Mississauga: For students looking to study abroad, there are a plethora of excellent options available but Canada is fast becoming one of the first choices for students, especially from countries like India and China. There are a wide variety of reasons students prefer to study in Canada over other popular destinations like Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America. Due to its vast wilderness, one of the longest coasts, world-class cities, excellent education, high affordability, pro-immigration policies, and culture of tolerance and diversity, Canada has become the top choice for thousands of international students.
Over 620,000 international students from all over the world studied in Canada in 2021. Most students (93%) indicate they are happy with their educational experience in Canada, according to the Canadian Bureau for International Education's (CBIE) 2018 International Student Survey. Let's dive into reasons why so many students are happy with their decision:
Academic Prowess
The quality of Canadian education is among the main factors influencing students' decisions to study here. Most people agree that Canadian degrees and certificates are on par with those from the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom. On worldwide rankings, Canadian colleges and universities frequently achieve excellent ranks. 17 Canadian universities are included among the top 500 universities in the 2020 QS World University Rankings. Many are also included among the top 100 universities in the world by respected organizations like Shanghai Ranking's Academic Ranking of World Universities and The Times Higher Education World University Rankings.
Affordability
The level of education in Canada is among the highest in the world, yet it is also among the most affordable. Comparing Canada to the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia, one may see that tuition prices as well as total living expenses are often lower in Canada.
Country | Fee Per Year (USD) | Cost of Living Per Year (USD) | Total Cost Per Year (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
Australia | 24,081 | 18,012 | 42093 |
Canada | 16,746 | 13,201 | 29,947 |
United States | 24,913 | 11,651 | 36,564 |
United Kingdom | 21,365 | 13,680 | 35,045 |
Quality of Life
In the Best Countries Ranking for Quality of Life, Canada has now held the top spot for six consecutive years (as of 2021). On the UN's 2018 Human Development Index, which evaluates the three fundamental aspects of human development—a long and healthy life, access to education, and a respectable level of living—it is also one of the top 15 nations. Research and surveys indicate that compared to others throughout the world, Canadians are usually happier and more pleased with their lives. The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) reports that Canada ranks well in terms of overall satisfaction, outperforming the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and Australia.
Multiculturalism
With a distinctive Canadian culture that values variety and encourages multiculturalism, Canada is a friendly nation. In reality, Canada was the first nation to formally adopt multiculturalism as a national policy in 1971. The diversity of Canadians, according to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, "makes our communities and our country strong," and their "many backgrounds... and various stories" are all a part of it.
The main driver of Canada's growth is immigration. A quarter of Canadians are either foreign-born or the children of immigrants. South Asians, Chinese, Africans, Caribbeans, Filipinos, Latinos, Arabs, Southeast Asians, West Asians, and Koreans make up the top 10 visible minority groups in Canada. In Canada, more than ten different faiths are followed, and there are more than 200 different languages that are spoken.
Working During Study
One of the deciding factors for potential foreign students choosing their educational place is the possibility of working while studying. A Designated Learning Institute (DLI) allows international students participating in full-time post-secondary programmes to work up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and full-time (30+ hours per week) during specified vacations, such as the summer vacation. In addition, the government of Canada has recently waived off the 20 hour cap as an interim measure which means students can work full time while studying. Most students can work on or off campus without a work permit, regardless of where they are studying.
Pro-Immigration Policies
Students who travel overseas to study typically receive temporary status in the nation where they are studying. When their programme finishes, that status frequently expires, so following graduation, they must go back home. The programmes in Canada, in contrast, are meant to assist foreign students in gaining Canadian job experience after graduation and, if they so want, moving on to permanent residency and eventually citizenship. For instance, a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) enables students who have completed a programme that is two years or longer and qualifies for the PGWP to remain and work in Canada for up to three years. Additionally, students can use this job experience to meet Canada's requirements for permanent residency.
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