Canada is full of terrific provinces and territories to study in. British Columbia offers beautiful weather and scenery, Nova Scotia has a unique charm, and Saskatchewan provides a cost-effective education. While these are only three of the Canadian provinces, they offer three compelling environments, and reasons why students should study in Canada.
However, the province of Ontario is top-of-mind for many international students for good reason. It drives much of Canada’s economy, has a wide range of communities, from big cities like Toronto to mid-sized cities like Hamilton, Ottawa, Waterloo, and Windsor, to a number of smaller, charming towns. Plus, Ontario offers students a diverse range of academic institutions. These institutions accommodate the various needs and interests of incoming international students. Let’s take a closer look at why and how to study in Ontario!
Because you can’t study all the time, check out these Ontario winter-wonderlands and seasonal getaways when you become an international student. Here’s to making new memories!
Why Ontario?
There are many great reasons to study in Ontario. Here are just a few.
Economy
Ontario is the largest province in Canada. It has over 14 million residents, representing over a third of the country’s population. Its two largest cities are Toronto and Ottawa. Toronto is the capital of Ontario and also the largest city in Canada, where Ottawa is the country’s capital. These two markets alone represent most major employers in Canada outside of the oil and gas industry.
Toronto hosts many technology and retail companies, along with the headquarters of most major Canadian banks. Moreover, the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) is home to many other businesses in cities such as Mississauga, Hamilton, and Oakville. Ottawa, on the other hand, is home to many government jobs. However it too has a technology hub in the city’s west end.
As it shows, the labour market for educated students is very healthy. Ontario also has the third lowest unemployment rate of any province. In fact, it has one of the lowest income tax rates in Canada!
Institutions
Ontario has a large range of post-secondary institutions. Students can find smaller universities like Nipissing University, medium-sized institutions like Queen’s University, or larger ones like Western University.
Not only is there a wide variety of colleges and universities to accommodate different career paths, Ontario also has some of the best institutions in the entire world. The University of Toronto and University of Waterloo are consistently ranked very highly for a number of programs such as business, engineering, and architecture. To other students, University of Ottawa makes its mark as the largest English/French bilingual university in the world.
How to Study in Ontario
If you’re convinced Ontario is the right Canadian province for you, here’s how to study in Ontario.
Applying
To apply to study in Ontario, students can register with ApplyBoard and apply to multiple colleges and universities directly with just a single application. Different requirements are necessary for schools in Ontario depending on where you are travelling from and what school you’re applying to.
It’s also important to consider the type of program you are applying for as this too may affect your requirements. Programs with specific guidelines may include medicine, law, teacher’s college, or rehab sciences.
To help balance your budget, check out these scholarships open to international students in Ontario.
Student Visa
If you are an international student, it’s necessary to apply for a student visa. This allows you to enter Canada as a student, and must be obtained prior to your travels. You must be a full-time student at a recognized institution in Canada. To find out if your institution is recognized, please refer to IRCC’s Designated Learning Institution (DLI) list.
When applying for the student visa, it’s important to submit a study plan. This gives the Visa Officer who is reviewing your application an understanding as to why you’d like to pursue your education in Canada.
For helpful tips and tricks on how to write a strong study plan, read this blog post.
Finally, it’s important to recognize not all student visa applications receive the approval stamp. While you prepare your application, it’s we encourage you to familiarize yourself with common reasons behind Canadian visa rejections, and what to do if your application is rejected.
Living in Canada
As an international student, you may face a number of challenges. You’ll have to learn to adjust to the Canadian lifestyle, you’ll have to find a place to live, and you’ll have to make new friends. The good thing is, you aren’t doing this alone. All international students face similar challenges and adjust quickly. It’s an exciting experience and truly gives you a new outlook on life.
Want to apply to a school in Ontario? Start your free application here.
