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Canada: Destination Guides - Must read

What makes Canada unique?

Wondering what makes Canada special? Get a taste of the country with our guide to why it stands out as a top study destination.

Composite graphic representing various icons of Canada, including snow-capped rocky mountains, the Canadian flag, and the country's parliament building

When deciding where to study abroad, you might have a few important questions. How respected are the universities? Is the country welcoming to international students? What sort of lifestyle does it offer? Everywhere is different, and you'll be keen to know how. To help, we'll walk you through exactly what makes Canada a unique study destination, giving you a glimpse into life as an international student in the country.

 

Unrivalled scenery

Known for its beautiful scenery, Canada is home to majestic mountain ranges, sparkling blue lakes and vast stretches of pristine forest. You certainly won’t have a lack of breathtaking views and walks while in the country.

 

Famous for the Rockies, a mountain range spanning British Columbia and Alberta, Canada has diverse landscapes that are perfect for hiking, skiing, canoeing and many other outdoor activities. Try unforgettable experiences like whale watching, swimming with polar bears, viewing the northern lights and taking a trip to Niagara Falls.

 

Varied climate

Canada caters for both skiing and surfing with its varied weather conditions. In winter, sub-zero temperatures and heavy snow are common in much of the country, while in summer, conditions can be much more comfortable. Throughout the year, major cities like Montreal, Vancouver, Calgary and Toronto all have four distinct seasons of spring, summer, autumn and winter. Given this, and how big the country is, the weather can vary greatly.

 

Graphic of a rocky mountain beside tall green trees, both under a blue sky

 

Cosmopolitan cities

Canada is the second-largest country in the world, with both rural and urban attractions. So, if the countryside isn’t for you, you can take your pick of the many buzzing cities such as Vancouver, Toronto and Calgary. All three of those sit within the top ten of the Global Liveability Index.

 

Every city has its own charm. Montreal, for instance, hosts the world’s largest jazz festival, some of which takes place on the street. In Toronto, you can watch a play at the Winter Garden Theatre, where green leaves line the ceiling. Elsewhere, you can even attend a maple syrup festival or visit a maple farm to find out about the history and production of this famous national product. Whether you want an in- or out-of-city experience, Canada has it all.

 

Excited to see more? Discover our top 5 places to visit in Canada.

 

Multicultural society

You might be surprised to hear both English and French being spoken a lot as you go about your life in some parts of Canada. As a bilingual country, these are its official languages.

 

Almost 30 per cent of the population speaks French, with a large proportion of those living in Quebec. Throughout the country, you will meet speakers of many languages from around the world. Some of the most common include Mandarin, Punjabi and Arabic.

 

Multiculturalism is firmly part of Canada’s identity, and is even enshrined in law. So, international students in Canada can feel part of a diverse society, enabling them to experience different traditions, perspectives and ways of life.

Cartoon of eleven people wearing nature-inspired colours: greens and browns. The people vary by age, gender, ethnicity and ability.

High quality of life

With low crime rates and peaceful politics, Canada sets the bar high for standards of living. Rating above average for health, wellbeing, income and education, it’s not hard to see why the country is so appealing to international students.

 

Canada also has a reputation for being accepting of and welcoming to newcomers. Those arriving in the country are offered support when finding a job, and help with their language skills. This reflects the compassionate values of both the population and its government.

 

World-renowned education system

Canada is one of the world's most widely educated countries, with 91 per cent of the adult population having completed secondary education.

 

Beyond this, the country is home to many world-leading universities. Three Canadian institutions place inside the the top 50 of the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023:

 

 

Canadian universities are respected across the globe, meaning that the qualifications they offer are widely recognised, no matter where you go with them. Unlike Australia, New Zealand and most of the UK, Canadian degrees generally take four years to complete (though this depends on the university).

 

Cartoon of three people reading books in front of tall green plants and a miniaturised Earth

 

Although you’ll be spending some time in the library, you will soon notice that many Canadian universities are surrounded by nature. Even just walking around campus, you can admire the beauty of the nearby landscapes.

 

For example, Royal Roads University is located on Vancouver Island, adjoining parkland, hiking trails, and a Japanese garden. It’s this type of setting that makes studying in Canada truly unique.

 

Find out which are the most popular degrees in Canada.

 

Attractive post-study work visas

According to the Canadian Bureau for International Education, 72.5 per cent of international students plan to remain in Canada to work after graduation.

 

This is helped by the existence of the post-graduation work permit. With this, international graduates can live and work freely in the country for up to three more years after finishing their education. When compared against many other countries – including the neighbouring USA – this is a generous post-study work visa.

 

Considering working in the country after finishing your course? Learn more about how to find a graduate career in Canada.

 

The Student Direct Stream visa route

Applying for a student visa in Canada is also made easier for many people by the Student Direct Stream (SDS).

 

For applicants from the 14 countries covered by this pathway – including Pakistan, India and the Philippines – the processing of study permits can be fast-tracked.

 

While standard permit applications are estimated to take between six and eight weeks to pass through the system, those made via SDS take just 20 days. In addition, SDS applications are approved more often.

 

Find out more about how SDS and non-SDS visa applications differ in our detailed guide.

 

Final facts

To conclude our exploration of what makes Canada such an interesting and unique country, here are a few facts to inspire you to learn more.

 

  • Canada has the longest coastline in the world
  • Canada is home to more than half of the world’s lakes
  • The literacy rate is 99 per cent
  • Canada has the world’s longest national border

 

Ready to look more closely at studying in Canada? Our site search tool can point you in the right direction.

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