Canada is one of the top international student destinations in the world. In 2016, 353,000 students decided to come to Canada to study. Here are the top five reasons why you should study in Canada!
1. A QUALITY EDUCATION
There’s a wide array of Canadian institutions to choose from, but whether you attend a university, college, or vocational school, there’s no doubt that a Canadian education is world-class.
2. AFFORDABLE
Aside from paying tuition, international students also need to find housing and finance their daily lives. The cost of living in Canada is seriously affordable compared to most other top destinations for international students. In 2014, the average cost of living per year for international students in Canada was $13,021 USD. When you combine the average annual cost of living and average annual tuition fees, Canada is clearly the most affordable option.
Country | Average Annual Tuition & Cost of Living (USD) |
Canada | $29,947 |
United Kingdom | $35,045 |
United States | $36,564 |
Australia | $42,093 |
3. WORK WHILE YOU STUDY
Even though Canada is a relatively affordable option, there’s no doubt that studying abroad is expensive. Luckily, international students in Canada are eligible to work up to 20 hours per week during school terms and full-time (30 hours/week) during scheduled breaks like summer vacation. Most students don’t need a work permit to work while they study, whether their job is on campus or off campus. Your study permit will indicate whether you’re allowed to work off campus.
4. SAFETY
Canada has a democratically elected government, and the fundamental rights and freedoms of those living in Canada are protected by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Canada has a well-deserved international reputation as a tolerant and non-discriminatory society. Immigrants make up a fifth of Canada’s entire population, and Canadian laws ensure that all people, regardless of their circumstance, are protected from discrimination.
5. IMMIGRATION OPTIONS
Canada has a lot of programs designed to encourage international students to transition to permanent residence after their studies. Options like the Post-Graduation Work Permit let graduates stay and work on an open work permit after graduation and give them an opportunity to get some Canadian work experience. Most Canadian provinces have Provincial Nominee streams for applicants with experience studying or working in the province, and Canada’s federal economic immigration streams offer additional points for Canadian work and study experience. In 2015, 51 percent of international students planned to apply for Canadian permanent residence.
BONUS! ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES
If you choose to return to your home country, your Canadian education, and improved language ability in either English or French, could help open doors to working in international companies. Canadian work experience and education are highly valued everywhere in the world, so they could also increase your chances of receiving a job offer from employers all over the world.
If you choose to stay in Canada, Canadian employers tend to prefer Canadian work experience over work experience from elsewhere in the world, so your student and work experience could increase your chances of receiving a job offer!