Studying in Canada has been a highly debated option for international students. Therefore, many rightfully want to know the truth: Is studying in Canada worth it, or not?
It is no secret that Canada welcomes young, bright minds with open arms. However, there are many things all those talented people need to consider. For instance, they need to take into account expenses they would face and how easy it would be to find accommodation. Naturally, they are also interested in the potential for employment.
So, is Canada a hyped-up paradise for international students for a good reason or not? Below, students will find the definitive answer with arguments.
Studying in Canada: What Can You Expect?
Canada started to emerge from the shadow of the US as the most desirable country for international students. The long-popular “American dream” has many downsides. From legal paperwork to extremely costly standard of living and education, the sobering fact remains that all the hard work that students put in will result in debilitating debt. The same goes for other popular universities in Western Europe.
What is Canada doing differently to garner all the hype? Read on about the different aspects of living and studying in Canada to find out the answer.
The Cost of Studying in Canada
Compared to the American education system, studying in Canada amounts to half the price in terms of tuition, education, and living expenses. Still, it doesn’t mean that it’s not costly. Tuitions average around 25,000 CAD per year. However, bear in mind that this number can fluctuate from university to university. Also, international students have the option of scoring a scholarship to significantly lower or waive their tuition fees.
The following Canadian universities are popular among foreign students:
Concordia University
Based in Montreal, Quebec, this university teaches classes in English and has a tuition fee of around $2,000 to $3,000 per student.
University of Manitoba
University of Manitoba’s tuition ranges from $4,000 to $13,600 per year, and it offers a set of scholarship options readily available for international students.
Mount Royal University
Located in Calgary, Alberta, Mount Royal University has somewhat affordable tuition fees that average at $12,000.
Accommodation & Transportation
Canada has a comparatively lower cost of living than the US and some other Western countries. Ultimately, it all boils down to how skillful students are at managing their finances.
International students have several options considering accommodation:
- On-campus living while studying in Canada can amount to around $3,000 per year. While it may seem expensive at first, students can save a lot of money on transportation. They also have services that include laundry, food, and student-friendly areas at arm’s length.
- Sharing a flat while studying in Canada can also seem like an appealing idea. Rent varies from city to city, but students can expect to put no less than $800 towards a shared flat.
- Host families also accept students, and they will be expected to pay rent that ranges from $400-800. The upside of living with a host family is the opportunity to practice their language and get to know the area from an authentic perspective.
The vast majority of international students start out on campus during their first year. As they get more comfortable in the area and meet more people, they usually find a flat to share.
The public transportation system is very easy to navigate. It consists of buses, subway, trains, and streetcars. To use them, students will need to obtain a transit pass that costs around 80 CAD. Student discounts are available and they vary across the provinces.
Student Life
Canada can offer its international students rich and vibrant student lives and a plethora of interesting opportunities to engage in. Each university has many student groups that students can join based on their academic or personal interests. Canadian people are famous for their politeness, warmth, and friendliness, so making friends should be easy.
With a very dynamic nightlife, Canada and its big cities have so much to offer to international students. From pub crawling to nightclubs, virtually nothing is excluded from the standard student experience. While it is important to have fun and make new friends, students should make sure that their education remains the top priority.
Weather
Canada has all the four seasons, but notably, fall and winter are the hardest to face, especially if you come from a country with a milder climate. The wind and rain that students will encounter at the very beginning of fall are nothing like the fall they’re used to. So, one of the main takeaways for studying in Canada is to bring lots of warm clothes to last through the cold seasons.
Cold weather aside, fall is beautiful in Canada. Students will get through the first cold wave and begin to enjoy the beautiful colors and landscapes that it brings along.
Studying in Canada & Future Prospects
When students start their studies, finding a part-time job won’t be difficult, as Canada has a myriad of job opportunities. It’ll keep students busy, help them earn some extra cash, and meet new people as they establish themselves.
Upon graduating and receiving a diploma after studying in Canada, students become eligible to receive a work permit. This leads to permanent residence and, further down the road, to full citizenship.
Studying In Canada: Worth It?
With worldwide respect that Canadian universities command, more than 500,000 international students from around the world choose to study there.
While living expenses and weather conditions might be a barrier for some, the quality of education and future prospects more than compensate for it. So, long story short – Yes, studying in Canada is worth it, as it offers a stream of opportunities for international graduates.