What’s the first thing that springs into your mind when you think about Canada? Is it celebrities like Justin Bieber or Jim Carrey or even Ryan Reynolds from Deadpool? Or is it the maple syrup that people thank Canada for eternity as they can be incorporated into any sort of baked goods or in taffy? Or is it because of the world-class education they provide from some of the top educators in the world? Yes, Canada is among the top destinations for students to study abroad. 

In this article, we have covered, why Canada is such a great place for higher education through detailed explanations, recent statistics, and some examples. The examples we highlight include the University of Toronto, McGill University, and the University of British Columbia, among many other universities, and the data we included in this article consists of the global ranking and program diversity of the mentioned universities.

Recent statistics from the QS World University Rankings 2024 and Times Higher Education are included to show how Canadian universities are renowned around the world. We also provided detailed comparisons of education affordability and career prospects in Canada relative to other leading study destinations. 

On another note, the article also highlights the supportive services for students, which include academic assistance, career counseling, and financial aid, to foster conducive learning. We also talk about the natural beauty and urban culture of Canada as well as tourism and transportation statistics to illustrate how these make student life better. Despite having its reputation for scenic views, a highly diverse society, and famous celebrities, Canada also has a world-leading role in education, attracting students from all over the world. Why Canada is one of the best countries to study, Here are 5 big reasons:

Reason 1- Why Canada’s Higher Education System Stands Out: Importance and Opportunities 

For decades, students have been migrating to Canada for higher education every year. One of the prime reasons why students opt to study in a country like Canada is because of the superlative and exceptional standard of the higher education system in Canada which is recognized globally. This leads to successful student employability in the future as Canada has an interminable history and reputation in terms of academic performance and high graduate employability rate. Apart from this, a degree certificate from a Canadian university is of great value as it is equivalent to a degree from the US, Australia, and other European countries.  Canada is a great destination for international students owing to its very diverse and high quality across its higher education system. 

Global Recognition and High Rankings:

  • Canadian universities always rank among the best in the world in international rankings, because of their academic excellence and research.
  • The QS World University Rankings 2024 have the University of Toledo, McGill University, and the University of British Columbia in the world’s top 50 universities.
  • Canadian universities also come out on top in the Times Higher Education research impact and teaching quality rankings. For instance, the University of Toronto is unique with its innovative and interdisciplinary research, McGill University is the country’s center of excellence in health sciences and law, and the University of British Columbia is a top world leader in environmental sciences and forestry.
  • Universities Canada reported that Canadian institutions contribute more than CAD 36 billion annually to the economy, with universities acting as a central and essential part of global education and innovation in 2023.
  • Variety of Programs and Fields of Study: There is a wide range of programs across disciplines in Canada that suit a wide range of interests among students. Students have an infinite range of options from traditional fields such as medicine, law, and engineering to growing fields such as artificial intelligence, climate change studies, and renewable energy.
  • As an example, McMaster University is known for its health sciences program, and the University of Waterloo houses innovation in engineering and computer science and leads the world in the size of its Co-op program.
  • Statistics Canada lists business, healthcare, and technology as the most popular fields, with more than 1.4 million students enrolled in postsecondary education. The diversity of the studies will ensure the fit of the studies for the target career of the student and that their education and prospects for the future will be effective.

Affordable Options for Quality Education:

  • Other leading study destinations like the USA and the UK are by far more expensive than Canada.
  • Undergraduate tuition fees are CAD 15,000 – 30,000 per year, far below what it is in the USA, where annual fees can be as high as CAD 50,000.
  • Graduate programs are similar in affordability, and hence their financial burden is less, and even universities provide scholarships and financial aid for international students.

Career-Oriented Education:

  • Major components of Canadian institutions that stress experiential learning include internships, Co-op programs, and industry partnerships.
  • For instance, the University of Victoria combines co-op placements in its engineering, business, and environmental sciences programs, so students gain practical experience.
  • Additionally, these have been successful, with Statistics Canada reporting a typical graduate employment rate of 90 percent, particularly high in the technology and health sectors.
  • Skilled coursework creates well-prepared students which makes Canadian degrees very highly valued all over the world.

