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Have you considered studying in Canada? There’s good reason to, with more than 100 world-class universities across the country. It provides a safe and supportive learning environment for many international students from coast to coast, as well as the opportunity to work after graduation.
Do you want to know more? We cover ten things you should know about studying in Canada in this guide:
1. Canada is incredibly diverse
More than one in every five Canadians was born outside of the country, making Canada one of the most multicultural countries on the planet. According to the most recent statistics, Asia accounts for nearly half of all people born outside of Canada. About 28% of the population is European, and 8.5% is African. Furthermore, 37.5% of Canadian children were born abroad or have a foreign-born parent.
Many students at Canadian universities and colleges come from other countries, which is a big draw for many international students. International students, in fact, are driving university enrollment across Canada!
2. Tuition costs can be more reasonable
Tuition fees for international students in Canada are typically lower than in the United States and the United Kingdom. They are, however, a significant expense. Tuition for an undergraduate university degree ranges from $1,800 CAD to $20,000 CAD per year, according to the government website EduCanada. Colleges can be less expensive at times, but tuition can still exceed $18,000 CAD per year.
3. There are scholarships available
There are numerous scholarships available in Canada for international students. Many scholarships, known as entrance scholarships, are awarded to students upon acceptance based on academic performance. As a result, you are not required to apply for them.
The government provides others. For example, if you live in Ontario, the Ontario Graduate Scholarship Program provides master’s and doctoral students with up to $15,000. EduCanada is a good resource for learning more about scholarships and awards for international students.
4. The country has two official languages
The official languages of Canada are English and French. The English-speaking population is known as anglophone, while the French-speaking population is known as francophone. French is the first language of approximately 23% of Canadians, with the majority of them residing in the province of Quebec. There are also over 100 French-language universities and colleges in Canada.
It’s worth noting that all federal government institutions are bilingual. This means that your student visa documents can be submitted in either English or French. When you cross the border into Canada, the officer will greet you with “bonjour, hello” (or vice versa)
In addition to English and French, 70 indigenous languages are spoken in Canada.
5. Institutions provide lots of support
Canadian universities and colleges want their international students to succeed. Your university will have an international student office that will provide services such as visa and health insurance assistance, upskilling workshops, and advice on adjusting to life in Canada. There will also be support services available throughout the campus. These include:
- Mentorship programs
- Mental health services
- Academic accommodations
- Language workshops
- Housing support
- Employment support
6. On-campus housing is a community hub
On-campus housing is available at the majority of Canadian universities. Student residences are sometimes reserved for first-year students. However, many universities and colleges will provide on-campus housing to international students.
Residences can be dorm rooms, private studio apartments, or shared houses, and they frequently include a meal plan. Living on campus is an excellent way to meet new people from all over the world, and for many students, residence halls serve as a true community hub.
You can, however, have an off-campus student housing experience. There are student housing options in most cities that aren’t affiliated with any particular institution but still provide a similar experience with the same amenities – things like cafeterias, study spaces, and entertainment areas.
7. You might be able to work while you study
You can only work as an international student in Canada if you are enrolled full-time at a designated learning institution (DLI). If this is the case, you will be able to work 20 hours per week off-campus and full-time during semester breaks. Your work conditions should be printed on your study permit.
However, before you start working, you must apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN). This is completely free and only takes a few minutes to complete online.
Your earnings will be determined by where you live. In Canada, the minimum wage varies by province and territory. For example, the minimum wage in Ontario is $14.25 per hour, while in British Columbia it is $15.20 per hour.
8. Canada offers post-study visas
Do you want to live in Canada after you graduate? You’re not by yourself. Three out of every ten international students who arrived in Canada after 2000 have become permanent residents.
Canada provides several opportunities for students to work in the country after graduation. For example, if you are eligible, the post-graduation work permit may allow you to stay in Canada for up to three years after graduating. A work permit could also be obtained through an employer.
9. Travel can be expensive – but there are some cheaper options
Did you know that Canada is the world’s second-largest country? It has 9.1 million square kilometers of land! This is one of the reasons why traveling in Canada is so expensive. Flying can also be expensive due to high airport taxes and a lack of competition in the aviation industry. A one-hour flight between Toronto and Montreal, for example, can cost up to $300.
However, if you want to explore the country and travel is deemed safe by government officials this year, there are some less expensive ways to see Canada. For example, the country’s train service, VIA Rail, provides discounts to students and people under the age of 25. Megabus, on the other hand, is a low-cost bus service with routes throughout Canada and the United States.
10. Canadians value a global perspective
In Canada, having international experience is regarded as a significant advantage. Almost every university in the country provides students with the opportunity to study or work abroad. Even better, 80% of employers who hire people with international and intercultural experience say it benefits their business.
