One good decision you’ll make as an international student is to elect to study in Canada.
It’s understandable that facing the future and its accompanying storms is among the many challenges young minds face. To navigate safely, many of them choose to study abroad.
But, what’s the best country to do this?
Canada! You read that well; you should consider to study in Canada.
Over the years, Canada has ranked among the best countries in the world. It’s also been adjudged the best country for a quality life.
Again, the Canadian universities presently rank top in the global ranking, and there’s a new policy by the Canadian Ministry of Education that encourages an increase in international students.
The comprehensive plan allows international students to apply for jobs while studying for their graduate or post-graduate degrees. It will enable international students to stay and work in Canada after graduation.
Therefore, studying in Canada will give you a good quality of life and an education recognized and respected globally as an international student.
Not yet convinced why you should study in Canada? Read more!
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13 Great Reasons You should study in Canada
- Bilingualism
Canada uses English and French as official languages, even though English seems more common. Studying in Canada will allow an international student to develop solid bilingual skills in speaking French and English fluently, which encourages the appreciation of culture and communal living.
- Top-notch Education and Abundant Research Opportunities.
A student with a study mission in Canada will have the opportunity to gain a top-notch education and unlimited research opportunities. Canada is one of the countries with the top universities in the world, and their degrees and diplomas are recognized globally. In The Times Higher Education 2022 World Universities Ranking, Canada has 5 of her universities in the first one hundred universities.
Also, if you’re interested in research, Canada should be your best destination. The Canadian government provides research scholars with the opportunities and supports to conduct research in medicine, agriculture, environmental science, technology, and communication.
- Post-Study Work Permit.
Canada is one country that allows international students to stay and work after graduation for up to three years. There’s no better opportunity to gain international work experience and apply for permanent residency than this.
- Utilization of Tech Surge
We’re in, no doubt, the digital age, and Canada is among the leading drivers in this regard. The country’s giant strides in digital media, video games, telecommunication, biotech, and aeronautical engineering are known globally. Canada is also among the first to link its libraries and schools to the internet. The result is that over 90% of Canadians have access to the internet. A student over there can use this tech surge to their advantage.
- Quality Life
If you are looking for a country to improve your life quality while studying, look no further! Canada is your sure bet. Canada ranks #1 in the list of countries with good quality of life. According to Q.S. World University Rankings, three Canadian cities of Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver, made the list of the top 50 student-friendly cities. This is a great deal for international students.
- Rich Cultural Experiences
Culture is the totality of people’s way of life. The Canadian culture is rich and diverse and manifests in how homely and accommodating the people are. In Canada, one can experience varied cultural practices and festivals. Among are:
- Sugar Shack
- Just for Laughs and Comedy Festival
- Poutine Week
- Hockey Match
- Calgary Stampede
- Montreal International Jazz Festival
- Opportunity To Explore Natural Beauty
Canada is renowned for its beautiful and natural environment. Nothing compares to the sights of lakes and rivers adorning its untapped and beautiful setting. Canada is home to exciting places such as Balm Beach, Deep River, Niagra on the Lake, and Rapides des- Joachims. It also houses fascinating and good-to-be cities like Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver. What do you say about attractions like Thousand Islands and Niagra Falls, Northern Lights and ice, beautiful bays, mountain skylines, and icebergs?
A student looking to explore nature fully should consider Canada as the first point of call. When it comes to beauty, Canada is a country to beat!
- Bright Future
Over the last year, Canada has created approximately 1.8 million graduate jobs. This means that apart from equipping their graduates with the best education, Canada also provides jobs, enabling them to start their careers and build the future they envisage.
- Affordability
Canadian university tuition is more affordable than in other first-world countries like the U.K. and the USA. For instance, while it costs approximately CAD 34,000 to run an undergraduate program in Canada, the U.K. offers the same for something above CAD 40,000. Again, while you need to pay a whooping CAD 156,000 to run an MBA program in the U.K., you can pay as little as CAD 98 000 to run the same program in Canada. The cost of living is also cheaper in Canada.
- Safe Country
One thing you will enjoy as an international student in Canada is security and peace. Canada ranks 6th in the global ranking of the safest countries. As an international student in Canada, this is a big plus.
- Array Of Options
There are endless possibilities for you as an oversea student in Canada. There’s hardly any course of study you won’t find in Canadian universities, including architecture and design, business and marketing, dentistry, education, engineering, finance, information technology, law, mathematics, medicine, nursing, science, and technologies. At graduation, there’s also an array of opportunities for you to stay and work in Canada.
- Health Insurance and Efficient Healthcare Delivery
Canada ranks higher than many top countries in terms of health care delivery. The Canadian health system is publicly delivered through provinces. Although there’s no automatic free medical care for international students, many provinces provide health insurance. Your duty as a student is to find out about the insurance policy of your province and register and enjoy the benefits.
- Ease Of Admission
It’s easier to gain admission into Canadian universities and colleges than in countries like the U.K. and U.S., as long as you have good academic grades. In other countries like the U.S. and U.K., you’ll be required to take extra tests in addition to your excellent academic grades. Besides, there are more people in the U.S. than in Canada.
Major Canadian Cities To Visit While You Study In Canada
Traveling, they say, is a part of education. For a student on a study mission abroad, traveling to nearby cities other than their city of residence allows them to transverse different worlds, learn about a new culture and adopt a lifestyle.
