Canada provides the student with a quality of education that is termed world-class. Even the living standards are ranked as one of the highest in the world. Over the long-term students will be benefitted as Canada has high academic standards and strict quality control which means students will be getting a high-quality education.

Compared to other English-speaking countries like The United States and The United Kingdom, tuition fees and living expenses in Canada are comparatively lower. Almost everyone will get an option, according to their budget. For international students, affordability is a genuine concern especially if they are coming from a developing country and the exchange rates are quite high.

Understanding Canada’s Education System

According to Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Canada is one of the world’s top when it comes to investing in education. An international student needs to understand Canada’s education system, and what makes it more competitive and attractive. Among the top three countries that spend on quality education, Canada is one. Therefore, Canada is one of the best destinations for studying as they make a large investment in their education system.

The post-secondary education system in Canada is divided into:

Pre-bachelors level: There are generally three levels that can be done before starting with a Bachelor’s course, i.e, Certificate, Diploma, and Advanced Diploma. These courses are one to three years long.

Bachelor’s Level: Four Year full-time course

Post-graduate diplomas: One to two years course

Masters level: One to two years course

Ph.D. or Research: Four to seven years

Generally, there are two major intakes in Canada, the Spring (January/February) and the Fall (August/ September). In a few universities, there can be summer Intakes as well (May/June).

Canadian Universities have class sizes that range from 30 to 200 students. The classes are a combination of lectures and tutorials. The lectures can be for a larger audience whereas the tutorials can be for a smaller audience.

For an international student, the cost factor is always an essential aspect of studying abroad. Accordingly, it is important to be well aware of the cost of studying in Canada. In comparison to the UK, Australia, the USA, and New Zealand, Canada has low tuition fees for international students. The students should consider expenses like accommodation, food, health coverage, and traveling along with the tuition fees while calculating the estimated cost of studying in Canada.

Tuition Fees

Generally, the approximate tuition fee for undergraduate students ranges between CA$12,000 and CA$ 25000 per year. It depends on the course and the institution. For all postgraduate courses, tuition fees vary by the course provider but will be under CA$35000 per year.  However, the doctoral degree is quite reasonable at under CA$10000 per year. The expenditure on tuition fees varies according to the type of qualification and university. Medicine and engineering courses are likely to be expensive in comparison to the courses like humanities, education, and arts. Likewise, postgraduate courses' tuition fees are higher and the costs vary depending on the program.

Scholarship Options in Canada

Universities and colleges provide a wide range of scholarship options in Canada to international students so that it will be easy for them to fund their studies. The students need to check the eligibility and criteria before applying for the scholarships.

The primary criterion for most scholarships in Canada is a good academic score. Likewise, in scholarship factors like extracurricular activities and volunteering can also be used. As getting a scholarship is competitive so the procedure should start about 8-12 months before the intake begins.

Some of the most popular scholarships are:

Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan

• This scholarship program is designed to allow students to pursue programs of advanced study and research at the master's and Ph.D. levels in Commonwealth countries other than their own.
• The scholarship comprises travel, living allowance, and all compulsory tuition fees.

Quebec Provincial Government Scholarship

• This Scholarship is for students studying in Quebec.
• Financial assistance is available to students studying master’s level or above.
• Each application is measured on its merit.

National Research Council of Canada (NRCC)

• Research associateship is offered to master degree holders in engineering and Ph.D. holders in natural science or engineering disciplines.

Ontario Graduate Scholarship Program

• This scholarship is provided for graduate students in a wide variety of disciplines.
• Students must accept an offer from a university in Ontario and obtain a valid student permit (visa).

Ontario Trillium Scholarship

• First announced in November 2010 for the best doctoral students from around the world to study in Ontario.
• Each scholarship is worth $40,000 annually, renewable for a maximum of four years.
• 75 scholarships are awarded each year.

Students must remember that Ontario Universities select and award scholarships to international Ph.D. students on a merit basis.

Various Universities in Canada offer on-campus residence to international students. If a student wants to live on-campus then they need to apply for it separately. Living on-campus is a very affordable option for a student.

Likewise, you can also rent an apartment which will be a bit costly in comparison to an on-campus residence as an individual has to pay their utility bills like electricity, internet, water usage, and also tenant’s insurance.