study here You’re here because you’re considering studying in Canada, and are seeking information about the country and its education system before you commit. Here are some of the reasons Canada is the preferred study destination for students across the world.
You’ll receive world-class education
Canada’s high academic standards and rigorous quality controls mean that you’ll be earning a high-quality education that will open doors for your future and benefit your career over the long term. A Canadian degree, diploma or certificate is globally recognized as being equivalent to those obtained from the United States.
Studying here is actually affordable
No matter what level of education you pursue, the cost of studying in Canada is relatively affordable, plus you earn globally recognized qualifications that will set you on the path to career success. Studying abroad is usually expensive, but Canada offers low tuition rates and cost of living for international students compared to the U.K., Australia and the U.S.
Canadians invest in education
The Government of Canada allocates a major budget to education, making it a major attraction for international students. Per the World of Learning report, there are more than 350,000 international students in Canada at all study levels, and this number is growing year after year.
Great classroom experience
Under Canada’s dynamic and hands-on academic environment, you will not only acquire knowledge and skills in analysis and communication, but you will also learn how to express yourself, demonstrate your creativity, and develop self-confidence. Teachers and professors are always available and eager to help with lessons, and combine academic excellence with interaction in the classroom.
Ideal student life
Canada’s higher education institutes have the latest technology and many modern amenities as well. From Olympic-quality sports facilities to public concert halls and art galleries, your campus life will offer you enormous possibilities for learning and leisure. Not only that, but you’ll have incredible opportunities to meet individuals from all over the world and gain some invaluable global experience.
It’s progressive
Canada is recognized to be a modern, liberal nation with open-minded citizens. It is also a multicultural society with two official languages, English and French, and has a proud heritage of being ethnically diverse.
It’s easy to live here
With a high standard of living, Canada has ranked amongst the top 10 countries to live in in the world by the United Nations Quality of Life Index since 2004, and as per a report by the Office of Economic Cooperation & Development (OECD), it is one of the most educated countries in the world. Canada is also recognized for being a safe, tolerant and non-discriminatory society.
You’ll have a lot of freedom
As an international student in Canada, you’ll enjoy all of the same freedoms which protect Canadians – respect for human rights, equality, and a stable and peaceful society.
Possibility of Immigration
A large number of international students with Canadian credentials go on to gain work experience locally, and end up applying for permanent residency (PR) for Canada. For more information about the possibility of immigrating to Canada after studying there, please visit the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada website.
And not to forget…It’s scenic too!
Canada is globally known for its picturesque natural beauty- with its vast spaces, grand mountains, beautiful forests and shimmering lakes. Famous local attractions are the Niagara Falls, Banff National Park and Rocky Mountains, and Toronto’s CN Tower.
Canada’s 13 provinces and territories are individually responsible for their own Primary, Secondary and Higher Education. Every province has a Ministry or Department of Education for educational policy, funding and quality assurance. Since 1967, the separate education departments are in regular contact through their participation in the Council of Ministers of Education, Canada (CMEC).
History
Education in Canada was influenced by French and British rule during the 18th and 19th centuries. However, by the 20th century, the United States became the primary influencer, and so the education system of these two neighboring countries remains similar to date.
Institutions
Canada has broadly three types of institutions for higher education: Colleges, Universities and Polytechnics.
1. Colleges: Canadian college programs offer diverse options in technical and professional fields including: business, agriculture and agri-food, health, social services, broadcasting and journalism, hospitality management, design, technology, sciences, information technology, engineering, environment, languages and arts.
Colleges work very closely with business and industry sectors to ensure their programs are relevant to the changing workplace, and to the needs of employers.
Colleges tend to be more directly career-oriented than universities. This means they offer practical or hands-on training. They also have pre-trades and apprenticeship training, language training and skills upgrading.
2. Polytechnics provide students with applied learning opportunities, equipping them with marketable knowledge and skills for business and industry.
- 8,000 programs are offered at over 135 publicly funded colleges, institutes, CEGEPs and polytechnics offering credentials approved by provincial and territorial governments.
- Institutes have a variety of recognized credentials like certificates, full-time and part-time diplomas, academic and applied degrees, post-graduate diplomas, and university transfer programs.
- Programs vary in length from a few months to 4 years.
3. Universities: All universities have undergraduate (Bachelor’s) degrees, and many have graduate (Master’s and Doctoral) programs. Canadian universities prepare graduates with the ability to think critically, to be adaptive to emerging technologies, and become leaders in professional fields. From small liberal arts teaching schools to larger research-intensive universities, you can begin your bachelor studies and go on to earn the highest qualification, a Ph.D.
Undergraduate degrees usually take 3-4 years to complete, if you study full-time. An Honors degree is usually required if you want to go to a graduate program (Master’s degree). Many universities allow students to combine subject areas into a “double major.” (For example: a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and Biology)
Universities may also offer professional programs, such as medicine, dentistry and law. In some cases, you can begin these programs after 2 or 3 years of undergraduate study.
- There are more than 15,000 undergraduate and graduate degree programs at over 100 public and private not-for-profit universities and university-degree-level colleges.
- Degrees follow the Bachelor (3-4 years) / Master (1-2years) / Doctorate system (3 years plus thesis) and are equivalent to those in the U.S. and Commonwealth countries.
- Universities offer a vast selection of undergraduate and post-graduate programs, as well as professional designations, certificate and diploma courses, and short career-focused programs.
Scholarships
Funding is available to international students wanting to study in Canada. Please check out the International Scholarships website for details.
Postgraduate financial assistance and scholarships
A majority of Canadian universities offer some form of financial assistance for international students studying at the graduate level.
Assistance may include:
- Teaching/department assistantships
- Research funds
- University graduate scholarships
- External scholarships
- Bursaries
For more information, contact the institution you plan to attend.
Canadian Government financial assistance
International students may also qualify for Canadian government financial assistance or external scholarships. For instance, the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Doctoral scholarships for exceptional students) or the Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarships.
Details of specific scholarships can be found on the website of the Canadian embassy or consulate of your country.