Latest Reasons for International Students to Study in Canada

Many students from other countries are interested in studying abroad in Canada, which is one of the most popular destinations. The nation is recognized for its exceptional educational system and the extensive selection of academic programs available to students of all academic levels.

If you are contemplating studying abroad, the fact that Canada is home to some of the world’s most prestigious universities is sufficient to warrant its inclusion on your list of potential destinations. In 2022, the U.S. News & World Report’s Best Global Universities ranking compared universities in 90 countries and determined that nine Canadian universities are among the top 200 in the world.

In addition to the quality of the education and the rankings of the institutions, Canada is an excellent destination for students. This article contrasts several of the most popular study destinations and enumerates six factors that distinguish Canada as one of the most desirable destinations for international students.

Why is Canada a good place to go to school?

1. Study programs are cheaper than in other countries

If you are an international student, the cost of tuition may be one of the primary factors that influence your decision regarding where to study. The average tuition fee for study programs in Canada is lower than that of other prominent study destinations, such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia, even though education abroad can be extremely costly.

Average international student tuition fees (CAD)	Undergraduate Programs (per year)	Graduate programs (per year)
Canada	CAD 33,623	$20,120
United States	$37,200 CAD	$40,300 CAD
United Kingdom	$40,500 CAD	$27,000 CAD
Australia	$29,000 CAD	$33,170 CAD

2. Life in Canada is better and costs less than in the U.S.

Tuition is not the only requirement for studying abroad. Health insurance, university fees, and other non-tuition fees are also mandatory. While attending school, it is necessary to allocate funds for rent, food, transportation, phone costs, and other expenses. During their initial year in Canada, international students incur expenses ranging from $19,000 to $28,000 for their living expenses. This encompasses personal expenses, insurance, literature, transportation, and food. Additionally, student visas, study permits, and school application fees are necessary.

Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia have cost of living plus rent indices of 54.62, 57.60, 53.24, and 61.51, respectively, in comparison to New York City. Canada is less expensive than the United States and Australia. The United Kingdom is marginally less expensive than Canada; however, university cities may incur additional expenses.

The quality of life is substantially determined by education, health care, employment, job security, the environment, and personal freedom. In 2021, Canada was ranked as the best country to live. the United States and the United Kingdom were not included in the top ten, but Australia was sixth.

3. Getting into Canadian study programs may be easier.

Admission to Canadian universities and colleges is considerably simpler. When applying to Canadian bachelor’s programs, international students’ secondary school grades are taken into account. International students who are applying to undergraduate programs in the United States must also achieve a high score on the SAT or ACT, and their development outside of the classroom is prioritized. You may have a greater likelihood of being accepted to a Canadian university if you prioritize grades over these other factors. Canada’s eligibility regulations are implemented in Australia and the United Kingdom.

Additionally, Canadian universities have a higher acceptance rate than similarly ranked U.S. universities, which increases the likelihood of being accepted into the school and program of your choice.

4. Ample post-graduate job opportunities in Canada

As an international student, you may be contemplating the possibility of securing employment there upon your graduation. This typically entails obtaining a work permit and securing a lucrative position following high school or college.

Post-graduation work Permits (PGWPs) are readily available in Canada and can be applied for within 180 days of graduation. You may be eligible for a work permit if you have been enrolled in a DLI on a full-time basis with a valid study permit for a minimum of eight months. Your Canadian work permit may be valid for a period of eight months to three years, contingent upon the duration of your academic program. Thus, Canadian Bachelor’s graduates may be eligible for a three-year PGWP.

The Canadian PGWP enables you to pursue employment in any field, irrespective of your academic background. The duration of the job search is limitless. After graduating, international students discover that employment opportunities in Canada are more accessible. PGWP holders are permitted to establish a business in Canada, work part-time, or work full-time.

Graduate visas or post-graduate work permits are available to international students who have completed their undergraduate or graduate program in the United Kingdom on a valid student visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa. Visas that are valid for two years are the norm. A three-year employment permit is exclusively available to international PhD graduates. This visa permits employment for all students.

