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A Comprehensive Guide to Studying in:
Canada

Canada is a melting pot of cultures and landscapes, where just one-third of its citizens self-identify as Canadian and whose national parks are often larger than entire countries. The colonial history of this vast swathe of land means that Canada has two official languages: English (spoken in the majority of the country) and French (mainly spoken in the eastern region of Quebec). It also has one of the highest per-capita immigration rates in the world, cultivating a diverse environment where any international student can feel at home.
The country is also globally-recognized for higher education. The University of Toronto, McGill University, and the University of British Columbia all rank among the top 50 schools worldwide. The fact that all three are located in different cities illustrates the depth of teaching excellence throughout Canada. With a strong job market for university graduates, we reckon you’ll even be able to enjoy the cold Canadian weather once you’ve got your Master in hand.

Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ
Did You Know? Fun Facts About Canada
- 1 Canada is one of the most popular study destinations for international students, with an international student population of over 600,000.
- 2 Notable firms with primary headquarters in Canada include Brookfield Asset Management, Flickr, Cargill, Cirque du Soleil, Manulife, and Shopify.
- 3 Canada is consistently ranked as having one of the highest standards of living in the world.
- 4 Canada has one of the highest per-capita immigration rates in the world, making it an increasingly international and diverse nation.
- 5 Canada is bigger in land size than the entire European Union.
Which Visas & permits do in need in Canada
Most international students need to apply for a study permit before they arrive in Canada. To apply, you’ll need to provide a letter of acceptance from your university, as well as proof of identity, and proof of financial support for yourself (and all family members who come with you, if applicable). If you are moving to Canada by yourself, you will need to show proof of funding (minimum amount of C$833 per month).
You can apply for a study permit online, but note that a study permit is not a travel document. Once your study permit is approved, you’ll receive a visa, depending on your situation. Applying for a study permit costs C$150 (US$117). With a study permit, you can work up to 20 hours per week and are eligible to bring your common-law partner and/or dependent children with you.
Banking in Canada
Setting up a Canadian bank account is highly recommended in order to pay your bills in the country. As an international student, you’ll likely have to set up a bank account in person. The Big Five Banks (the five largest banks in Canada) are the Royal Bank, the Bank of Montreal, Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, the Bank of Nova Scotia, and Toronto-Dominion Bank.
When you visit your bank of choice, you’ll have to provide documentation like your passport, study permit, visa, and letter of acceptance to your university. You’ll need to decide if you want to open a checking account, savings account, or both. Some banks have accounts specifically designed for students. It’s also worth asking about credit card options because if you’re planning to stay in Canada for a while, it’s a good idea to start building a good credit score.
What do I need to know about healthcare in Canada
While Canada offers universal healthcare, its healthcare system is largely segregated between different provinces. As an international student in Canada, you must purchase health insurance – either public or private. Some universities will have specific requirements, so it’s best to check if they offer health insurance packages to students or if they can help you find your own health insurance. Some Canadian banks also offer health insurance options – popular insurance packages include IMG International Student Health Insurance and Foyer Global Health Insurance.
Because healthcare policies vary across provinces in Canada, the cost of insurance also differs. However, you can expect to pay between C$30 and $50 (US$23-39) per month.
Housing options for students in Canada
Many international students in Canada choose to live on-campus, either in residence halls or student apartments. The cost and availability of on-campus accommodation vary from school to school and they sometimes include dining options on-campus. Generally speaking, the price of on-campus student housing ranges from C$3,000 and C$7,500 (US$2,300-5,900) per year.
Living off-campus is another popular option for international students. Many choose to live with housemates to reduce the cost of rent and meet new people. The cost of a room in a shared off-campus apartment ranges between C$300 and C$800 (US$235-600) per month. Living alone is much more expensive, varying between C$800 and C$1,800 (US$600-1,400) per month. You can find cheaper options in smaller towns and areas outside of the city center.
What are the public transport options in Canada
Public transport is the best way for students to get around in Canadian cities, using buses, trains, bike-sharing services, and ferries. Larger cities like Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal offer more public transportation options than smaller towns and rural areas. Prices also range between cities. In Montreal, for example, a monthly pass for public transport costs C$83, while in Toronto it costs C$146. In Vancouver, it costs around C$96. Most cities also offer discounted rates for students.
Traveling between different cities or provinces in Canada can be more difficult with public transportation. There are some trains and long-distance buses, but car services or car rental companies might be more convenient. If you have a driver’s license from your home country, you might be able to drive in Canada if you have an International Driving Permit (IDP).
How much does a Big Mac cost in Canada
The Big Mac Index was invented by The Economist in 1986 as an informal way of measuring the purchasing power parity (PPP) between two currencies. The price of a Big Mac in Canada is C$6.77 (equivalent to US$5.29, EUR€4.96, and JP¥675). For US$50, you can buy nine Big Macs.
Student living costs in Canada vary depending on your location and whether you’re studying in a big city or a more rural area. Numbeo estimates that monthly costs for a single person living in Canada are around C$1,200 (US$939), excluding rent.