Canada comprises the world’s most reputed colleges and institutions, and international students tend to settle for Canadian schools, institutions, and colleges. This is also because of the simplified tuition fees and transparency in visa requirements.
Overall, Canada serves the purpose of education for numerous international students coming here every year. The country’s high quality of education invites a lot of attention from international students.
However, when it comes to the selection of colleges, students make their decision based on a variety of factors. While some might consider the expenditure associated with a Canadian education, others might acknowledge its reputation as a safe and secure country.
Before getting a glimpse of the top-trending Canadian colleges, let’s look into the crucial differences existing between a Canadian college and a university.
Canadian colleges and universities- a major distinction
Generally speaking, Canadian colleges and universities have distinct educational systems. Hence, they are different educational institutions, unlike other countries. Colles and universities tend to provide post-secondary programs to eligible students who have completed their high-school studies. However, their programs, duration, and cost differ significantly.
Canadian colleges and universities differ from one another in the following ways:
- Types of programs and their duration– Colleges in Canada provide certificates, and diplomas of two years duration as well as advanced diploma programs of three years. However, a few colleges also provide bachelor’s degree programs with a duration of three to four years. Conversely, Canadian universities provide bachelor’s degrees for a duration of three to four years, master’s degrees for two to three years duration, and doctoral degrees for four to six years.
- Objectives of the programs– The colleges emphasize those programs that prioritize work-related training and applied knowledge to make students competent enough to survive in the Canadian job market. Contrarily, universities give priority only to academic and bookish learning or knowledge.
- Program expenditure– To acquire education at a Canadian college is more budget-friendly compared to a Canadian university. Besides this, a university comprises programs with lengthy duration, and their yearly tuition fees will be double the college tuition fees.
Choosing between a Canadian university or a college
While making concrete decisions about applying to Canadian colleges or universities, it will be crucial to consider your existing level of education, career objectives, and goals related to your studies. College programs can be helpful for those who already possess a post-secondary credential from their native country. Furthermore, it can help you acquire new skills to compete in the Canadian job market. Moreover, if you aspire to work in Canada after finishing your studies, and possess a deeper understanding of your academic field, you can widen your scope of Canadian employment through a college diploma or certificate. On the other hand, you must acknowledge a list of Canadian universities, if you will be applying for a post-secondary program for the first time.
Your next step must be to analyze the amount of time and money you would likely invest in your Canadian education. If you are willing to take up a course with a shorter duration and reduced tuition fees, colleges will make for a perfect choice.
Reasons to acquire education at a Canadian college
While there are numerous reasons for international students to choose Canadian colleges for their studies, the following factors act as catalysts for them:
- A rich quality of education.
- More convenient for international students to admit into colleges in Canada compared to the universities.
- Availability of a variety of study programs, offering certificates and diplomas in several subjects.
- Prioritizing applied to learn to assist students in acquiring jobs at a faster pace.
- Canadian colleges have reduced tuition fees compared to universities.
- Available easy pathways to continue residing in Canada after graduation. For instance, the Post-Graduation Work Permit, and Permanent Residence.
Top trending Canadian colleges for international students
International students must conduct detailed research on Canadian colleges to see the available programs they offer. Also, they must understand which college will be offering their preferred program and whether they will be able to acquire the kind of Canadian experience they seek. Per Webometrics, there are a few colleges that prove to be the ideal ones in Canada. They’re as follows:
Sheridan College, Ontario
The Sheridan College in Ontario offers more than 140 programs in various subjects, including social science, art, humanities, technology, business, applied health, and community sciences. Additionally, the college comprises three major campuses in GTA, Ontario (Oakville), Brampton, and Mississauga. It also provides certificates, diplomas, graduation certificates, and bachelor’s degrees.
The tuition fee lies between $16,771 CAD and $30,182 CAD annually, based on the selection of programs. Besides this, international students can also access entrance scholarships worth $1,000 to $2,000 for those under a full-time post-secondary program. However, it will exclude English as the second language.
Humber College, Ontario
The Humber College in Ontario offers more than 220 programs in numerous subjects, such as technology, social services, business, hospitality, engineering, health, marketing, and legal studies. It also provides graduation certificates, certificates, diplomas, bachelor’s degrees, and advanced diplomas. This college includes three chief campuses in and nearby Toronto, along with a separate college for international graduates. Moreover, tuition fee exists between $11,086 CAD and $30,577 CAD annually based on program selection.
Apart from this, students can avail of entrance scholarships worth $2000 CAD. This college provides scholarships to the top ten excellent academic record holders, both undergraduates and international graduates.
Centennial College, Ontario
The Centennial College in Ontario offers more than 160 programs subjects, including hospitality, arts, business, communications, science and engineering technology, transportation, community, and health sciences. This college provides diplomas, certificates, advanced diplomas, and graduation certificates. Besides this, it also offers IT bachelor programs of four years as well as public management. On the whole, there are four campuses of this college, three of them located in Toronto and one in Scarborough.
