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Turn your Study Abroad Dream to Degrees Abroad in Canada



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Why Study in Canada?

For an international student, it can be a rewarding experience to study in Canada. It is a top destination for higher education due to its education system, post-graduation work opportunities, tuition fees, multiculturalism, and government policies. Canada is known for more things than just its excellence in academics. It is the largest nation in the world by landmass, spanning around 10 million square kilometres. Canada has three territories, ten provinces, and an array of landscapes and climates. It is also a place of endless opportunities and great contrasts.

Key Facts to Study in Canada

Criteria

Details

Primary language

English

Cost of study

CAD $20,000 to $40,000

Sources of funding

Part-time work, Financial grants

Popular Exams

IELTS, TOEFL, PTE Academic

Qualifications

Diploma, Certificate, Vocational Training, Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctoral

Intakes

September, January, May

Visa

Study Permit

There are four regions to consider in Canada for foreign nationals who want to study here: Atlantic Canada, Quebec, Western Canada, and Ontario. The Atlantic Provinces region is known for its cultural richness and natural beauty. Ontario is known for its multicultural and diverse population as well as its vibrant student cities. Quebec has prestigious universities and lower living costs as compared to other regions in Canada. Western Canada offers a great education system thanks to its many top colleges and universities. Western Canada also boasts a low unemployment rate.

 

Benefits of Studying in Canada

There is plenty on offer for foreign nationals in Canada, so much so that it puts the country among the best study destinations in the world. There are many colleges in Canada with world-renowned education systems that offer a wide variety of courses in fields like engineering, business, and medicine.

Sounds cool? Keep reading for more interesting information about what it is like to study in Canada!

The immigration department of Canada has been issuing more study permits to foreign nationals over the last few years than ever before. As of the fourth quarter of 2022, Canada had over 8,00,000 international students with valid study permits. Students come to Canada from more than 180 nations around the globe. The Philippines is one of the highest contributors to Canada’s international student population. In 2022 alone, around 25,000 Filipino students came to Canada for further education.

Now, you may wonder why international students choose to migrate to Canada for further education. The numbers alone tell the story! There are 31 universities in Canada that feature in the QS rankings. Such universities attract foreign nationals from all over the world to study in Canada. Further, higher education is often more affordable in Canada than similar study destinations like the USA and the UK.

It is understandable if you want to learn more about Canada as a study destination. After all, no one wants to make a hasty decision when it comes to a destination to study further. Here, we are putting together facts about higher education in Canada in numbers.

5,50,000+

5,50,000+

Foreign Nationals
15000+

15000+

Courses
2000+

2000+

Institutions
International students and Canadian citizens have almost the same number of rights, making Canada a safe place for individuals from all around the world.

International students and Canadian citizens have almost the same number of rights, making Canada a safe place for individuals from all around the world.

It is cheaper to earn a degree in Canada. On average, you may have to spend between $20,000 and $40,000 CAD on tuition at universities in Canada.

It is cheaper to earn a degree in Canada. On average, you may have to spend between $20,000 and $40,000 CAD on tuition at universities in Canada.

Canada has top educational hubs like Victoria, Vancouver, Montréal, and Toronto that rank among some of the world’s best student cities. These cities offer a high standard of living and education at affordable prices.

Canada has top educational hubs like Victoria, Vancouver, Montréal, and Toronto that rank among some of the world’s best student cities. These cities offer a high standard of living and education at affordable prices.

The Post Graduation Work Program (PGWP) offers an excellent PR pathway for international graduates in Canada. A PGWP permit allows eligible graduates to work for up to 3 years in Canada.

The Post Graduation Work Program (PGWP) offers an excellent PR pathway for international graduates in Canada. A PGWP permit allows eligible graduates to work for up to 3 years in Canada.

International students can work for up to 40 hours a fortnight during their academic term in Canada. During scheduled academic breaks, international students are permitted to work for over 20 hours a week in Canada.

International students can work for up to 40 hours a fortnight during their academic term in Canada. During scheduled academic breaks, international students are permitted to work for over 20 hours a week in Canada.

Want to know more about what it is like to study in Canada?
Contact an AECC counsellor today!

The Education System in Canada

The postsecondary education system in Canada mainly includes undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral levels. There is an array of courses at each level that allow you to focus your studies on specific disciplines.

The undergraduate level includes advanced qualifications like associate’s degrees and bachelor’s degrees. Grade 12 or an equivalent qualification is the basic requirement to apply for an associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree program in Canada. An associate degree in Canada usually takes two years to complete, whereas a bachelor’s degree requires three to four years of study.

A master’s degree in Canada is a postgraduate-level qualification. Canada is famous for its affordable one-year master’s programs, especially in fields such as business administration. However, the standard duration of a master’s degree program in Canada is two years. A master’s program in Canada requires a bachelor’s degree and/or work experience, depending on the specific university or institute you choose.