Apart from acquiring excellent education in Canada, international students are also exposed to nature in its fullness, beautiful nightlife, delectable delicacies, and many other exciting experiences.
The major cities you should visit as a student in Canada to have all these experiences in full are:
Toronto.
Toronto is Canada’s education, cultural, entertainment, and financial headquarters. There are many significant places that international students in Canada can visit. They include but are not limited to:
- Chinatown
- Toronto Island
- Black Creek Pioneer Village
- Toronto Food Tours by Chef Scott’s
- Koreatown
- St. Lawrence Market
- Niagara Falls
- the Royal Ontario Museum
- The C.N. Tower.
- Caribbean Community to witness the annual Caribbean festival.
Ottawa
Ottawa is Canada’s capital. It’s located east southern Ontario, near the city of Montréal and the U.S. border. Ottawa is home to many attractive places, which include but are not limited to:
- Parliament Hill
- Rideau Canal
- Canadian War Museum
- National Gallery of Canada
- Peace Tower
- Canadian Museum of Nature
- National War Memorial
- Diefenbunker, Canada’s Cold War Museum
- Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica
- Canada Aviation and Space Museum
- Royal Canadian Mint
- Canadian Tulip Festival
- Byward Market
- Dows Lake Pavilion
Vancouver
Located on the west coast of British Columbia, Vancouver is a busy seaport and one of Canada’s most condensed, ethnically and culturally diverse cities. The city is renowned for its fascinating beauty and conducive atmosphere. Vancouver represents many interests and provides an opportunity for adventure, gorgeous attractions, epicure meals, and elite shopping, among other things.
The top places you should visit as an international student are:
- Stanley Park,
- Granville Island,
- Grouse Mountain,
- Museum of Anthropology,
- Kitsilano Beach,
- Gas-town,
- Canada Place,
- English Bay,
- Capilano Suspension Bridge
Quebec
One challenge you will face as an international student in Quebec is language. 80% of students in that city speak French, so if your destination is Quebec, you may as well learn French. Nevertheless, the town is noted for its beautiful architectural designs and European disposition.
The exciting places to see as an international student are:
- Maison de la littérature,
- Le Château de Frontenac,
- Montmorency Falls,
- Basilica de Notre-Dame, and others.
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Montreal
Montreal is one of the best student cities in Canada. Located in the southeastern Quebec Province, Montreal is the second-most populous city in Canada. It’s an affordable city with a well-organized transportation system, a conducive atmosphere, and rich cultural scenes. The top attractions in Montreal are:
- Joseph’s Oratory of Mount Royal
- Montreal Museum of Fine Arts
- Sainte Catherine Street
- The Underground City
- Place des Festivals
- Space for Life
- Pointe-à-Callière Museum
Calgary,
Nicknamed “Cowtown,” Calgary is located in Alberta and has a standing history as a region with an extensive cattle-rearing zone. It’s the center of Canada’s oil industry. It has a dry climate with low-level humidity. Because of its location, Calgary gets more sun than every other major city in Canada and even remains sunny when it’s cold.
Calgary is home to these tourist attractions:
- Calgary Stampede
- Banff & Lake Louise
- Calgary Tower
- Canada Olympic Park
- Canada Olympic Park
- Rocky Mountaineer Rail Journey
- Glenbow Museum
- Fish Creek Provincial Park and many more
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Admission Application Process For International Students Applying To Study In Canada.
If you’re an international student and wish to study in Canada, you should be conversant with the admission application process.
Could you read them here?
a. Select a Program
It would be best if you started by selecting the right degree program. Nearly all degree programs in Canada can be taught in English. Many degrees are available in different fields, so it doesn’t matter if you are an undergraduate or graduate student. Canada is known for its diverse programs, including business and humanities programs.
b. Get the paperwork done.
All universities require essential paperwork, including a letter of motivation, recommendation letters, and a portfolio of any previous work. Universities will require evidence of your previous studies. If you are pursuing a master’s or higher degree, you must send the university your official transcript from secondary school. You may need to pass an English proficiency exam if you are not a native speaker.
c. You can check specific admission requirements.
Specific documentation may be required depending on the university. For more information about admission requirements, please consult the university website. If you have any questions, contact the appropriate university office. Canadian universities handle applications and admissions. Prospective students can apply for multiple programs and universities simultaneously.
d. Submit Your Application
Online applications are the most common way to apply to universities in Canada. You can find application forms on specific university websites. Often, you will need to pay an application fee. Once you have completed the application form, attach all required documents or mail them to the university.
e. Wait to be admitted.
Often, admission results are announced before the end of spring. You will be required to pay tuition fees for your first semester if you study at private universities. If you are not accepted, the university you plan to study at will send you a letter of admission and confirmation that you have been granted visa approval.
f. Visa Application
If you are accepted into a Canadian university, start the visa application process immediately. The process can take 60 days and require several essential documents, so don’t wait. Without a valid visa, students from other countries will not be permitted to enter Canada.
g. Welcome to Canada
Once you have been accepted to a university and received your visa, you can begin your adventure in Canada. Consider the cost of living in Canada and how much you can afford. You can then start looking for accommodation. Now it is time to buy your transportation to Canada. There are many attractions and sights to enjoy no matter where you are located.