International students who have completed a one-year study program in the United States and possess an F-1 visa are eligible to apply for a one-year Optional Practical Training program to acquire work experience that is pertinent to their academic pursuits. OPT can be extended by 24 months for STEM students. International students who are on OPT are required to secure and commence employment within three months of their graduation. During OPT, your employer is permitted to participate in the H-1B work visa lottery once annually. This is due to the H-1B visa lottery, which guarantees that not all applicants will win.

5. Multicultural classrooms and workforce

An additional advantage of studying in Canada is that you will typically be enrolled in a multicultural classroom. By the time you graduate, you will also be employed in a diverse environment. Students from all over the world are welcomed in Canada, which provides an opportunity to learn about other cultures and maintain connections to one’s heritage. Learning about cultural distinctions in the classroom fosters an atmosphere of respect and acceptance, which will equip you with the necessary skills to enter the global workforce upon your graduation as an international student.

For instance, the University of Toronto, which is considered the finest university in Canada, enrolls approximately 21% of its students from outside of Canada. They originate from 168 distinct nations in order to pursue their education in Canada. Conversely, the majority of students at the most prestigious universities in the United States are from abroad, with a range of 11% to 17%.

6. Canadian immigration pathways for international students

International pupils select Canada due to the ease of relocating and obtaining permanent residency following their program. You have the option to immigrate to Canada through Express Entry streams such as the Federal Skilled Worker (FSW), the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP). Your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points may be increased as a result of your Canadian education.

A Postgraduate Work Permit is necessary for employment in Canada in certain disciplines. Numerous Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) are available to international students who have completed their studies in Canada. You are eligible to petition for Permanent Residence in Canada after 12–24 months.

Upon obtaining permanent residency, you may petition for citizenship in Canada based on your time as a temporary foreign worker or international student.

Canada aims to have more than 400,000 permanent residents by 2023. The likelihood of obtaining permanent residency is increased by Canadian degrees and diplomas. The United States issues a relatively low number of green cards; therefore, even if you meet the criteria, you may be required to wait an extended period, contingent upon your place of birth. Work for five years after graduating to obtain an “indefinite leave to remain (ILR) Visa” in the United Kingdom.

Closing Remarks

Selecting a country to attend college in is a significant decision for international students. Not only must you consider the quality of the universities and academic programs, but also the ease with which you will be able to secure employment and remain in the country after completion of your studies. Canada’s world-class education system and its ease of relocation render it one of the most desirable destinations for international students to pursue their education.

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Benefits for Latest Reasons for International Students to Study in Canada

• Globally Recognized Degrees: Canadian institutions, including the University of Toronto, McGill University, and the University of British Columbia, are consistently ranked among the world’s top universities.
• Innovative Programs: A diverse array of courses, such as STEM, healthcare, business, and the arts, that are specifically designed to address the requirements of a dynamic global economy.
• Emphasis on Research and Innovation: Possibilities for practical research, particularly in the areas of AI, biotechnology, renewable energy, and climate change.
• Permanent Residency (PR) Pathways: Graduates with work experience are eligible to petition for PR through programs such as the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
• Competitive Tuition Fees: Tuition fees that are lower than those of other popular destinations, such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia.
• Affordable Living Costs: Reasonable expenses for healthcare, transportation, and accommodation, particularly in regions outside of main metropolitan areas.
• Financial Aid and Scholarships: A multitude of government programs and universities provide scholarships and bursaries to international students.
• Streamlined Visa Processes: The implementation of initiatives such as the Student Direct Stream (SDS) to expedite visa approvals.
• Family Benefits: The capacity for children to attend Canadian schools and work permits for spouses of international pupils.
• Flexibility of Work Hours: Canada has recently lifted the limit on the number of work hours that international students are permitted to work while studying, thereby enabling them to work more.

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