Reason 2- Affordable Education and Scholarships in Canada:

One reason why Canada is different is that it offers affordable education combined with high quality. Here's a cost comparison with other countries per annum:

Expenses Type Canada USA UK Germany Australia Ireland
Tuition Fees $15K-$30K $25K-$50K $20K-$40K $0-$5K $20K-$45K $15K-$30K
Living Expenses $10K-$15K $15K-$20K $15K-$20K $10K-$12K $18K-$25K $12K-$15K
Miscellaneous Costs $3K-$5K $5K-$7K $5K-$7K $2K-$4K $3K-$5K $3K-$5K
Health Insurance $6K-$8K $1.5K-$2K $800-$1.2K Included $500-$800 $500-$800

Here are some Canadian scholarships you can take a look at:

  1. JN Tata Endowment Loan Scholarship 2025
  2. Schulich Leader Scholarships 2025
  3. Postdoctoral Research Program, 2025
  4. ICMR-DHR International Fellowship Programme For Indian Biomedical Scientists 2025
  5. SME Education Foundation Scholarships 2025-26

Reason 3- High Career Opportunities with a Canadian Education:

Students in the global job market get an advantage from a Canadian education. Here’s how:

  • Internships and Co-op Programs: Universities may start to integrate internships and Co-Op programs into their curriculum in an effort to gain the practical hands-on industry experience that they wish to deliver to graduates. For example, the University of Waterloo’s Coop is one of the largest universities in the world with students completing two years of paid work experience before receiving their degree. It has more than 7,000 employees and partners with big names like Google, Apple and Shopify. University of British Columbia (UBC) offers a Co-op program in engineering, arts and business. Through its partnership with companies such as Amazon, Microsoft, Deloitte, and more industry players, UBC ensures that students are placed on high-quality placements. For example, according to Universities Canada research, 80 percent of Co-op graduates are employed within six months of graduating.

     

  • Strong Employability Rates: Canadian graduates from universities are very employable in technology, healthcare, and business fields. Statistics Canada says the employment rate for post-secondary graduates is somewhere around 90 percent, with information technology, engineering, and health care the fields with the highest demand. According to a survey conducted in 2023 of engineering graduates and those with healthcare degrees, 93 percent and 91 percent respectively found a job within six months of graduating. The second point that CBIE makes is that international students have an international view, an international business view of an employer. These statistics demonstrate that a Canadian education can lead to many opportunities for a career, and this report ranks Canada as one of the top countries for graduate employment.

     

  • Work Opportunities for International Students: Canada’s immigration policies are designed to help international students get work experience. For their studies, students could work up to 20 hours per week and full-time during breaks. Not only does it help them to earn an income but it also gives them exposure to the Canadian job market. Post Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWPP) allows graduates to stay in Canada for up to three years after finishing their studies in order to pursue permanent residency. Since 2022 there have been over 98,000 PGWPP issued, proving that the program helps more than 98,000 students move from school to work.

     

  • Industry Demand and Skill Alignment: At this time, Canadian universities are working to revise their curriculum to meet industry demands. It focuses specifically on artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and healthcare. Programs to remediate skill shortages and make graduates job-ready exist at institutions such as the University of Alberta, with programming in AI, or the University of Calgary, with energy research. This alignment between education and industry is a very good thing that allows Canada to have some of the world’s highest graduate employability rates and is a great place for students to come to get a great job.

Reason 4- Student Support Services for a Smooth Learning Experience:

One of the reasons why Canadian universities make students come out first, despite the fact that they are international students, is because they strongly believe that such a need for support services in obtaining that success will reinforce their enthusiasm for learning.

  • Academic Assistance: Universities give out a lot of robust academic support to tutoring centers, study groups, and writing workshops are just a list. The University of Toronto’s Academic Success Centre has personal study strategies and workshops to help students succeed. McGill University also has the McGill Writing Centre, which offers one-on-one help with essays and research papers to students.
  • Career Guidance: The career services provided by institutions include workshops to build your resume, help you search for jobs, and prepare for the interview. The University of British Columbia’s Centre for Student Involvement and Careers gives its students opportunities to work with employers by attending and participating in job fairs and networking events. Ryerson University’s Career & Co-op Centre also offers programs for students to secure internships and post-grad employment.
  • Mental Health Support: Mental Health Support: Universities offer counseling peer support programs and stress management workshops as mental well-being is so important. Take, for example, the University of Alberta’s Counselling & Clinical Services, or Queen’s University, which has even gone so far as to host things like Thrive Week to remind students to stay well.
  • Language Support: There are many English and French language programs to help non-native speakers develop their proficiency. In fact, organizations such as York University’s English Language Institute and Université de Montréal’s French Language Centre have devised programs designed specifically for the needs of international students to catch up rapidly in academic and social settings.
  • Financial Aid Guidance: Financial aid offices are dedicated to helping students find scholarships, grants, and student loans. For example, Simon Fraser University’s workshops include budgeting and financial planning, and the University of Manitoba has a database searchable for scholarships and bursaries for international students. They make the financial burden of studying abroad considerably easier.

