Study in Canada
Study in Canada: A Land of Opportunities
Canada is widely regarded as a premier education destination, a land of knowledge and progress. It consistently ranks as one of the best countries for quality of life. This vast and sparsely populated nation, the second-largest in the world, is known for its welcoming embrace of people from all corners of the globe. With English and French as its official languages, Canada proudly holds its status as a bilingual country.
Why Choose Canada for Your Education?
Studying in Canada offers a plethora of benefits. Students have the opportunity to learn from exceptional faculties, immerse themselves in diverse cultures, and experience world-class education at a more budget-friendly cost compared to the UK and the USA. In fact, Canada ranks third globally in attracting international students, with over 70,000 students choosing it as their preferred destination. Over the past decade, the number of students entering the Canadian education system has tripled.
Indian students make up a significant portion of international students in Canada, comprising 34 percent of the total. Despite higher tuition fees for overseas students, the overall cost of living in Canada is lower compared to countries like the UK, US, and Australia.
Explore Canada's Vibrant Cities and Provinces
Canada is divided into ten provinces and three territories. The provinces hold exclusive powers granted by the Constitution Act of Canada, with the federal government overseeing the rest. The territories are delegated powers and responsibilities by the federal government.
Canada boasts five cities listed in the QS Ranking of the best cities in the world for studying abroad in 2019:
Montreal
Toronto
Vancouver
Ottawa
Quebec
These cities are evaluated based on safety, job opportunities, scholarships for international students, transportation, and more.
Diverse Canadian Climate
Canada's climate is as diverse as its people. While it is often associated with cold and snowy conditions, it experiences four distinct seasons. Summers, while shorter than winters, offer daytime temperatures around 35 degrees Celsius in some regions. Coastal cities like Vancouver and Victoria enjoy mild and wet winters, thanks to the "Chinook," a warm, dry wind from the Rocky Mountains.
Canada's Education System
Canada is renowned globally for its education system, which encompasses primary, secondary, and post-secondary education. The public education system is funded by various levels of government, with provincial oversight of the curriculum.
The country offers tertiary education through research universities and vocational institutions, with courses leading to bachelor's, master's, professional, and doctoral degrees. Universities also provide post-graduate certificates and diplomas. Vocational institutions offer programs leading to associate degrees, certificates, diplomas, and apprenticeships.
Canada is home to some of the world's top universities, with 30 of them featured in the Times Higher Education's World University Rankings 2021. Graduates from Canadian institutions enjoy excellent global employment prospects.
Top Universities and Colleges in Canada
Indian students increasingly choose Canada for its comparatively affordable tuition fees, high standards of living, job opportunities, and a healthy environment. Notable institutions include:
Top Universities:
University of Toronto
McGill University
University of British Columbia
University of Alberta
Université de Montréal
Among these, the University of Toronto and the University of British Columbia rank in the top 50 globally according to the QS World Ranking.
Popular Colleges:
George Brown College
Sheridan College
Seneca College
Centennial College
Fanshawe College
Conestoga College
Niagara College
Humber College
Lambton College
Lawrence College
Douglas College
Popular Courses in Canada
Canada offers a wide array of courses at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Indian students commonly pursue degrees in:
Information Technology
Business Management
Health Science
Math, Data Science, and Analytics
Science and Engineering
Media and Journalism
Practical Nursing
Pharmacy Technicians
Undergraduates can complete their degrees in three years, while diploma courses typically take one to two years. Canada's universities offer a variety of postgraduate programs and diploma courses.
Career Opportunities in Canada
Canada is known for its student-friendly policies, including lenient immigration and post-study work schemes. International students can work on campus, with opportunities awarded to full-time students. Off-campus work options are also available, allowing students to work up to 20 hours per week during the course term and full-time during holidays.
Canada's strong job sectors include healthcare, banking, information technology, education, engineering, and pharmaceuticals. The country also offers co-op programs that combine study and work, providing invaluable career experience.
The Cost of Studying in Canada
While Canada offers an exceptional education, the cost is often a primary consideration for students. Tuition fees vary depending on the university and program, but they are generally more affordable than those in the US, UK, and Australia. On average, course fees range from CAD 13,000 to CAD 35,000 per year, with MBA programs typically costing between CAD 22,000 and CAD 40,000.
Scholarships for Indian Students in Canada
Scholarships offer Indian students a valuable means to fund their education in Canada. Eligibility for scholarships is often based on academic merit and may vary depending on the institution, chosen course, and destination. In some cases, participation in volunteering, extracurricular activities, and sports can also lead to scholarship opportunities.
Safety and Quality of Life
Canada is renowned for its commitment to safety and quality of life, consistently ranking 6th on the Global Peace Index. Indian students who choose to study in Canada can rest assured that campuses are under the vigilant watch of dedicated security forces.
Overseas students planning to pursue education in Canada should conduct comprehensive research on the healthcare system in their province of study. Healthcare coverage varies across provinces, with some offering provincial insurance health coverage to students. In most cases, students can opt for insurance packages offered by their educational institutions, which may be mandatory at some universities. Others allow students to obtain private health insurance.
Visa Application Process
To study in Canada, an Indian student must apply for a study permit. Study permits are issued by the Canadian High Commission and are facilitated through Visa Application Centers. Canada's streamlined visa application process is less cumbersome than those of the UK and the US, as it typically does not require an interview. Instead, students can write a letter of intent explaining their reasons for studying in Canada.
The Student Direct Stream (SDS) offers eligible Indian students the opportunity to fast-track their study permit application. The processing time for SDS applications may be around 40 days but can vary by case.
To receive a study permit, students must present their passport and other necessary documents to the Border Control Agency. Eligibility for a student visa requires the following:
An offer to study from a Designated Learning Institute (DLI)
Sufficient finances to cover tuition and living expenses
A clean criminal record
Proof of good health, typically demonstrated through a comprehensive health checkup
A Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC)
Interesting Facts about Canada:
1. The name "Canada" is believed to have originated from the word "kanata," which means "village" in the language of the indigenous people. The French explorer Jaques Cartier mistakenly named the country Canada after being invited by natives into their "kanata."
2. Ontario is home to the world's smallest jail, measuring only 24.3 square meters.
3. The Hotel de Glace in Quebec is constructed every winter using 400 tons of ice and 12,000 tons of snow. The hotel melts away and is rebuilt each winter.
4. Canada is the second-largest country in the world, covering 9.984 million square kilometers.
5. More than half of Canada's population holds educational degrees beyond high school.
6. Canada boasts the world's longest coastline.
7. Approximately 90% of Canada's land is uninhabited, showcasing its vast wilderness.
8. Canada consistently ranks as one of the happiest countries in the world.
9. St. Paul, Alberta, is home to the world's first UFO landing pad.
10. The iconic maple leaf serves as a symbol of Canada.
