Why Canada is the Best Place for International Students?
Canada is one of the best places for international students due to its favorable immigration laws and ease of work permits. The Canadian government provides better support to its international students than many other first world countries. The colleges of Canada are world-class and provide ranks constantly among Top 100 colleges of the World.
Why should you study in Canada?
The world’s second-largest country boasts of an education system of the highest standard. World-class Universities and Institutions set amidst beautiful locations coupled with a multicultural and friendly environment make it one of the most preferred locations for education by international students. With the prestigious education system, cosmopolitan cities with vibrant life and affable natives, Canada is indeed a great place to explore and nurture your minds. Students get ample options to choose from a wide range of courses which are quite affordable in comparison to many other countries. According to the World University rankings many Canadian universities have consistently ranked among the top 100 universities in the world.
REASONS FOR STUDYING IN CANADA
Education system:
With more than half a million students from around the world earning their degree from various universities across Canada proves how popular the education system is. The system is highly competitive and reputed for providing relevant courses that will help students curate a successful career.
Course Options:
The best feature of the Canadian education system is probably the wide variety of courses that the universities offer. Students can avail themselves from short-term certificate courses to long-term degree courses as per their requirement and choice.
Globally recognized degrees:
The main purpose of earning a degree from an overseas location is to get acceptance and lucrative career opportunities. Higher studies from Canada ensure exactly that. Students earning their degrees from this country are valued by employers and organizations all across the world.
Rich Cultural Experience:
Reputed for being a progressive and friendly country, it becomes easy for international students to blend in with the natives. This makes Canada a melting pot of culture with students from different countries across the world.
Communication skills:
Canada is known to be bilingual. With English and French being the predominant languages in the country, it gives a fair chance to the English speaking students to pick up a new foreign language that expands their horizon of international exposure. However, except in Quebec, English is more prevalent as the medium of communication in the rest of the parts of the country.
Affordability:
There are a variety of courses with different fees structure. Thus there is always something that suits a student’s educational requirement. This makes the Canadian education system approachable as well as affordable.
Co-operative Education system/Program:
Most of the Universities and Institutes in Canada allow their students to work while pursuing the course. This gives them a firsthand experience to work in an industry relevant to their field of study. They can gain practical experience before completing the course. This enables them to be ready for the professional world right after their education is over. Another advantage of the co-op program is that the students get an opportunity to earn some money that can help them sustain their living in Canada.
Cosmopolitan Cities and Vibrant lifestyle:
As rightly said, all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. Apart from spending a considerable amount of time memorizing chapters, listening to lectures and gearing for exams, life in Canada is much more than that. The cities offer picturesque locations and a wide array of tourist spots with world-renowned cuisines, art and culture to give a break from the monotonous routine of student life.
Safety Levels:
Canada is one of the safest countries in the world with crime rates under control. Thus international students can live here without feeling intimidated and unsafe as if it is their own country.
EDUCATION SYSTEM
Recognition:
The degree which a student will earn from any Canadian University/ Institute is a testimony to the fact that he/she has an educational exposure of the highest standard thus making them an asset in the eyes of their employers all over the world.
Top Ranking Universities:
More than 20-30 universities in Canada have consistently ranked in the top 100 universities of the world in various ranking surveys. This ensures that students pursuing studies from Canada have entrusted their faith in the right place.
State of the art Infrastructure:
It comes as no surprise that leading universities in Canada have world-class amenities and facilities for providing an everlasting educational experience to the students. The universities are also renowned for investing heavily in their research facility that allows students to have access to cutting edge research infrastructure.
Co-operative Education system/Program:
Most of the Universities and Institutes in Canada allow their students to work while pursuing the course. This gives them a firsthand experience to work in an industry relevant to their field of study. They can gain practical experience before completing the course. This enables them to be ready for the professional world right after their education is over. Another advantage of the co-op program is that the students get an opportunity to earn some money that can help them sustain their living in Canada.
Teacher-Student Ratio:
Unlike other countries, most universities in Canada believe in maintaining a very healthy student-teacher ratio. With a minimum number of students in class, a teacher makes sure that each of them gets individual attention and quality notes and lecture. This keeps the academic record of the students in check. Great Campus Life: The universities are mostly set in the middle of beautiful locales with state of the art infrastructure. They also conduct various events all year round. All of this makes it one of the best campus experiences. It also gives students a chance to interact with fellow students from different countries that enhance their communication skills and leads to overall personality development.
STUDY OPTIONS IN CANADA
Canada offers Bachelor’s, Master’s, as well Doctorate degree. Besides this, they also offer diploma and certificate courses for students who are looking for short term courses. The majority of the Universities deliver their courses in English. Therefore, students belonging to non-English speaking countries have to clear one of the English proficiency tests such as IELTS or PTE depending on the University they are applying to. The colleges and universities usually have three intakes per year i.e. in January, May and September.
