the major benefits of studying in Canada as an international student this year.
- Top Ranking Universities: A total of 4 universities have been listed among the top 100 universities in the world. This is a great indicator of the world-class education awaiting students in Canada.
- Globally Recognised Academia: Another indicator of the world-class education awaiting students is the global recognition of Canadian degrees and certificates. Graduates from Canadian universities are often highly regarded as skilled and qualified graduates.
- Part-Time Work Options: Unlike its neighbour to its south, Canada allows international students a little less restrictive part-time work options, compared to its neighbour to the south. In other words, international students can work up to 24 hours a week without affecting their postgraduate work opportunities, as seen in the USA.
- Post-Graduation Work Opportunities: One of the leading attractions for choosing Canada is the post-graduate work opportunities available to international students. All international students can qualify for up to 3 years of stay back in Canada to earn valuable work experience.
- Affordable Cost of Study: Compared to its rival study destinations like the US and UK, one of the reasons to study in Canada is the relatively cheaper cost of study. In other words, you will receive a world-class education without burning a hole in your pocket.
- Multicultural Environment: With an ageing population, Canada has worked towards attracting more immigrants for different roles across industries and sectors. This means the cultural diversity is immense, allowing for a more inclusive and safe environment to live in.
Highlighted below is detailed information regarding the reasons to study in Canada as an international student in the next academic year.
Top-Ranking Institutions
Across different global university ranking lists published annually, Canadian universities often find themselves among the top 200 universities in the world. This is possible as a result of its impeccable education system and the variety of courses offered to students. Universities in Canada have been recognised for their research output and their academic excellence, with many being a part of the U15 research group. Among the top universities in Canada, as per the QS World University Rankings, are:
- McGill University
- University of Toronto
- University of British Columbia
- University of Alberta
- University of Waterloo
In addition to these courses, Canada has been known to be the top spot for higher studies across different academic disciplines, especially Computer Science and IT, Engineering, Business and Finance, Health Sciences, and Data Analytics and Science. The high job demand for computer science graduates, Canada’s focus on infrastructure, the labour shortage in the healthcare industry, and many other factors make studying these programmes in Canada a top choice among international students.
Excellent Education System
Among the benefits of studying in Canada and why its universities rank among the top 200 universities in the world, is the quality of education maintained at the university level. The benefits of studying in Canada also bring about the opportunity to study in co-op courses, participate in internships and/or clinical practicals, which promote experiential learning, allowing students to gain valuable real-world experience while gaining theoretical knowledge as well.
One of the major reasons to study in Canada is the globally recognised qualifications, which are possible because of the high academic standards that the governments of each province and territory set. With top-ranking universities on offer and experiential learning to assist, graduates with Canadian degrees often have the best skills and knowledge to help businesses grow significantly.
Part-Time Work Options in Canada
Among the benefits of studying in Canada is the opportunity international students receive with regard to working while studying. All international students are eligible to work while studying in Canada, provided they meet certain conditions, i.e.:
- Be a full-time student studying in a programme that lasts more than 6 months and is offered by a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada.
- A Designated Learning Institute (DLI) is a registered educational institution in Canada which is federally certified to provide higher education to students, both domestic and international.
- Possess a Social Insurance Number (SIN) to access the government benefits while working in Canada. An SIN can be applied for either online or in-person after arriving in Canada with a valid study permit.
As per current regulations, all international students are permitted to work up to 24 hours a week part-time while they complete their studies. Meanwhile, during official vacation periods or holidays, international students can work full-time.
Additionally, if the programme you are enrolled in requires you to work while studying, then you will need to apply for a co-op permit alongside your study permit. This co-op permit will allow all international students who possess it to work full-time while completing their studies.
Post-Graduate Work Opportunities
One of the major reasons to study in Canada, at least why many international students choose to do so, is the postgraduate work opportunities available to all international students. To fulfil the market demand for skilled and qualified graduates across different sectors, the Canadian government consistently revamps its postgraduate work opportunities for international students.
Currently, graduates of specific fields of study pursuing master’s programmes qualify for the 3-year work permit in Canada. Meanwhile, graduates of other programmes that last longer than 2 years can qualify for the 3-year work permit in Canada. Here’s a table to understand the post-study work permit duration in Canada.
| Programme | Programme Length | PGWP Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Master’s | Any length | 3 Years |
| Bachelor’s/Diploma | 2 years or Longer | 3 Years |
| Diploma/Certificate | Between 8 months to 2 years | Equal to the length of the programme |
To be eligible for the PGWP in Canada, you must qualify for the following eligibility requirements:
- Completed a programme at a PGWP-eligible Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
- Maintained a full-time student status in Canada during all the semesters
- Graduates:
- With a Bachelor’s, Master’s or PhD;
- From any other university programme;
- From any other college, polytechnic or non-university programme;
- From a flight school are eligible
Moreover, the postgraduate work permit in Canada can also allow graduates to begin their journey towards permanent residency in Canada. For many, this permit is their way of settling down in a foreign land, pursuing a lucrative career path and sending money back home to their parents. This motivates hundreds of Indian students to choose Canada as their path to independence and financial liberation.
Affordable World-Class Education
The accessibility to world-class education at an affordable rate is a deal that many international students will not ignore. Compared to the other top study destinations like the USA, the UK, and popular destinations like Australia, the cost of studying and living in Canada is relatively cheaper. The lower cost of study, coupled with the high possibility for higher returns after graduation, makes it one of the major reasons to study in Canada.
Here is a breakdown of the annual tuition fees for undergraduate and graduate programmes offered to international students studying in Canada.
- Tuition Fees for Undergraduate Programmes in Canada: The cost of studying an undergraduate programme in Canada averages around CA $36,000 per year. The lowest recorded tuition fee is CA $6,000 per year, and the highest tuition fee is CA $70,000 per year.
- Tuition Fees for Graduate Programmes in Canada: The cost of studying an undergraduate programme in Canada averages around CA $21,000 per year. The lowest recorded tuition fee is CA $10,000 per year, and the highest tuition fee is CA $65,000 per year.
Note: The tuition fees mentioned here are for reference purposes only, and the actual costs will also include additional fees charged by the university offering the course.
In addition to this, the cost of living in Canada is also relatively cheaper compared to other study destinations across the globe. In fact, the Canadian government has set a minimum financial requirement to attain a student permit in the country. The Canadian government expects international students to provide proof of a minimum of CA $22,895 per year to cover their living costs in addition to the annual tuition fees.
Multicultural Environment
Among the many benefits of studying in Canada is the multiculturalism adopted by the country to promote cultural and racial diversity in the country. In fact, Canada was one of the first countries to officially pass a multiculturalism policy to recognise the importance of different cultures and races in the country. This multiculturalism allows all foreign nationals to take pride in their cultures and traditions and to continue having a sense of belongingness in a country far away from their own.
The multiculturalism in Canada also promotes a welcoming and inclusive society, ensuring that all international students travelling to the country feel at home, even thousands of kilometres away. It also promotes an enhanced learning experience and allows for networking opportunities that will span across the globe in the future.
Canada has been one of the top study destinations in the world for decades due to the opportunities that await international students from all over the world. Moreover, the global recognition of Canadian degrees allows students to dream of settling down anywhere they wish to. In addition to this, degrees earned at one of the top universities in the world are also highly respected in India, which can lead to highly lucrative career opportunities back in your home country as well. If you are planning to study in Canada this year, connect with AECC’s counsellors today and get expert guidance to start your study abroad journey with ease!