If you are looking for an unforgettable experience that will last a lifetime, imagine studying in Canada. Canada is known for its excellent quality of life. Visualize vibrant cities, beautiful spaces and welcoming multi-cultural communities. Besides providing exceptional standards of living, safety and first class healthcare, Canada is also internationally recognized for a competency-based teaching approach that prepares students to be productive in the workplace immediately after graduation.
Canadian universities, colleges and polytechnics are primarily publicly-funded and highly accountable for quality assurance in teaching, research and campus facilities. What’s more, tuition and living costs are very competitive when you compare top ranking destinations for study abroad.
Canada’s systems of education
Canada’s college, polytechnics and university system commences after high school. You can also choose to complete some or all of your primary and secondary school in Canada in either the public or private system. Both offer global graduation standards to continue post-secondary studies, as well as exceptional student services. Beyond high school, career choices are endless with thousands of post-secondary options to suit every interest!
Canada represents a tremendous opportunity for International and Swiss students to advance their career opportunities. An increasing number of students are choosing Canada as their preferred destination for language learning, high-school and post-secondary education. In fact Canada hosted more than 600 Swiss students in 2015 and would love to welcome more.
Universities
Canada’s 125 public and private not-for-profit universities offer high quality education at relatively low costs. The universities offer a vast choice of undergraduate and post-graduate programs, as well as professional designations, certificate and diploma courses, and short career-focused programs. Canadian institutions are known for their cutting edge technology and research labs. They also provide opportunities for cooperative education and internships. International students can often work while they study.
Research Focus
Canada’s universities, colleges and polytechnics are engaged in innovative research in the fields of health, nanotechnology, biotechnology, high-performance computing, environmental technologies, nutraceuticals and renewable fuels, among other sectors. R&D cross-funding between the private sector and post-secondary education institutions is high by international standards.
New economic research is also highlighting the important role of universities, colleges and polytechnics as knowledge hubs connecting business, government and post-secondary education institutions with commercial firms that help deliver on discovery. If you’ve got ideas to change the world, we’ve got the programs to help you realize them!
MITACS is a national not-for-profit research organization that offers funding for internships and fellowships at Canadian universities for international undergraduate and graduate students. The Mitacs Globalink program invites undergraduate students from around the world to experience Canada as a leading destination for research & innovation. This competitive program pairs top-ranked students and faculty at Canadian universities for a 12-week research project of mutual interest in the period of May to September.
The College System
Programs are taught by highly experienced faculty. Canada’s colleges and polytechnics are leaders in applied higher education. Over 8,000 programs at 150 public institutions offer credentials that prepare students for the job market. Colleges and polytechnics offer a variety of recognized credentials including certificates, diplomas, university transfer programs, academic and applied degrees, and post-graduate diplomas. Programs are available with varying lengths of study, from a few months to four years. Practical programs are designed with potential employers that offer work placements. Some colleges have transfer agreements with universities and can be an alternate pathway to a top-ranking Canadian university.
Language Training – French and English
Canada is a world-leader in second language training, whether for academic upgrading, entry to further study, preparation for language proficiency tests, business applications, or personal use and enjoyment. Language studies are often seen as a pathway to further post-secondary education opportunities in Canada. English and French Second language programs that can shape your accent and vocabulary to fit Canadian educational needs and professional life is offered at elementary and secondary schools, colleges and universities. A number of private language schools and colleges also offer programs exclusively to international students and immigrants. Languages Canada provides a database of public and private programs that have met or surpass the standards of internationally recognized quality assurance.
Work-study options
Eligible full-time international students are able to gain valuable work experience, thus helping to finance their stay while studying in Canada. A valid study permit allows international students to work on or off-campus up to 20 hours per week while classes are in session and full-time during regularly scheduled academic breaks (for example, winter and summer holidays, and spring break). The Post-Graduation Work Permit Program allows students who have graduated from a participating Canadian post-secondary institution to work in Canada for up to three years. Skilled Canadian work experience gained through this program helps graduates who wish to stay longer qualify for permanent residence in Canada through the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
Balancing academic achievement with direct learning in a career-related job can provide these students with a competitive advantage after graduation. Learn more: www.cic.gc.ca
Scholarships and financial aid
Scholarships are generally based on academic merit and are often awarded automatically at the time of admission. Some scholarships are specifically for international students and researchers and require a separate application outlining your extracurricular activities. Learn more: www.scholarships.gc.ca
Budgeting for your stay:
Canadian tuition offers excellent value compared to other countries. Depending on location and program choices, a recommended annual budget for an international student can range from as little as CDN $11,000 to as much as $46,000. This includes tuition, accommodation, books, supplies, health care and personal expenses. (costs go down significantly in rural areas)
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