There are over 200 post-secondary institutions.
Canada is the second largest country in the world, with 10 provinces and 3 territories. The largest cities are Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver. Other cities with major institutions include Victoria, Calgary, Edmonton, Saskatoon, Winnipeg, Halifax, and St. John’s.
Canada is a multicultural and bilingual country. Depending on the province or territory, students may choose to study n either French or English or at a bilingual institution.
Several Canadian cities rank amongst the best places in the world to live, work and study. According to the United Nations, Canada ranks among the top countries in the world in terms of quality of life.
Universities Canada highlights 8 reasons why university studies in Canada make sense: World-class universities; Affordability; A wealth of options; Open to the world; Experiential learning; Support services; Cultural diversity; Opportunity to stay in Canada after graduation.
For international students, tuition and the cost of living in Canada are generally lower than in other countries such as Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States, particularly in some of the smaller cities.
Key characteristics of the Canadian system: High quality; internationally recognized; publicly funded; flexible programs; affordable tuition and living expenses; decentralized and diverse.
Canada leads research in fields such as natural resource management, biotechnology, environmental engineering, communications, ocean studies, constitutional law, multicultural studies, engineering, and genetics.
Canadian institutions offer both accelerated 3-year and regular 4-year Bachelor degree programs.
The school year typically runs from September through April.
Degrees from Canada are recognized around the world and have earned an international reputation for excellence.
The most popular programs of study for undergraduate international students are Commerce (Business), Economics, Computer Science and Engineering. Macleans' degree hub can help to explore options that align with student's preferences.
According to the data from Universities Canada, undergraduate Canadian students will pay between $2,544-$11,420 CAD per year in tuition fees.
Undergraduate international students will pay between $9,700-$55,000+ per year in tuition fees, but this can vary based on the program and/or university.
An agreement between the governments of France and Québec allowsFrench citizens registered in a degree programme at a Québec institution to be exempted from the international student supplement. These students will be charged Canadian tuition fees.
Canadian citizens or permanent residents are eligible for government loans and grants to help with tuition fees. Some institutions offer merit-based scholarships. Athletic scholarships may also be available.
Admission requirements vary. Each institution assesses candidates on an individual basis according to their standards.
Academic achievement is the most important factor in the admission decision, but non-academic information may also be considered in some cases.
For IB Diploma Programme candidates, admission will be based on the strength of the grade 9-12 transcript and on anticipated/predicted DP grades. For further information about DP policies at Canadian institutions, consult the IBO’s Guide for IB students applying to Canadian institutions.
Selective institutions and programs are generally looking for scores between 36- 38 points (some institutions include bonus points while others do not).
For non-native English speakers, the TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo test is required unless you have studied the last 3-4 years of high school in English, in which case an exemption may be granted.
Application deadlines vary but tend to be later than in the U.S., typically from January to March.
Students apply to a specific program or a particular faculty (Arts, Engineering, Commerce, etc.). Applicants to Arts and Science programs do not need to declare a major prior to enrolling. Institutions admit to a program not a specific concentration.
Applications are assessed on a rolling basis from February through April (some institutions send decisions later). It is therefore in the best interest of the student to submit their application as early as possible.
Interviews, essays, and letters of recommendation are generally not required. Competitive programs at the more selective institutions (McGill, UBC, Queen’s, The University of Toronto, for example) may require these supplemental materials.
OUAC - Students interested in applying to institutions in Ontario must apply through the Ontario Institutions Application Centre. OUAC then forwards your application on to your chosen institution(s).
Education Planner BC - Students interested in applying to multiple institutions in British Columbia may use Apply BC or apply directly to the institution through the institution website.
Apply Alberta - Students interested in applying to multiple institutions in Alberta may use Apply Alberta or apply directly to the institution through the institution website.
Once applications are submitted, institutions will send an email or a letter confirming that your application has been received and they will also provide you with your personal student ID. We will include this number with all required supporting documents (transcript, predicted scores).Check your email regularly and respond immediately to any requests for additional materials.
A wide range of support is available for international students who choose to attend a Canadian institution. Most institutions offer academic, career and personal counseling, international student advisors, help in finding off-campus housing, health services and scholarships.
EduCanada (Official Study in Canada Portal)
Scholarships for international students section
Canadian Government's Page for International Students
CBIE: Canadian Bureau of International Education
Universities Canada–Search Programs
Yonic - Preparing Canadian Students and Their Parents for College and University (including scholarship search)
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials
Private companies that help to promote education in Canada:
British Columbia:
British Columbia Council for International Education
Ontario:
Ontario Universities' Application Centre
Ontario Page for International Students