Dreaming of studying in Canada but you are indecisive on which city to live in? Well, no need to fret. We have got you covered! Read on to know all about the best cities to study in Canada as an international student. This well curated article comprises detailed information of these cities, their food, culture, people, landmarks, what they are known for.. etc.
Canada is home to various vibrant and diverse cities that offer educational programs in outstanding institutions, provide rich quality of life (ranking 3rd place globally), diverse cultural experiences, updated facilities and infrastructures. These best cities in Canada have the most reputable universities offering high quality education for students and various part time job opportunities.
As an international student you also benefit from the same rights and freedoms that protect all Canadians, respect for human rights, diversity, equality and a Peace society. Kindly read through and let us help you decide on a city to study in.
Table of Content
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Benefits of studying in the best city in Canada
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World ranking of the best city to study in Canada
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7 Best Cities to Study in Canada
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Key takeaways
Benefits of Studying in the Best City in Canada
Any best city to study and work in Canada can be defined by the quality of life that it offers to its international students. Studying in any of the top cities will provide you benefits such as:
1. The best places to study in Canada provide students with a week structured lifestyle. Provisions such as student discounts, grant awards or subsidized public transportation are made available.
2. A supportive and efficient student committee to look out for in time if needed.
3. These best cities also provide part-time job opportunities for international students.
4. These cities also promise adequate exposure and enlightenment because of the culturally diverse population it harbors.
World Ranking of the Best City to Study in Canada
According to the recent QS rankings, Montreal stands at the peak position and is considered as the best city for studying in Canada for international students. An instance of the best city in Canada for Indian students is Toronto as most Indians reside there.
|
Cities |
QS Rankings |
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Montreal |
14 |
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Toronto |
15 |
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Vancouver |
20 |
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Ottawa |
55 |
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Quebec |
106 |
Best Student Cities - QS Rankings 2023
There are some other cities that may not be the absolute best but are comfortable and decent to live in. Each city has its own unique charm and perks. Ultimately, it's all about finding the right fit for you and your lifestyle choice. They are listed below;
- Calgary
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Edmonton
Now let us discuss more in detail about these best cities and why they are popular among international students.
7 Best Cities to Study in Canada
1. Montreal
Montreal is ranked as the 14th best city to study globally. Montreal gets its name from a three-peak hill called Mount Royal, situated in the middle of the city. The city takes a lead in the field of Science and Technology especially in Aeronautics and Information Technology.
Montreal is rated 17th as the world's safest city. The city is known for its festivals, comedy shows, and richly diverse spectacule. The common language that is spoken here is French, followed by English then other languages.
Montreal is also the primary center for major sectors like education, transport, commerce, pharmaceuticals, finance, tourism.
Cost of Living
9,700 - 12,700 CAD
Cost of Education
The average tuition fees for an undergraduate program can be around CAD 11,000 to CAD 60,000 per year. Remember, the fee can vary as per the university you choose.
Top Universities in Montreal
Transportation
Mostly preferred is the Metro system. A monthly travel pass costs at least 52 CAD.
2. Toronto
This is the largest city in Canada and it's home to its highest- ranking institution, the University of Toronto(U of T). Toronto welcomes students from all parts of the world. The majority of people in this city speak English as their primary language, over 160 languages are spoken in this city!
Being the capital of Ontario, Toronto ranks high amongst the best cities in Canada and is one of the most preferred locations for study immigrants. The city stands in the lead for various psychology courses. It ranks 81% on the safety index.
Toronto is a bustling and vibrant city with huge skyscrapers, metros, and tourist locations with aboriginal sites. It is the best place to study courses related to Business, Arts, science and various disciplines.
Cost of Living
$ 31,000 CAD
Cost of Education
Here, you can find universities with an average tuition fee of around CAD 12,000 to CAD 50,000 per year.
Top Universities in Toronto
Transportation
The bus and transit system in Toronto is highly efficient. A monthly transit pass costs around 140 CAD.
3. Vancouver
Next is Vancouver, one of the most expensive cities in Canada. However, it is ranked 20th as one of the most student-friendly cities in the world. The city is home to tech giants like Amazon, Google and Microsoft.
Vancouver is famous for its ethnic and linguistic diversity. The city offers spell bound and breathtaking views of nature as it has a picturesque view of plush mountains and beaches. The languages predominantly spoken are English and French.
Vancouver also has a thriving art, theater, and music scene. Courses like Digital Marketing, Engineering, IT are a great choice for students planning to pursue in Vancouver.
Cost of Living
$ 2500 - 3500 CAD
Cost of Education
In Vancouver, the tuition fee can range from CAD 10,000 to CAD 26,000 per year.
