Top 5 multicultural cities in Canada for international students

PTE Author
PTE Author
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Reading time: 7 minutes

Canada is easily one of the most multicultural countries in the world. The northern nation draws people from far and wide - and, for most Canadians, the international scene is a major source of pride.

There are approximately 7.5 million people from abroad living in Canada today. Walkthrough one of the country’s many amazing cities and you’ll see people from anywhere from Jamaica to China to India. You’ll also experience celebrations, customs, music, food, and art from all over the world. Honoring the backgrounds of its citizens is just part of the Canadian way.

The North American country invites immigrants for a variety of reasons: population growth, economic growth, and cultural diversity being some of the biggest ones. A 2020 Canadian Government report noted that immigration accounted for more than 80% of Canada’s population growth in 2019. That year, Canada recorded 341,000 permanent residents as well.

In fact, workers from other countries represent 26% of the workforce. As for students, in 2019, more than 800,000 international students held valid study permits in Canada.

But with so many great cities from coast to coast, many wonders: “Which are the most multicultural cities in Canada?” Below, a look at five Canadian cities that are home to the largest percentages of people from abroad.

1. Toronto: Canada’s most diverse city 

Among Canada’s most diverse cities, Toronto easily wins first place. It’s nearly impossible to spend a day in Toronto without mixing with people from around the world. A Statistics Canada report examined the geographic distribution of the Canadian immigrant population and found Toronto to be the top destination for new Canadians.  

Toronto’s 2.7 million immigrants actually account for nearly half—46% to be exact—of the city’s entire population. This group represents 35.9% of Canada’s entire immigrant population.  

That’s exactly why The BBC named Toronto the most multicultural city in the world a few years ago. In Toronto, the bustling Chinatown takes up a prominent part of the city’s downtown that it’s pretty hard to miss. Koreatown is a great place for food and fashion. Little Italy always has dozens of restaurants with mouth-watering pizzas and pastas on offer. There are also festivals like Taste of the Danforth (Canada’s largest street festival) that celebrates all things Greek, the Tamil Festival, and the Chinese Lantern Festival.  

Studying in Toronto with a PTE Academic Score 

If Toronto appeals to you, there are a number of excellent universities in Toronto that accept PTE: York University, Ryerson University, Ontario College of Art & Design University, George Brown College, Humber College.  

2. Montreal: An incredible arts scene  

Located in the French-speaking province of Quebec, Montreal is the home to 936,305 immigrants. It’s the second most diverse city in Canada. It has 12.4% of Canada’s immigrant population with folks from abroad representing 23.4% of the city’s total population. The ministry of immigration in Quebec reports that they are mostly European, Asian, or from other parts of the Americas.  

Montreal is a great city for a variety of reasons: its arts scene is incredible, it has amazing cuisine, it’s affordable and it’s located in the culturally-rich province of Quebec.  

And, if any newcomers want to experience this cultural diversity, the city puts on a number of festivals in summer in order to do so. There are entire weeks devoted to celebrating Japanese and Italian culture in June, for example.  

There is also a festival of world music in early summer where bystanders can hear instruments and music styles from all over the world. The Festival International Nuits d’Afrique is also a well-known festival in which more than 100 performers put on shows celebrating culture from Africa, the Caribbean, and Latin America.  

Studying in Montreal with a PTE Academic Score 

If Montreal appeals to you, there are a number of excellent universities in Montreal that accept PTE: McGill University, Concordia University, Montreal College of Information Technology. 

3. Vancouver: Combining city life with nature 

Vancouver’s 989,545 immigrants represent nearly 41% of the city’s population and just over 13% of the Canadian immigrant population. Many of those people come from places like China, India, The UK, the Philippines, and Hong Kong.  

Vancouver is arguably Canada’s most beautiful city. Those who live there get the best of both city life and nature. This is because Vancouver sits on the shores of the Pacific Ocean and in the mountains. It’s entirely possible to go trekking or sea kayaking during the day and settle in for cocktails and a fancy dinner in the evening. And thanks to the international community, you can expect to sit down to Chinese, Indian, or fusion foods at one of Vancouver’s many ethnically diverse restaurants.  

Studying in Vancouver with a PTE Academic Score 

If Vancouver appeals to you, there are a number of excellent universities in Vancouver that accept PTE: Simon Fraser University, University of British Columbia.  

4. Calgary: Close to tourist hotspots 

Calgary (nicknamed “Cowtown”) is one of Alberta’s most thriving areas. Statistics Canada has reported that about 5.4% of Canada’s immigrant population live in Calgary. That translates to nearly 405,000 and over 29% of the city’s total population. 

