Canada is home to 213 colleges across its ten provinces and three territories. Unsurprisingly, international students’ top choice is to study in Canada.
According to the Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE), there has been a 135 per cent increase in international students in Canada between the years 2010 to 2020. It was stated that 72.5 per cent of international students plan to apply for Post-Graduate work permits. Around 60 per cent of international students plan to apply for permanent residence in Canada.
In addition, the top three reasons why international students choose Canada as their number one study destination from CBIE’s report are
- Canada’s reputation as a safe and stable country.
- The reputation and quality of the education system in Canada.
- Canada offers a society that (generally) is tolerant and non-discriminatory.
Many international students describe their experience of studying in Canada to be positive and that they felt welcomed and valued, as well as believing that the institution they chose would address the student’s concerns.
International students study in Canada because of its open immigration policies
Canada has and continues to build on its reputation of welcoming immigrants from all over the world. This openness to entry goes for those looking to study in Canada as well.
The country offers international students – and any other person immigrating to Canada – a variety of benefits to help them adjust to Canadian life. This includes orientation programs, skills training, social services, and pathways to citizenship.
Generally, Canada welcomes more than 350,00 international students every year. As a review if you are looking to come to study in Canada, here are the eligibility criteria:
- Have an acceptance letter from a Designated Learning Institution.
- Be financially stable to support your studies while in Canada.
- Provide a clean criminal record.
- Are in good health with willing to complete a medical examination if needed.
- Provide proof of exiting the country after your studies end.
The rate at which international students get a job after graduation is also very high. If you graduated from your studies and want to continue your life in Canada, you can apply for a Post-Graduate Work Permit which will help you apply for permanent residency through Express Entry.
You can work while you study in Canada as an international student
Another highlight of being able to study in Canada is the option of working here at the same time. Those who work on campus at their institution do not need to apply for a work permit. However, those who do work off-campus will require a work permit.
In addition, international students who have a co-op or internship as part of the curriculum will also need to apply for a work permit.
Working while studying allows international students to pay for their affordable tuition fees while incurring an expendable income. Some students use this money to adventure into Canada and see more of what the country has to offer. Other students may save the money and use it later on in their journey if they decide to become permanent residents.
One other new benefit for international students is the ability to work over 20 hours per week. A new temporary policy by the IRCC comes into effect on November 15, 2022, granting student work permit holders the chance to work longer hours in Canada.
Designated Learning Institutions to choose from to study in Canada
The number of international students wanting to study in Canada has risen in the past few years. Universities and colleges offer world-class education to students who come to Canada. They are well-established and well-recognized around the world, making them a lucrative option to choose from.
Confederation College, in Thunder Bay, Ontario, is a credible college with a proven track record of delivering exceptional education and training for international students. The college has a running track record for excellence with 88 per cent of students finding employment within six months of graduation with a 100 per cent employer satisfaction rate.
In Toronto, Ontario’s downtown core resides George Brown College. The institution offers international students more than 160 career-focused programs. Also, 30 per cent of the student population at George Brown are international students. Most of the programs here include a field education component, giving students the opportunity to work and learn in the industry of the field of their choice.
Another institution, Humber College, has been a leading institution in Ontario for international students looking for more hands-on experience and interest in skilled trade work. Across its three campuses – Orangeville, Lakeshore (Toronto), and North (Etobicoke) – it has more than 6,000 foreign students from over 130 countries.
A few other notable colleges or universities to choose from include:
- Centennial College, Ontario
- University of Toronto, Ontario
- Mohawk College, Ontario
- St. Lawrence College, Ontario
- McGill University, Quebec
- Luther College, Saskatchewan
- Red Deer College, Alberta
- University of British Columbia, British Columbia
- North Island College, British Columbia
What are the next steps if you want to study in Canada?
Once you have decided which school you want to attend in Canada, your application for a study permit begins. For any program you choose at any institution, you must ensure that the program you are applying to is longer than six months.
Then, when you find the institution and desired program, you apply through the school’s website as an international student. You can apply for a Canadian study permit if you get a letter of acceptance. That’s where mana immigration can help.
Our team of dedicated and experienced staff members are experts in study permit applications. Our team can help you process your study permit application while taking the stress and worry off you. Click here for your free consultation to speak to one of our members today.
