According to the Canadian Bureau for International Education’s International Student Survey, more than 90 per cent of students questioned were satisfied or very satisfied with their studies in Canada, and 95 per cent would recommend Canada as a study destination.
Canada is considered as a modern, progressive nation with open-minded people. The unique thing about its citizens is that they are very friendly, welcoming and polite. United Nations consistently ranks Canada one of the best places in the world to live in- given its low crime rates.
Like USA, Canada is also one of the most preferred countries for students of other countries to study in. Almost 25 percent of students have an immigrant background; this is a reflection of the country’s openness towards international students. Studying there is an exciting and rewarding experience for many students from around the world. Canadian degrees, certificates, and diplomas are considered internationally equal to equivalent degrees in the U.S. and other Commonwealth countries. You have to apply for a Study Permit to study in Canada. But before apply for the permit, you must be selected at a College, University or School.
Two official Languages
There are two official languages in Canada, English and French.
Scholarships
In accordance with Citizenship and Immigration Canada regulations, you must prove you have enough money to meet your financial needs while studying in Canada before beginning your studies. There are many Government and Non-Government scholarship schemes. You can search for them and decide which scheme to apply.
Affordable Education
The quality of education and living standards in Canada are among the highest in the world, but the cost of living and tuition fees for international students are generally lower than in other countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom.
At forefront of Technology
Remember when the world started to recognize the need to connect schools and libraries to the Internet? Canada’s pioneering SchoolNet program has changed the way students learn and has made good echoes in other nations. From Olympic-quality sports facilities to public concert halls and art galleries, Canada offers enormous possibilities for learning and leisure.
Multi-Culture
Canada has a policy of encouraging multicultural diversity, and this has resulted in a welcoming environment where almost all the world’s ethnic groups are represented. You can simply be yourself, while feeling no pressure to assimilate to prescribed values.
Work Permit
As an international student you can work on and off campus while enrolled full time in your program of study.
Below are the types of Work Permit for International Students:
- On-Campus Work Permit Exemption: You don’t need to apply to a work permit to work in the Campus if you are a full time student.
- Off-Campus Work Permit: To work off-campus, international students need to apply for a work permit, as part of the Off-Campus Work Permit Program. This permit allows students to work for 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during holidays and semester breaks. If you meet the requirements you can also work after graduation.
- Co-op Programs & Internship Work Permits: Foreign students who are studying in a program that requires work experience such as through a co-op or internship program. A work permit is required.
- Post-Graduate Work Permits: A Post-Graduation Work Permit cannot be valid longer than the length of your studies in Canada. If the official length of your program of study is:
- less than eight months
- you are not eligible for this program
- less than two years but more than eight months
- you may get a work permit for a period no longer than the length of your program of study (for example, if you studied for nine months, a work permit may be issued for a period of nine months)
- two years or more
- a work permit may be issued for three years
- less than eight months
Housing
Most Universities offer on campus residences for international students. However, admission confirmation in the university does not mean you automatically get a room in residence. Students need to apply separately for on campus housing.
Campus Life
It is not all work and no play in Canada eitherrates of naturalization. From wired libraries and Olympic-quality sports facilities, to public concert halls and art galleries, Canada’s post-secondary campuses offer you enormous possibilities to combine learning and leisure. Plus, there are many opportunities to meet like-minded individuals and gain valuable experience with student-run radio, newspapers, and businesses.
Transportation
Many students particularly those in larger cities choose public transportation: buses, subways, commuter trains, or ferries. If you plan to use public transportation, you should research transportation options before deciding where you will live. In most cases, you can easily transfer from one mode of transportation to another. Due to Canada’s large size, people often travel between major cities by airplane. All main cities have airports with regularly scheduled flights to and from many places. Trains in Canada are safe and comfortable. It is often cheaper to buy train tickets in advance.
Long Term Advantage
There are major long term benefits to studying in Canada as one would get points for permanent residency in Canada if he or she has graduated from a Canadian University. After studies, person with Canadian credentials and Canadian work experience may apply for permanent residency without having to leave Canada.
A Safe Place
The Global Peace Index ranks Canada among its top 10 safest countries in the world to visit. Canada is a friendly, safe country with a high standard of living. Low crime rates, great student health benefits, and universities focused on student security and health make studying in Canada a good choice for anyone who’s uneasy about personal safety while abroad.
When to start Planning
International students are expected to start planning for their studies in Canada 1 year in advance. The major intake for Canada primarily is ‘Fall’ i.e. in September. The other intake is in the month of ‘Winter’ i.e. January.
Geography
Canada is the second largest country in the world and consists of six time zones. It is known for its natural and scenic beauty. When we think about Canada we imagine wide-open spaces, dramatic mountains, large forests and beautiful lakes. Roughly 30% of country’s total landmass is occupied by forest. Canada has 10 provinces and 3 territories. These are divided in five main regions: Atlantic (New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador), Central (Ontario and Quebec), Prairies (Manitoba, Saskatchewan), West (British Columbia and Alberta) and North (Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut).
Some common advantages of studying in USA, UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand:
1. Innovation, Technology and Infrastructure
Universities in these countries are at the forefront of technology, research and techniques. They have a reputation for adopting new technologies at a faster rate than in most other countries and also boast of having one of the highest rates of internet access in the world. Facilities for teaching, training and research are world-class in terms of state-of-the-art laboratories and classrooms, outstanding libraries and modern technology. Implementing latest technology in their Education System improves the student’s proficiency and potential and gives them a better learning experience. The campus provide beautiful open surroundings along with modern facilities.
Some of the Top Universities in Canada:
- University of Toronto
- University of British Columbia
- McGill University
- University of Montreal
- University of Alberta
- McMaster University
- University of Calgary
- Queen’s University
- Simon Fraser University
- University of Western Ontario