Canada is one of the most popular destinations for international students who want to pursue a high-quality education and enjoy a multicultural society. With over 650,000 students worldwide attending Canadian institutions, Canada ranks among the top five study destinations globally.
But what are the best undergraduate courses in Canada for international students? What are the most in-demand fields of study and the most reputable universities? How much does it cost to study for an undergraduate degree in Canada?
This article will answer these questions and help you find the best courses in Canada that suit your interests, career goals, and budget.
Table of Contents
Why Study in Canada as an international student?
There are many reasons why international students choose to study in Canada, such as:
High-quality Education
Canada has eight institutions ranked in the top 200 in the world by QS World University Rankings 2023, offering a wide range of programs and degrees in various fields of study. Canadian universities are known for their academic excellence, research innovation, and industry partnerships.
Post-graduation Work Options
International students who graduate from a Canadian institution can apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), which allows them to work in Canada for up to three years after completing their studies. This is an excellent opportunity to gain valuable work experience, enhance your skills, and boost your career prospects.
Multicultural Society
Canada is a diverse and welcoming country celebrating different cultures, languages, and religions. International students can enjoy a safe and friendly environment, make friends from different backgrounds, and explore Canada’s natural beauty and cultural attractions.
Affordable Living Costs
Compared to other English-speaking countries, Canada has lower tuition fees and living costs for international students. The average tuition fee for an undergraduate program in Canada is CAD 25,000 per year, while the average living cost is CAD 15,000 per year. There are also various scholarships and financial aid options available for international students.
How to Apply for an Undergraduate Course in Canada
If you are interested in applying for an undergraduate course in Canada, you will need to meet some basic requirements, such as:
- Completing secondary school education with good grades.
- Providing proof of English language proficiency (such as IELTS or TOEFL)
- Submitting academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, personal statements, and other documents as required by the institution.
- Paying an application fee (usually between CAD$100-$200)
The application process may vary depending on the institution and the course you choose, so you should check their website or contact them directly for more information.
The main intake for undergraduate courses in Canada is September, but some institutions may also offer January or May intakes.
The application deadline is usually several months before the course’s start date, so applying as early as possible is recommended to secure your place.
How to Apply for an Undergraduate Course in Canada as an International Student?
To apply for an undergraduate course in Canada as an international student, you need to follow these steps:
Choose Your Course and University
You must research the courses and universities that match your interests, goals, and budget. You can use online platforms like [MyUniSearch – https://myunisearch.com/], [Yocket – https://yocket.com/], [LeapScholar – https://leapscholar.com/], [MystPortal – https://mystportal.com/], [AECC Global – https://aeccglobal.ng/], or [FutureLearn – https://www.futurelearn.com/] to find and compare courses and universities in Canada.
Check the Entry Requirements
You must check your chosen course and university’s academic and English language requirements. The academic requirements may vary depending on the program and institution, but you must have completed secondary school with good grades. The English language requirements may also vary depending on the program and institution, but you need a minimum score of 6.0 in IELTS or equivalent.
Prepare Your Documents
You need to prepare your documents for your application, such as your transcripts, certificates, English test results, passport, resume, statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, portfolio (if applicable), etc. You may also need to pay an application fee.
Submit Your Application
You must submit your application through the university’s website or an authorized agent or representative. You may also need to attend an interview or take an entrance exam (if applicable). You should apply at least six months before the start date of your course.
Receive Your Offer Letter
If your application is successful, you will receive an offer letter from the university confirming your admission and providing important information about your course, fees, deadlines, etc. You may need to accept your offer letter and pay a deposit to secure your place.
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Apply for a Study Permit
You need to apply for a study permit from the Canadian government to enter and stay in Canada for your studies. To apply for a study permit, you need to have a valid passport, an acceptance letter from a designated learning institution (DLI), proof of financial support, medical exam results (if required), biometrics (if needed), etc. You can apply online or through a visa application center (VAC) in your country.
Best Undergraduate Courses in Canada for International Students
There are many factors to consider when choosing an undergraduate course in Canada, such as the curriculum, the duration, the tuition fees, the admission requirements, the career prospects, and the institution’s reputation.
However, some courses are more popular than others among international students because they offer high-quality teaching, state-of-the-art facilities, global recognition, and attractive employment opportunities.
Based on our research and the feedback from our students, here are some of the best undergraduate courses in Canada for international students:
Computer Science and IT Courses
Canada is a hub for innovation and technology, with many leading companies and research centers in this field. Computer science and IT courses are among the most sought-after by international students who want to learn cutting-edge skills and work in lucrative sectors such as software development, data science, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and more. Some of the top universities for computer science and IT courses in Canada are:
- University of Toronto
- University of British Columbia
- McGill University
- University of Waterloo
- University of Alberta
Engineering Courses
Engineering is another popular choice for international students who want to study a practical and challenging discipline that can lead to diverse and rewarding careers. Engineering courses cover various specializations such as civil, mechanical, electrical, chemical, and biomedical. Some of the top universities for engineering courses in Canada are:
- University of Toronto
- University of British Columbia
- McGill University
- University of Waterloo
- University of Alberta
Business Management Courses
Business management courses are ideal for international students who want to develop their leadership, entrepreneurship, and communication skills and prepare for a career in the global business world. Business management courses cover accounting, finance, marketing, human resources, and strategy. Some of the top universities for business management courses in Canada are:
- University of Toronto
- McGill University
- University of British Columbia
- York University
- Queen’s University
Medical Courses
Medical courses are highly competitive and prestigious in Canada, attracting international students who want to pursue a career in health care and make a difference in people’s lives. Medical courses include medicine, nursing, dentistry, pharmacy, physiotherapy, and more. Some of the top universities for medical courses in Canada are:
- University of Toronto
- McGill University
- University of British Columbia
- McMaster University
- University of Montreal
MBA Courses
MBA courses are designed for international students who want to advance their careers or start their businesses by gaining advanced management, leadership, and innovation knowledge and skills. MBA courses can be completed in one or two years, depending on the program and the institution. Some of the top universities for MBA courses in Canada are:
- University of Toronto
- McGill University
- University of British Columbia
- York University
- Queen’s University
Sociology Courses
Sociology courses suit international students who want to explore the social and cultural aspects of human behavior and society. Sociology courses cover social theory, research methods, social inequality, social movements, culture, gender, race, religion, etc. You will learn to analyze and interpret social phenomena using critical thinking and empirical evidence.
Some of the top universities for sociology courses in Canada are:
- University of Toronto
- McGill University
- University of British Columbia
- University of Alberta
- University of Waterloo
The Bottom Line
Canada is an excellent destination for international students who want to pursue a high-quality education and enjoy a multicultural society. Many undergraduate courses are available in Canada for international students across various fields of study. However, some of the best undergraduate courses in Canada for international students in 2023 are computer science and IT, economics, engineering, business management, and medical courses.
Suppose you want to study one of these courses or any other course in Canada as an international student. In that case, you must choose your course and university wisely, check the entry requirements, prepare your documents, submit your application, receive your offer letter, and apply for a study permit.
This article has helped you learn more about the best undergraduate courses in Canada for international students and how to apply for them.
