Why Study in Canada in 2024: Here Are The Top 10 Reasons



Have you asked yourself why study in Canada? If you’re looking to study abroad, then this is a question you need to address – since you need to understand what the best overseas study destination is for you.

Canada is one of the most sought-after study destinations for students from all over the world. We’ll explore the reasons for this here.

International students are attracted to the great quality of education that Canadian universities offer, the relatively lower cost of living, availability of better opportunities post studies, liberal government policies, and the multicultural environment of Canada. However, these are not the only reasons for studying in Canada. Also, did you know that studying in Canada without IELTS is possible?

Here’s a detailed look at the top reasons why Canada is the perfect global destination for international students.

What we’ll explore today


What are the top 10 reasons to study in Canada



Countries such as the U.S, Australia, Germany, and U.K have some of the most prestigious universities globally. As an international student with so many options to choose from, why choose Canada for study? Today, we have created a comprehensive guide to help one understand why Canada is one of the best global education destinations.

Canadian universities have been frequently listed among the top-ranking universities globally. These universities have become so widely acclaimed that international students have now been trying their best to get accepted into one. The Canadian government has actively been trying to improve the number of international students who study at Canadian universities.

There are quite a few reasons why Canada should be on an international student’s list of top global ed destinations. Let’s take a look at the top 10 reasons for the same.


Top-ranking institutions


Canada is home to a number of institutions that are high up in the world’s best universities’ rankings. Most international students are attracted to these institutions thanks to their world-class faculty and the excellent opportunities for learning that they present.

Canadian universities offer programs across a wide variety of subjects and specializations including engineering, medicine, management, agriculture, finance, economics, sports, arts, science, and others. Canada’s obsession with high-quality education ensures that students enjoy great career prospects!

Canadian education is globally competitive and a degree from one of the universities is internationally recognized. The education system also encourages students to pursue multidisciplinary studies, while providing the best technological means to pursue a world-class education.

Canada is also known to be one of the best global ed destinations for programs related to business and management. Canadian B-schools produce some of the finest management professionals in the world and these graduates enjoy huge success in the job market.

The duration and mode of these programs can be chosen based on the candidate’s requirements. These programs are focused on providing students with the necessary skills to be industry-ready and a platform for them to focus on their interests.

QS world university rankings curates a list of the top-ranking universities of the world every year and in 2024, a number of Canadian institutions feature amongst the top 250 universities globally. Some of the top-ranking Canadian universities in the world include –

S.No QS World University Ranking University
1 21 University of Toronto
2 30 McGill University
3 34 University of British Columbia
4 111 University of Alberta
5 112 University of Waterloo
6 114 Western University
7 141 Université de Montréal
8 182 University of Calgary
9 189 McMaster University
10 203 University of Ottawa

2. English is widely spoken!


Canada has two official languages – French and English. Although Canada is famously known the world over for a large number of Francophones (over 10.4 million people can carry on a conversation in French), it is a bilingual country where a vast majority of the population speaks English.

The medium of instruction across Canadian universities for most programs is English so international students will have no problem in their academic endeavors. It is important to note that most universities require international students to have cleared tests such as IELTS or TOEFL to showcase their proficiency in English.

On a side note, if you are an international student, you could look forward to picking up some French while in Canada (especially if you are moving to Quebec).


3. Better job opportunities post studies


International students who study in Canadian universities and institutions can learn a lot about the country and its culture. Most graduates find employment in Canada within less than three months after graduating from their courses.

Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWPs) are issued to international students to work in Canada post their studies for any employer. PGWPs ensure that international students get ample opportunities to obtain the necessary work experience and permission to stay back in Canada as permanent residents.

The Canadian student visa also permits you to work during the course of your study. You can be employed for a maximum of 20 hours a week during your study term. However, due to a significant increase in the number of international students in some Canadian cities, there is severe competition for some of these part-time jobs. Therefore, it is better to find paid roles within the university, such as a TA, RA or any other administrative options, that will help you pay for your life in Canada.


4. High quality of life and education


Canada is known to be highly tolerant of immigrants. It is a safe and peaceful country for students to experience. According to U.S. News, Canada ranks 3rd in the global quality of life ranking. International students have just as many rights as Canadian citizens, making it a safe haven for people from all over the world.

The country leaves no stone unturned to ensure that its citizens enjoy a high standard of living. Access to quality education, healthcare, basic amenities, and cleaner air and water among others are assured to all. Notably, Canada also has a very stable economy, making it one of the best countries on the planet for those looking to start their professional careers.

Canadian universities provide the best possible support to international students to make them feel comfortable. Students have easy access to helplines that are dedicated to solving issues, both academic as well as personal.

International students who are studying in Canadian universities need to apply for health insurance in order to have access to medical services. Students with valid study permits are eligible for a primary health care card.

