Study in Canada

1. It’s an amazing place!

Canada is the world’s second-largest country but is home to just 37 million residents, most of whom live in urban areas within 150km of the country’s long southern border with the US, due to the pleasant, four-season continental climate.

Amazing outdoors and urban areas

With the world’s longest coastline, Canada is renowned for its natural beauty – it boasts an endless array of forests, lakes, rivers, and mountains – as well as vibrant, culture-rich cities such as Toronto, Montréal, Vancouver and Québec City.

In 1971, Canada was the first country to adopt a multicultural policy, and it continues to welcome immigrants from all nations. The country officially recognizes every culture as equally important, and is famous for its friendly, tolerant population.

Strong economy

With the 16th largest real GDP in the world, Canada is number 5 globally on Forbes’ best countries for business list. It boasts a highly skilled labor force, abundant natural resources and buoyant financial sector, making Canada the ideal place to accrue the skills you need for a successful career.

2. Get a top-notch education

Canada holds one of the strongest reputations for quality education in the world. The country tops spending on education in the OECD (more than 5% of its annual GDP), and more than 50% of its residents graduate from tertiary studies.

Quality institutions

Home to top-ranked universities such as the University of Toronto, McGill University in Montréal, McMaster University in Hamilton, and Université de Montréal, Canada’s entire tertiary education system is characterized by world-class academic standards, diversity and exceptional research opportunities.

Once you graduate, job prospects are excellent, with Canadian universities scoring strongly on employability rankings. Canada’s universities have strong ties with international companies and educational institutions, ensuring you get the right experience and network to set you up for post-graduation success.

Inspiring alumni

Canada has produced an impressive 25 Nobel laureates, a testament to the country’s intellectual rigor. When you study in Canada, you’ll experience first hand why Canadian universities are acclaimed internationally.

3. Bilingual benefits

Canada is officially bilingual, and government documents are produced concurrently in French and English. About 25% of the population speaks French as a first language, mainly in the province of Québec, but you’ll find both languages are spoken throughout the country.

The bilingual bonus

Studying in Canada offers the huge advantage that you won’t just improve your English skills, you’ll have the opportunity to learn French, too. This is obviously a major plus in the international job market – especially if you are looking to stay in Canada after your studies.

Academic programs throughout most of Canada are in English, while in Québec coursework is generally in French. However there is no hard-and-fast rule: for example, McGill, one of Canada’s top-ranked universities, is located in Québec but offers coursework in English.

Do your homework!

Proficiency tests apply if you’re not a native speaker, so make sure to check the exact requirements and language offered at your chosen educational institution.

4. Great R&D and practical experience

Research and development at universities in Canada are conducted at one of the highest rates among OECD and G7 countries, and the government and private sector support research in fields including telecommunications, medicine, agriculture, computer technology, and environmental science. Conducting research in Canada offers the chance to consolidate your classroom learning in a top-class research environment.

If tech is your thing, you’re in the right place: Canada’s universities have long been incubators for innovation. Many revolutionary technologies were designed in Canada and it’s a hub for digital media, video game and biotech industries. It was also the world’s first country to connect its schools and libraries to the internet, and remains at the cutting edge in terms of connectedness.

5. Canadian lifestyle

Year after year, Canada tops all kinds of official global rankings including the World’s Best Country to Live, and Highest Quality of Life worldwide. Studying in Canada means experiencing for yourself the freedom, stability, and safety that makes Canadian life so wonderful.

Great student life

Canadian universities go to lengths to create a strong, vibrant student community, so you will find plenty of ways to enjoy time with new friends on campus. Play your favorite sport in Olympic standard facilities, or get involved in student media, music or artistic groups and academic clubs.

Despite its high educational standards, tuition fees and the cost of living in Canada are relatively low, particularly compared to the US and the UK.

Iconic ice hockey

A cornerstone of Canadian society, ice hockey is not just a sport but a national obsession. From Newfoundland to Vancouver Island, Canadians unify to watch their favorite team and the best players are worshipped. Make sure to get along to an exciting game of hockey when you study in Canada!

6. Flexibility and strong MBA programs

Canada has a flexible tertiary education system with polytechnics, colleges, specialist institutes, liberal arts universities and larger, research-intensive universities. Choose a 2-year diploma, a professional certification, or go for your Bachelor, Master or Ph.D. in your chosen field. You’ll definitely find an institution and a course to meet your needs.

If you’re looking for an excellent MBA program Canada is home to an array of globally acclaimed business schools. The country is one of the highest rated worldwide in terms of post-MBA employment, and top universities such as McGill, Toronto and Western offer MBA programs that will enable you to forge a highly successful career.

7. Epic cities and amazing nature

Canada boasts cosmopolitan, clean and beautiful world-class student cities, including Toronto, Hamilton, Edmonton, and Québec City, a UNESCO World Heritage site. You’ll enjoy a great sense of community, diversity and plenty of vibrant culture wherever you study.

Canada’s “cultural capital”

Located in the French-speaking province of Québec, Montréal is rated as one of the best student cities worldwide, and is home to some of the country’s top-ranked universities. As a student in Montréal, you’ll have the chance to enjoy its European-style café culture, lively festivals and thriving creative and cultural scene.

With thousands of lakes, spectacular mountain ranges including the Canadian Rockies, as well as 10% of the world’s forests, Canada is the ideal study destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Take advantage of hiking, kayaking, skiing, birdwatching or simply witnessing the grandeur of nature as you explore the area around your new hometown in Canada.

Mix city living with outdoor lifestyle

Canada’s compact, pretty student cities come with a major bonus: proximity to Canada’s nature. Take Vancouver: nestled close to spectacular forests and mountains on the Pacific coast, Vancouver is consistently named as one of the top 5 most liveable cities worldwide. Wherever you choose, you’ll enjoy the urban and outdoor experience Canada offers.

8. International students welcome

You won’t be alone as an international student in Canada: 15% of the post-secondary student community comes from overseas, the third highest rate globally. The Canadian population itself is highly multicultural and is known for its tolerance and equality, making it a delightfully welcoming place to study.

When you study in Canada, you will do so alongside people from a similar background to you, but also among people from a range of cultures and countries of origin. Your international, cross-cultural experience in Canada will not only be personally enriching but also extremely attractive to companies in the global market.

9. Exceptional work opportunities

When you study in Canada, you are encouraged – and in certain cases required – to undergo practical training as part of your studies. With numerous collaborative agreements between universities and companies, few other countries in the world offer the possibility to combine your studies with such high-level, hands-on workplace experience.

Canadian institutions recognize the value of practical experience alongside your academic curriculum: as a full-time international student in Canada, you can work on or off campus for up to 20 hours per week and full-time during semester breaks. Post-grad work permits are also available to graduates from Canadian universities (see below!).

10. Stay on in Canada

One of the reasons Canada is such a popular study destination is the relative ease of staying on after graduation. You can apply for a post-graduation work permit within 90 days of completing your studies which enables you to accrue further work experience, which you’ll need if you intend to become a permanent resident.

The “Express Entry” program offers a unique, fast-track to permanent residence. To qualify, you will have to demonstrate language proficiency, familiarity with Canadian society, and proven relevant work experience. Find more information on the Canadian government website. If you’re interested in staying in Canada, this is definitely worth investigating!