As per a report, in the first four months of 2021, 67,000 Indian students got approved to study in Canada. This is a whopping 83% more than the entire figure of 2020. Of late, Canada has emerged as one of the most sought-after destinations for higher studies, especially post-graduation level studies. Many factors have contributed to Canada’s rise as a powerhouse for higher studies.
Why Canada for Studies?
- Good Academic Standards
Canadian universities are globally acclaimed for consistently maintaining high educational standards. And many of them frequently appear in various global university rankings. Also, degrees awarded by Canadian universities are valued and recognised as equivalent to the degrees awarded by the US, UK, Australian and other European universities.
Moreover, you can get many opportunities to work on various well-funded research projects in these institutions.
Top 10 Universities in Canada
| Rank in Canada | Global Rank | University |
| 1 | 25 | University of Toronto |
| 2 | 31 | McGill University |
| 3 | 45 | University of British Columbia |
| 4 | 118 | Universite de Montreal |
| 5 | 119 | University of Alberta |
| 6 | 144 | McMaster University |
| 7 | 166 | University of Waterloo |
| 8 | 203 | Western University |
| 9 | 246 | Queen’s University |
| University of Calgary |
Source: QS Rankings
- Affordable Cost
The tuition fees of most Canadian Universities and the general cost of living in Canada are one of the lowest, compared to the US, UK, or any other English-speaking country.
Furthermore, both the government and the universities in Canada offer various scholarships to motivate deserving students to pursue higher studies in Canada, further bringing down the total cost of living in Canada.
Therefore, studying in Canada can provide a better return on investments.
- Multiculturalism
Canada is home to various ethnic groups with different cultures and lifestyles. Moreover, every year several international students come to Canada for higher studies resulting in a thriving campus life comprising people from different countries with their unique customs and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Such a dynamic study environment can be conducive for the overall development of a student poised to become a global citizen in future.
- Safety and Peace
Canada is ranked 4th in the top 10 safest countries globally as per the latest US News rankings. The country also ranked 10 in the Global Peace Index. Hence, it can be ideal for international students to concentrate on their studies without worrying about safety.
- Opportunity to Work While Studying
Canada has special regulations for international students allowing them to work for up to 20 hours every week during their semesters without any work permit. They can even work full-time during the summer or winter breaks.
- Friendly Immigration Policies
Canada has this unique Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWPP) that allows international students to stay and work in Canada for three years after completing their graduation from a Canadian institution. You can even apply for permanent residency thereafter.
- Employment
Canada is a developed country with a flourishing economy. Therefore, graduates here have strong earning potential. Top companies routinely conduct campus placement drives in reputed universities to hire graduates of various disciplines.
Popular Fields of Study in Canada
- Business and Management
Canada has some of the best B-schools globally that provide quality management education in the form of MBA and other courses. MBA students can choose from a diverse range of optional subjects like logistics, finance, risk assessment, and so on, in addition to their main course of study.
Moreover, you can combine academic terms with on-field work experiences or internships. To add, most reputed B-schools here have some of the finest faculty members comprising experienced professionals with global exposure. As a result, students can grow their professional network while still pursuing their MBA.
Top 10 Business Schools in Canada
| Rank | Business School | University | Location in Canada |
| 1 | Rotman School of Management | University of Toronto | Toronto (ON) |
| 2 | Desautels Faculty of Management | McGill University | Montreal (QC) |
| 3 | Smith School of Business | Queen’s University | Kingston (ON) |
| 4 | Ivey Business School | Western University | London (ON) |
| 5 | Schulich School of Business | York University | Toronto (ON) |
| 6 | UBC Sauder School of Business | University of British Columbia | Vancouver (BC) |
| 7 | Alberta School of Business | University of Alberta | Edmonton (AB) |
| 8 | John Molson School of Business | Concordia University | Montreal (QC) |
| 9 | HEC Montreal | Universite de Montreal | Montreal (QC) |
| 10 | Rowe School of Business | Dalhousie University | Halifax (NS) |
Source: QS Rankings
[READ: Acceptance Rate of Top B-schools in Canada]
- Environmental Science
Many Canadian universities like Dalhousie University, University of Calgary, etc., run globally acclaimed environmental science programmes. Students can get the opportunity to work on on-site projects and learn from first-hand experiences of the devastating impact of global warming and human activities affecting climate change.
- Science and Technology
In recent years, Canada witnessed a significant rise in economic sectors like infrastructure, transportation, construction, etc. This has resulted in a steady rise in demand for professionals with science and technology backgrounds across various industries.
Therefore, engineers from computer science, electrical engineering, civil engineering, and many other branches have vast opportunities to secure jobs right after graduation.
- Medicine
Canada has always been at the forefront of world-class healthcare services. This is partly because some of the top medical schools here provide highly research-oriented education and training. Hence, you can consider Canada a viable destination if you dream of becoming a skilled medical practitioner.
Tips for Students Getting in Canadian School
Unlike US universities, Canadian universities don’t follow a standardised application process making the entire process quite complex for international students. Therefore, aspiring students should follow some tips to enhance their chances of securing admission to the university of their choice.
- Begin Your Preparations Early
Most admission cycles in Canada begin in September. Ideally, start your preparations 6 to 7 months in advance so that you don’t need to make a rush at the eleventh hour.
- Secure Your Test Scores
Language proficiency test scores like TOEFL or IELTS remain valid for 2 years. GMAT scores are valid for 4 years. Therefore, it would be wise to secure good scores in these tests in advance so that you would have lesser things to worry about while applying.
- Check the University Website
The application process, eligibility criteria, and other related information are generally available on university websites. Keep checking such websites regularly for updates.
- Keep Your Options Open
While it is not advisable to randomly apply to many universities at once, you can certainly consider applying to 2 to 3 good universities to increase your chances of securing admission in at least one of them.
- Prepare Budget
Studying abroad is a big decision that can seriously strain your finances if you are not careful from the beginning. Therefore, it is essential to prepare a detailed analysis of how much money you will need during your stay in Canada and ways to arrange the funding.
[READ: Life and Jobs Post MBA in Canada]
It’s time for you to seriously consider Canada for your higher studies, especially when the benefits and rewards are no lesser than the usual study destinations like the USA, UK, and others. Besides, Canadian culture is known to welcome and accept diversity with an open heart.
The presence of a large Indian diaspora can also add comfort to your stay there. And who knows- you might as well decide to live there forever after acquiring your degree.
