Why Canada is Your Ultimate Study Destination

Canada has become the preferred study-abroad destination for thousands of international students. It provides students a safe, welcoming environment with an affordable quality education. In this blog, we take a look at the reasons it is such an ideal place for international students to further their education, an update on working hours, the top Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs), and how to apply for a Canadian student permit.

Why You Should Study in Canada

Study in Canada | Why Canada is Your Ultimate Study Destination

Access to Some of the Most Prestigious Institutions in the World

A Canadian qualification is highly valued across the globe. So with Canada's high academic principles and thorough quality control, you'll earn a great education that will open doors for your career advancements. A Canadian degree, diploma, or certificate is equal to those from the United States or Commonwealth countries.

The Canadian education system has a reputation of prestige, with multiple highly-rated schools, colleges, and universities nationwide. According to Times Higher Education University Rankings, the University of Toronto is considered the best in Canada, with the University of British Columbia and McGill University in second and third place. You'll find a longer list of the top Canadian institutions of higher learning a bit further down.

Canadian Universities are More Affordable

Another major contributing factor that has many students flocking to Canada for tertiary education purposes is the availability of high-quality education that is also affordable. The quality of education and standard of living in Canada are amongst the highest in the world. Yet, the average cost for basic items and educational expenses for global undergrad studies are mostly lower than in other countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom.

The Cost of Living is Low in Canada

Not only is Canada an affordable study-abroad destination in terms of tuition fees. The country also has a low living cost, meaning covering your daily expenses won't cost the earth.

According to Numbeo:

  • An apartment (1 bedroom) in a Canadian City Centre costs around 1,585.81 Canadian Dollars (CAD) per month
  • Internet costs approximately 82.93 CAD per month
  • A monthly transport pass costs about $100.00 CAD 
  • Gasoline costs around CAD $1.87 CAD per liter
  • A meal for one at a regular inexpensive restaurant costs about  $20.00 CAD

Canadians Embrace Multiculturalism

As an international student, you'll enter a space celebrating multiculturalism when you head to the Great White North. In Canada, every religion or belief system is respected. The country also became the fourth nation to legalize same-sex marriage in 2005.

Canada is one of the Safest Countries to Live in

Canada is considered one of the safest countries in the world. It ranks twelfth on the Global Peace Index. This means you will find an ideal setting to thrive in while studying in Canada. It should, however, be noted that no country is immune to crime. According to the latest crime statistics, violent crimes rose 5% in 2021, while non-violent crimes, which include property and drug offenses, dropped by 3%. That said, the crime rate is still extremely low compared to other parts of the world.

Work While You Study in Canada

Work While You Study in Canada | Why Canada is Your Ultimate Study Destination

As an international student in Canada, you can work off-campus for 20 hours per week during the academic term. This means you can pick up a couple of part-time shifts here and there to cover your daily living expenses while chasing your academic goals.

Check out the highest-paying student jobs in Canada.

Top Canadian Universities

As mentioned above, Canada is home to some of the world's top-ranking universities. So if you're still wondering where to apply, research to find the right fit for your field of study.

It's a good idea to check out the following highest-ranked DLIs:

How to Apply For a Canadian Study Permit

Apply for a Canadian Study permit | Why Canada is Your Ultimate Study Destination

A Canadian study permit is a document that will make it possible to study at designated learning institutions (DLIs) in Canada. Most foreign nationals will need one, so make sure you have all the documents you need before you apply.

Note that:

  • You will have to apply for one before you head to Canada
  • A Canadian study permit is not a visa. It doesn't let you enter Canada
  • You may need a visitor visa or an electronic travel authorization (eTA)
  • Applying for a Canadian study permit can either be done online or through a paper application
  • To apply online, you'll need a debit or credit card, and digital copies of your supporting documents
  • The visa office in your country will let you know which documents you will need

Step 1: Make Sure That You Are Eligible to Study in Canada

You will only qualify to study in Canada if:

  • You are enrolled at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
  • You have proof of sufficient funds
  • You are a law-abiding citizen with a clear criminal record
  • You are deemed healthy
  • You can prove that you'll leave Canada once you have completed your studies

Step 2: Gather Your Documents

Ensure you have all the required documents for your Canadian Student permit application. This would include:

  • Your acceptance letter from a DLI
  • All documents needed for a complete application
  • A valid attestation of issuance of your Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ), if you want to study in Quebec

Step 3: Submit Your Canadian Student Application Online

Your student permit application must be made online whether you are applying outside Canada or are already in the country. You will only be able to submit a paper application if:

  • You have a disability preventing you from doing so online
  • Have documents for non-national residents, refugees or stateless individuals

Get Ready to Chase Your Academic Dreams in Canada

Now that you know more about Canada as a study-abroad destination and the multiple reasons you should say "oui" to studying here, it's time to get together everything you need to submit a complete Canadian student visa application. Remember that incomplete submissions mean unnecessary delays in starting your student life amongst the maple leaves. If you need help in that department, our Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) are always at hand to help make this process as smooth as possible.

FAQS

How much will a Canadian Study Permit Cost?

According to the IRCC website, you will pay $150 for a Canadian Study Permit.

How Long Will My Canadian Student Visa Application Take to Be Processed?

Student Visa processing times vary from country to country, so do some research on what to expect when it comes to this.