Why Study in Canada – Top Reasons, Requirements, Cost & More

Canada has become the go-to destination for international students to accelerate their learning curve. Students get the chance to enroll in the world’s best universities. Canadian universities rank high on the list of the world’s leading universities, which offer internationally acclaimed education and globally recognized degrees. Canada’s top three universities feature among the top 50 universities in the world, according to the QS World University Rankings 2022. These facts make it desirable for students to study in Canada. 

Canadian institutions have proven their excellence in an array of fields, including engineering, telecommunications, aerospace, and other areas of education.

Studying in Canada is comparatively affordable, although tuition fee varies based on the university and the program selected by the student. However, there is high competition to secure a seat.  

Moreover, students can leverage the chance to study in the same universities as famous leaders and personalities such as Margaret Atwood, Frederick Banting, Elon Musk, et al. 

Besides the high quality of education, there is a multitude of reasons why a massive number of students move to Canada for higher education every year. The country also offers good career prospects, a multicultural environment, and a remarkable quality of life. 

This article encapsulates everything related to studying in Canada, including why study in Canada and how students seeking education here can be a part of the best universities. 

Read More: What is the Student Direct Stream in Canada?

Top Reasons to Study in Canada

1. World-class Education

Canada offers unparalleled education opportunities across the globe. A degree earned from Canadian universities is highly-acclaimed and globally recognized. Top-quality curricula and other activities incorporated in the universities impart holistic education. The programs not only enhance subject knowledge but also skills such as teamwork, effective communication, critical thinking, and leadership qualities. Students can look for these universities if they are looking for higher study in Canada. 

Ranking of Top Canadian Universities

Source: QS World University Ranking 2022, THE Ranking 2022

The Young Universities of Canada

Source: THE Young University Rankings 2022

Apart from these, students can also look for community colleges. Some of the renowned community colleges and average tuition fee is tabulated below. 

Top Community Colleges in Canada

2. Affordable Course Fee and Living Cost

Students should have a fair idea of the course fee before enrolling in any course/program. The tuition fee can range from CAD 1,800  to CAD 20,000 per year for undergraduate programs. Moreover, students should visit the specific-university website to make a prudent decision about where to study in Canada after class 12th.

A PhD might cost approximately CAD 2,500 to CAD 17,000 per year. It is crucial to juxtapose programs from different provinces and if they are on a budget. 

Moreover, the price may vary depending on the lifestyle and province the student chooses to reside in. The average living cost for a year can be around CAD 12,000. 

Here is an overview of some of the reputed universities in Canada offering programs at captivating prices. 

Annual Tuition Fee for Canadian Universities

Source: University’s Official Website 

Cost of Living in Canada

Note: The expenses can vary based on the province/ university chosen by the student. 

3. Scholarship 

Canada is one of the coveted destinations to study that is also an equal opportunity provider. Thus, encouraging international students from all backgrounds to enroll in Canadian universities by offering scholarship opportunities for those in need. Students can receive need-based and merit-based scholarships in Canada.

• Canada Graduate Scholarships: Master’s Program – students applying for PhD or master’s degrees can avail of it. 
• IDRC Research Awards:  It is offered by the government to encourage students from developing countries to pursue master’s or doctoral-level research degrees.
• Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships – International students pursuing any course under the umbrella of natural and social sciences or health research can avail it.
• NSERC Postgraduate Scholarships – An array of Canadian government scholarships, grants, and awards available to students with exceptional performance undertaking study in the natural sciences or engineering at an accredited Canadian university. It is funded by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC).

Moreover, there are university-specific scholarships as well. Some of them are listed below:

• Carleton University Awards for International Students
• Concordia University International Undergraduate Awards 
• HEC Montréal Scholarships
• Fairleigh Dickinson Scholarships for International Students
• McGill University Scholarships and Student Aid
• Dalhousie University Scholarships

Students should visit the university’s official website to know more. 

