10 things you need to know about studying in Canada

PTE Author
PTE Author
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Reading time: 6 minutes

Have you considered moving to Canada to study? With more than 100 world-class universities across the country, there’s good reason to. From coast to coast to coast, it offers many international students a safe and supportive learning environment – as well as the opportunity to work after graduation.  

Want to learn more? In this guide, we cover 10 things you should know about studying in Canada:  

1. Canada is incredibly diverse 

More than one in five Canadians were born outside the country – making Canada one of the most multicultural places in the world. According to the most recent statistics, nearly half of the people born outside Canada are from Asia. About 28% of the people are from Europe, and 8.5% are from Africa. Even more, 37.5% of children in Canada were either born abroad or have a foreign-born parent.  

A large number of students at Canadian universities and colleges also come from abroad – which is a big draw for many international students. In fact, international students are driving university enrolment across Canada!  

Discover the five most diverse and multicultural cities in Canada!  

2. The country has two official languages 

Canada has two official languages: English and French. The English-speaking part of the population is called anglophone, while the French-speaking part of the population is called francophone. About 23% of people in Canada have French as their first language, and the majority of them live in the province of Quebec. There are also more than 100 French-speaking universities and colleges across Canada.  

It’s important to note that federal government institutions are all bilingual. This means you can submit your student visa documents in either English or French. When you enter Canada at the border, you’ll also notice the officer will greet you by saying “bonjour, hello” (or vice versa) 

In addition to English and French, there are also 70 indigenous languages spoken in Canada. 

3. Tuition costs can be more reasonable  

International student tuition fees in Canada are usually lower than in places like the US and UK. However, they are still a big expense. According to the government website EduCanada, tuition ranges between $1,800 CAD–$20,000 CAD per year for an undergraduate university degree. Colleges are sometimes less expensive; however, tuition can still reach $18,000 CAD per year.  

4. There are scholarships available  

Good news: there are lots of scholarships for international students in Canada. Many scholarships, called entrance scholarships, are offered to students by institutions upon acceptance based on academic performance. So, you don’t have to apply for them.  

Others are offered by the government. For example, if you’re studying in the province of Ontario, the Ontario Graduate Scholarship Program offers masters and doctoral students up to $15,000. To learn more about scholarships and awards for international students, EduCanada is a good resource.  

5. Institutions provide lots of support 

Universities and colleges in Canada want their international students to succeed. Your institution will have an international student office that should provide services like visa and health insurance support, upskilling workshops, and advice on how to adjust to life in Canada. There will also be campus-wide support services. These include: 

  • Mentorship programs 

  • Mental health services 

  • Academic accommodations 

  • Language workshops

  • Housing support

  • Employment support  

Find out how you can seek help from international student communities.  

6. On-campus housing is a community hub  

The majority of institutions in Canada offer on-campus housing. Sometimes, student residences are reserved for first-year students. But many universities and colleges will also offer on-campus housing to students coming from abroad.  

Residences can consist of dorm rooms, private studio apartments, or shared houses, and often come with a meal plan. Living on-campus is a great way to meet new people from around the world – and for many students, residences become a real community hub.   

But, you can still have a student housing experience off-campus. In most cities, there are student housing options that aren’t affiliated with any particular institutions, but still offer a similar experience with the same amenities – things like cafeterias, study spaces, and entertainment areas.  

Curious about how much it costs to live in Canada? Our student guide examines the living costs across a number of major cities – including Toronto, Vancouver and Halifax. 

7. You might be able to work while you study  

As an international student in Canada, you can only work if you’re enrolled full-time at a designated learning institution (DLI). If so, you’ll be able to work for 20 hours per week off-campus, and full-time during scheduled semester breaks. Your study permit should have your work conditions printed on it.  

However before you begin work, you’ll need to apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN). This is free and only takes a few minutes to do online.  

How much you make will depend on where you live. The minimum wage in Canada varies by province and territory. For example, in Ontario minimum wage is $14.25 per hour while in British Columbia it’s $15.20 per hour.  

Check out these 10 part-time jobs for international students in Canada!  

8. Travel can be expensive – but there are some cheaper options 

Did you know Canada is the second-largest country in the world? It has a landmass of 9.1 million square kilometers! This is one reason traveling in Canada is expensive. There are also high airport taxes and a lack of competition in the aviation industry, so flying can be particularly pricey. For example, a 1-hour flight between Toronto and Montreal can cost up to $300.  

However, if you want to explore the country – and travel is deemed safe by government authorities this year to do so – there are some cheaper ways to see Canada. For example, the country’s train service VIA Rail offers discounts to students and riders under 25. Alternatively, Megabus is a discount bus service that offers routes throughout Canada and the U.S.   

9. Canada offers post-study visas  

Want to settle in Canada after you graduate? You’re not alone. Three in 10 international students who came to Canada after 2000 have become permanent residents.  

Canada offers a few ways for students to work in the country after graduation. For example, the post-graduation work permit could allow you to stay in Canada for up to three years after studying, if you are eligible. You could also apply for a work permit through an employer.  

10. Canadians value a global perspective  

Having international experience in Canada is viewed as a big advantage. Nearly every university in the country offers their students the opportunity to study or work abroad. Better yet, 80% of employers that hire people with international and intercultural experience say it makes their business better.

To study in Canada, most students need to take an English language proficiency test. PTE Academic is accepted by more than 200 Canada institutions – and the best choice to help you get accepted.

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    How to apply for a permanent resident visa in Australia
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    There’s a lot to love about living in Australia. The country boasts beautiful landscapes, multicultural cities, and one of the best education systems in the world. Many people who hold an Australian work visa want to stay in Australia for the long run and decide to apply to become a permanent resident.

