Canada is among the top destinations for Indian students. The popularity is easy to understand because there are countless reasons for students to want to go to Canada for their higher studies.
In this guide, we will walk you through the top 10 reasons to study in Canada.
Top 10 reasons to study in Canada
Access to high-quality education
Canadian universities and colleges are known worldwide for their excellent standards of education.
As per QS World University Rankings 2024, 9 Canadian universities are among the top 200. That’s one of the many reasons to study in Canada for Indian students.
These institutions provide top-notch facilities like advanced labs and modern libraries. This ensures students have the resources they need to excel. Also, professors in Canadian universities are often leaders in their fields.
Let’s check out the top 5 universities in Canada.
Top 5 universities in Canada
- Location: Toronto, Canada
- 8 undergraduate and 174 post-graduate programs available
- Established in 1827, the University of Toronto is among the oldest in Canada. It is regarded as the foremost centre for learning and discovery. It is renowned for its research excellence and fostering innovation and creativity.
- Location: Montreal, Canada
- 378 post-graduate programs and 50 research centres available
- McGill University is among Canada’s elite institutions. It draws a diverse array of international students from over 150 countries annually. It is a premier medical university and has 32% international students.
University of British Columbia
Location: Vancouver, Canada- 254 undergraduate and 244 post-graduate programs available.
- The University of British Columbia is known for its array of bachelor’s degrees. It is one of the top public universities in Vancouver. And it continues to attract students from around the world.
- Location: Alberta, Canada
- 117 undergraduate and 75 postgraduate programs available
- The University of Alberta is one of Canada’s top institutions for research. It welcomes over 40,000 students from 156 countries. Plus, it has a dynamic learning environment committed to excellence and innovation.
- Location: Waterloo, Canada
- 95 undergraduate and 115 postgraduate programs available.
- The University of Waterloo is one of Canada’s most innovative universities. It is the world’s largest post-secondary co-operative education program. In this program, students alternate between school and work terms, gaining invaluable experience.
Confused about which university is right for you? Well, there isn’t one single “best” university in Canada. The perfect choice depends on your individual needs and preferences.
Thinking of relying on ‘consultants’ to find the most suitable universities? Wait.
While consultants are loyal to their commissions, SelectRight focuses on you.
How?
SelectRight goes beyond just university rankings. The platform also considers your academic background, desired program, and preferred location. It then recommends universities that are a good fit for you.
Plus, SelectRight is completely free for students.
Here’s how SelectRight works.
- Create your SelectRight profile.
- Input your requirements.
- Sit back as SelectRight uses AI to match you with top Canadian university programs.
- Evaluate your options side by side.
- Consult with a SelectRight advisor who will provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision.
Vast research opportunities and diverse course options
Canadian universities offer a wide range of courses. These include:
- Traditional subjects like mathematics, medicine, business, economics, and history
- Cutting-edge fields like AI and sustainable energy.
Additionally, many universities have research programs. With these programs, students can work alongside professors on groundbreaking projects.
Let’s explore the top 5 most popular courses in Canada preferred by Indian students.
Top 5 courses in Canada
- Computer Science
Computer Science is highly favoured among Indian students in Canada. This is due to the country’s reputation for excellence in this field. Canada’s emphasis on co-op opportunities allows students to gain practical experience while studying. This gives Indian students all the more reasons to study in Canada.
- Business
Business programs attract Indian students in Canada due to the country’s strong economy. Plus, there are renowned business schools offering various programs. Courses like BBA and MBA in Canadian universities are a gateway to high-profile corporate jobs in the top companies of the country.
Students also get an option to choose specializations like International Business and Entrepreneurship.
- Engineering
Canada’s top engineering schools offer various specializations ranging from civil to electrical engineering. This gives graduates opportunities in global industries. Canada’s emphasis on innovation and research further adds value to engineering education.
- Health Sciences
Canada’s exemplary healthcare system drives Indian students towards health science programs. Various institutions offer diverse programs in nursing, medicine, and pharmacy. Plus, the academic programs are taught by leading experts. This prepares students for rewarding careers in healthcare.
- Information Technology (IT)
The booming IT industry in Canada is one of the strong reasons why Indians choose to study in Canada. That, coupled with quality education, ensures graduates are well-prepared for the industry. Plus, there are many universities and colleges offering IT education to choose from.
Language enrichment opportunities
Wondering why you should choose to study in Canada?
Well, Canada is a bilingual country with English and French as its official languages. How does that help you? Studying in Canada gives you the chance to improve your language skills in English, French, or both.
Language learning isn’t just in the classroom. It happens everywhere when you engage with locals during your stay in Canada.
You can then leverage your language skills to get global employment opportunities. Not to mention, learning a new language also opens you up to a new cultural perspective.
Opportunities to earn while you study
One of the key reasons to study in Canada is that you are allowed to work while studying. Even as an international student, you can work while you study at a Canadian university.
- Students can work part-time (up to 20 hours) during the school year
- And full-time during scheduled breaks (more than 20 hours).
This can be a huge help with living expenses and gives students valuable work experience.
For example, you could work as a barista at a café near campus, or as a research assistant for a professor in your department.
