Higher education in Canada for international students

Canada is a very-well developed, progressive, modern country with a strong industry and beautiful nature, as well as high-quality educational system and comfortable living conditions. Canadian schools and colleges provide quality, practical-oriented education, appreciate personal and professional growth, are interested in valuable specialists. 

The foundation is the British educational system. Life in Canada is quiet and safe, living standards are very high - while the cost of education remains fairly affordable. Of the obvious advantages, one can also mention bilingual programs (English and French are recognized on the territory of the country), the highest quality education, internationally-listed diplomas, and the opportunity to work during studying. Moreover, after graduation, the student can earn the opportunity to stay in Canada and work on a permanent basis in the chosen field.

The authorities invest a huge amount of money in the educational system. It is one of the priority areas of national development. And this is very noticeable - first of all, in terms of the level of equipment of universities: practically everyone has modern, innovative, technically advanced equipment for research, laboratory and design work.

Foreign students often choose following areas to study in Canadian schools, colleges and universities:

• Information Technology
• Microelectronics
• Engineering
• Natural Sciences
• Business

Among the most prestigious and top-ranking universities are the institutions of Ontario and British Columbia. According to the statistics of the independent rating of the World University Rankings (2014-2015), among TOP-400 universities in the world there are 8 Canadian universities, 4 of them in the first 100:

• University of Toronto = 20th place
• University of British Columbia = 32nd place
• McGill University = 39th place
• McMaster University = 94th place.

Canada boasts an impressive higher education system with a majority of its institutions being state-owned. These universities and colleges are under the supervision of local authorities, ensuring consistent quality control over teaching standards, faculty qualifications, and curriculum content.

Master Programs in Canada for foreign students 

Master's programs in Canada span 4-5 years for a single specialty. The close collaboration between universities and industries offers postgraduate students opportunities to enhance their knowledge, gain practical experience, and even branch out into new specializations.

With Canada's immigration policy being more lenient than the USA's, international students can remain in the country for 1-3 years post-graduation to work in their field. Upon gaining permanent residency, they can then pursue professional migration. Moreover, universities provide dedicated career guidance centers and departments to assist students in job placements. All Canadian degrees are globally recognized and hold international value.

Interestingly, students can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full time during breaks. This provides an additional source of income, with earnings ranging from 9-15 CAD$ per hour. Notably, students from Manitoba might be eligible for a 60% tuition tax deduction.

Study Plan for Higher Education in Canada

 In Canada, students have the flexibility to curate their study plans based on intensity, content, and focus, either gearing more towards theory or hands-on practice. The academic rigor ensures only the most dedicated students proceed, with nearly half of the initial enrollees dropping out by the end of the second year.

The academic year generally kicks off on the first Tuesday of September, running through to May-June, with some programs continuing throughout the summer. Courses are offered in English, French, or sometimes both.

Sam Jones

Recruitment Director for Partnership with INTO Universities (Europe and Central Asia)

What firstly should be considered when choosing a university?

It depends on the student - everyone determines the most important criteria for himself. I would advise you to take several rankings and compare them with each other, plus take into account the cost of the course, the location of the university and its scale, the percentage of graduates' employment. See where graduates continue their studies or where they go to work.

Prospective students aiming for higher education institutions in Canada must have:

• Completed secondary education.

• Proficiency in English (usually TOEFL scores of 86-88 iBT or IELTS scores of 6.5-7) or French (DALF or a university's internal test).

• A filled-out application.

• A valid passport or ID, and if below 18 years of age, a guardian agency's services will be mandatory.

It's often recommended for international students to enroll in preparatory courses like the Foundation Programme to enhance language and academic skills. Completing this program might even allow students direct entry into the second year of a Bachelor's degree at some institutions, providing both time and financial savings.

Canadian higher education can largely be categorized into colleges and universities.

Colleges: Colleges primarily offer Bachelor's and Master's degrees focusing on practical skills and internships. Statistics show that college graduates usually secure employment within 6-7 months post-graduation, making this option attractive for those seeking applied roles.

Universities: Universities provide Bachelor's, Master's, and PhD programs. They combine both theoretical and practical aspects of study, producing academic professionals who are in demand in the job market. If you're aspiring for roles in research, teaching, or consultancy, universities might be a better fit.

Pursuing Top-tier Education in Canada

 Many renowned schools, colleges, and universities in Canada offer world-class education. If you're aiming for quality, Canada has a plethora of options to explore, all promising a comprehensive academic experience without burning a hole in your pocket.

Fees Compared to the USA, Europe, and the UK, the cost of higher education in Canada is relatively more affordable. On average, students might spend around 20,000 CAD per academic year, excluding textbooks and materials. Living costs fluctuate based on the city, with places like Toronto being on the pricier side. Student housing options vary from on-campus residences, homestays, to shared apartments.

There are two main types of institutions of higher education in Canada: universities and colleges. Universities offer academic programs including bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees. Colleges focus on hands-on learning and training in specific occupational skills, providing diplomas and certificates upon graduation.

Typically, a bachelor's degree in Canada takes 3-4 years to complete. However, the length of the program may vary depending on the major and university.

Admission requirements may vary from university to university depending on the program. They usually include a grade point average in subjects, passing exams in English or French (like IELTS or TOEFL) and submitting a motivational essay.

Tuition costs can vary greatly depending on the level of the institution and the program. The average cost of an undergraduate program for international students ranges from $15,000 to $30,000 per year. Many universities provide scholarships and other forms of financial support for international students.

Yes, international students in Canada have the right to work while studying. They can usually work full-time during vacations and part-time (usually 20 hours per week) during their studies.

In Canada, educational institutions provide instruction in both English and French, depending on the province and institution. For example, the province of Quebec, where universities such as McGill University and Université de Montréal are located, uses French as the language of instruction, while most other provinces use English.

Canadian educational certificates are recognized around the world due to the high quality of education in the country. Canada is known for its outstanding education system, and Canadian diplomas and certificates are often respected in the international education and workplace community.

Cultural adjustment can be different for each student, but Canada is a multicultural society and many international students find a supportive and friendly environment here. It is important to be open to new cultural experiences, learn the language and get involved in campus activities to speed up the adjustment process.

Canada offers excellent opportunities for employment after your studies. Many graduates successfully find employment in Canada and can apply for immigration through various programs such as Express Entry or the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).

PGWP is a work permit to work after completing your studies in Canada. It can be obtained after completing a program of study lasting more than 8 months. The PGWP allows graduates to work in Canada in the open labor market and gain valuable work experience.

Learning programs-summary information

Canada higher education -statistics

Cost of living in Canada