Life after high school is an exciting and frightening new chapter in most people’s lives. You develop new relationships, discover who you are and start laying the foundation for your future.
Sometimes people miss out on the foundational importance of study abroad programs. This opportunity offers enriching experiences by engulfing yourself in unfamiliar cultures.
It’s an opportunity to create once-in-a-lifetime stories to carry within your heart and pass down from one generation to the next. And with hundreds of universities across the world, Canada has consistently topped the list.
So, why study in Canada?
In this post, we detail 10 great reasons for studying in Canada. Read on below to learn them all and see why Canada would make the ideal country to base your university programs!
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1. High Quality of Life
Selecting a university to dedicate the next chapter of your life to is about more than considering the school itself. Other factors play a considerable role in your overall experience.
For example, while money can’t buy happiness, it is essential in maintaining high living standards. That can translate to mean a country with a high quality of life equals a population that ranks above average in housing, income, education, etc.
So, why study in Canada? According to the Better Life Index, Canada consistently performs well above average in all the qualifiers. While there’s no perfect country, there’s something to be said when Canada ranks a few spots below the happiest country in the world.
Another reason to study abroad in Canada is that it’s one of the safer countries in the world. In fact, the Crime Severity Index (CSI) showed an 8% decline in police-reported crime in 2020 compared to 2019 data.
2. Affordable Cost of Living
Going to Canada for college is certainly exciting, especially after learning how safe, culturally diverse and beautiful the country is. However, the cost of living may present an issue depending on the university’s fees and location.
On top of tuition, you must also remember you may require proof of sufficient funds to apply for the study abroad program. Fortunately, you don’t have to toss aside your dreams of Canadian studies quite yet! It may be more cost-friendly than you think.
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3. Tuition and Student Visas
Compared to other English-speaking countries with universities of a similar caliber, Canada has some of the lowest tuition rates and living expenses. Full-time undergraduates in Ontario can expect to pay approximately CA$29,714 per year, and postgraduates can expect an average cost of CA$17,744.
When Harvard costs about $45,000, and Oxford runs students a whopping $65,000, Canada starts looking much more attractive. Depending on if you study within Quebec or not, your student visa financial requirements will also change. If outside Quebec, you’ll require CA$10,000 per year in addition to the tuition and CA$833 per month.
The cost goes up if you study within Quebec to CA$11,000 per year, tuition fees and CA$917 per month.
4. Working as an International Student
Under CA$1,000 may not seem like much, especially when rent can get ridiculously high in cities like Toronto and Vancouver. Luckily, Canadian regulation allows all international students to earn while they learn.
The hours are limited to a maximum of 20 during the school semesters, but students can work full-time on winter and summer breaks. You don’t need to worry about work permits if you decide to work on campus or as an intern because your study permit is sufficient to secure a part-time job.
However, if your study schedule is too hectic to take on a job, there are plenty of ways to get creative and make some money in college on your own time. If you’re studying at home all day, why not take a few minutes and earn some cash by offering to walk your neighbor’s dog. You get some fresh air, and they don’t have to worry about their furry friend leaving a mess for them at home.
People love handing off jobs they consider a nuisance and a pain. And what’s more painful and annoying than shoveling snow only to have it appear again the next day?
You can make rounds through the neighborhood, offering snow shoveling services. While some may not bite, others may jump at the opportunity to get one more chore off their plates.
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5. World-Renowned Higher Education
Canada is home to several renowned and well-regarded universities. They include the University of Toronto, University de Montreal, McGill University, and Queen’s University, to name a few.
Depending on who you ask, the University of Toronto is the most well-known for its contributions to the global economy. It helps that the university fiercely works to build lasting global relationships. The university understood the importance of networking and made it work to their advantage.
Students interested in a technological career would benefit from the innovative insight that Calgary and Western Ontario University offer. While these are just a few renowned facilities and reasons to study in Canada, they’re not all there is. There are world-class colleges that offer education in medicine, arts, social sciences and business.
Choosing the correct university to study abroad in is challenging, but the decision becomes much simpler if you break it down. For example, do they offer your interested major, financial aid, are the extracurriculars inspiring? Asking yourself a few essential questions can narrow a list of five universities down to the perfect one.
6. Emphasis on Development and Research
Many Canadian universities are held in high regard for their focus on research and their discoveries. A large portion of Canadian research conducted within university walls has led to legendary innovations. These include improved cancer detection and enhanced aquatic protection.
Imagine if you decided to study abroad at the University of Toronto. It’s exciting to know that you’d be studying at the same place where Banting and Best first isolated insulin. The university that led the charge against diabetes and ultimately prevented millions of deaths.
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7. Cultural Diversity
Canada offers one of the most diverse and culturally rich populations around the globe. The enormous country is made of ten provinces and three territories, each equipped with unique experiences you can’t miss.
If you can’t travel, you don’t have to Uber to the nearest international jazz festivals and hockey matches. Canadian campus life is equally exciting and full of poutine.
As an international student in Canada, you’ll find various festivals, events and outings to make you want to call Canada your new home sweet home. You can’t forget Canada’s famous fresh-harvest maple syrup. Take part in the harvesting process and collect sap in the sugaring-off season in Quebec.
One thing you don’t want to miss out on is Maple taffy. If you currently live in a warmer environment, it’s definitely one thing you’ll reminisce about for the rest of your life. Don’t be surprised if you end up gaining a few happy pounds by the end of the semester!
Additionally, Canada is a bilingual country. If you take on a few courses in French, it makes for an interesting addition to your resume. Courses in French and English have always been an integral part of the country’s education. It says a lot about the lifestyle you can expect and the enriching culture.
8. Beautiful Weather and Environment
Right before the global pandemic, Canada achieved record tourism numbers year after year. Once you look at their skyline and the nature the country offers, it’s not surprising to see why.
Canada is chock-full of natural sights that seemingly never end. From the world-famous Niagara falls to the Northern Lights at Yellowknife, there’s always a piece of nature left to explore. Honestly, it’s not too often that you can pop on a quick cruise to gander at the ice-blue Hubbard Glacier!
While Canadian winters may be cold and snowy, summers are perfectly warm and humid. When the highs peak around 79°F, you can’t exactly complain. That’s a perfect summer, especially if you come from a place that averages past 100°F every day.
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9. Healthcare
One section measured in Canada’s Quality of Life is its healthcare services. As an international student, you’re required to register for medical insurance. But you’ll be happy to hear that Canada’s healthcare industry ranks relatively high with a long life expectancy to back it up.
In some regions, international students aren’t covered under healthcare plans. It pays to double-check if you need private health insurance in your region.
10. Immigration Potential
A benefit to studying abroad in Canada is that you may become eligible for immigration opportunities. Canada offers a Post-Graduation Work Permit Program that allows students to stay in the country up to three years after graduation to work.
This allows you to accrue international work experience and apply for potential permanent residency at a later date. International work experience goes a long way, whether you plan on moving back to your home country to immigrating to Canada.
The job market is strong, especially in the petroleum, engineering, service and IT industries. However, there’s plenty of opportunities available for those interested in banking and tourism.
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Are You Ready to Study Abroad in Canada?
Canada is a beautiful, safe and developed country full of exciting opportunities for your future. But why study in Canada?
Besides the beautiful landscape, safety, and top healthcare, studying in Canada is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. It’s a chance to create lasting memories and lifelong relationships.
How many more chances will you have to truly live abroad for several years while being able to enjoy life to the fullest? By utilizing the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program, you also develop essential professional, language and confidence skills to propel your career.
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