Learn more about work while you study rules and regulations in Canada here.
Post-graduation work permit
While you try to understand why studying in Canada is so great, let’s tell you what you can do after your graduation.
One of the many reasons to study in Canada is that after completing studies, you can apply for a PGWP.
What is PGWP?
PGWP stands for Post-Graduation Work Permit. With this permit, international students can work in Canada for up to 3 years. This is a fantastic opportunity to gain experience in the thriving Canadian market.
A thriving economy and high employability
Canada’s economy is strong and diverse. Employment opportunities are available in sectors such as technology, finance, healthcare, and more.
As you can see from the graph above, the unemployment rate in Canada is on the decline. At the same time, employment opportunities are on the rise.
This means you won’t struggle to find a job in Canada after graduation. This gives Indian students another reason to study in Canada.
Sure, employment rates are high and the economy is booming. But why should I choose to study in Canada? What is the guarantee that I will get a job after graduating from a Canadian university?
There is no way to guarantee employment after any course from any university. But one of the reasons why you should choose to study in Canada is excellent career guidance. Let’s understand.
Excellent career support
Canadian universities offer extensive career services. This helps students transition smoothly from education to employment.
This includes resume workshops, job fairs, and networking events.
Most Canadian universities also offer special employment services for international students. You can also check out the Canadian government’s Job Bank to find job opportunities.
Exposure to cultural diversity
Canada is known for its multicultural society. In fact, 1/5th of Canada’s population is composed of individuals born outside the country.
This is one of the many reasons to study in Canada. You can meet and interact with people from all over the world who are living and studying together.
This diversity enriches the learning experience and fosters cross-cultural understanding.
Plus, there are several Indian students in the country. The visualization below shows that 40% of international students in Canada are from India This gives Indians all the more reasons to study abroad in Ottawa, Canada
This ensures that you’d feel at ease among other Indian students in Canada.
Safety and security
Canada is consistently ranked as one of the safest countries in the world. It boasts of low crime rates and a stable political environment.
This is not just for the nationals but also immigrants and international students. In fact, Canada is among the most accepting countries for migrants, ranked #1 on Gallup’s Migrant Acceptance Index.
This provides peace of mind for students (and their families!) giving them another reason to study in Canada.
High quality of life
Canada offers a high standard of living. More than half of the Canadian population reported high life satisfaction as shown in the graph below.
This is because of Canada’s:
- Clean cities,
- Beautiful natural landscapes,
- Excellent public services like healthcare and transportation.
All these explain why studying in Canada is a great option.
So these are the top 10 reasons to study in Canada. Now, most students need a student loan to fund their education in Canada. So let’s find out how you can get your best education loan.
Education loans for studying in Canada
Studying in Canada is generally expensive. Tuition fees range roughly from CAD 7,000 to CAD 36,100 per year, depending on your program and school.
However, the true burden is often due to the cost of living in the country. This often makes Indian students wonder why they should study in Canada.
But you can’t disregard all the reasons to study in Canada just due to funds. Instead, you can find the best study abroad loans to fund your Canadian education dream.
Worried about having to chase after banks to get the best loans? Skip that and choose FundRight.
FundRight helps you find the right study abroad education loan.
- All you have to do is register and complete your profile.
- Next, enter details of the education loan amount you’re looking for.
- Then, 15+ top lenders in India and abroad will approach you with their best offers.
- You can compare interest rates, repayment terms, and other details to find the best fit.
- Plus, FundRight offers guidance about the loan application process and eligibility requirements too.
Learn more about how FundRight can help you get education loans for studying in Canada here.
FAQs
Can I get scholarships to study in Canada?
Chances are you know why you want to study in Canada but the high cost is stopping you. Well, there are several scholarships available to study in Canada. Some of the top options include:
- Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship Program by the University of Toronto
- Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (VCGS) for doctoral candidates
- University of British Columbia Scholarships for International Students by UBC
- Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarships for doctoral candidates
Other options include:
You can also find scholarships offered by your preferred university on their website.
Will I have to learn French to study in Canada?
Canada has two official languages: English and French. However, you won’t necessarily need to learn French to study in Canada.
This is because English is dominant in most provinces in Canada.
However, French is the primary language in Quebec. The language also has a significant presence in New Brunswick and Manitoba.
This means unless you plan on studying in universities in these provinces, you don’t need to learn French. Also, most universities offer programs in English.
Remember: Double-check the specific language requirements for your chosen program and university.
Also, learning basic French would generally be helpful. This is because it opens the door to bilingual jobs across Canada, especially in the government and public service sectors.
What are some things I can do besides studying in Canada?
Canada offers a wealth of experiences outside the classroom. While studying in Canada, you can explore some of these activities:
- Hike through majestic mountains, explore scenic lakes/rivers, or camp under starry skies.
- Canada is a winter sports haven. Hit the slopes for skiing or snowboarding, and try ice skating on frozen lakes. You can go dog sledding for a unique adventure.
- Explore iconic National Parks like Banff, Yoo, or Jasper.
- Discover Canada’s rich history and contemporary art scene with museums and galleries
- Attend vibrant festivals celebrating everything from music and film to food and culture.
