Canada – The Great White North
Canada, located in North America, covers an area of 9,984,670 km2 and has a population of 40 million (as of 2023). Spanning from the Pacific to the Atlantic Ocean, Canada is the second-largest country by total area and boasts the world’s largest coastline. The country experiences diverse weather, with hot summers and cold snowy winters contributing to its well-known nickname, the Great White North. The broad size and snow-covered mountains in the north collectively give rise to this name.
Canada features a famous watery border, Niagara Falls, connecting Canada and the USA through the Rainbow Bridge. Canada is home to historically significant landmarks including the Quebec Citadel, the Canadian National War Memorial, the Fortress of Louisbourg, and many more. Seeking the possibility to study abroad in Canada?
Opportunities to Study Abroad in Canada
Canada is globally renowned for its education system and its high standards. Canadian institutions actively ensure the delivery of high-quality and standardized education to their students. Canadian universities present a myriad of opportunities to international students, including:
1- Research opportunities for gaining valuable experience.
2- Building a strong CV for a successful career.
3- Gaining exposure from events with cultural diversity.
Canadian universities provide options to make tuition more affordable, allowing students to work part-time or apply for scholarships to fund their education. International students have the opportunity to study abroad in Canada and earn during their stay in Canada. Canadian universities encourage international students to explore their passions, find their career paths, and build successful futures by availing the numerous opportunities offered by these institutions.
Top Universities in Canada
Canadian universities uphold high academic standards and implement strict quality control, delivering exceptional education to students. Choosing a university to study abroad in Canada for higher studies represents a significantly important decision. The student considers factors such as the quality of education, campus life, and the university’s location when making this decision. The considerable research and thought invested in this decision prove worthwhile when students ultimately enroll in their desired program. To simplify this decision-making process, the following are some of the top Canadian universities:
University of Waterloo
The University of Waterloo, located in Waterloo, Ontario is a public research-based institution. It holds the 112th position in the QS World University Rankings 2024 and is among the top 5 Canadian universities. Recognized for educating some of the world’s most talented engineers and computer science graduates, the university offers an exceptional engineering program.
To support international students, the University of Waterloo provides more than 170 scholarships, ranging from $1,000 to $40,000. Some of these scholarships are automatically awarded based on merit upon enrollment and do not require a separate application.
Creating a supportive environment, the University of Waterloo fosters a strong social network that motivates students to work harder, leading to improved performance and positive outcomes.
The university excels in various subjects, with five programs ranking among the top 50 globally, according to the 2022 QS World University Rankings by Subject:
1- Computer Science (25th)
2- Electrical & Electronic Engineering (33rd)
3- Mathematics (41st)
4- Anatomy & Physiology (48th)
5- Mechanical Engineering (49th)
University of Western Ontario
The University of Western Ontario, a public research institution in Ontario, Canada, ranks among the top 115 universities in the QS World University Rankings 2024 and holds a position within the top 10 universities in Canada. Recognized as one of Canada’s research-oriented institutions, the University of Western Ontario is acclaimed for its world-class facilities and expertise across disciplines. Scholars at the University of Western Ontario actively contribute to the nation’s progress through their efforts in fundamental research and development.
The University of Western Ontario actively offers multiple scholarship programs, ranging from merit-based scholarships upon enrollment to in-program scholarships. The university provides abundant opportunities for students to access scholarships and finance their education. International students at the University of Western Ontario can actively explore research opportunities and immerse themselves in the world of research.
The following are some of the popular fields to explore are:
1- School of Medicine and Dentistry
2- Engineering
3- Arts and Humanities
4- IVY Business School
5- Health and Social Sciences
Dalhousie University
Dalhousie University, situated in Nova Scotia, Canada, operates campuses in Halifax, Bible Hill, and Saint John, New Brunswick. It has secured a position among the top 300 universities in the QS World University Ranking 2024, featuring 13 faculties dedicated to achieving excellence. With a competitive acceptance rate ranging from 60% to 70%, the university’s programs attract a high level of interest.
To assist international students in financing their education, Dalhousie University provides scholarships, bursaries, and awards, including both entrance and in-program awards. As Atlantic Canada’s primary research-intensive university, Dalhousie is home to world-leading researchers and scholars in diverse fields. The university is committed to delivering excellence in academics, leadership, research, and innovation to its students.
Dalhousie University provides high-quality education in a wide range of programs to students, including:
1- Civil Engineering
2- International Business
3- Law, Justice, and Society
4- Marine Biology
5- Political Science
Benefits of Studying in Canada
Canadian universities are among the top universities with an exceptional education system. Opportunities to study abroad in Canada are abundant in every field with the chance to avail internships to gain exposure. Canadian universities offer promising careers to students and provide added benefits, including:
Living Expenses
Living expenses for international students in Canada vary depending on the province of residency but generally range from $2,000 to $2,500 per month. The living expenses can fluctuate depending on the facilities students choose, such as opting for private accommodation instead of university dormitories.
