Study in Canada

Higher Education Structure in Canada

Study In Canada

Canada is a popular choice for international students. The Canadian Bureau for International Education estimates that by the end of 2021, there were 621,565 foreign students studying at all levels in Canada. Data from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) show that there were 551,405 foreign students studying in Canada in 2022, coming from 184 different nations. Of these, 52,156 Chinese students were the next in line after 226,450 Indian students. Numerous international students from all over the world come to study in Canada each year in their hundreds of thousands. Some of the benefits of studying in Canada are the high standard of living, the flexible and high-quality educational options, the multicultural and inclusive environment, the affordable education, and the long-term financial return. According to U.S. News & World Report 2022, Canada has the third-best quality of life in the world.

Canada is home to many highly regarded universities. The Times Higher Education rankings for 2023 place a total of 7 Canadian universities among the top 200 worldwide. Canada has emerged as a popular study destination for foreign students who want to pursue higher education due to its abundance of cutting-edge educational institutions and reasonable tuition costs.

The Perks of studying in Canada

The following are some advantages of studying in Canada:

  • Canadian universities are much more affordable than other European and American universities.
  • Canada has an easy visa policy for Indian students.
  • Promoting international ties and diversifying the education industry are two goals of Canada's International Education Strategy (2019-2024).
  • Many comparable job opportunities exist for both Canadian citizens and immigrants. There are many options available in the job market.

Higher Education Framework in Canada

The Canadian educational system is regarded as one of the best in the world thanks to its diverse multicultural landscape, top-notch education, and degrees that are recognized worldwide. International students have many opportunities thanks to the country's policies that encourage immigration and an excellent higher education system that is both affordable and accessible. Higher education programs are offered to students after senior secondary school. The higher education level includes diplomas, certificates, undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs.

Diploma Programs

Canada has a huge demand for community colleges. Students have the option of enrolling in two-year programs that lead to the awarding of a diploma or in bachelor's degree programs. In order to enroll in a Bachelor's degree program, students can also transfer the credits they have acquired while enrolled in a community college. Community colleges will accept applicants with IELTS scores as low as 5.0 or 5.5.

Undergraduate Programs

The bachelor's degree credential is intended to introduce students to the fundamental conceptual frameworks and methodologies of the main discipline or disciplines that make up the program of study, to impart some specialized knowledge, and to foster the ability for independent work in the discipline(s) and field of practice. All bachelor's degree programs aim to equip graduates with the knowledge and abilities necessary for them to grow into independent thinkers. One or more essays, a terminal research paper, a thesis, a project, an exhibition, or another research- or performance-based exercise that demonstrates methodological competence and capacity for independent and ethical intellectual/creative work, as well as, where applicable, the exercise of professional responsibility in a field of practice, may be used to demonstrate this capacity. 

Postgraduate Programs

In comparison to a bachelor's degree program, a master's degree program calls for more specialized knowledge and intellectual independence. It also builds on the skills and knowledge gained during related undergraduate studies. The majority of master's-level research will have either been at the cutting edge of or informed by a field of study in academia or the workplace. Students will have applied their knowledge creatively and will comprehend how research expands our understanding of certain topics. They will demonstrate independent problem-solving skills and the ability to approach complex issues both methodically and creatively.

Doctoral Programs

A doctoral program expands on the expertise in a particular field or discipline that has been acquired through earlier study, typically at the graduate level. Doctoral-level research is at the cutting edge of any academic or professional field. Doctoral degree holders must have shown a high level of intellectual autonomy, the capacity to conceptualize, design, and carry out projects that result in the creation of noteworthy new knowledge and/or understanding, and the capacity to produce and interpret knowledge that pushes the boundaries of a discipline, typically through original research or creative endeavor. 