Cities such as Vancouver, Toronto, Montréal, and Victoria are considered to be some of the best educational hubs in Canada. Although there has been some news of housing scams in recent times where groups of students were made to share accommodation, they have been limited to small pockets of predatory landlords. With proper research and budgeting, these cities are known to offer a higher quality of life at affordable costs when compared to cities from other countries such as the U.S.A., the U.K., or Australia.


5. Lower living expenses


Canada is affordable to international students from all walks of life. A decade ago, studying abroad was limited to those students who came from affluent families. However, Canada’s low cost of living and the rather cheap tuition fees when compared to other countries’ universities has made it the number one choice for higher education.

Students can apply for a variety of scholarships to fund their studies and can also work a specified number of hours per week to support themselves while they are still part of a university program.

On average, international students in Canada need to spend around CAD 30,000 annually (for an undergraduate program) for tuition while other costs such as food, accommodation, transportation, study supplies, and health insurance may come up to around CAD 15,000 per annum, depending on the city or province.


6. Multicultural environment


Canada’s diverse cultures and cosmopolitan environment ensure that its status as one of the most hospitable countries in the world gets cemented. The country ensures that different traditions are preserved and that the people are respected for their cultural and ethnic backgrounds.

One can also be a part of several cultural and sporting events including the NHL seasons, the Festival International de Jazz de Montréal, La Poutine Week, Winterlude, Folklorama, and the Calgary stampede, among others.

7. Canada’s focus on research and development


Most Canadian universities offer programs that also have a lot of focus on research. Students get to be involved in academic and scientific research opportunities and can engage in various activities that can provide a well-rounded academic experience.

Canadian universities are also hotbeds for breakthrough research that has been bringing about positive change in the world. Canada’s pioneering research has resulted in significant academic progress as well, including the well-known “SchoolNet” program.

Moreover, the Government of Canada has been actively involved in funding research activities that can benefit society. With opportunities created for doctoral students or academic researchers to get in touch with the government, businesses, or even industry resources, Canada ensures that the quality of research never takes a hit.

8. Canada is a Traveller’s Paradise!


The rugged coastline, the majestic Canadian Rockies, or the technologically advanced cities – it is your call! With very well-connected public transportation services including buses, trains, and planes, one could travel fairly easily within the country.

Canada is a paradise for cold people – literally. The country’s lowest recorded temperature is as cold as Mars! So don’t forget your thermals. If you love freshwater lakes, you’re in luck. Canada is the country with the most surface area covered by lakes! It also has the world’s longest coastline and over 10% of the world’s forests.

For all the adrenaline junkies out there, Canada has the strongest tidal currents in North America and its national parks are larger than most countries. The number of places that one could visit include Niagara falls, Whistler Mountain, Percé Rock, and Jasper National park…need we say more?


9. Smooth admission processes


Canadian universities are easier to get into when compared to their counterparts from the U.S.A. Moreover, it offers a wider variety of programs along with options to pursue multidisciplinary programs compared to other countries.

Generally, Canadian universities do not require students to appear for separate entrance tests to be eligible for admissions. Canada considers the academic performance of students in high school (for undergraduate programs) rather than their performance on tests such as SAT or ACT. Australia and the U.K. have eligibility criteria similar to that of Canada.

Canadian student visas are easier to obtain than visas from other countries since Canada has been welcoming international students to explore its academic options and tend to have better acceptance rates.


10. The Canadian Tech Wave!


Canada has risen to the top of the technological frontier in the past few decades. In fact, Toronto has been building a reputation as one of the top tech hubs of the world – second only to Silicon Valley!The ICT (Information and Communications Technology) market alone is expected to reach a value of US$ 182.71 billion by 2027.

Canada offers superb opportunities to tech professionals and is considered a digital haven, thanks to a stable economy, quality of living, lower cost of living, and an inclusive culture. It has been consistently on top of technological trends and is well-known for its reputation as a leader in various sectors of science and engineering.

With some of the best institutions in the world including the University of Toronto, York University, and George-Brown College offering a few of the most popular tech programs globally, Canada has been achieving academic excellence and has been making significant contributions to the tech industry.

Borrowell, Maple, StackAdapt, and Drop are some of Canada’s very own tech companies that have been changing the world for the better. Owing to the tech talents coming out of Canadian universities, companies such as Cloudflare, Netflix, Doordash, and NVIDIA have set up operations across the country.

What is the best place to study in Canada?


Of all the Canadian provinces, Ontario stands tall as the best place to study in Canada for international students. The province is renowned for its cultural diversity, economic prowess and world-class educational institutions. From top colleges to universities to research facilities, the province has it all.

The province of Ontario hosts eight of the most prestigious Canadian institutions of higher education and research. It is home to several of the world’s most popular cities including Toronto, Ottawa, Kingston, Hamilton, Guelph, Windsor, and Mississauga among others.

The city of Toronto is where Canada’s top ranking university is located. It is also the most populated Canadian city and is popular among immigrants due to the multicultural nature and its standard of living. The second most popular city of Ontario is Ottawa, the capital of Canada.