Additionally, the tuition fee ranges between $15, 385 CAD and $19,484 CAD each year, based on the type of credential. Two international students have the chance to get merit scholarships every year.
Seneca College, Ontario
Seneca College in Ontario also offers more than 160 programs in various fields, such as marketing, aviation, business, arts, engineering technology, computers, acting, accounting, and hospitality. It also offers credentials, including advanced diploma programs, diplomas, certificates, and graduate certificates. This college comprises three chief campuses, one in Toronto, New York, King City, and Peterborough, and two of them in Markham. Apart from this, the tuition fee ranges between $20,791 CAD and $35,743 CAD annually. However, the fee will largely depend on the program type and credentials.
Conestoga College, Ontario
The Conestoga College in Ontario comprises more than 200 study programs in business, architecture, marketing, aviation, engineering, arts, hospitality, public relations, etc. It also provides several credentials, such as diplomas, degree programs, advanced diplomas, certificates, graduate certificates, etc. Additionally, many campuses exist in Stratford, Waterloo, Brantford, Kitchener, Cambridge, Guelph, and Ingersoll. Moreover, the tuition fee lies between $20,625 CAD, and $22,788 CAD every year based on the selection of the study program. Also, international students can access merit-based scholarships, along with other awards given by the college.
Okanagan College, British Columbia
The Okanagan College in British Columbia provides international students with around 165 programs in various subjects, such as science, technology, business, arts, adult special education, health, and social development, as well as trades and apprenticeship. This college offers credentials in terms of certificate programs, diplomas, and degrees. Almost four major campuses of this exist in Salmon Arm, Kelowna, Vernon, and Penticton. Moreover, the tuition fee is between $14,730 CAD and $32,046 CAD every year, based on the selection of the study program. Awards as well as internal and external scholarships are available for students.
George Brown College, Ontario
The George Brown College in Ontario offers at least 177 programs in several study fields, including business, information, and technology, community services, arts, design, engineering technologies, construction, culinary arts, hospitality, education, health sciences, preparatory, and liberal studies.
This college also offers degree programs, graduate certificates, diplomas, and advanced diplomas. Overall, the college possesses three campuses located in Downtown Toronto. Additionally, the tuition fee ranges from $15,190 CAD and $41,895 CAD annually based on the program selection. International students at George Brown College can have the chance to get numerous scholarships, awards, and other financial rewards.
Douglas College, British Columbia
Douglas College in British Columbia is home to more than 170 programs across several fields, including social sciences, humanities, science, and technology, language, literature, applied community studies, health sciences, and business administration.
The college provides various credentials in the form of diplomas, certificates, degree programs, and advanced diplomas.
Douglas college consists of two campuses, including Westminster and Coquitlam. Moreover, international students need to pay approximately $18,727 CAD as the tuition fee. This is equivalent to 30 credits. Also, international students can avail of the three key scholarships, including entrance, merit, and athletic scholarships.
Langara College, British Columbia
The Langara College in British Columbia offers more than 80 study programs in various study fields, such as humanities, social sciences, health, business, arts, science, and technology.
Additionally, this college also provides post-degree programs, certificates, degrees, and diplomas. Two Campuses of Langara college exist in Vancouver. The tuition fee lies between $15,570 and $18,672, based on the selection of the program. Interestingly, Langara College in British Columbia also gives financial awards to international students, such as entrance scholarships, awards based on merits for athletics, and contributions to student clubs.
Northern Alberta Institute of Technology, Alberta
NAIT in Alberta offers more than 97 programs in study fields, including information technology, communications technology, hospitality, languages, trades, health and life sciences, business and management, environment, and natural sciences. NAIT in Alberta provides several credentials, such as degree programs, diplomas, and certificates. Also, three campuses of this college exist in Edmonton, while another one is present in Spruce Grove, Alberta.
The tuition fee will depend upon the study program selection within a range of $22,900 CAD and $32,600 CAD. Numerous students can also avail of the available scholarships based on merit, specifically those studying in full-time programs.
Enrollment in the right Canadian college- essential tips
Choosing the right educational institution will create a stronger impact on your future. Getting enrolled in the right institution will decide your future in ways, including the quality of education, acquiring Canadian education, and chances of being employed after graduation.
It will be crucial for international students to consider the following tips while selecting a college in Canada:
Verify whether the college is a DLI or not
To acquire a study permit in Canada, the applicants must provide an acceptance letter from a Canadian Designated Learning Institution. The federal or provincial governments approve colleges and universities holding the status of DLI in order to accept international students. Moreover, the government comprises a list of DLIs for colleges without which students will not obtain a study permit if their college doesn’t comply with the list.
The study program must match the student’s career objectives
Students must take their own time to assess and analyze their career objectives and then choose their study program. They must select the programs that will assist them in accomplishing their objectives. Next, enlist all the programs that meet your career goals and check which best Canadian colleges offer those specific study programs. Besides this, in case future goals regarding a Post-Graduation Work Permit, ensure that you opt for a program that will further provide you eligibility for the same.