Canadian universities take care of both the academic and personal needs of the students so that they are able to thrive during their time in Canada as well as after their stay in Canada.

Reason 5- Live, Work, and Explore Canada’s Natural Wonders and Cities:

Canada is indeed a country of appeal, beyond academics. It offers students a unique blend of natural beauty and urban opportunities:

  • Stunning Natural Beauty: Canada’s landscapes have everything from the famous Niagara Falls all the way from the beautiful Rocky Mountains, to all the nature lovers and the outdoor superstars. Destination Canada says the country welcomes more than 21 million visitors a year, lured in by its scenic national parks, pristine lakes, and rugged coastlines. These natural wonders are great weekend getaways for students to use to get away from academic life. A 2022 study from the Canadian Mental Health Association notes that outdoor activities like hiking, skiing, and wildlife exploration are not only recreational, but they’re good for mental health too. Jasper National Park and Banff National Park in Alberta are great for students looking for adventure and tranquility while studying for millions of visitors each year.
  • Vibrant Cities: You will get tons of culture and good job markets in Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal. They’re very inclusive cities and innovative cities.
  • Outdoor Activities: In Canada, students can take a trip to go snowboarding, kayaking, or camping in Canada’s vast natural reserves.
  • Accessible Travel: Canada has one of the most efficient transportation networks in the world and it’s easy and cheap to explore the country. Major cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal provide students with affordable monthly passes on public transportation, such as buses, subways, and commuter trains, and sometimes discounted for students. For example, a monthly transit pass in Toronto will set you back CAD 128 or so, which is reduced even more for students. Services like VIA Rail and budget airlines such as Flair and Swoop make intercity travel possible with long-distance travel. Provinces such as British Columbia and Quebec also have systems that link up urban centers with their suburban and rural surroundings smoothly making the students able to experience the vast country without incurring exorbitant costs. As highlighted by the Canadian Urban Transit Association, recent report, more than 80 percent of Canadians have access to efficient and accessible forms of public transport.

If you’re studying in Canada, you need to explore resources like accommodation guides, scholarship opportunities, education loan options, etc. Internationally, Canada’s welcoming environment and globally recognized education system are unbeatable choices for international students.

Bonus Reason- Easy Immigration Process for Students Who Travel to Canada For Higher Education:

A work permit visa along with a study visa is given to the students. After graduation, students can work here for two years and after the completion of one year, students can apply to become a permanent resident of Canada. Citizenship and Immigration Canada has made it easy to get a student visa and help him during his stay in  Canada for higher education. During studies, Students can work up to 20 hours a week to meet the needs for their living. Even inside the universities, many part-time opportunities are available which are very useful for the students.

If you are a student planning to pursue higher education in Canada, make sure you check out the scholarship opportunities at WeMakeScholars.com from time to time. If you are looking for an education loan to fund your study abroad, connect with your financial officer as they will help you finance your higher study in Canada loan with the best education loan lender available in the market. 

FAQ:

Why is Canada considered a top destination for higher education?

Due to its world-renowned universities, various programs, and high academic standards, Canada is a leading destination for higher education. The University of Toronto and McGill University always rank among the leading institutions globally. Feeling that the US or UK are too expensive? Canada is the solution you’ve always dreamed of as it offers affordability: much lower tuition fees and a lower cost of living. Canada also promotes inclusivity, and policy along with welcoming for international students with post-graduation work permit policies. Since students are exposed to the global environment in a multicultural environment, they tend to know what it means to be at home. Because research and innovation in fields such as artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and Healthcare are top priorities for the country, students can feel confident that they are being trained for a future with the support of Canada’s strong focus in this area.

What is campus life like in Canadian universities?

Canadian universities are vibrant, inclusive, and culturally rich campuses. They too have world-class facilities at their disposal, talks research labs, fitness centers, and libraries. If it’s not sports, arts, or volunteering, most universities have something for everyone with a wide range of student organizations, clubs, and events. With a range of on-campus housing options and dining facilities catering to a variety of tastes (including halal and vegetarian), there is a sense of community. Support offices dedicated to academics, career guidance, and cultural adaptation for international students exist. Cultural festivals, networking gumballs, recreational activities, etc. are held in universities such as the University of British Columbia and McMaster University in order to enrich the experience of holistic learning. The idea is that campus life will foster personal growth and long-term friendships.