University Intake Periods in Canada

There are three intakes at universities in Canada: Fall, Winter, and Summer. Some schools in Canada also call an intake a 'semester'. Fall and Winter intakes are the two principal intakes at schools in Canada.

The Fall intake in Canada typically begins in September, giving students enough time to be ready for the upcoming academic year. Enrolling at a university in Canada during the fall semester lets you experience the academic year in its entirety, including extracurricular activities, opportunities to take part in internships and research, and cultural events.

The Winter intake in Canada is smaller and less common as compared to the one in fall. It usually begins in January, making it an appropriate option for a student who misses out on the Fall semester and/or requires more time to be ready for the upcoming academic year. It also paves the way for more personalised attention for the student and allows them to start studying in the new year.

There are also colleges in Canada that invite applicants in the summer, but it is not as common as the fall or winter intake. Scroll down for a table with some general information about university intake deadlines in Canada:

Intake Name Month Deadline
Fall September December to March
Winter January September to November of the previous year
Summer May January or February

The right intake period for you in Canada ultimately depends on your requirements and situation. It is worth considering your schedule, program availability, preferences regarding the weather in Canada, and other such factors when determining your best intake.

Do not miss out on a deadline for entry into a university in Canada. Feel free to reach out to our counsellors at AECC for the latest information at any time!

 

Popular Courses in Canada

There are over 100 private and public universities in Canada that offer more than 15,000 courses. Universities in Canada also offer programs in an array of fields, but some disciplines are relatively more well-known than others among foreign nationals. It is potentially tricky for you to choose the best course from the wide variety of options available in Canada. Scroll down for a list of high-demand fields of study in Canada to simplify your choice.

Many MBA programs in Canada also feature at the top of global rankings. Some universities in Canada are more suitable for courses in certain disciplines than others.

Contact a counsellor at AECC for help choosing the best course for you in Canada. Our counselling team is always on hand to respond to your questions and help streamline your study abroad journey.

Best Universities in Canada

If you want to study in Canada, you should be aware of the best schools in the country. Canada has many world-class universities that fare well in global rankings. If you are seeking to pursue a bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD in Canada, the rankings provide a picture of whether a specific school is right for you. The likes of QS and Times Higher Education are internationally recognised ranking service providers. It pays to check out the QS and THE rankings while you do your research before applying to study in Canada.

According to the latest Times Higher Education Rankings, there are 31 top universities in Canada for international students. This means that you have many options to choose from as a prospective international student in Canada.

The best schools in Canada are spread across the nation, from Atlantic Canada to Ontario. You are certain to find one or two top-notch universities in Canada, no matter where you go. To help you narrow down your options, here is a table showing some of the finest universities in Canada for international students.

University Name

Best Known For

Popular Courses

QS Rankings

THE Rankings

Western University

  • Extensive alumni network
  • Research
  • Campus
  • Fine art
  • Biomedical engineering
  • Rehabilitation Therapy

114

201 to 250

The University of Guelph

  • Student experience
  • Large alumni network
  • Graduate employability
  • Gender studies
  • Biological sciences
  • Social and cultural courses

486

501 to 600

The University of Northern British Columbia

  • Sustainability
  • Research-intensive university
  • Outstanding learning opportunities for undergraduates and graduates
  • History
  • Agricultural sciences
  • Environmental studies

781 to 790

801 to 1000

The University of Regina

  • Smoke-free campuses
  • Niche fields of study, like public policy and police studies
  • Comprehensive university
  • Data analysis
  • Environmental engineering
  • Banking and finance

1001 to 1200

601 to 800

York University

  • Diverse student body
  • Comprehensive alumni network
  • World-leading research
  • Psychology
  • Software engineering
  • Family and consumer sciences

353

401 to 500

The University of Saskatchewan

  • Excellence in research
  • Extensive alumni network
  • State-of-the-art facilities
  • Environmental engineering
  • Food science
  • Anatomy

345

501 to 600

Why fret over the task of choosing a university in Canada when there are expert counsellors to help you out? Reach out to AECC today and gain FREE counselling on how to choose the best institute for higher education in Canada!
 

Requirements for Studying in Canada

Do you intend to study in Canada? If so, you should first understand what skills and qualifications you require to apply for a particular program in the country. Scroll down for the basic criteria for studying in Canada at virtually any level:

Bachelor’s Level:

  • To qualify for a bachelor’s degree program in Canada, you must hold a high school diploma or equivalent qualification. You must have a score of 65% or above in high school to get into a top university in Canada.
  • English proficiency. Almost every university in Canada requires an overall IELTS band score of 6.5 or above for an undergraduate degree program. There are also universities accepting alternative tests to the IELTS, such as the TOEFL, to name one.
  • Statement of Purpose: This is a formal document expressing your keenness on studying at a university in Canada, along with your achievements, hobbies, qualifications, and so forth.

