Study in Canada

WorldWide Study has found that Canada's universities share a key strength: their high quality. Universities in Canada have a long record of providing an accessible university education to students from across Canada and around the world. Reflecting the rich history of many cultures and traditions, Universities in Canada offer a mix of opportunities in a variety of educational settings ­ perfect for students wanting to study in Canada.

Why are students choosing to study in Canada?

  • Canada is safe, clean and affordable
  • The higher education system is of very high quality
  • There are two official languages - English and French
  • Canada is a multicultural country
  • The 93 universities in Canada span the country, giving huge variety and choice
  • The quality of life is one of the highest in the world

The Higher Education System

Canada has a large selection of universities and university colleges located in both urban and country settings in every region of the country, making Canada the perfect place to study. Universities in Canada are internationally known for the quality of teaching and research and degrees from Canadian universities are considered to be the equivalent of those from American and other Commonwealth universities. Universities in Canada are largely publicly funded because they are offering a consistently high quality, regardless of location or area of study. Another factor influencing their make-up is that they all retain a high degree of academic autonomy.

The 89 universities that are members of the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada are located across the country, with institutions in every Canadian province. Taken together, they offer a wide range of courses. Universities in Canada range from large urban, multi-campus and research-intensive universities, offering a wide range of undergraduate, graduate and professional programs, to small liberal arts colleges with a focus on undergraduate education. Others provide specialized professional programs in fields such as business, engineering, art and design or agriculture. University colleges in Canada represent a new model for post-secondary education, combining practical vocational programs with more theoretical offerings. Since Canada is a bilingual country, our universities demonstrate this by offering instruction in English, French, or even both! Back to top.

The Costs

Fees to study at universities in Canada differ depending on the state, institution and program of study.

Look at this price comparison (all costs in U.S. $, per annum).

Canadian

USA

UK

Bachelor of Arts

$7,100

$35,000

$28,000

Masters

$7,100

$10,500

$9,800

 

Country

Average under-graduate tuition fees

Average living costs

Average total costs

Canada

$7,100

$8,100

$15,200

United Kingdom

$14,800

$12,600

$27,400

United States (public)

$12,200

$10,400

$22,600

United States (private)

$20,500

$11,600

$32,100

Australia

$11,700

$11,550

$23,250

Tuition and living costs for international students per academic year (C $)

 

Working

Foreign students enrolled in a full-time, post-secondary study program are automatically authorized to work up to 10 hours a week on the campus of the institution at which they are studying. This would not provide enough to pay for an entire study program, but it can provide some pocket money.

Life in Canada

In the last decade, Canada has repeatedly been chosen by the UN as one of the best places to live in the world. The reasons listed included: high education enrolment levels; high-quality, low cost education; a universal healthcare system; an uncompromising respect for fundamental rights and human dignity; clean and safe cities; and cosmopolitan, multi-cultural, ethnic cities with many recreational amenities.

Canada is a country of immigrants and has both a tradition and policy of encouraging multicultural diversity. Almost all of the world's ethnic groups are represented in Canada. Therefore most ethnic foods and leisure activities associated with specific cultures are available. Clubs, informal clubs and associations representing a multitude of ethnic backgrounds are also easily accessible.

Canadian cities are remarkable because there are many places away from noise and even with massive urban sprawl, like in Toronto, you can get out of the city in under an hour and enjoy a beautiful cottage country and farmland. Large cities, like Toronto, are full of excitement, big business and cultural life and are host to many different ethnicities. This multiculturalism is informed by official government policy; Canada has long been a destination for immigrants and, as a result, you as a foreign student will feel comfortable here. Back to top.

The Country and Climate

Canadians place a high value on their natural environment. There are currently 39 national parks and national park reserves in Canada, located in every province and territory. Each province and territory has also designated areas as provincial parks, wilderness areas, ecological and nature reserves. Students who come to Canada will realize that Canada is one of the most beautiful, natural environments in the world. Canada is also a country of diverse geography, and there is much to experience in its great outdoors: from the lush coastline of British Columbia, the majestic Rocky Mountains of Alberta, the big skies of the prairies, to the 'maple sugar country' in the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence and the rugged hills and picturesque coastline of the Atlantic provinces.

Canada's largest cities Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal, have been recognized as world-class cities in which to live and work, for their cleanliness and safety and for their cultural activities and attractive lifestyles.

You may have heard about the infamous Canadian weather, and its true that Canada has cold and long winters. But in such a large country the weather is variable across the nation. In the southernmost areas of Ontario and Quebec, long winters give way to months of gloriously hot weather in the summer. In Vancouver and Victoria, in southern British Columbia, rain usually takes the place of snow and in the heat of July you can enjoy a summer with high temperatures. Back to top.

The Regional Guide

Alberta

Alberta is the second westernmost province next to British Columbia. It has an area of over 600,000 square kilometres and is home to more than three million people.

British Columbia

British Columbia is Canada's westernmost province and one of North America's most mountainous regions. Its population now exceeds 4.1 million. The thriving, cosmopolitan city of Vancouver is home to nearly two million people, and is the third largest in Canada. Because of its coastal location, it is considered a gateway to the Pacific and Asia. Mountains such as Whistler-Blackcomb offer excellent skiing and snowboarding. In the interior, fertile valleys are known for producing mouth-watering fruits and vegetables and award-winning wines. Along the coast are inlets, sounds and islands, and visitors can relax on the beach, surf, hike, and whale watch.

Manitoba

In Manitoba, you can relax on a beach by the lake, enjoy the Royal Winnipeg Ballet and Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, watch thoroughbred horse racing at Assiniboia Downs, fly-fish at a wilderness lodge, or spot polar bears in Churchill during their annual migration. Manitoba is also home to the International Peace Garden - the world's largest garden dedicated to world peace. For many years, most Manitobans were of British origin. But changes in emigration and immigration patterns have produced a province where no ethnic group is numerically dominant.

New Brunswick

New Brunswick is a seaside province in eastern Canada with a diverse and fascinating cultural heritage. About 750,000 people live in New Brunswick, 35 per cent of which is French-speaking. This is due largely to the 500,000-strong Acadian community. Acadia was originally a French colony dating back to the 1500s. In New Brunswick, you can participate in coastal activities such as swimming and whale watching, enjoy extensive trails and campgrounds, watch for wildlife, and take in a range of festivals, galleries, and cultural events

Nova Scotia

The province thrives on its harmonious relationship with the sea - its endless coastlines are dotted with rustic fishing villages and lighthouses. Nova Scotia also offers more than 800 lively festivals and events, kayaking, hiking, whale watching, golfing, and delicious seafood dinners.

Ontario

Ontario is Canada’s second largest province, and home to the world-famous Niagara Falls and the nation’s capital - Ottawa. In Ottawa, you can visit Parliament Hill, enjoy the world’s largest tulip festival, and explore the Canadian Museum of Civilization and the National Art Gallery. Toronto features fine dining, shopping, a variety of cultural activities, and the CN Tower - the world's tallest freestanding structure. Ontario's francophones play an essential part in the province's cultural life and are the largest language minority.

Quebec

French is the mother tongue of 82 per cent of Québecers. Renowned for its rich history and its lively cultural activity, Montreal has a population of 3.4 million. It offers jazz, comedy and film festivals, fashionable boutiques, and world-class dining. Quebec City is the province's capital and third largest city. It is the only fortified city in North America. In addition to historic neighbourhoods, Quebec City features contemporary exhibitions and theatre, and a famous winter carnival. Back to top.

 

 

 

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