Why study in Canada as an international student?

Panorama of Toronto skyline at night with CN Tower over lake from Central Island

Canada is a land of endless possibilities. Each year, nearly 500,000 international students choose Canada as their study destination. Why study in Canada as an international student? The reasons are as plentiful as our vast open spaces, as diverse as our people, and as abundant as the opportunities available to those who live, work and study here.

With one of the longest coastlines, vast wilderness, world-class cities, and a culture of tolerance and diversity, Canada is a natural destination for thousands of international students. Maybe you don’t know much about Canada beyond its ski slopes and wild moose population. But there are plenty of reasons why you should study in Canada, so here are some of the most important ones.

1. High-Quality Education at an Affordable Cost

Canadian degrees, certificates, and diplomas are considered internationally equal to equivalent degrees in the U.S. and other Commonwealth countries. Canadians are serious about education, and their universities demonstrate that commitment with beautiful ultra-modern campuses. The variety of degree programs in Canada is vast, with everything from humanities to technology and health, with some very specialized environmental programs available only in the Great White North. In addition, English Language Schools and French Language Schools abound and offer a variety of side activities from skiing to camping. While the quality of education rivals the U.S. and the U.K., the costs of tuition and living are significantly lower.

2. A Safe Community

Canada is a friendly, safe country with a high standard of living. Low crime rates, great student health benefits, and universities focused on student security and health make studying in Canada a good choice for anyone who’s uneasy about personal safety while abroad. The Global Peace Index ranks Canada among its top 10 safest countries in the world to visit.

3. High-Tech Campus, High-Tech Country

When the major educational institutions of the world adjusted to technological innovations, Canada played a great role and remains at the forefront of technology trends. It has consistently been an international leader in computer and information technologies, and has a reputation for excellence in such sectors as telecommunications, transportation, and engineering. Remember when the world started to recognize the need to connect schools and libraries to the Internet? Canada’s pioneering SchoolNet program has changed the way students learn and has made good echoes in other nations.

Those technological innovations seem to cover the entire country as countless other modern, high-tech amenities are pretty much available to everyone. From Olympic-quality sports facilities to public concert halls and art galleries, Canada offers enormous possibilities for learning and leisure. There are incredible opportunities to meet like-minded people and gain valuable experience through student-run governments, media, and businesses. Studying abroad in Canada opens up a wealth of research and scholars to draw upon for several disciplines.

4. Rich Multiculturalism

Canada has a policy of encouraging multicultural diversity, and this has resulted in a welcoming environment where almost all the world’s ethnic groups are represented. The country ensures that people’s customs and traditions are preserved, and that value and dignity of all people are respected. You can simply be yourself, while feeling no pressure to assimilate to prescribed values.

5. An Exciting And Beautiful Place To Live

Everyone studying abroad should remember that there is a lot of life outside campus, too. Whether you enjoy spending time or being active outdoors, or are simply interested in exploring nature and seeing an amazing assortment of wildlife, you don’t have to travel far in Canada to find it. From the lush coastline of British Columbia, the majestic Rocky Mountains of Alberta, the big skies of the prairies, the ‘maple sugar country’ in the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence, and the rugged hills and attractive coastline of the Atlantic Provinces — there’s usually an eyeful of natural beauty in Canada.

6. Possibility Of Immigrating

After studying abroad in Canada, you may want to make the Great White North your permanent home. If you are considering moving to Canada, the “Canadian Experience Class” makes it easier for you. Applicants need to have graduated with a degree and have one year of work experience. They can apply for a permanent visa that will take 15 to 18 months to process. After that, you can make your temporary trip to Canada a permanent way of life.

As an international student in Canada, you’ll enjoy all the same freedoms which protect Canadians – respect for human rights, equality and a stable, peaceful society. You’ll feel safe, secure and welcome here.