A progressive country like Canada has topped the lists of ‘the best places to live’ and ‘best places to study’. The country is multi-cultural and welcoming and has high-quality institutions. It is also an ideal place to immigrate to, after completing studies. Both government-supported and private institutions offer higher education, also called post-secondary education in Canada. In Canada, apart from universities, a recognised post-secondary institution too can grant degrees, diplomas, and other credentials.

1. World Class Institutions

   Canada’s universities consistently feature in top international rankings. According to ARWU Shanghai Rankings in 2012, four Canadian universities were included among the top 100 colleges. Some of the best ranked universities are University of British Columbia, McGill University, McMaster University and University of Toronto, Universität de Montréal, HEC Montréal University of Alberta, Queen’s University, and University of Waterloo.

2. Range Of Courses

   Over 10,000 programmes, including undergraduate programmes, professional degree programmes and certificate courses are offered in Canadian universities. Along with the degree programme, students can also pursue workshops, short courses, and upgrades. Some institutions offer specialised courses from a wide range of fields like horticulture, apiary, paramedical technology, etc. The courses Indian students usually opt for are in telecom, medicine, IT, business studies, and environmental science.

3. Affordable Cost

   Tuition fees for foreign students in Canada are the lowest compared to the US, UK, and Australia. The average cost for a foreign student for one year in an undergraduate programme is approximately CAD 11,900. Fees for a bachelor’s degrees at the U.S. public universities are almost 1/3 higher than Canadian universities. On the other hand, fees at private universities in the U.S. cost almost double the fee of Canadian universities.

4. Scholarship opportunities

   The importance of international students is recognized by the Canadian government. Their contribution in various disciplines and the industry is considered authentic, as the international students are celebrated for their inherited knowledge. Almost all levels of governments of Canada including various public and private organisations, provide several scholarships and bursaries to deserving international scholars.

5. Safe, Peaceful, Multiculturala

   Canada is ranked among the top 10 safest countries, according to the Global Peace Index. People love to visit Canada as it is welcoming and follows a policy of fostering multicultural diversity. The country is not prone to natural disasters and has rich flaura and fauna. Over the past century and a half, Canada has welcomed 15 million immigrants.

6. Opportunity for immigration

   After completing the degree and gaining a work experience of a year, you can apply for a permanent citizenship, which usually takes 15-18 months to process.

7. Easier visa

   The process of acquiring a Canadian study visa is simple, easy and relaxed.

8. work opportunities while studying

   After graduating from a Canadian university or college, you are eligible to stay in the country and work for up to 12 months after completion. In the course of your on-going study, you can work on campus. A work permit is not needed in such cases. The government is working with various university bodies to formulate a regime that will allow off-campus employment too for international students.

Students from Canada are sought after by the top recruiters of the world.Following are the degrees generally awarded by Canadian higher education institutes.

1. Certificate Level (one year)
2. Diploma Level (two years)
3. Advanced Diploma (three years)
4. Fast track Diplomas or Advanced Diploma (1 or 2 years)
5. Post-graduate Diplomas/Certificates (one or two years)
6. Master’s Degree (one to two years)
7. M.Phil. Degree (two years)
8. Doctorate or PhD (four to seven years)

There are 163 recognised public and private universities and 183 recognised public colleges and institutes in Canada. These include the ones granting applied and bachelor’s degrees. In addition, there are 68 university level institutions and 51 college level institutions recognised as authorised institutions. These institutions, however, offer a few selected programmes that are approved in accordance with the provincially established quality assurance programmes.

TOP 10 UNIVERSITIES FOR INDIAN STUDENTS:

1. University of Toronto
2. University of British Columbia
3. University of Waterloo
4. McGill University
5. University of Montreal
6. University of Alberta
7. McMaster University
8. University of Calgary
9. Simon Fraser University
10. Queen’s University

1. Engineering: All specializations
2. Health Sciences
3. Information Technology
4. Business management
5. Animation / VFX / Graphic DesigningComputer Science, Mathematics and Statistics, Computer Based Information System.
6. Media/Communications Nursing, Physiotherapy, Nutrition, Veterinary Science, Environmental Health, Public Health, Personal and Family Health Care, Pharmacy.
7. Hospitality ManagementPharmacology, Environmental Science, Chemistry ,
8. TelecommunicationsAgriculture science, Forestry, Horticulture, Biotechnology
9. Fine ArtsArt, Fashion Design, Music, Crafts, Performing Arts, Graphic Arts.
10. Environmental Science
11. Computer Science