4. Work Opportunity During and Post Study

Once the student has selected one of the best courses to study in Canada, they can look for what more the country can offer them. The country allows international students to work for up to 20 hours a week while studying and full-time during summer and winter breaks. It is imperative to start a course before working in Canada. This earning helps students manage their expenses. This is a great way to continue living in Canada while diversifying their professional career. 

However, students need to have the relevant study permit to pursue these jobs. There are a plethora of ways to work in Canada while the students complete their education:

• On-campus work
• Off-campus work
• Co-op placements
• Internships

Wages or salaries for the work vary based on the student’s skills and position. Moreover, the graduate students need to check if they are eligible for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP), Express Entry, or Provincial Nominee Program. 

QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022

Source: QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022

Co-op Programs

Opting to continue education in Canada for Indian students is beneficial as they can leverage co-op programs offered by Canadian universities. It allows them to amalgamate their studies with an official paid work term. They are eligible to apply for it under the following conditions: 

1. Students possess a valid work permit.
2. Work experience is indispensable for completing the degree/program. 
3. Students’ co-op placement totals 50% or less of the program. 

4. Coveted Jobs and Lucrative Salaries 

Canada for Indian students make for the right choice as according to Statistics Canada, employment accelerated by 23,000 (+1.5%) in construction in January 2022. Similarly, international Canadian university graduates and postgraduates can attract handsome salaries in a gamut of sectors. 

Wages, Salaries and Employers’ Social Contributions (x 1,000)

Source: Statistics Canada. Table 36-10-0205-01  Wages, salaries, and employers’ social contributions (x 1,000)

5. Abundant Research Opportunities

One of the reasons for students choosing to study in Canada after 12th rather than in their home country is its emphasis on research and development. For someone interested in science and research, there is no overseas country better than Canada. The Canadian government pays special attention to research. This is one of the key reasons why studying in Canada for Indian students is popular. 

Read More: TCF exam Canada: Format, structure, and tips

6. Immigration Benefits

Canada offers a post-graduation work permit program that allows students to stay and work in the country for the next three years after completing their graduation. While getting international work experience after completion of the course, they can settle there permanently by applying for permanent residency. Therefore, students are choosing courses in Canada after 12th.

In tandem with it, the student can leverage the spousal visa option as well. A foreign national is approved for a study permit in Canada with their spouse accompanying, then the spouse will be eligible to apply for a spousal open work permit. 

7. Safety and Peace

Canada tops the list of the safest and happiest countries to live in the world. It ranks 14th according to the World Happiness Report. One of the most peaceful countries in the world, Canada offers the best life an international student can ever ask for in a foreign country. Thus, opting for higher studies in Canada is a prudent decision. 

QS Best Student Cities 2022

Source: QS Best Student Cities 2022

8. Welcoming People and Cultural Diversity

Canada is one of the most diverse countries in the world. Warm and friendly locals of Canada welcome international students with open arms. A multicultural environment promotes peaceful living, and therefore a great number of students prefer to settle in Canada after completion of their course.

9. Vibrant Cities, Scenic Beauty, and Quality Life

Apart from calculating the cost of studying in Canada, students should look into other parameters before choosing the country to study in. Canada is a vast country filled with nature’s abundance. The scenic beauty and wildlife make it ideal for someone who likes to travel and experience nature. Vibrant cities equipped with excellent living standards, infrastructure, and job opportunities make it much sought-after among international students.

Read More: Importance of Educational Credential Assessment in Canada

Pre-Arrival Cost for Studying in Canada

Students will have to invest money in the form of one-time expenses such as exam fees, visa fees, and application fees, even before leaving their home countries. These expenses come in addition to the tuition fees and living expenses in Canada. 