Major courses offered in Canada for international students are in the field of
• Business
• Agriculture and agro-food
• Health, social services
• Broadcasting and journalism
• Hospitality management
• Design technology
• Masters in science
• Information technology
• Engineering
• Environmental engineering
• Languages and arts
Some of the most popular courses are
• Big Data
• Project Management
• Global Business Management
• Construction Project Management
• Master in Computer Science
• Master in Civil Engineering
• MBA
• Master of Global Management
• Pharmacy technician
• Health Care Service Management and Administration.
The universities offer a range of certificate and diploma programs which are mostly vocational or technical in nature. The duration of bachelor degree courses vary from 3 to 4 years depending on the type, of course, opted for.
However, a Bachelor degree (Honors) is for 4 years. All the master degree courses can be completed in 1 or 2 years depending on the courses opted for.
• Certificate level (1 year)
• Diploma level (2 years)
• Advanced Diploma (3 years)
• Bachelor degrees (3 and 4 years)
• Post-graduate Diplomas/Certificates (1-2 years)
• Master’s degrees (1-2 years)
• Doctorate or PhD (4-7 years)
LIVING IN CANADA
As an international student, one of the most intimidating issues can be living away from your family and friends in a foreign land. A good accommodation makes us feel at home instantly and also helps us to settle down with more ease. The budgeting for living depends on the lifestyle a student chooses to have. However, Canada offers great options when it comes to living and travelling within the country.
On-Campus
Usually students in the very first year opt for this option as it is not only pocket friendly but also gives them a great chance to save money which they would have to otherwise spend on transportation. Living on campus is also advisable as it gives an opportunity to the students to socialize with people they are sharing their accommodation with and thus help them to build a small social circle. This is the most budget-friendly option too as mostly on-campus accommodations are available on sharing basis.
Off-Campus
This option is for those students who can stretch their budget a little more and are looking for exploring a life outside the campus. Most of the cities in Canada offer good accommodation facilities. Students looking for off-campus options can go for sharing that can keep their budget under check. While renting a property a lot of legal formalities also need to be taken into account.
Homestay
A lot of families in Canada allow international students to stay with them. This can be a very enriching experience as it gives a student to experience a foreign culture from very close proximity. This will help in overall personality development of the student. Home stays replicate home like ambience and makes a student feel at ease even in a foreign land.
However, the cost of accommodation might vary depending on the kind of option a student chooses and the location it is situated at. It also depends on the kind of lifestyle a student chooses to have. It is usually advisable to have a part time job which reduces the financial burden to some extent and makes living in Canada a much more affordable experience. An overall calculation usually suggests that an estimated annual cost of living in Canada will range between CAD 15,000 – CAD 18,000.
There are various modes of transport in Canada such as trains, buses and taxis but a student can choose to walk or cycle also depending on the distance from college campus. However, Canada has a very good network of transport connecting all the important parts of the cities. But owing to the harsh climate in winters the options get limited.
Health Insurance is also mandatory for all the international students but the expenditure varies from one province to province and the insurance requirements.
VISA for International Students
Once the student has finalized Canada as the destination for higher studies, it is advisable that they start their application process at the earliest. Majority of the universities have two intakes – January and September. A few handfuls of them have May intake as well. Usually the entire application procedure takes 6 to 8 weeks to get over. A student needs to apply for a Canadian student VISA or a study permit along with offer of acceptance from the chosen Canadian university. In order to initiate the application process a student needs to possess language proficiency proof, medical certificates, valid passport and proof of funds in the form of bank statements, receipts or certificates which ensures that a student has enough financial back up to support his tuition and living expenditures throughout his stay in Canada.
Post Grad Work Permit for International students
The best thing about studying in Canada is the work permit which the students get immediately after completing their graduation. This helps them to get firsthand experience of working in the industry relevant to their field of study. This gives them global work exposure and makes them professionally ready and much more valuable in the eyes of the employers all across the world.
A to-do list before packing your bags and travelling to Canada
This list comes handy for all the students for the final preparation before bidding adieu to their home country:
● Make sure that the offer of acceptance has been received and responded.
● A valid passport is a must.
● Complete all documentation well in advance. Such as immigration and study related formalities. It will save you from the last minute hassle.
● A Canadian bank account is a must.
● A valid travel and health insurance.
● A prescription that supports the various medications you might have to carry.
● In case of any questions related to your course and Institution, get in touch with the concerned department of the university.
● Check your baggage allowance with the airlines well in advance.
● Luggage must be packed keeping in mind the harsh winters and not so hot summers of Canada.
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