5 Things You Need to Know About Studying in Canada

As an international student in Canada, you’ll join a diverse student body representing over 200 nationalities! Canada has a famously high standard of living, one of the world’s largest state budgets for higher education, and no shortage of stunning natural landscapes – no wonder it’s the fifth most popular study abroad destination in the world!

If you’re considering heading to Canada for your Masters or PhD, here are five things you should know before packing your bags.

#1 Canada is one of the world’s most diverse countries

Part of what makes Canada such an attractive destination for international students is its diversity. More than one in five Canadians originate from outside of the country, and there are over 250 ethnicities represented, along with more than 200 languages.

#2 There are two national languages

Both English and French are official languages in Canada. French is the first language of over 20% of Canadians, and French speakers form the majority (over 75%) in Quebec.

Most universities in Quebec offer French-taught courses, and if you’re planning to study one of these, you will probably have to take a language test. Since there are some differences between Quebec French and that spoken in France, requirements may be different. We explained how the two dialects compare and which test you’ll need to take if you want to study in Quebec in a recent blog.

#3 There is funding available

A typical Masters in Canada will cost around CAD $21,111 (USD $15,521) for international students, which, though significant, is lower on average than in the US and UK!

There is plenty of support available to help you cover your costs, however. Global Affairs Canada (GAC), the government department responsible for overseeing international affairs, offers a variety of scholarships for international students in Canada. Funding may also be available from individual provinces and territories.

You can find out more in our guide to fees and funding in Canada.

#4 You can work in Canada during and after your degree

International students can work on or off-campus to earn extra cash during their degree. If you choose to work off-campus, you will need a work permit and will be able to work up to 20 hours per week.

Canada also offers generous post-graduation work opportunities for international graduates. You can apply for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP), which will allow you to work in Canada for up to three years, depending how long it took to complete your course. You don’t need a job offer to apply for a PGWP, and you can work in any field!

Learn more about working in Canada as an international student.

#5 You’ll need health insurance

Having health coverage while studying in Canada will ensure you don’t face huge costs if you’re ill or injured, and will also be a condition of your study permit – so it’s not optional! In some provinces, international students will be covered under standard healthcare plans, but in others you’ll need to purchase a plan specifically designed for international students. This is generally between CAD $600 and CAD $1,000 per year (USD $440-735).

If you’re not sure how to go about purchasing health insurance, make sure to contact your prospective university for advice.

Want to know more about studying in Canada? We have plenty of information on universities, funding, visas and more in our detailed guides.

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