Canada is a popular study abroad destination for international students due to its excellent educational system, world-class institutions, and extensive research facilities at many colleges and universities. Many students choose to study at Canadian colleges because they offer on-the-job training and a variety of globally recognized and distinctive certificates, diplomas, and full-time degree programs.
International students can now apply to study at Canadian universities for the upcoming September and May-June intakes of 2023. The Canadian government has also made temporary changes to its Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWP) to help international students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Under these changes, international students can complete their studies online from abroad without affecting their PGWP eligibility.
Why study in Canada?
Canada is a leading educational and industrial powerhouse, with world-class institutions, cutting-edge research centers, and a diverse range of programs and courses. It is also a welcoming and inclusive country with a thriving economy and stunning natural beauty.
Popular intakes
Canadian colleges offer three intakes for admission: fall, winter, and summer. The fall intake is the most popular, followed by the winter intake. The summer intake is the least popular, due to the limited number of courses offered and the fewer students applying.
Benefits of studying in Canada
Here are some of the many benefits of studying in Canada:
- World-class education: Canadian colleges offer high-quality education and academic excellence, taught by experienced faculty members.
- Globally recognized credentials: Degrees earned from Canadian colleges are highly valued in the job market worldwide.
- Bilingual environment: Canada’s bilingual status (English and French) provides a unique opportunity to learn a new language and enhance your cross-cultural communication skills.
- Post-graduation work opportunities: Canada offers attractive post-graduation work permit options that allow international graduates to gain practical work experience in their field of study.
- Thriving industries: Canada boasts thriving industries like video games, aeronautical engineering, digital media, and telecommunications. Students have access to cutting-edge technology, research opportunities, and networking prospects.
- Safe and welcoming environment: Canada is known for its friendly and inclusive atmosphere, making it a welcoming destination for international students.
- Cultural diversity: Canada is a melting pot of cultures, providing a rich and diverse experience for students. Interacting with peers from different backgrounds fosters global citizenship, cultural understanding, and lifelong friendships.
- Natural beauty: Canada’s stunning landscapes and abundant natural beauty offer a serene and breathtaking environment for students to enjoy and explore.
- Supportive student services: Canadian colleges prioritize the welfare of their international students, offering dedicated support services such as orientation programs, counseling, academic assistance, and accommodation support.
- Global exposure: Studying in Canada offers students a chance to engage with a global community. Colleges often host international events, cultural exchanges, and networking opportunities, providing students with a global perspective and invaluable international exposure.
Read more: Student Visa Application
Which Canadian university intake is right for you?
Canadian universities offer three intakes for admission: fall, winter, and summer. The fall intake is the most popular, followed by the winter intake. The summer intake is the least popular, due to the limited number of courses offered and the fewer students applying.
Intake | Academic year begins |
Academic year ends
|
September | Early September |
Late April or early May
|
January | Early January |
Late July or early August
|
May-June | Early May or early June |
Late December or early January
|
The September intake is the most popular, followed by the January intake and then the May-June intake. The September intake is also the longest intake, followed by the January intake and then the May-June intake.
Ultimately, the best intake for you will depend on your individual circumstances and preferences. If you are not sure which intake is right for you, you should speak to a student advisor or counselor.
Read more: Study Permit to Permanent Residency
Canadian universities by province
Alberta:
- Athabasca University
- Augustana University College
- Concordia University of Edmonton
- MacEwan University
- Mount Royal University
- St. Mary’s University
- The King’s University
- University of Alberta
- University of Calgary
- University of Lethbridge
British Columbia:
- Capilano University
- Emily Carr University of Art + Design
- Kwantlen Polytechnic University
- Royal Roads University
- Simon Fraser University
- The University of British Columbia
- Thompson Rivers University
- Trinity Western University
- University of Northern British Columbia
- University of the Fraser Valley
- University of Victoria
- Vancouver Island University
Manitoba:
- Brandon University
- Canadian Mennonite University
- St. Paul’s College
- The University of Winnipeg
- Université de Saint-Boniface
- University of Manitoba
New Brunswick:
- Mount Allison University
- St. Thomas University
- Université de Moncton
- University of New Brunswick
Newfoundland and Labrador:
- Memorial University of Newfoundland
Nova Scotia:
- Acadia University
- Cape Breton University
- Dalhousie University
- Mount Saint Vincent University
- Nova Scotia Agricultural College
- St. Francis Xavier University
- Université Sainte-Anne
- University of King’s College
Top 10 universities in Canada 2023
Rank | University | World ranking |
1 | University of Toronto | 34 |
2 | McGill University | 36 |
3 | University of British Columbia | 47 |
4 | University of Alberta | 110 |
5 | University of Waterloo | 148 |
6 | McMaster University | 171 |
7 | Western University | 183 |
8 | Université de Montréal | 195 |
9 | University of Calgary | 204 |
10 | Queen’s University | 224 |
Best colleges in Canada for international students in 2023
College | Location |
Centennial College | Toronto, Ontario |
Conestoga College |
Kitchener, Ontario
|
Humber College | Toronto, Ontario |
Lambton College | Sarnia, Ontario |
Douglas College |
New Westminster, British Columbia
|
George Brown College | Toronto, Ontario |
Seneca College of Applied Arts and Technology | Toronto, Ontario |
Georgian College | Barrie, Ontario |
Fanshawe College | London, Ontario |
Durham College |
Oshawa, Ontario
|
Algonquin College | Ottawa, Ontario |