Study in Canada - Colleges, Eligibility & Scholarships
Study in Canada: Canada is one of the most preferred destinations for international students. According to the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) data for the year 2022, Canada saw 551,405 international students from 184 countries. Out of these, 226,450 students were Indian students. As of December 31, 2022, India ranked amongst the top 10 countries in terms of source nations for foreign students studying in Canada, with 319,130 students. Every year, Canada welcomes hundreds of thousands of international students from around the globe. Some of the reasons to study in Canada include a high standard of living, flexible and quality education options, a diverse and inclusive environment, affordable education, and long-term return on investment. As per the U.S. News & World Report 2022, Canada ranks at 3rd place globally for the best quality of life. Let us look at an overview of studying in Canada for international students.
Many top-ranked universities are also situated in Canada. A total of 7 Canadian universities are ranked among the top 200 in the world according to the Times Higher Education rankings for 2023. With ample state-of-the-art education institutes present and affordable tuition fees, Canada has become a major study destination for international students who want to pursue higher education.
Why Study in Canada?
Some of the benefits of studying in Canada include:
- World-class universities: Canadian universities are ranked among the top universities in the world. In the QS World University Rankings 2024, a total of 9 Canadian universities are within the first 200 ranks. Whereas, in the Times Higher Education (THE) World Universities Rankings 2023, a total of 7 universities are in the 200 ranks.
- Affordable education: Compared to the US and UK, the tuition fee in Canada is fairly cheaper. If we consider the return on investment, Canada is quite a viable option for Indian students. One can also apply for a range of Canadian scholarships to cut down the educational expenses.
- Cultural diversity: There are very welcoming and warm people who come from varied ethnic groups with different cultures and lifestyles. This multicultural environment in Canada is one of the noteworthy factors that attract international students as it promotes friendliness and peaceful living like no other country. In Canada, there are more than 250 ethnic origins along with 200 languages from around the world and 70 indigenous languages spoken.
- Lively and vibrant campus life: At Canadian universities, students can expect fests, events, and activities to be conducted throughout the year. This creates a lively and happy environment for all the students as it helps in making a network and meeting new people, whilst keeping the homesickness away.
- Immigration opportunities: The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP Canada) in Canada shall allow students to stay there and get some work experience after the completion of graduation. The maximum length of a PGWP is three years.
Top Universities in Canada
In this section, we are going to talk about the top universities in Canada. International students remain keen to study in Canada because it has an excellent education system, top-ranked universities in the world, and an English language curriculum. Canadian universities offer a variety of full-time degree programs and this makes Canada a perfect destination to study abroad. Let us check the rankings of Canadian universities in the world by two of the most prominent ranking providers QS and Times Higher Education (THE).Admission Requirements to Study in Canada
The eligibility requirements to study in Canada will vary from course to course and from university to university. Some of the basic eligibility requirements are given below.
- Academic transcripts
- Standardized test scores - SAT
- Standardized test scores - GMAT / GRE / LSAT
- English language proficiency test scores: TOEFL / IELTS / PTE / Duolingo / CAEL
- Statement of Purpose
- Essay
- Letter of Recommendation
- Copy of your valid passport
- Proof of finances
FAQ
The cost of studying in Canada can range from CAD 6,800 to CAD 112,500 per year depending on your course, university, and university campus. When it comes to the average cost of studying in Canada, it may range from CAD 12,000 to CAD 35,000. Living expenses in Canada range average around CAD 19,000 per year; however, these depend on your location, lifestyle, dietary habits, etc. Keep in mind that these prices represent averages and may change based on the institution and area. Furthermore, foreign students should be aware of additional charges such as application fees, health insurance, textbooks, and other costs.
Studying in Canada is more affordable than studying in other countries. In Canada, students can apply for scholarships and work opportunities in order to pay for their education. Many eligible international students are eligible to work during their studies and can get a post-graduation work permit after their studies. The tuition fee in Canada is generally lower than in colleges and universities in the UK, USA, and Australia.
In order to go to study in Canada, you are first required to apply for a study permit before you come to Canada. To apply for a study permit, make sure you meet all the eligibility requirements. Apart from this, submit documents like proof of acceptance from the designated university, proof of identity, proof of financial support, etc.
Some of the top courses to study in Canada are Engineering; Information Technology; Biosciences, Medical and Healthcare; MBA, Media & Journalism; Human Resources, etc. It should be noted that this is not a comprehensive list and that Canada offers a wide variety of additional courses and programmes. What course is suitable for you will depend on your interests, abilities, and professional objectives. On the websites of Canadian universities and colleges, you can get more details about certain programmes and courses.