Popular Disciplines Available in Canada

The subjects of Business and Finance, Engineering, Computer Science and IT, Humanities, Health & Medicine, Life Sciences, and Media & Journalism are the ones that foreign students in Canada choose the most frequently. Additional courses you can look forward to taking in Canada are listed below:

EngineeringHealth, Biosciences & PharmacyMedia & Journalism
Hospitality ManagementIT & Computer ScienceBusiness Management
Culinary ManagementArchitectureAgriculture Science
Interior Design CoursesLinguisticsB.Sc Nursing
Masters in StaticsMasters in Criminology 

Popular Cities in Canada with the Best Universities

According to a number of international ranking services, Canada is home to some of the best universities in the world. These institutions of higher learning are situated in some of the most well-known cities, including Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, etc. Many big and small cities are available for students to study in Canada. These cities also offer a way of life that is similar to that in the United States and give students job opportunities. Find the most popular student towns in Canada below.

Name of CitiesQS Best Student Cities Ranking 2023
Montreal14
Toronto15
Vancouver20
Ottawa55
Quebec106
Edmonton-
Calgary-
Ontario-
British Columbia-
Waterloo-

Average Monthly Expenses in Canada for International Students

The average tuition cost for international undergraduate students in 2019–20 is CA$29714 (roughly US$22,500), according to Statistics Canada. Humanities courses are typically less expensive ($5,542), whereas engineering and medicine are some of the most expensive ($14,162 for medicine and CA$21,717 ($16,446) for dentistry, respectively). The annual cost of CA$6,827 (roughly US$5,170) for business and management courses is less than the national average.

International students will pay an average postgraduate tuition fee of CA$17,744 in 2019–20, or roughly US$13,437; this represents an increase of 4% from the previous year. Executive MBA programs are typically the most expensive, costing an average of CA$56,328 (roughly US$42,657), while regular MBA programs cost an average of CA$27,397 (roughly US$20,747).

Students typically pay between CA$3,000 and CA$7,500 (US$2,271 and 5,680) per year for on-campus housing, the most expensive of the three main types of student housing (homestay, university housing, and private housing). Including bills, private shared housing can run about CA$8,400 (US$6,361) per year. With some universities offering meal plans that let you buy food from the university's food outlets, university housing is frequently more affordable.

Students Visa Requirements

For the duration of your stay, a Canadian study permit, which serves as a student visa, is required if you want to enroll in academic programs there. If your program or course lasts no longer than six months, you do not require a Canadian study permit. The application fee for a study permit is CA$150 (US$114).

How to Apply: 

Both online and offline methods are available for applying for Canada Student Permits through:

  • The Canadian Government Key, log in at GCKey
  • Go to the closest VAC (Visa Application Center) or submit an application at the entry port.
  • If you intend to stay in Canada for a longer period of time, you can reinstate your student status by renewing your study permit for 350 CAD (200 CAD for restoring status and 150 CAD for a new study permit).
Here is the list of documents students need to have to apply for a student visa in Canada.
  • The designated learning institution (DLI) must issue a letter of acceptance before a student visa application can be submitted.
  • An appropriate passport or travel document
  • Government-approved identification documentation for the resident.
  • Additionally, a financial statement demonstrating the candidate's capacity to pay for living expenses and tuition is needed.
  • Information on health
  • A letter outlining your letter of intent and how you plan to contribute to the available resources.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Some of the in-demand programs in Canada are project management, computer programming and analysis, information technology, logistics and supply chain management, and international business management. These three fields are in high demand.

The top universities in Canada are the University of Toronto (ranked #1), McGill University (ranked #2), University of British Columbia (ranked #3), University of Montreal (ranked #4), McMaster University (ranked #5), University of Alberta (ranked #6), and University of Ottawa (ranked #7), among others, based on Times Higher Education's employability rankings.

The cost of earning a PhD in Canada varies depending on the university, but it is less expensive than at institutions in the United States or the United Kingdom. In order to finance their PhD in Canada, international students in need of financial assistance can apply for a number of scholarships and grants.

Between November of the previous year and the end of March of the current year, students can submit an application for admission for the fall semester. It is advised that international students apply as soon as possible to be taken into consideration on a first-come, first-served basis.

International students need to submit an acceptance letter from a Canadian university or college in order to apply for a student visa to study in Canada. Students also need to provide proof of their identity, financial capability, health status, police clearance, and intent to leave Canada after finishing their studies.