Around 40% of the Canadian population live in Ontario. This is because the province is not only home to some of the best universities in the world, but it is also a commercial hub! The employment rate in the province is considered to be one of the best globally, with around 90% of university graduates getting job opportunities.

Ontario is considered to have one of the strongest economies in the world and has several financial hubs in Toronto, Ottawa and Kingston. It also offers various employment opportunities across several sectors including commerce, supply chain, technology, finance, and manufacturing.

Ontario offers a wide range of cultural and recreational activities which can help international students to explore the province and experience Canadian culture. Ontario is known for its low crime rate and friendly people.

Some of the advantages of studying in Ontario includes,

  • World’s most renowned universities
  • Large number of colleges and institutions to choose from
  • Highest number of employment opportunities post graduation
  • Safe for students from any background
  • Opens several opportunities to other countries including the U.S, U.K and Australia
  • Strong and stable economy

Each individual has a unique set of preferences – city in which a university is located, the programs and courses a university offers, the quality of a university, the cost of tuition, the availability of accommodation, the living costs, the duration of a program and others.

Therefore, a definite answer on which is the best university to study in Canada for you as an individual will be skewed. However, we have curated a list of the best Canadian universities for international students to study at. You could check out this article right here for detailed information on the top Canadian universities of 2024.


Why is technical education important for students?


The technological advancements that the world has seen over the past couple of decades is something that could not have been foreseen. Areas such as Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI and ML), the Internet of Things (IoT), wireless communication, robotics, quantum computing and biotechnology have the potential to greatly improve society’s capabilities.

A technical education provides students with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in careers related to technology, engineering, and other sciences. It can prepare students for a wide range of jobs, including positions in research and development, manufacturing, and construction.

Technical education can provide students with practical, hands-on experience that can help them to develop problem-solving skills, critical thinking abilities, and technical expertise that is required to find employment opportunities across the areas mentioned above.

A sound technical education can ensure that students obtain better employment opportunities, build problem-solving skills, be at the forefront of technological research and innovation, and enhance quality of life. Moreover, it allows students to possess a sense of social responsibility since it is equally important to be aware of the social and ethical impact that technology has on our society.


General eligibility criteria for Canadian universities



Students who are looking to get accepted into Canadian universities need to fulfill a set of requirements. These include:

  • Applying to a Designated Learning Institution
  • Good academic record in high school (if applying for undergraduate programs)
  • An undergraduate degree from a recognized university (if applying for graduate programs) with a GPA of 3.0 and above (varies from university)
  • Non-native English speakers need to clear an English language proficiency test (TOEFL, IELTS, SAT, Cambridge English Language Assessment Test, or TOEIC).
  • Clearing common admission tests such as SAT, GRE, GMAT, MCAT, and LSAT are added advantages.
  • Submit supporting documents including official transcripts, photocopies of diplomas, duly filled application forms, essays, letters of recommendation, and proof of compliance.
  • Some programs may also require candidates to possess relevant work experience.
  • A GIC account with a minimum of CAD 10,000 to prove that the student can afford tuition and cover other costs of living.
  • Letter of acceptance from a Canadian institution.
  • Student visa/study permit.
  • Proof of health.
  • Need to prove that the student will leave Canada once they have graduated.

Scholarship Availabilities


Canada encourages students from all over the world to study at one of its institutions by arranging necessary financial support for those deserving students who need it. With a range of scholarships to apply for, students can now receive a world-class education at a fraction of the cost.

Scholarships are offered by the Canadian government, the university, or non-governmental bodies (NGOs, Trusts, etc). Different scholarships have different criteria, processes, and procedures along with a set of deadlines. While most scholarships are based on academic merit, some are provided based on extracurricular achievements.

Some of the most popular scholarships in Canada are Canada graduate scholarships, IDRC research awards, Schulich leader scholarships, Lester B. Pearson international scholarship, Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships, Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship, and University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowship (UMGF), among others.
Some of the most popular scholarships in Canada include,


Great options for pursuing MBA degrees


A master’s degree in business administration (MBA) is one of the most popular professional degrees globally. Pursuing an MBA (full-time, part-time, or executive) from one of the many prestigious B-schools of Canada ensures that a graduate makes a worthwhile investment.

Indian students from Canadian B-schools can be found working across different sectors including finance, supply chain management, top-level management at organizations, marketing, and human resources. Due to their skills and expertise, these postgraduate students are in huge demand in Canada and internationally.

Career prospects for an MBA graduate include investment analytics, HR management, management executives, data analytics, project management, business management, and entrepreneurship among others.

Apply to universities in Canada through TC Global


The best place for you to start your global ed journey is here.

We are a brand that simplifies international education, learning, and mobility through connecting students, universities and a global community on a single platform. The platform enables students to study anywhere in the world in just a few steps, while powering education providers to market and recruit global students, at scale. There are over 1000+ education providers and over 80,000+ courses on the platform. We hope this article helps you understand why study in Canada.

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Date added
29.11.2023

Filed under:

Global Ed

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