Why Study Abroad in Canada?

With the world’s longest coastline, thousands of acres of vast wilderness, world-class cities, and a culture of tolerance and diversity, Canada is a top destination for thousands of international students. From its incredibly safe environment to its thriving centers for education and outdoor recreation, Canada offers the best of all worlds.

Why study abroad in Canada? Let’s start with the gorgeous landscapes.

Maybe you don't know much about this great nation beyond its ski slopes and moose population, but there are plenty of reasons why study abroad in Canada has become so popular. It’s considered one of the best locations for international students and offers a very high quality of life. So what are you waiting for, eh?

Can I study abroad in Canada?

Yes, almost anyone can study abroad in Canada! This beautiful country is often overshadowed by its American neighbor, but it has quietly become one of the most popular study abroad destinations in the world.

International students flock here because of its many thriving cities, stunning natural beauty, and welcoming environment. This massive country has something for everyone and offers an incredible quality of life for a relatively low price.

11 reasons to study abroad in Canada ASAP

In all reality, there are so many reasons to study in Canada that we had a hard time narrowing down this list! From receiving a top-tier education at an affordable cost to exploring national parks in your free time, here are our top 11 reasons to study in Canada:

1. High-quality academic options

Canada’s educational system is one of the most prestigious in the world. Canadians place significant importance on learning and educational standards here are quite high. There are more than 100 universities in Canada, six of which consistently rank in the top 150 universities in the world. You can find almost every degree program here—everything from technology to humanities—and there are even some specialized environmental majors that are only available in Canada.

In addition to top-notch academics, many study abroad programs and French language immersion programs offer group outings and extracurriculars. These can range from cooking classes and visits to historic sites to natural excursions like skiing and camping trips. Be sure to factor in bonus activities like these when weighing the different program options!

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2. Affordable English-speaking study abroad programs

Canada is a very popular option for international students who want to improve their English skills without breaking the bank. Canadian tuition fees are generally much lower than other English-speaking destinations, including the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia.

You’ll have more time to hit the books (and hang out with friends) when you’re not stressed about paying your student bills.

The average cost of living in Canada is also less, especially when comparing room and board. Many Canadian universities charge $3,000 to $5,000 for on-campus housing per year. That probably won’t even cover one semester of housing at an American university.

3. No student visa needed

Students who study abroad in Canada for less than six months don’t need to obtain a visa if they have valid visitor status. This includes either a temporary visitor visa or electronic travel authorization (eTA).

If you’ll be studying here for more than six months, you will need to apply for a study permit before arrival. Be aware that a permit is different from a visa (a permit doesn’t allow you to enter the country by itself), but when the government approves a study permit, they will automatically give you a visitor visa or eTA.

4. Opportunity to work part-time while studying abroad

One of the best parts of being an international student in Canada is the ability to make some money on the side. Many international students can work for up to 20 hours per week during the academic year without a work permit. The requirements for this include being a full-time student at a designated learning institution (DLI), studying abroad here for at least six months, and your program leading to a degree, diploma, or certificate.

Be advised that Canadian labor departments monitor international student work hours, and being paid for more than 20 hours per week is a violation of study permit conditions. You can lose your student status (and may not be approved for a permit in the future), and you might also have to leave the country. Work hard here but be sure to follow the rules!

5. Wide range of locations to choose from

Whether you’re looking for the bustle of a big city or quiet life in the countryside, you’ll find it in Canada.

Canada is the second-largest country by land size and has the longest coastline in the world. Most of its 10 provinces have several bustling cities with highly ranked universities, from huge East coast cities like Montreal and Toronto to smaller but still bustling areas out west like Victoria and Edmonton.

If you’re not a big city person, rest assured that even Canada’s less urban areas have thriving academic and social scenes. No matter where you study abroad in Canada, you can explore vibrant communities, spectacular landscapes, and vastly different seasons.

READ: How to Choose Where to Study Abroad

6. Huge diversity of travel opportunities

Millions of visitors travel to Canada every year to explore all the natural wonders this great country has to offer. From the Rocky Mountains of Alberta and “maple sugaring country” near the St. Lawrence to the rugged coastlines of British Columbia and the Atlantic Provinces, Canada has something to offer everyone.

There are 37 national parks covering thousands of acres of larger-than-life mountains and stunning glacial lakes. Canada is so large that some coastal areas can feel almost tropical while provinces near the Arctic Circle are buried in snow! Whether you like hiking, biking, skiing, or just walking through the forests, you don’t have to travel far in Canada to enjoy nature and outdoor recreation.

7. Melting pot of cultures and international influences

Like most of North America, Canada has seen a steady influx of immigration since the Europeans first stepped foot here. Each province has at least one dominant cultural influence, from Scandinavian and French to Native American.

Most of Quebec, for example, feels like it’s straight out of France—from the cobblestoned streets and quaint shops of Old Quebec City to the rolling farms of the lush countryside. Ontario, on the other hand, has a mix of everything, with half of Toronto’s population alone being born outside of Canada.

8. Big international student population

Quebec’s quaint charm and French-speaking population makes it a draw for students from France (and beyond!).

The influx of international influences has spread deep into Canada’s academic environments, too! Most years Canada ranks in the top five countries for largest international student populations in the world.

International students in Canada come primarily from Asia, with over 50% of all inbound students coming from just India and China. Other Asian countries like South Korea and Vietnam make up some of the next largest populations. Not surprisingly, many French students also choose to study abroad in Quebec since their language is so widely spoken there!

9. Unique food and beverages

With such diversity in people and cultures comes a ton of delicious food. Every area of Canada has something special to offer your taste buds.

Quebec in particular is home to many unique dishes, with the most beloved being poutine. This heavenly meal of hot fries covered in fresh cheese curds and gravy will make anyone fall in love with Canada! But don’t forget about all their maple production either, which makes up the bulk of the maple syrup around the world. Pretty impressive stuff for one province.

10. Safe and welcoming environment

Canadians are generally known for being extremely friendly people. There are so many stereotypes about how Canadians “don’t know how to be mean,” which works out very well for international students!

Not only will you be welcomed into most social scenes you find, but you can feel very safe throughout your travels. Canada’s crime rates are among the lowest in the world, and once you spend time here, it’s easy to see why.

11. You might meet a moose!

OK, so there’s not a very big chance of this happening, but it’s not *impossible* either! Most of Canada is super rural and home to tons of wildlife, including elusive moose. If you’ve ever wanted to see some unique animals, Canada is a great place to adventure. But, if you do come across a moose, slowly back away and say hi from a distance!

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Don’t skip a study abroad adventure in Canada!

The ultimate study abroad adventure is waiting for you in Canada.

Whether you want to study abroad in Canada to become fluent in French or indulge in as much maple as possible, there are so many reasons why study abroad in Canada can be beneficial. Between the ultra-friendly people, wide array of academic offerings, and huge natural diversity, you might never want to leave. Even if you didn’t know much about this great country other than its moose population, we hope Canada now ranks as a top study abroad destination for you!