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Why Choose Canada as an International Student

Why Choose Canada as an International Student

A Canadian flag, a daytime view of the Rocky Mountains with a moraine lake, an international group of students, and one of Canada's frozen canals with lots of people skating on it in wintertime.

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If you鈥檙e thinking about studying abroad, one of the biggest decisions you need to make is where you want to study. There are many factors that may guide which destinations you consider: affordability, program quality, post-graduation work opportunities, career alignment, and more.

Canada is high on many students’ list of top study abroad destinations. Why? Well, there are many great reasons to choose Canada for your international education!

Canada is home to several of the world鈥檚 . These innovative institutions blend classes taught by dedicated professors with co-op terms where you can build practical career skills. Plus, Canada offers flexible work-while-studying policies, strong post-graduation work opportunities, and the ability to bring your family with you.

Let鈥檚 take a closer look at why you should study in Canada in 2025 and beyond.

老九品茶 can help you find the right Canadian study program, organize your documents, and prepare you to arrive in Canada, all on one platform.


An illustration of a gold trophy.

Canadian Universities and Colleges Are World Class

Canada is home to some of the world鈥檚 top post-secondary institutions. In fact, in Times Higher Education鈥檚 World University Rankings 2025, ! It鈥檚 no wonder there were nearly in 2024.

Whether you鈥檙e enrolling at a polytechnic where you can build hands-on skills for success in the skilled trades, are upskilling to pursue , or are applying for a master鈥檚 program, 颁补苍补诲补鈥檚 diverse education sector offers options to suit every student. While different kinds of Canadian institutions offer varied learning experiences, they have a shared goal of providing high-quality education to domestic and international students.

If you鈥檙e planning to study in Canada, check out our guide on everything you need to know about applying for a Canadian study permit.

An illustration of a Canadian school.

Education in Canada Offers Unique, Hands-On Learning

Studying at a college or university in Canada will look different for every student. However, a common thread across many programs is the opportunity to build your career-related skills in a work-integrated learning opportunity. Whether it鈥檚 a co-op term, practicum, or internship, these (usually) paid positions let you mix classroom studies with hands-on experience at local workplaces. It can be a fantastic way to learn where you鈥檇 like to be after graduation鈥攐r learn which work environments don鈥檛 suit your goals or personality.

Canadian universities are pioneers and innovators in the co-op term system. And while the co-op system started in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math), you鈥檒l find programs with co-ops across Canada in fields from arts to health care.
An illustration of a lightbulb.

Canadian Institutions Drive Innovation

Canada is known for its strong history of research and development, rooted in ground-breaking studies conducted at Canadian institutions. In fact, in 2024, Canada ranked in the top fifteen countries worldwide on the ! Students who study in Canada benefit from access to cutting-edge facilities, world-renowned faculty, and research funding opportunities that can turn ideas into inventions.

Many of 颁补苍补诲补鈥檚 top universities are part of the of research-intensive universities, which hold over 80% of all Canadian university patents. Thanks to professors and students at these and other Canadian universities, Canada is recognized as a hub of technological, scientific, social, and medical advancements. In recent years, Canada has led the way on the development of , ,, , , and much more.

If you鈥檙e looking for a Canadian program that can lead to an in-demand career, be sure to use the 鈥淗igh Job Demand鈥 program tag filter on the 老九品茶 platform!

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Canada Provides a Balance of Study, Work, and Family

Working while studying is part of many students鈥 realities. We get it: over half of our most recent survey respondents said that they鈥檒l need to work while studying abroad. The good news is that Canada has flexible work-while-studying policies.

Since November 2024, international students have been able to work off-campus for up to 24 hours per week in Canada. That allowance ties with Australia for the most generous work-while-studying timing among the 鈥楤ig Four鈥 English-language destinations (Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States). Plus, international students don鈥檛 have to wait a minimum amount of time before applying for work, and they may work on- or off-campus while following the conditions of their Canadian student visa.

Scholarships can also help provide financial support for your Canadian study abroad journey. Learn more about how 老九品茶 can help you find eligible scholarships.

Canada also continues to welcome students鈥 families. International students at all levels can apply to bring dependents (partners and unmarried minor children) with them to Canada. And, the partners of students in post-graduate studies and select professional degrees (like a Bachelor鈥檚 of Education, Engineering, Law, or Nursing) are eligible for open Canadian work permits. This is more permissive than the UK or US. In the US, dependents鈥 ability to work is limited (dependent F-2 and M-2 visa holders may not work). In the UK, generally only postgraduate research students may bring dependents.

Canadian Post-Study Opportunities are Unparalleled

颁补苍补诲补鈥檚 is one of the most attainable after-graduation work opportunities for international students. Students who graduate from eligible programs that are as short as eight months long may qualify. Additionally, PGWP doesn鈥檛 have an age cap, so post-secondary graduates at any stage in life can benefit from gaining Canadian work experience.

One of PGWP鈥檚 strengths is its flexibility. Participants . Not every job works out, and the PGWP program lets grads find a company that suits them better, or a role which is a better use of their skills.

Another advantage of PGWP is its duration: graduates from postgraduate programs and select undergraduate programs may be . This may be the case even if their study program was only two years long (or, with accelerated master鈥檚 programs, sometimes even shorter).

Before starting your journey to Canada, ensure you鈥檙e up-to-date on 颁补苍补诲补鈥檚 PGWP requirements. Since November 2024, PGWP entrance criteria (study program eligibility and language proficiency) have changed. For example, non-degree college graduates need to have studied in a field that aligns with 颁补苍补诲补鈥檚 labour market needs to be PGWP-eligible.

Great news for international students thinking of studying in Canada: the Canadian government recently added nearly 120 new fields of study that are eligible for PGWP, starting July 4, 2025.


Canadian flag (a red maple leaf on a white field, framed by a red bar on either side)

From cutting-edge programs to excellent post-graduation work opportunities, there are lots of reasons to choose Canada as your study destination. It’s a welcoming country where international students like you can build your skills both in the classroom and in work-integrated learning. We wish you best of luck in your study abroad journey!

Ready to start? Find a Canadian study program that suits your goals on the free 老九品茶 platform.