Canada is one of the top international student destinations in the world. Canada consistently ranks as one of the best countries in the world—and is currently the #1 best country for quality of life. Study in Canada, and you’ll receive an internationally recognized education from some of the top educators and academics in the world.
Why Study in Canada?
Quality Education
One of the biggest reasons students choose to come to Canada is the quality of a Canadian education. A Canadian degree is widely recognized as equal to one from the United States, Australia, or the United Kingdom, and Canadian universities consistently do well in international rankings
Affordability
Cost is the most significant barrier for most students hoping to study abroad. Canadian international students have to pay higher tuition fees than domestic students. That said, the average annual tuition for an international student’s Canadian undergraduate degree was $16,746 USD in 2014. Compare that to the U.S. ($24,914 USD), Australia ($24,081 USD) or the United Kingdom ($21,365 USD). 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
Work Provision
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.
Safety
Another big reason why students choose to come to Canada is personal safety. Studying abroad can be scary, especially if you’re leaving your friends and family behind. The Institute for Economics & Peace ranked Canada as the 8th most peaceful country in the world in 2016.
Support Services for International Students
The American education system offers a rich field of choices for international students. There is such an array of schools, programs and locations that the choices may overwhelm students, even those from the U.S. As you begin your school search, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the American education system. Understanding the system will help you narrow your choices and develop your education plan.
The Education System in Canada
Canada is recognized worldwide for our high academic standards – from elementary to secondary, colleges, universities and beyond. Canada’s rigorous quality assurance at every level of the education system ensures that you’ll earn a world-class education. Student outcomes are of the highest standards, this also carries over to its universities, with Canadian degrees, diplomas and certificates being well regarded across the world. The education system in Canada encompasses both publicly-funded and private schools, including: community colleges/ technical institutes, career colleges, language schools, secondary schools, summer camps, universities and university colleges.
The Costs of Studying in Canada
Tuition fees for international students in Canada are relatively affordable compared to those in the UK and America, with most programs costing somewhere between CAD $ 20,000 and CAD $28,000
Post-Study Work & PR Opportunities
When you travel abroad to study, you usually get temporary status in the country you’re studying in. That status usually expires when your program ends, so you have to return home when you graduate.
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.
Scholarships to Study in the Canada
If you are an international student looking to study in Canada, make sure you check out which scholarships are available to you from organizations and universities Towering mountains, fresh air, azure lakes, abundant wildlife, great universities, Canada attracts thousands of international students every year and for good reason. However, what isn’t so great is the amount that it costs to study there. Tuition fees are fairly high and in some big cities the cost of living can be quite pricey too. High costs of living can often put international students off studying abroad. That’s where this guide to scholarships in Canada for international students comes in. There are plenty of government-funded opportunities that students can apply for as well as scholarship funds from universities. Here’s a broad selection of scholarships that are available to international students looking to study in Canada. 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.
Government-funded scholarships
University scholarships
Most universities will offer some kind of financial aid for international students, so your institution of choice should be your first port of call when considering funding.
Financial scholarships
These scholarships are based on the financial need of the students. The majority of these are only available for US residents but some universities will give out needs-based scholarships to international students.
Merit scholarships
For students who are either academically gifted, were top sports players in high school or excelled in community or entrepreneurial work.
Country-based scholarships
These scholarships are targeted at students from developing countries in particular.
Privately funded scholarships
Sometimes private businesses or donors will fund scholarships for international students. These are also more likely to be targeted at developing countries and minority groups, or in specific areas of study.
Part scholarships
These can range from a small one-off payment student can use towards their fees or a larger payment that is staggered to cover certain costs of going to university.
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
These were created to attract and retain world-class doctoral students. The scholarship is worth CAD$50,000 (£31,000) per year for three years and can be used towards a doctoral degree or combined master’s and PhD.
Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships
These are offered to international students doing postgraduate study in natural and social sciences or health sciences.
IDRC Doctoral Research Awards
These are for students from developing countries that are already studying at a university in Canada.
NSERC Postgraduate Scholarships
There are a number of Canadian government scholarships for students choosing to study in natural sciences or engineering.
University scholarships
Humber College International Entrance Scholarships
Humber College offers renewable full and partial tuition scholarships to new international students.
York University International Student Scholarship Programme
These scholarships are worth CAD$60,000-$100,000 for a four-year degree programme for international students who have displayed academic excellence.
Lester B. Pearson International Scholarships
These scholarships at the University of Toronto aim to recognise international students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement. The scholarship will cover tuition, books, incidental fees and full residence support for four years.
University of British Columbia Scholarships for International Students
The university dedicates more than $10 million annually towards awards, scholarships and other forms of financial assistance for international undergraduate students.
Carleton University Entrance Scholarships for International Students
Carleton University offers partial scholarships worth $4,000 – $16,000 to students who meet the admission average criteria of 80 per cent and above.
University Partners