Source: Official Website

Exam Requirements to Study in Canada

If a student decides to study in Canada, then they need to take a few standardised exams. Specific tests are taken depending on the level of study you want to pursue. Different entrance exams are required for different college and degree programmes. SAT, TOEFL, GRE, GMAT, MCAT, and LSAT are the most common admission tests. For a Canadian student visa, language competency is required, and educational institutions require both language proficiency and academic expertise.

Required Documents to Study in Canada

A student can study in Canada only if:

1. A student should have a GIC account with CAD 10,000. It would act as documentation proof of having enough money to pay for tuition fees, living expenses, transportation fees, and other costs. 
2. Students must have a letter of acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
3. Study permit issued by an officer (not indispensable for a course/program which is six months or less).
4. Follow all the rules and regulations of the government and the candidate should not have any criminal record. 
5. The student is required to submit health proof. 
6. Need to prove that they will leave Canada once your study is over.

Some of the Best Courses/ Programs to Study in Canada

Canadian Universities offer a gamut of courses. Thus, it is important to do some research before students know the best courses to study in Canada.

QS World Subject Rankings 2021

Source: QS World University Rankings by Subject 2021

Important Resources About Canada to Read:

How to Study in Canada without IELTS?

Some students want to study in Canada without IELTS, which is a prerequisite by most universities. Many Canadian universities do not require the scores of IELTS to prove their English proficiency. If they can meet any of the down-listed criteria, then they can study at certain Canadian Universities without IELTS:

1. Take other English proficiency tests to show your expertise in English with Language), Can TEST (Canadian Test for English for Scholars and Trainees), PTE (Pearson English Language Test), CAEL (Canadian Academic English.
2. Submit the documents proving that they have studied in English medium school.
3. Provide proof of an official language of English to Canadian universities.
4. The best way is to attend a Canadian English language program for a semester or year.

Read More: Study in Canada Without IELTS

What is upGrad Abroad?

Now you can fulfill your dream to study in Canada at a very affordable cost with upGrad Abroad. upGrad, India’s leading higher education provider has launched upGrad Abroad program which enables learners to experience world-class education from the comfort of their homes. Our vision is to enable our learners to study at the best universities and institutions from across the globe. Therefore, we have partnered with the best universities in the world to deliver the latest technology, research, and world-class education. 

The courses designed by upGrad Abroad can help a student save up to 80% tuition fees by studying the first year from their homeland and in the second year shift overseas for offline classes and earn the degree. One of the best things about joining upGrad is that you will be guided by trained instructors to help you prepare for IELTS to get your visa approval and arranging other things in your destination country.

The BBA program offered by upGrad Abroad

upGrad Abroad has introduced a BBA program in collaboration with Yorkville University, Canada. For the first two years of the program, students will be studying online at Chandigarh University while in the last two years of their course they will study on-campus at Yorkville University, Canada. 

Eligibility for the course is 50% marks in Class 12 while students can save a whopping INR 25 lakh as compared to a regular Canadian degree course. They also get assistance with TOEFL/IELTS/PTE training, live and group classes, end-to-end support with applications, visa applications, and counselling along with post-study work visa opportunities for up to 3 years. 

About Chandigarh University and Yorkville University, Canada

Chandigarh University 

Accredited with NAAC A+ Grade, Chandigarh University is committed to excellence in research, innovation, multi-disciplinary education, and active promotion of promising young talent. Through the years, the University has been emerging in the arena of education by delivering exceptional academia, industry-relevant curriculum and world-class research facilities across the broadest possible range of disciplines.

Yorkville University

The university offers flexible, rigorous, and career-focused degrees on campus and online to people from all paths of life in Canada. Since 2004, Yorkville University has successfully grown to encompass three campuses and conferred degrees on thousands of graduates. Yorkville University’s degrees are designed to equip graduates with the professional knowledge, skills, and designations that employers value.

Read More: Part-time jobs in Canada for International students

More Resources About Canada to Read:

Frequently Asked Questions

“Disclaimer! All course fees/salaries/expenses are indicative.”