Top Universities in Vancouver
Transportation
Transit trains, commuter trains, a fleet of buses and sea ferries are the modes of transportation.
4. Ottawa
Not up for the buzz that comes with city life? Why not consider Canada's capital city, Ottawa? The city offers a charming sense of neighborhood and community. In addition, with crime rates at a low level, it is one of the safest cities in the world.
Ranking 53rd, it welcomes students from diverse cultures and hosts immigrants from Africa, Europe, and Asia. It’s the second most popular destination for immigration in Ontario, after Toronto! The city is home to the University of Ottawa, one of Canada’s top 10 universities according to several global university rankings.
The city is celebrated for its winter sports, like skiing and skating. It also boasts numerous cultural, post-secondary and best research institutions that help many STEM students to have a direct industry exposure. It also has the largest tech park in Canada, offering thousands of jobs to international students.
Cost of Living
$ 2000 - 2500 CAD
Cost of Education
The average tuition fees for universities in Ottawa can be around CAD 8,500 to CAD 30,000 per year.
Top Universities in Ottawa
Transportation
Buses, transit systems, trains, are available. Bike lanes for cyclists are also provided. A monthly travel pass costs CAD 100.
5. Quebec
Quebec city is called the French land of Canada where you will come across both Canadian and French Culture.It is renowned for its ancient architecture and European feel. In fact, 37 of the National Historic Sites of Canada are in Quebec City!
Quebec is the second-largest cosmopolitan city in Canada. It is also the cheapest city in Canada for international students with an excellent education system. It ranks 113 in the QS world rankings. Note that, the winter carnival is the largest festival in the city alongside various activities.
Cost of Living
CAD 1500 - CAD 1800
Cost of Education
Average tuition fees for an undergraduate program are around CAD 10,000 to CAD 40,000 per year.
Top Universities in Quebec
Transportation
Public transport is a highly recommended mode of transport. Buses, taxis, ferries, two- wheelers are all available.
6. Calgary
Calgary is a cosmopolitan city with 1.6 million individuals and is referred to as the centre of Canada’s oil industry. It is the largest province in the Western Canadian province of Alberta. Ranked at 242, the city offers one of the best platforms for students to study in Canada.
Calgary is a beautiful place to live, with open spaces, pristine rivers, plush mountains and more sunshine than any other Canadian metropolis. The province is also home to Canada’s best wind, solar, bioenergy, and geothermal resources. To pursue STEM courses with the latest innovations and technologies, Calgary is a great place for international students.
Cost of Living
CAD 1800- CAD 2000
Cost of Education
Average annual tuition fees cost about CAD 16,000 to CAD 40, 000.
Top Universities in Calgary
Transportation
Transit system including C-trains and fleet of buses. Monthly public transportation pass costs around $100.
7. Edmonton
Edmonton is the capital city of the Canadian province of Alberta. The city traces its roots back to the North American fur trade and the early days of the Canadian Pacific Railway.
Edmonton is known for its excellent quality of life. The city has a low crime rate making it a safe place to live. It also has numerous parks, trails, and outdoor spaces, including the beautiful river valley, making it easy for residents to stay active and healthy.
Interestingly, Edmonton hosts about 50 festivals annually, is home to Canada's largest planetarium and largest living history museum. It is also one of Canada's sunniest cities.
Cost of Living
CAD 1500 to CAD 3000
Cost of Education
On average in Canada, university tuition costs around: $36,100 per year for international undergraduate students and $21,100 per year for international graduate students.
Top Universities in Edmonton
Transportation
The Edmonton Transit System (ETS) and the Light Rail Transit system (LRT) are the primary public transportation agency.
Key Takeaways
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With popularity among students, high employer activity, affordability, desirability Montreal is not only one of the sought after places to study in Canada, but also globally popular.
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The majority of the best cities in Canada are cosmopolitan and welcoming to international students. They are equally safe to live in.
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The city of Quebec is known to have the most employment opportunities with a great per-hour salary. People in Quebec city are also quite friendly.
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Excellent information and transparent admission process by Ottawa universities are carried out through virtual information sessions for international students.
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Having presence in Vancouver benefits international Students with internship and placement opportunities in the top companies like Amazon, Microsoft etc.
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Besides reasonable tuition fees, universities offer attractive scholarships, teaching assistantships, etc., for students to pursue higher education and support themselves.
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International students tend to get a good internship and placement opportunities in the city of Toronto due to availability of leading industries, offices and companies.
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Due to the smooth immigration process, natural scenery and latest innovations, Canada is always a people’s top priority choice. After graduation is done, you can even continue your stay by getting a post study work visa.