Analyze your qualification for admission to your preferred study program
Every college wants students to qualify for the eligibility criteria to get admission to these study programs. Also, Canada has a competitive admission procedure for its students. Therefore, students must apply for only certain study programs in which they have greater chances of admission. Moreover, several Canadian colleges charge students a non-refundable fee, so it will be better to apply to only selected colleges.
Comparison of the tuition fee and budget assessment
The education cost primarily depends upon factors like the selection of the college, study program, and program duration. Even though Canadian colleges aren’t as costly as universities, the tuition fee will remain relatively higher only. In the shortlisting process, students must carefully analyze the tuition fee and other related costs of the programs of their choice. This shall enable them to understand whether they will be able to afford them or not. Furthermore, also verify if these colleges also provide any scholarships based on merit and excellent academic records.
Make a decision about the province or city you wish to reside in
Based on research and analysis, a majority of international students tend to reside in huge cities, such as Toronto, Calgary, Ottawa, Vancouver, and GTA. This is because they prefer to live the rich lifestyle prevalent in these bigger cities. However, the education cost can be relatively less in smaller towns and thinly populated provinces.
Students must remember that their college’s location will largely impact their career opportunities. In the case of part-time work, it is better for students to opt for a nearby job. However, if you’re looking for job prospects after completion of PGWP, focus on developing your professional connections in your study field or industries you’re interested in working.
Build a stronger network with former students
Individuals must also focus on building a stronger network with the former students of their shortlisted colleges. Interacting with former students will help them get guidance as they will share their personal experiences. Additionally, they will also get to learn a lot more about the college facilities and other available programs, student resources, and employer networks. Therefore, developing a network before gaining admission into the college will enable students to have a better career after completing their graduation.
Obtaining a student visa to attend a Canadian college
To obtain a student visa, the student must attend a Canadian college or university with an approved DLI. After receiving a letter of acceptance from a DLI, they must proceed to apply for a study permit. Additionally, after receiving an LOA, students will need to demonstrate their financial capacity in the form of bank statements, education loan documents, GIC, and scholarship proof. After the approval of the study permit application, they will even get an introduction letter. Additionally, individuals will have to present this letter to acquire a student visa after arriving in Canada.
Furthermore, international students, while applying under the Student Direct Stream must remember that they will need to possess a GIC worth $10,000CAD and in case they are pursuing their studies in Quebec, they will need a GIC worth $11,000, CAD. Also, students from 14 countries have eligibility under the SDS stream, while those from India, Pakistan, Brazil, and China will also be eligible for the same. Under this stream, the study permit application will begin to process within twenty calendar days.
Canadian international students- tuition fees for them
For international students in Canada, their biggest expense will be the tuition fee. However, the amount of money you will be paying will depend upon the college type, study program type, duration of the study program, and the location of your college. The average tuition fee for international students will be between $15,000 CAD and $27,000 CAD, applicable to a certification program of one year. Also, the tuition fee for two-year diplomas as well as three-year advanced diploma programs will range between $12,000 CAD to $30,000 CAD annually. Many colleges in Canada also offer bachelor-degree programs of four years duration. However, their expenditure will vary from $12,000 CAD to $30,000 CAD based on the subjects and colleges they select.
Students also need to take make note of the other important expenses, including accommodation between $400 to $1,800 CAD every month, based on their location, irrespective of staying on and off-campus. They must also take into account other expenses, such as phone bills, food, transportation, and entertainment.
Work in Canada while studying
International students holding a valid study permit will have the opportunity to work in Canada while studying, but only if they fulfill specific requirements. It is crucial for them to obtain a Social Insurance Number and must have begun their studies.
Additionally, for the on-campus work requirement, they must have full-time post-secondary experience at a private school, public school, or at Quebec’s college (private school level) with partial funding from the government. Also, there will be no limitation on the working hours on Campus.
For off-campus work, international students must acquire be studying in a post-secondary program with a duration of six months leading to a diploma, certificate, or degree. They will get to work off-campus for about twenty hours in a week.
Staying in Canada after graduation
Students who are interested in working after graduation in Canada must meet the eligibility conditions of a PGWP. Make sure that you have already completed a full-time study program of at least eight months’ duration. Besides this, you might also attain additional points for Canadian education after applying for permanent residence. However, you must hold a studying experience of at least one year. Also, your PGWP length will directly rely on your study program’s duration. For instance, an Express Entry program’s post-secondary credential in Canada is equivalent to 15 to 30 points under the Comprehensive Ranking System. It will also depend upon the program’s length.
Applying for PR after gaining Canadian work experience will certainly provide you CRS points between 40 and 64, depending upon the Express Entry profile. Apart from this, it will also make you eligible under the Canadian Experience Class.
Conclusion
Numerous international students go ahead with Canadian universities. However, Canadian colleges offer a lot of scope for students due to their approach based on skill training than bookish knowledge. Getting into a Canadian college can certainly open doors to a wider Canadian labor market and its current trends.
