Canada is a top destination for international students all over the world. By earning a degree here, you’ll enjoy a great quality of life and prepare yourself for a successful career.
Here are the top five reasons you should study abroad in Canada.
1. Excellent job prospects
Canada is an excellent place to launch your career, with so many sectors in-demand, including IT, Engineering, Accounting and Finance, and Healthcare, making it an excellent place to launch your career.
A degree from Canada is highly respected around the world, making you more valuable to employers. During your studies, you’ll also have the opportunity to do paid work experience programs — also known as co-op. Almost all Canadian universities offer co-op, including the University of Victoria and the University of Alberta, where you can do up to 16-months and 20-months of co-op, respectively.
During a co-op term, you’ll earn an average of CAD $3,500 a month and pick up skills that help you become job-ready before graduation!
And if you choose to work in Canada after your degree, you can apply for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). It allows you to stay in Canada for a maximum of three years after graduating — even if you don’t find a job right away. This gives you plenty of time to obtain the work experience needed to build a career here.
2. A safe and welcoming country
With its reputation as a stable, peaceful country, Canada is consistently ranked as one of the safest countries in the world, placing 11th in the 2024 Global Peace Index. And it’s not just a stereotype: Canadians are notoriously welcoming to visitors, coming in the top 10 of friendliest countries in the world (Condé Nast Traveller 2024).
So, as an international student, you can have peace of mind that you’ll be treated kindly and with respect. All visitors experience the same rights as any other Canadian.
3. Incredible natural beauty
Home to 37 national parks and the third-largest forest area in the world, Canada has some truly unique natural scenery. No matter where you are, you’ll always be near the great outdoors and incredibly diverse wildlife.
At UVic, for instance, you’ll be surrounded by old-growth forests and long stretches of coast — you may even spot a whale or two off in the distance! And at the U of A, you’ll be close to ski resorts, an abundance of hiking trails, and the beautiful Elk Island National Park.
4. High quality of life
With its relatively clean environment, universal healthcare system and political stability, Canada is a country envied across the globe. It’s no surprise that three Canadian cities rank in the top 20 best student cities in the world! (QS Best Student Cities 2024).
If you study in Canada, you’ll also benefit from relatively low tuition fees compared to the neighbouring USA. This means you can pay for your education while also enjoying a fun student lifestyle without breaking the bank!
5. A diverse community
Canada is a cultural mosaic — a place where different ethnic groups, languages, and cultures are welcomed. The country hosts over 450 ethnic and cultural origins, 200 places of birth, 100 religions, and 450 languages (Statistics Canada).
You’ll feel at home from the moment you arrive here as an international student. There are all kinds of places of worship and different types of international cuisine across the country. And, with over 1,000,000 international students already studying in Canada, you’re guaranteed to make friends and experience a range of cultures!
Apply to study in Canada
If you would like to study abroad in Canada and earn your degree, Kaplan can help you on your path to studying at the University of Victoria or the University of Alberta. We are on hand to assist with every step of the process, including supporting you with your visa application and any supporting documents.