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    There are multiple ways to apply for a permanent resident visa in Australia. It will depend on how and why you are eligible. Most commonly, people commonly apply through a family, work, or business stream.

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    To learn about how to apply through the family stream and all the different visas available, check out this questionnaire on the Government of Australia website.

    A work-stream permanent resident visa

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    Keep in mind that for some work-stream visas, you must be nominated by an employer or Australian government agency to apply.

    Discover the different work-stream permanent resident visa options on the Government of Australia website.

    A business or investment permanent resident visa

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    Processing times also range. Some permanent resident visas take a few months, while others can take more than two years to be granted. This makes it extremely important to do your research and plan ahead.

    *Please note these fees are correct at the time of writing. Please consult the government website for up-to-date information.

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    Last updated 20 December 2024.

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    Study in Malaysia with PTE Academic
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    Do you want to study in Malaysia?

    If you are an international student wanting to study in Malaysia, you may need to take an English test.

    International students are required to meet the English language competency requirements set by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA).

    Do you need to take an English test?

    If you are an international student who meets all academic qualifications but have not met the English language requirement for admission you may receive a conditional offer.

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    Since April 2016, the Malaysian Ministry of Higher Education has accepted PTE Academic as proof of the English language skills for international students wanting to study at a private higher educational institution in Malaysia.

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    • Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU)

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    • Asia e University

    • Berjaya University College

    • Curtin University (Sarawak)

    • Cyberlynx International College

    • Disted College

    • Education Malaysia Global Services

    • Despark College

    • First City University College

    • HELP University College

    • Heriot Watt University Malaysia

    • Inti International College Subang

    • Malaysia University of Science and Technology

    • Monash University Malaysia

    • Multimedia University

    • MAHSA University

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    • Segi University

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    We are constantly expanding the number of Malaysian Universities that accept our scores, explore our full list of institutions in Malaysia who accept PTE.

    You can take PTE Academic at test centers around the world and at 6 locations in Malaysia. Ready to take PTE Academic? Book now!

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    How to study in Malaysia
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    With high-quality universities, more affordable tuition, and the fastest growing regional economy in the world, Asia has become a popular destination for international students. This includes students from within the region itself.

    Western countries still attract a large number of students each year. “But the idea that a Western degree is automatically better and more advantageous than one obtained in Asia is losing ground.” states by ICEF Monitor.

    In fact, countries like China, South Korea, Japan, Singapore, and Malaysia have all been competing to attract more international students in recent years. As a result, Asian students now have the opportunity to receive a world-class education and international study experience much closer to home. This is especially important for many families today, as uncertainty surrounding the pandemic is expected to continue.

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    Malaysia at a glance

    Malaysia boasts innovative universities and excellent intra-regional mobility, making it a great place for students to consider. The country has worked to put itself on the map as a destination for international learners. It hopes to welcome 250,000 students from abroad by 2025. Students come from a variety of countries including Bangladesh, China, Indonesia, Yemen, and Nigeria.

    Bahasa Malaysia is the country’s official language. However many university courses are taught in English.

    Universities in Malaysia

    Malaysia boasts more than 100 higher education institutions. Many universities here are also ranked amongst the top in the world by the QS World University Rankings. Included in the ranking are: 

    • University of Malaya (UM): Ranked 60th globally. 

    • Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM): Ranked 148th globally. 

    • Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM): Ranked 138th globally. 

    • Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM): Ranked 146th globally. 

    A number of international universities have also opened branches in Malaysia. These include the University of Nottingham, Heriot Watt University, Monash University, Xiamen University, and Newcastle University, to name a few. They provide students with the chance to earn a degree from Western universities without having to leave the region.

    If you're looking to explore your study options, the government has a great tool for students to find the program that suits them best. You can also learn more about diploma studies with this useful guide.

    In order to study in Malaysia, students will need to prove they are proficient in English and PTE Academic is the ready choice for you to do so. PTE Academic is a computer-based language test that provides unbiased and secure proof of a candidate’s English skills for study, professional, and migration purposes.

    According to language requirements set by Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA), students who plan to undertake a Bachelor’s degree and above at university or college must score a minimum of 47 for PTE Academic, which is equivalent to CEFR High B1 level.

    Students who wish to undertake a diploma course will need to have a minimum PTE Academic score of 36, which is equivalent to CEFR Low B1 level. However, students should always check with their respective university or college to confirm their language score requirements.

    Getting your visa

    Applying for a Student Pass to study in Malaysia is relatively simple and can be done online. Before starting your application, you must have a letter of acceptance from your university. The whole visa process takes about one month. You’ll find out how to apply on the Education Malaysia website.

    With a Student Pass you can work up to 20 hours a week, but only during school breaks that last longer than 8 days.

    Cost of living

    Malaysia draws the attention of students all around the world because it offers an affordable, yet still top class education. A bachelor degree, for example, costs between $10,000-20,000 USD. This is a lot less than in the United States or the U.K. In fact, Malaysia’s booming capital city Kuala Lumpur was named the second most affordable city in the world for students by the QS Best Student Cities ranking.

    Financial aid

    International students in Malaysia can apply for financial aid. Universities offer scholarships directly to students. To get an idea of what these might be like, you can take a look at the scholarships offered by University of Malaya.

    The Malaysian government also provides scholarships to international students. The Malaysia International Scholarship – which offers air tickets, tuition, and a monthly allowance, among other benefits – is one scholarship to look into. The Malaysian Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan also offers international students some generous financial support.

    Want an international study experience in Malaysia?

    PTE Academic – a fast, flexible, fair, and secure English assessment can help you get there. Book the test now and get the result within 2 days.

    View prices in your country and find your local test center.

    Last updated 20 December 2024.