Are scholarships available for international students in Canada?

There is no doubt that there are scholarships available for international students in Canada, from universities, government, and private organizations. Academic excellence is noted by merit-based scholarships, for example, the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship from The University of Toronto. University of British Columbia need-based scholarships and bursaries help students with financial constraints. The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships are supported by government programs to help research-focused students. Many universities also give entrance scholarships to outstanding international applicants. Private organizations such as the Canadian Bureau for International Education also fund. The scholarships involve partial to full tuition and sometimes living expenses making Canadian education viable to a wider range of students from diverse backgrounds.

Can international students work while studying in Canada?

While studying in Canada, international students can work, which helps them get financially and professionally. During academic sessions, they are allowed to work for 20 hours per week, and full-time during scheduled breaks like summer or winter holidays. Campus work opportunities include on-campus library or administrative jobs and off-campus work including in retail or hospitality. Canada’s student-friendly immigration policies ensure that students do not require a separate work permit to take part-time employment. Co-op programs also embed themselves within university curriculums and allow students to earn industry experience connected to their studies. Some existing programs like the University of Waterloo's Co-op program allow students to work with the best employers and broaden their horizons when it comes to learning and getting ready to kick-start their careers.

How does Canada support research and development in higher education?

Canada is a leading player in research and development internationally, and universities fuel innovation across many different disciplines. The University of Toronto and the University of Alberta are names of institutions known for Artificial Intelligence, Biotechnology, and Renewable Energy work. The Canadian government is very much in the business of R&D, funding through programs like Canada Research Chairs and Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) grants. Well-equipped labs and collaboration with industry leaders are the hallmarks of an international student's participation in cutting-edge projects. Data research initiatives often parallel global challenges such as climate change and healthcare changes. Canada’s interdisciplinary focus means that students are involved in real-world solutions and have their academic and professional growth enhanced.

What are the key natural attractions students can explore in Canada?

Canada’s natural attractions throughout the world are some of the most breathtaking in the world, giving students the opportunity to explore and unwind. National parks throughout Alberta such as Banff and Jasper are famous for their jaw-dropping mountain landscapes, crystal-clear lakes, and wildlife. Near Toronto, Niagara Falls is one of the world’s most famous waterfalls and must-see destinations. The Yukon and Northwest Territories have some of the most mesmeric natural spectacle, that of the northern lights. Picturesque beaches and charming fishing villages are found around the coastal regions of Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia. Students can go hiking, kayaking, skiing, and camping. These natural wonders make Canada a great place to study and escape the academic and give students the perfect balance between academics and recreation.

What’s the weather like in Canada for international students?

Across Canada, four distinct seasons make up Canada’s weather. Cities such as Winnipeg and Ottawa can be cold, with temperatures below – 20°C in the winter and milder along the coast, like Vancouver for example. Winter is a season with snow and opportunities for skiing or snowboarding. Temperatures in most parts of the country during summer are between 20°C to 30°C, it’s pleasant and warm for outdoor adventures. Foliage is on its way out and flowers are on their way in during the autumn, and spring brings with it mild weather and blooming flowers. But on account of the country’s well-heated buildings and public transport, international students are advised to prepare for winter with the necessary clothing. They enjoy a variety of activities and scenic beauty through the years.

How safe is Canada for students, and what safety measures are in place at universities?

Canada is a safe country to study and is always ranked among the top in global safety indices. Student security is prioritized by universities through on-campus means of which include 24-hour security personnel, surveillance systems, and emergency response. SafeWalk, for example, offers escorts to students who might be traveling late at night and don't want to walk alone. Toronto and Vancouver are famous for their low crime rate and welcoming communities. Even universities offer workshops on personal safety and will offer resources if students reach out for help. Canada’s strict anti-discrimination laws for international students make it a safe environment for them. The government also has a good healthcare system and insurance for students as well so that the students are safe and living on a higher level of well-being.

What is the immigration process like for students who want to stay in Canada after graduation?

Canada is very favorable for students who want to stay post-graduation. The Post Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWPP) gives foreign students time up to three years to obtain work experience in Canada following graduation based upon the length of the program. Usually, this work experience becomes a means to permanent residency (PR) through the Canadian Experience Class through the Express Entry system. In addition, overseas graduates of provinces such as Ontario and British Columbia receive their own immigration streams. To do this you have to get work experience, meet the language requirements, and apply through federal or provincial programs. Over 150,000 international graduates have transitioned to PR in 2022, a reflection of Canada’s commitment to retaining talent and providing long-term opportunities.