Over 200,000 international students choose to pursue their education in Canada each year. If you are looking for a world-class education in an English-speaking nation with a high standard of living, look no further than Canada.
Canada has 12 universities ranked in the Times Higher Education Supplement Top 200. This strong education system (along with its economy and quality of life) earned Canada a designation by the UN as one of the best places in the world to live.
Canada utilizes the same three-fold degree system as the United States:
Canada graduates nearly five thousand doctoral candidates a year in a wide variety of fields. Recently, the Canadian government has expressed a desire to expand the entire doctoral program to educate a larger number of students each year; this is a prime opportunity for international students interested in studying in Canada.
Many universities are in cosmopolitan cities close to the United States border, allowing for easy access to that nation as well.
Natural resources are a major draw for students looking to study in Canada. Whether you love hiking, skiing, waterskiing, rock climbing or just enjoying a beautiful evening’s sunset, Canada has some of the most pristine natural areas in the world.
But it’s not all back to nature. Canadian universities and cities are complete with cultural events and an active nightlife for the international student. Canada has over two thousand historical and cultural sites and attractions for you to enjoy – ranging from Aboriginal festivals to the latest in avant-garde art. If you’d like more excitement than inspiration, you can’t beat a Canadian home hockey game for the raw energy and passion.
Canadian culture prides itself on being welcoming, tolerant and cordial. As a member of the British Commonwealth, Canada is home to a widely diverse population (Canada has two official languages: English and French). But, as a country with a relatively low population density, Canada has the intimate feel of small nation. So while Canada may be one of the world’s coldest countries (part of the country lies within the Arctic Circle), it certainly warmly welcomes international students.
Many international students looking to study in Canada quickly discover that Canadian universities offer a solid return on your educational investment. These outstanding schools are generally lower in tuition fees than many other English-speaking countries. While undergraduate course fees will depend on your program of study, most international student fees start at CAN$15,000 per year. Of course, academic and athletic scholarships are available for international students who want to study in Canada.
Canada’s general cost of living is less expensive than in most European countries. The Canadian government estimates that average university student living expenses (room, board, entertainment) range from CAN$400 to 800 per month.
The Council of Ministers of Education, Canada (CMEC) has a very informative website that provides estimated costs for international students studying at particular Canadian universities. You should certainly research the specific costs of your preferred schools before making a decision to study in Canada.