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Canada has been among the world’s leading study destinations. Canadian schools offer quality education with affordable tuition rates in a country which boasts one of the highest rates of international student satisfaction in the world and one of the most inclusive countries to new immigrants.

Here are 7 reasons why Canada is an awesome place for international students.

Seven Reasons for Studying in Canada

Pleasant Cultural-Social Environment

Canada is a relatively peaceful, safe and orderly country with very low crime rates. In terms of social progress and development, according to Global News, Canada was ranked the second country in the world with the highest quality of life.

In terms of cultural diversity, Canada is one of the most ethnically and linguistically diverse countries in the world, with over 50% of the population not speaking English as their first language. You will be surrounded by a large multicultural environment, both in classrooms, as well as in the society. This creates a great advantage for any foreigner, meaning that you can easily adapt and make friends.

Excellent Immigration Opportunities

Canada has traditionally been a country of immigrants and studying in Canada paves the way for immigration. After completing studies in Canada, foreign nationals can become eligible for a few provincial and federal immigration programs, including post-graduation work permits, provincial nominee programs, Express Entry, etc.

If you want to immigrate to Canada permanently, coming as an international student is a practical first step on your journey.

World-Class Education

Canada spends more on education per capita than any other industrialized nation in the world and has been named the most educated country in the world. Canada’s K-12 public education system is regarded as one of the best in the world. As for higher education, A Canadian degree is widely recognized as equal to one from the United States, Australia, or the United Kingdom.

A total of 26 universities in Canada feature in the QS World University Rankings, of which three are in the world’s top 50, with 11 more making the world’s top 300 – a feat matched only by a handful of other nations.

Affordable Cost

Compared to many countries, studying in Canada is very affordable. You will likely need between $20,000 CAD and $30,000 CAD annually to cover tuition and living expenses. Take Canadian undergraduate degrees for example. The average annual tuition for an international student was $11,701 USD in 2016. Compare that to the U.S. $20,519 USD), Australia ($19,820 USD) or the United Kingdom $19,682 USD). Aside from paying tuition, the cost of living in Canada is seriously affordable compared to most other top destinations for international students. When you combine the average annual cost of living and average annual tuition fees, Canada is clearly the most affordable option.

A Bilingual Environment

Canada is a bilingual country with two official languages, English and French, which makes studying here an excellent opportunity to develop your language skills and boost your prospects for an interesting career. Coursework in French and English is an integral part of Canada’s educational system, which enriches its cultural and community life.

Various Co-op Programs

Almost all post-secondary schools in Canada offer a co-op option to their academic programs (there are currently 80 schools with a co-op program, with over 80,000 students). Joining the co-op program will let you gain paid work experience while you complete your degree in Canada. A co-op can be great opportunities as they can give you real experience of what an actual workplace is like. A list of co-ops on your résumé will make you stand out from the competition. Moreover, if you exceed the expectations of your co-op employer, you could be asked to stay on permanently, either once your studies have completed or immediately.

Visitor Visas for Parents

While on a study permit, international students can invite their parents to visit on a Visitor Visa, which allows the parents to travel to Canada. This can be done while international students are applying for their Study Permit. Multiple entry visitor visas permit the holder to travel to Canada for six months at a time, if the visa remains valid. This type of visitor visa can be valid for up to 10 years, which means that the parents of international students can come visit their children in Canada as many times as they want throughout the students’ study period.