Know why Canada is such a popular destination for international students
Hosting nearly half a million international students, Canada is known to offer high-quality education at affordable tuition fees with globally recognized degrees. Add to it an excellent quality of life and immense post-study work and immigration opportunities. Canada stands out as a popular country for international students to study.
Why study in Canada?
Here’s why Canada has become a popular destination among international students:
Student-friendly cities: Canada is a student-friendly destination. 3 Canadian cities are ranked in the top 50 in the QS Best Student Cities 2024 list.
Post-study work rights: Canada offers up to 3 years of post-study work rights.
World-recognized universities: Canada is known for its good quality but affordable education. According to the QS World University Rankings 2024, 3 of Canada's top 50 universities are. Also, 31 Canadian universities rank in the QS World University Ranking 2024*
Multicultural experience: Canada hosts several students from different parts of the world. This makes the Canadian education experience multicultural. You get to interact with students from all walks of life.
Popular cities to study in Canada:
Major Metropolitan Hubs (Often with Higher Costs of Living):
Toronto, Ontario:
Large and Diverse: The most populous city in Canada, offering incredible diversity, cultural experiences, and a vibrant arts scene.
Numerous Universities: Home to prestigious institutions like the University of Toronto, York University, and Ryerson University (now Toronto Metropolitan University).
Job Opportunities: A major financial and business hub with a wide range of co-op and internship possibilities.
Public Transportation: Extensive public transit makes getting around relatively easy.
Student-Friendly Atmosphere: Lots of student hangouts, restaurants, and activities.
Vancouver, British Columbia:
Stunning Natural Beauty: Surrounded by mountains, ocean, and forests, offering amazing outdoor recreational opportunities.
Reputable Universities: Home to the University of British Columbia (UBC) and Simon Fraser University (SFU), both highly regarded.
Growing Tech Industry: Strong tech sector with growing job opportunities.
Mild Climate: Generally mild and relatively rainy, which many people enjoy.
Multicultural Environment: Offers a diverse and welcoming environment.
Montreal, Quebec:
Unique Culture: A blend of North American and European influences with a distinct French-Canadian vibe.
Excellent Universities: Home to McGill University, Concordia University, and Université de Montréal, all highly regarded.
Lower Cost of Living (Compared to Toronto & Vancouver): Still a major city, but generally more affordable than the other two.
Bilingual Environment: Opportunity to learn and practice both English and French.
Vibrant Arts & Culture Scene: Known for its festivals, music, and food.
Other Popular Options:
Ottawa, Ontario:
Capital City: Home to government buildings and national institutions.
Good Universities: Home to the University of Ottawa and Carleton University.
Clean & Safe: A well-maintained and safe city.
Green Spaces: Lots of parks and green areas.
Good Job Opportunities: Stable public sector employment.
Calgary, Alberta:
Close to the Rockies: Access to amazing mountain scenery and outdoor adventures.
Growing Economy: Strong energy sector and emerging tech scene.
Lower Cost of Living (Compared to major hubs): More affordable than Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal.
University of Calgary: A well-regarded university.
Edmonton, Alberta:
Affordable: Known for its lower cost of living compared to other major Canadian cities.
University of Alberta: A well-respected, research-intensive university.
Growing Job Market: Offers opportunities in various industries.
Arts & Culture Scene: Has a vibrant arts and cultural scene.
Quebec City, Quebec:
Historic Charm: A beautiful, historic city with European character.
French-Canadian Culture: Immersive French-Canadian culture and language experience.
Lower Cost of Living (compared to Montreal): Offers a more affordable cost of living.
Programs and their duration in Canada
Here are the programs that Canadian universities offer:
Qualification
Duration
Certificates and Diploma
1-2 years
Associate degree
2 years
Bachelor’s Diploma
4 Years
Postgraduate Diploma
1-2 years
Master’s Degree
2 years
Cost of living in Canada
Tuition for international students can range from CAD 15,000 to CAD 30,000 per year. The living expenses may come up to CAD 10,000 and CAD 15,000 per year for housing, food, transportation, and other expenses.
Academic Intake to Study in Canada
Canadian colleges and universities offer three intakes. In some universities, intakes may also be referred to as a semester. The three intakes available in Canada are:
Intake
Starts
Winter Intake
Jan/Feb
Fall Intake
Aug/Sept
Summer Intake
Apr/May
Popular programs to study in Canada
Canada is known for its high-quality education and wide range of courses available for international students. Some of the popular courses that attract international students to Canada include:
Accounting
Engineering
Business
Biotechnology
Computer & IT
Data Science
Marketing, Media and communication
Health Science
Top universities in Canada for studying in Canada.
Here are the top universities for higher education in Canada:
S. No.
Institution
QS Ranking 2024 (Globally)
1
University of Toronto
21
2
McGill University
30
3
University of British Columbia
34
4
University of Montreal
141
5
University of Alberta
11
6
McMaster University
189
7
University of Waterloo
112
8
Western University
114
9
University of Ottawa
203
10
University of Calgary
182
Universities We Partner With
University Canada West
University Canada West is an innovative business and technology-oriented institution located in the heart of vibrant Vancouver. Established in 2004, UCW offers a range of career-focused programs including the Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Arts in Business Communication, Associate of Arts and Master of Business Administration. Courses are offered at our two downtown Vancouver campuses and online too. Offering courses online brings f...