Master’s Level:

  • A bachelor’s degree or an equivalent undergraduate qualification.
  • English proficiency. Nearly every university in Canada requires an overall IELTS band score of at least 6.5 for a master’s degree. However, colleges in Canada also accept English proficiency tests such as TOEFL, CAEL, PTE, and so on.

PhD:

  • A master’s in a relevant discipline, with proven research capability and potential as well as strong grades.
  • English proficiency.
  • A solid score in an admission test for graduates, such as the GMAT.

Under exceptional circumstances, you are likely to qualify for a PhD in Canada with the “accelerated admission” option or with no master’s degree. In this case, you will have to demonstrate that you have exceptional academic potential through your bachelor’s degree grades and/or research publications.

It is worth noting that admission criteria vary by university. So, consider the aforementioned just a basic guideline for you.

In need of expert assistance in entering a university in Canada?
AECC’s free assistance and end-to-end services are only a click away. Avail yourself of our FREE services and simplify your study abroad journey!

Documents Required for University Admission in Canada

Your study level and specific course determine what specific documents you need to submit as part of the process of admission to a university in Canada. Here are some of the documents that you will most likely have to submit for entry to a bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD program in Canada:

  • Academic transcripts
  • Previous educational certificates
  • Proof of English proficiency
  • Statement of purpose
  • Application fee payment receipt

 Documents like recommendation letters will help you express your interest in the specific program. Most master’s courses have work experience certificates as an optional requirement. On the other hand, a PhD program in Canada may require you to submit your writing samples, resume, and GPA certificate.

It is worth noting that some colleges in Canada have specific deadlines for students who want to apply for courses and scholarships.
 

Cost of Studying in Canada

Tuition fees in Canada vary by school, program, and city. The average fee in Canada for an undergraduate program is CAD $30,000 a year; for a postgraduate qualification, it is CAD $20,000 annually.
Level of Study Annual Tuition Fees (in CAD)
Bachelor’s Degree $25,000 to $30,000
Master’s Degree $6,000 to $70,000
VET Courses $10,000 to $60,000
Diploma $10,000 to $23,000
Doctoral Degree $8,000 to $20,000
The above information will aid you in determining how much money you want to allocate to cover the cost of studying in Canada. Want to learn more? Reach out to a study abroad expert at AECC today!
 

Cost of Living in Canada

The cost of living will contribute a lot to the total amount of money you will have to spend to complete a degree in Canada. Housing is among the biggest components of the expenses you incur when you stay in the country for further education. It is advisable to look at each type of accommodation and how much it will cost to determine the best one for your financial situation. With this in mind, here is a breakdown of the major contributing factors to the cost of living in Canada for international students.

Expenses Approximate Monthly Cost (CAD)
Internet $30 to $50
Accommodation $400 to $600
Student Visa $150
Food and Grocery $200 to $300
Transportation $100 to $250
Miscellaneous $500 to $700

The place where you live and the specific type of housing you choose determine your rental amount. Many schools in Canada offer on-campus housing for foreign nationals who pursue degrees. You should choose the type of housing in Canada that is right for you, comfortable, and convenient.

Need any help determining your living expenses in Canada? Reach out to a counsellor at AECC to get expert assistance and avail yourself of our FREE services!

 

Post-Study Work Opportunities in Canada

There is also a large number of opportunities available to international graduates in Canada. The number of post-graduate work opportunities in Canada has been on the rise over the last few years. This is among the best aspects of deciding to pursue higher education in Canada.

After you complete your eligible program in Canada, you can apply to IRCC for a work permit within 180 days. There are certain requirements to qualify for a Post-Graduation Work Permit, including the completion of a program after at least 8 months of study for an eligible qualification. The qualifications that count for the permit include a certificate, a diploma, and a degree.

Canadian Qualification Minimum Program Length Maximum Permit Validity
Bachelor’s Degree 8 months 3 Years (program duration-dependent)
Master’s Degree 8 months 3 Years (program duration-dependent)
Doctoral Degree 8 months 3 Years (program duration-dependent)
Certificate 8 months 3 Years (program duration-dependent)
Diploma 8 months 3 Years (program duration-dependent)

After staying and working for three years in Canada with the permit, you can qualify for PR in Canada. A full-time work opportunity with an employer in Canada will turn you into a Federal Skilled Worker and pave the way for permanent residency. Having PR status allows you to access all types of jobs in Canada.

Contact an AECC expert for any specific query about post-study work opportunities in Canada.

Frequently asked questions
 

Why Should I Study in Canada?

Canada is a top study destination for international students for many different reasons. The government allows eligible graduates to work for three years after graduation in Canada. The tuition fees at universities in Canada and living expenses in the country are more affordable as compared to some of the other popular destinations. Canada is also a safe place to live and study.

Turn your Study Abroad Dream to Degrees Abroad in Canada



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