If you have ever dreamt of a perfect white Christmas and stunning winter wonderland, Canada is the right place for you. Over the recent years it has emerged as the fastest growing destination for higher education among international students. Every year over 180,000 international students move to the country to enjoy top-notch education in its excellent universities at affordable fees. The country is extremely hospitable and tolerant, thus, it offers a safe and welcoming environment to international students What makes it even more lucrative is the excellent quality of life as well as the fact that it is one of the safest countries of the world with one of the lowest crime rates.
Canada is home to several globally acclaimed universities and colleges where students are taught by some of the most esteemed faculty in their respective fields. Their infrastructure and placements are world class as well. However education in Canada is quite affordable. Educational institutions are subsidised and managed by its provincial governments, which ensures that there is a strict control over the fee structure and no university can charge an astronomical amount from their students. Undergraduate tuition fees ranges from $12,000 to $18,000, postgraduate master's degree between $17,000 to $25,000 and doctoral degrees cost around $7,000 to $15,000 per year. Professional degrees and other course fees vary as per the course structures.
Scholarships that can help students get complete or at least partial funding to study in Canada. There are several merit based general scholarships such as Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship Programme, Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships, Pierre Elliot Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Moreover, several universities have their own scholarship programmes as well and there are a number of scholarships for professional or specialised degrees, for students of specific countries and more.
Canada is a liberal and extremely very open-minded nation, with the leadership voicing strong opinions on accepting people of any country, race, gender, culture and sexuality. There are vibrant diaspora communities which means that an international student can find a slice of home here.
English and French are the two official languages of Canada. Other than in the Francophone province of Quebec, English is understood and spoken widely. However, a working knowledge of French will help you navigate smoothly.
There are several affordable student housing options form students including on campus university accommodation. Usually accommodations would cost around $400 to $1,500 a month. Those on student visa can get on-campus and off-campus employment to sustain themselves. After graduation one can get work permit or permanent residency if they secure employment.
A majority of Canadian universities offer their students comprehensive health insurance coverage plans or university health card, valid at a set healthcare providers, as a part of their tuition.
Canada is a stunning country with so much to offer. Explore its bounties, travel extensively, soak in the beauty of nature, and make friends for life. You can get excellent education and live the best quality of life as a student in Canada.