High Quality of Life
According to U.S. News, Canada ranks as the seventh safest country globally and stands third in global quality of life rankings. Canada provides a standard and quality of life that exceeds expectations, offering a peaceful living environment. International students studying in Canada experience better quality education and living situations compared to other destinations. This encourages more individuals to seek opportunities to study abroad in Canada.
Cultural Diversity
Canada, collectively, accommodates 807,750 international students across its wide range of universities, fostering a cross-cultural environment. Students actively host and participate in various social activities, gaining exposure to different cultures. This culturally diverse atmosphere enhances creativity, and imagination, and contributes to the overall personal growth of students.
Global Exposure
International students enrolled in various universities across Canada actively interact with professionals from around the globe. Encouraged to participate in university-held events, these students engage with people from all walks of life, thereby increasing their exposure. Global exposure plays a pivotal role in assisting students to build a more refined and strong CV, laying the foundation for a promising career in their respective fields.
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program enables students to temporarily reside and work in Canada after completing their studies. A PGWP is granted exclusively to students who have received a degree/diploma from a designated learning institution and meet the eligibility criteria. The permit’s duration ranges from eight months to three years, providing students with a valuable opportunity to gain work experience in Canada.
Scholarship Programs in Canada
The Canadian government and selective universities offer fully funded scholarships to international students pursuing higher education. These scholarships cover various levels of study, including bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD/doctoral programs. International students who meet the eligibility criteria have the opportunity to avail themselves of the benefits of these scholarships. Some of the most popular fully funded scholarship programs provided by the Canadian government and universities include:
1- President’s International Scholarship of Excellence
2- UBC International Leader of Tomorrow Award
3- President’s International Distinction Scholarship
4- Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship
5-Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship
While the charm of benefiting from a scholarship is exceptional, it is important to note that these opportunities are exclusively for non-Student Direct Stream (SDS) applicants. The acceptance rate is approximately 10% to 15%, but selected students enjoy the advantages of a fully funded scholarship. SDS applicants can also avail themselves of scholarship programs, but these opportunities need to be offered by the university after their enrollment. These may include in-program scholarships and post-enrollment scholarships.
Application process for Canadian Universities
International students have the option to apply to Canadian universities through either the SDS route or the non-SDS route, often referred to as direct applicants. The application process generally includes the following steps:
1- Apply to the desired university.
2- Receive the offer letter.
3- Deposit the tuition fee.
4- Receive the admission letter.
5- File for a visa.
6- Enrollment.
Although the major steps of the application process may seem straightforward, they, in reality, undergo a processing period of 3-6 months. The duration depends on the application route chosen by the applicant.
Study Visa for Canada
Applying for a study visa in Canada represents the most crucial step in the entire process. Generally, 30% of all study permit applications reportedly face rejection for various reasons, including:
1- Students’ ability to financially support themselves.
2- Students’ willingness to leave after completing studies.
3- Unclear or missing documents.
The likelihood of facing these issues can be significantly reduced if applicants receive proper guidance and counseling before submitting their applications. The technicalities involved in the application process can be confusing and may lead to drastic outcomes if not addressed correctly and quickly. In such critical situations, a consultancy agency proves to be a lifesaver, simplifying the process and increasing the likelihood of study visa approval for students.
Final Words
Studying abroad in Canada offers a diverse range of choices for international students, coupled with the added advantage of securing scholarships. For students aspiring to gain admission to Canadian universities, seeking guidance from a consultancy agency can ensure a smooth and hassle-free process. AK Consultants, in particular, recruits students who are exploring opportunities to study abroad in Canada, assisting them in turning their dreams into reality.
FAQs
A: For students seeking admission to undergraduate programs, a study gap of up to 4 years is permissible. However, for students pursuing postgraduate programs, the study gap is not a determining factor if students can justify their gap with employment history.
A: Students have the option to either directly apply to various scholarship programs offered by the Canadian government or universities, or they can apply for scholarships offered by the university after enrolling in their desired program.
A: The average living cost for international students typically ranges from $2,000 to $2,500. However, this amount is subject to change based on the province of residence and the facilities availed by students.
A: Students who meet the eligibility criteria can apply for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) after completing their degree/diploma at a designated learning institute. The duration of PGWP typically ranges from eight months to three years, providing students with temporary residence and valuable work experience in Canada.
A: The average tuition fee in Canada for a degree generally ranges from $15,000 – $40,000 per annum. However, the average tuition fee in Canada for a diploma generally ranges from $15,000 – $25,000 per annum
