5 reasons to study in Canada for international students

Canada is one of the most popular study destinations for international students, and for good reason. Here are five reasons why you should consider studying in Canada as an international student:

1. World-class Quality Education

Canada is known for its high-quality education system, offering a well-rounded learning experience that prepares students for successful careers. Here’s a closer look at the quality of education in Canada:

Reputable universities: Canadian universities consistently rank among the best in the world, with many being recognized globally for their research and innovation. Examples include the University of Toronto, McGill University, and the University of British Columbia.

Practical, hands-on learning: Canadian universities place a strong emphasis on practical, hands-on learning, giving students the opportunity to apply what they have learned in real-world settings. This approach helps to prepare students for successful careers and ensures that they are equipped with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in today’s global marketplace.

Compared to other countries: Canada offers a well-rounded education that is highly respected around the world. It consistently ranks among the top countries for quality of life and education, making it an excellent choice for international students.

2. Affordable Tuition Fees

One of the major advantages of studying in Canada as an international student is its relatively reasonable tuition fees compared to other popular study destinations like the UK and the US. Here’s a breakdown of why Canada is a more cost-effective option:

United States: tuition fees for international students in the United States can be significantly higher than in Canada, with costs ranging from $20,000 to $50,000 (CAD 26,800 to CAD 67,000) or more per year, depending on the institution and program.

United Kingdom: tuition fees for international students can also be higher than in Canada, with costs ranging from £20,000 to £35,000 (CAD 32,500 to CAD 56,500) or more per year, depending on the institution and program.

Australia: tuition fees for international students can be similarly high, with costs ranging from AUD$25,000 to AUD$40,000 (CAD 23,200 to CAD 37,000) or more per year, depending on the institution and program.

Canada: tuition fees in Canada are often more affordable, with average costs ranging from CAD$15,000 to CAD$30,000 or more per year, depending on the institution and program.

In addition, Canadian universities and colleges offer scholarships and financial aid to international students to help offset the cost of tuition and living expenses. For example, some universities offer scholarships specifically for international students, while others have programs to support students from lower-income backgrounds.

3. Affordable Cost of Living

Canada is known for its reasonable cost of living, compared to other popular study destinations like the US, UK, and Australia, making it an attractive option for international students who want to keep their expenses in check while they study.

Housing: Housing is one of the biggest expenses for international students, and Canada offers a more affordable option compared to the US, UK, and Australia. For example, the average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in a city center in Canada is around $1,200, while in the US it can be upwards of $1,500, and in the UK it can be upwards of $2,000.

Food: The cost of food in Canada is also more reasonable compared to other countries. A week’s worth of groceries for one person can cost anywhere from $100 to $200, depending on the location and the type of food you buy. This is less expensive compared to the US, UK, and Australia, where grocery bills can be upwards of $300 per week.

Transportation: Transportation costs in Canada can vary depending on the city, but they are generally more affordable compared to other countries. For example, a monthly transit pass in a Canadian city can cost anywhere from $70 to $150, while in the US, UK, and Australia, it can be upwards of $200.

Miscellaneous expenses: Miscellaneous expenses in Canada, such as entertainment, clothing, and personal care items, are also more reasonable compared to other countries. This means you’ll be able to enjoy your student experience without breaking the bank.

4. Safe and Secure Country

Canada is widely regarded as a safe and secure country for international students to study in. Whether you’re looking to study for a few months or a few years, you can feel confident that you’ll be in a safe and secure environment while studying in Canada. Here are some reasons why:

Low crime rates: Canada has low crime rates compared to many other countries, making it a safe and secure place for international students to live and study. In 2022, according to Country Ranking – Crime Rate by World Population Review the crime rate in Canada is 41.89%, while it is 43.03% in Australia, 44.85% in Italy, 46.07% In the United Kingdom, 47.81% in the United States, and 51.99% in France.

Strict laws and enforcement: Canada has strict laws in place to protect citizens and visitors from crime, and these laws are rigorously enforced by the police. This helps to ensure that international students are safe and secure during their stay in Canada.

Strong support systems: Canadian universities and colleges have support systems in place to help international students, including counseling and security services, to ensure that they feel safe and secure while studying in Canada.

Safe and secure campus environments: Canadian universities and colleges are safe and secure places, with 24/7 security and surveillance systems in place to keep students safe. Many campuses also have emergency response systems in place to quickly respond to any security incidents.

Welcoming and friendly communities: Canada is known for its welcoming and friendly communities, and international students are often warmly embraced by their local communities. This helps to create a safe and secure environment for international students to study in.

5. Diverse and Inclusive Environment

Diversity and inclusiveness are two important features of Canadian society, and international students can benefit from these in many ways. Here’s a closer look at how diversity and inclusiveness make Canada a great place for international students:

Diverse communities: Canada is a culturally diverse country, with people from all over the world living and working together. This diversity is reflected in the makeup of Canadian universities, where international students have the opportunity to meet and interact with people from all over the world.

Inclusive environment: Canada has a reputation for being an inclusive and accepting country, where people of all backgrounds are treated with respect and dignity. This is especially true in the education sector, where universities actively encourage and support diversity and inclusiveness.

Supportive policies: The Canadian government has put in place policies and programs to support diversity and inclusiveness, such as the International Student Program, which provides support and resources to help international students succeed in Canada.

Zero tolerance for racism: Racism and discrimination are not tolerated in Canada, and the country has strict laws in place to protect people from these forms of abuse. This makes Canada a safe and welcoming place for people of all races and ethnicities.

Canada’s diverse and inclusive environment makes it an ideal place for international students, who can benefit from the country’s supportive policies, zero tolerance for racism, and diverse communities. Whether you’re looking to study, live, or work in Canada, you can feel confident that you’ll be in a safe and supportive environment that celebrates diversity and inclusiveness.

Extra reason: Benefits from both schools and Canadian government

Benefits provided by schools:

Co-op program: Some schools offer co-op program, short for cooperative education, which is a unique work-study program that allows students to gain valuable real-world experience in their chosen field.
On-campus housing: Many Canadian universities offer on-campus housing for international students, making it easier for them to transition to a new country and culture.
Health insurance: Some Canadian universities also provide health insurance coverage for international students, which helps to cover the cost of medical expenses while they study.
Cultural programs: Many universities also offer cultural programs and events, which provide opportunities for international students to meet new people, learn about Canadian culture, and make new friends.

Benefits provided by the government:

Post-graduation work permit: After completing their studies, international students in Canada are eligible to apply for a post-graduation work permit, which allows them to work in Canada for up to three years.
Permanent residency (PR): After working in Canada for a certain period of time, international students may be eligible to apply for permanent residency, which allows them to stay in Canada permanently.

Learn more about Post-graduation work permit here: Work Permits in Canada 2023: An Overview for International Students