WHAT MAKES CANADA ONE OF THE TOP STUDY ABROAD DESTINATIONS FOR INDIAN STUDENTS?
Choosing to study abroad is a decision that not only provides experience of a lifetime, but also prepares you for the world that awaits outside your classroom walls and helps you evolve as an individual. Beautiful landscapes, quality of education, welcoming immigration policies and affordability have helped Canada to hike up in the list of top study abroad destinations for Indian students. According to the New Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) data, Canada has seen an increase of 13% in the number of international students year-after-year, making 2019 the fourth consecutive year of double-digit growth for Canada’s international enrollments.
Selected growth markets for Canada, 2015–2019. Source: IRCC
As of December 2019, international students number in Canadian institutes has reached 642,480 – a growth of 82% over the past five years. This has put Canada in the leading spot of fastest growing study abroad destination for the period of 2014 through 2019. Listed below are top reasons for Canada’s growing popularity:
1. Course options
One of the greatest aspects of studying in Canada has to be the range of courses that are available for students hailing from varied academic backgrounds and different age groups.. Be it Diplomas, Bachelors, Masters, Post Graduate Diplomas and Certificates, PhD – Canada offers all kinds of specializations as per your interest. Canada is especially popular for courses in the field of Computer Science, Telecommunications, Business and Management, Finance, Biotechnology, Petroleum Engineering, Mining Technology, etc.
2. Quality of institutes and education
Canada is home to 96 public universities and over 130 colleges and technical institutes that offer an array of courses. 11 of the top 250 universities worldwide happen to be in Canada, which also indicates the quality of education that Canadian institutes impart. Many of these institutes also offer the opportunity to go beyond an ordinary degree by participating in international exchanges and co-operative work-experience programs. Co-op experience allows you to combine academic semesters with work terms, giving you an opportunity to gain hands-on training and preparing you for a professional role in the industry.
3. Safety
Many students as well as their families are concerned about safety and well-being while moving to another country for studies. Given the fact that Canada’s quality of life ranks highest in the world, international students prefer continuing their education here. Canada is also considered one of the safest countries in the world for international students, with three Canadian cities – Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver making it to the list of the top 50 student friendly cities according to QS World University Rankings.
4. Affordability
As compared to English-speaking countries, Canada is known for having some of the lowest university tuition fees. A decent budget can accommodate you in the diverse range of education options that Canada has to offer. Canada also has the option of working while studying, where students can opt to work on-campus as well as off-campus, after seeking approvals from their respective departments. There are limited hours however, to avoid misuse – 20hrs per week during semester and 40hrs per week during semester break. Through this you are able to sustain majority of your living expenses, eventually reducing the overall investment.
5. Permanent Residency
Post your studies in Canada, depending on the type and duration of your course, you are given upto 3 years of Post Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) that allows you work and recover the amount you have invested in your studies. Canadian education also gives you the leverage of earning 15-30 crucial points while applying for a Canadian Permanent Residency. Canada uses a points-based system called Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) system to determine the eligibility of applicants. Age, Canadian work experience, Canadian degree are some of the key areas that influence the number of CRS points earned.
Whether you choose a vibrant city or settle for a small campus on the outskirts, you will always be welcomed by the warm and friendly Canadians who love diversity! This fantastic journey will also provide you an access to the four beautiful Canadian seasons, wide-open spaces, outstanding quality of life, abundant wildlife and clean environment!
Sonali Palkar
Sr. Counselor