While the Calgary Stampede festival is Calgary’s claim to fame, many other events highlight the international cultures present in the neighborhoods of Cowtown. Examples include GlobalFest, Omatsuri (a Japanese event), Fiestaval (which celebrates Latin American identity), Serbian Fest, and the Calgary International Film Festival which screens works from more than 40 countries worldwide.

Another huge draw for those from abroad: Calgary provides the comforts of city life but is just a short road trip from main Canadian tourist destinations like Banff, Lake Louise and Kootenay National Park.  

Studying in Calgary with a PTE Academic Score 

If Calgary appeals to you, there are a number of excellent universities in Calgary that accept PTE: University of Calgary, Bow Valley College, Mount Royal University. 

5. Edmonton: A city of parks  

Edmonton has become a hub for immigrants seeking a new home in Canada. About 4% of Canada’s immigrant population lives in the northern city representing nearly a quarter of the Edmonton population overall. Move here and you can expect dry weather and long days with late sunsets in the summer. The winter, by contrast, is very snowy and cold.  

Edmonton locals also brag that more than 150 languages are spoken there. French, Punjabi, Cantonese, Mandarin, Arabic, and Spanish are the most prevalent.  

Edmonton is also a fairly green city with more than 460 parks. For day trips, newcomers can experience iconic locations nearby like Jasper National Park and UNESCO site Dinosaur Provincial Park—a spot famous for its dinosaur fossils.  

Studying in Edmonton with a PTE Academic Score 

If Edmonton appeals to you, there are a number of excellent universities in Edmonton that accept PTE: University of Alberta, The King’s University, Northern Alberta Institute of Technology, Macewan University.  

PTE can make your Canadian dream a reality 

If you’re thinking about studying in any of these top five most multicultural Canadian cities, consider using PTE as your stepping stone. The English proficiency test is recognized by some of Canada’s most prestigious colleges and universities. It also has testing centers in or near each of the cities listed above. Currently, international students can complete a test in Toronto, Montreal, Calgary, Edmonton, Burnaby (right next door to Vancouver), and Ottawa.  

Discover where PTE can take you in Canada.

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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.

    In this guide, we’ll take a look into what the process entails. By the end you’ll have all the information and online resources you need to apply for a permanent resident visa in Australia:

    What does it mean to be a permanent resident in Australia?

    With an Australian permanent resident visa, you can remain in the country indefinitely. If you secure a permanent resident visa you’ll also be able to:

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    • Sponsor relatives for their permanent resident visas

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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.

    A family-stream permanent resident visa

    A family member can sponsor you for a visa. You can do this if you are the partner, child, parent, or dependent of an Australian citizen or an Australian permanent resident. You can also be sponsored for a permanent resident visa if you need to move to Australia to care for a family member long-term. You can apply from both inside and outside Australia for this type of visa.

    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

    If you own or manage a business in Australia, or invest in the country, you can apply for a permanent resident visa. This will allow you to live and work in Australia indefinitely.

    People are also eligible to apply for permanent resident visas in Australia for a range of different reasons. For example, if you wish to retire or are a former resident of the country. You may also apply if you have a “distinguished talent” – which means you have made an outstanding achievement in a certain field – or are a refugee. For each visa, you’ll also have to check if you qualify. Every situation is different and you can explore every visa option on the Australian Government website.

    Fees and processing times

    Expect to pay $2,890 AUD for an investor visa, $4,770 AUD for a skilled visa, and $9,095 AUD for a partner visa.*

    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.

    Many permanent resident visas always require you to take an English language test, so you’ll have to study for this in advance. Our secure, computer-based English exam PTE Academic is accepted by the Australian government for all visa categories – including business and investment permanent resident visas. And the good news? Once you’ve written the test, you get the results within 48 hours.

    Learn more about PTE Academic for Australia.

    Plan ahead

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    Want to learn more about living, working, and studying in Australia? Check out all our articles on our blog.

    We are not immigration agents. For all up-to-date information about visa rules and regulations, see the official guidelines on the Department of Home Affairs website.

    Last updated 20 December 2024.

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    Study in Malaysia with PTE Academic
    By PTE Author
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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.

    You will then need to complete an English language preparation program within 12 months at the respective private college or university and pass the language test requirement. Only then will you will be able to commence your course.

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    You do not need to prove your English language skills if you are an international student that:

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    Where is PTE Academic accepted?

    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.

    There are a growing number of Malaysian Universities that now recognize PTE Academic such as:

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    • Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU)

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    • Berjaya University College

    • Curtin University (Sarawak)

    • Cyberlynx International College

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    • 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

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    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.

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    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.