One of the best countries in the world for education, especially tertiary education, is Canada. Many foreigners choose Canada as the destination to further their studies for a multitude of reasons, and in this article, we’ll present to you five of the most popular reasons to study in Canada.
Top 5 Reasons International Students Choose Canada for Higher Education
1. Affordable education
Compared to other first-world countries such as the United Kingdom and the United States, the cost of living and tuition fees are generally lower in Canada. Top-level tuition fees in Canada are 16 to 38 percent cheaper than the best schools in the U.S.
2. Research opportunities
Study programs offered by Canadian Universities mostly focus on research and encourage students to interact with various experiments and intriguing projects. This enables the students to have a complete study experience as it promotes forward-thinking and innovation. A significant amount of research done within Canadian Universities has brought on interesting new theories and discoveries.
3. Safety and Security
The United Nations consistently ranks Canada as one of the best places to live in and ranks it at number six in the world for safety. The crime rate is low, and the country also has a high quality of life, with a strong job market, a great health care system, and is also known for being highly committed to social justice, among others. As an international student in Canada, you get to experience all the freedoms of a normal citizen.
4. Multicultural Society
Canada is one of the most linguistically and ethnically diverse countries in the world. More than 50 percent of the population do not have English as their first language. It is a bilingual country with its main languages being English and French. Over 120,000 international students enter Canada annually, creating a diverse multicultural environment, both in the classroom and in society.
5. Permanent Residency
When you have completed your studies and graduated from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI), you could qualify for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). This will assist you to obtain a Canadian open work permit. If you start working in Canada, it will give you a headstart in applying for permanent residency.
Top Universities in Canada
Here are the top five universities in Canada that are also highly popular among international students:
- University of Toronto
- University of British Columbia
- McGill University
- University of Montreal
- University of Alberta
How to Apply for a Study Permit
If you’re planning on studying in Canada, you will require a study visa. The Canadian study permit will allow you to stay in Canada for the duration of your studies and an extra 90 days after your program has ended. These extra 90 days could be used as an opportunity to start job hunting and apply for a work visa.
The following documentation will be needed when you apply for your study permit:
- a valid passport or travel document;
- an acceptance letter issued from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI); and
- proof you can finance yourself and family members who might go with you to Canada.
Certain applicants might need to show the following documentation:
- a custodian declaration, if you’re under the age of 18;
- a letter of explanation;
- a certificat d’acceptation du Québec (CAQ, in the province of Quebec); and
- other documents you may need will depend on your country of origin.
You can apply for a study permit online or through the mail. Applying online is the preferred method as there are more benefits such as instant delivery, no courier fees, and a possible quicker processing period (to learn more how to apply, visit this page).
It’s also important to note that a DLI is an institute that has been approved by the territorial or provincial government for international students. A student visa will be issued alongside your study permit to allow you into the country.
Have these five reasons to study in Canada convinced you yet? If so, go to CanadianVisa.org to learn more about student life in Canada, as well as study programs and visa fees.
