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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    Teacher Profile: Preparing for PTE in Kathmandu
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    Ramesh Thapa works in a language school in Kathmandu, Nepal. As an English language teacher, he does more than teach grammar and vocabulary – he helps people change their lives.

    Four years ago, Ramesh began teaching preparation classes for students who want to take PTE Academic. It’s no small challenge: His students need a good PTE score so they can study and live abroad – or to get the English-speaking jobs they want at home.

    People come to Ramesh because they know they can rely on him to help them prepare for the test. They have big dreams – so the stakes are high.

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    How Ramesh teaches PTE preparation   

    With a maximum of ten people per class, students in Ramesh’s classes get a lot of personal attention and support. He explains that he uses a computer with a projector in the main classroom to share examples of PTE activities. Students get to try each task type themselves –  and Ramesh shares with them tips and strategies for maximizing their score.

    For Ramesh, the students are the most important part of the equation. As such, peer-to-peer learning and home study are key parts of his preparation course.“I’ll have my students take turns reading aloud and commenting on one another’s speaking,” he explains. “At the end of the class, I’ll give them an assignment so they can keep practicing at home.”

    Ramesh is no stranger to technology either. When it comes to PTE, he knows how important it is for students to feel comfortable with the technology. “It is a computer-based exam, so all teachers should make sure that their students are practicing on a computer,” he says. “We have a separate computer lab where students can get unlimited lab access – and this is a big part of helping students get their desired scores.” 

    In this way, not only do students get a better feel for the exam, but they also get to practice their typing skills. 

    Helping students to overcome their challenges 

    Ramesh finds that his students struggle with the Repeat sentence task in the Speaking part of the exam. “They have trouble with the accent when listening and pronouncing the words,” he says.

    For the same reason, his students often find the Listening part of PTE the most challenging. “Most of my students find difficulty in listening because our accents differ from the American and British accents,” Ramesh explains.

    And of course, as any language teacher knows, practice makes perfect. “The main solution is practice,” he says, “so I ask them to listen to more audio recordings which will ultimately help them be successful.”  

    Advice for other teachers 

    “Personally,” Ramesh says, “I think students should get all of the required details, materials, tips, and tricks from their PTE tutors.” So, a robust understanding of the exam is crucial for teachers. “It’s helpful to access the free training that is available from Pearson,” Ramesh advises. And, for the best chance of success, students need to do a practice test. “After they have completed a course, students should be provided with several mock tests,” he says.

    This builds students’ confidence and helps to reduce test-day nerves.

    What about his other students? 

    Many of Ramesh’s former students have gone on to achieve their goals and are now studying thousands of miles away, in Australia and Canada. It’s been hard work for them, but with thorough preparation with the help of an inspiring teacher, it’s been a great journey.

    Learn more 

    We’d like to shine a spotlight on the work of our teachers so that we can learn from one another. Each month we’ll be showcasing the work of one PTE Academic teacher from around the globe.

    Are you a PTE Academic teacher who has advice and teaching tips to share with the Teacher Community? We’d like to hear from you! Fill out this brief form to express your interest in being featured in an upcoming teacher profile and we’ll be in touch shortly. And for more insights into teaching PTE, sign up for our teacher newsletter. 

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    Studying medicine in the UK
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    Are you interested in studying medicine in the UK?  You’ve come to the right place. In this blog, we’ll learn about some of the best medical schools in the UK and what you need to apply. We’ll also explore tuition costs, visa requirements, and more. Ready? Let’s take a look:  

    Why study medicine in the UK 

    Medicine can be a competitive degree. But, studying it in the UK can prepare you to work and practice in one of the best healthcare systems in the world. According to a 2017 study by The Commonwealth Fund, the UK and its healthcare system ranked number one in overall performance, compared to 10 other high-income countries – including in things like care process and equity. The UK’s health service, called the NHS, is publicly funded.  

    The UK also boasts world-class Research and Development (R&D), which the government actively invests in. For example, the UK hopes to raise funding for R&D to £22 billion a year by 2025. This means studying medicine in the UK can provide you with the opportunity to learn at state-of-the-art facilities, as well as help give you more access to research support and funding.   

    Best medical schools in the UK  

    The UK is home to some of the best universities in the world. In fact, according to the QS World University Rankins 2021, the UK boasts four of the top 10 best universities to study medicine worldwide – including University of Oxford (2), University of Cambridge (4), University College London (9) and Imperial College London (10).

    There’s also University of Glasgow, University of Dundee, University of Edinburgh, and University of St Andrews in Scotland, as well as Queen Mary University of London in England, and Swansea University in Wales. All of these are listed within the top universities for medicine in the UK by the Complete University Guide 2021 rankings.

    Of course, the best university for study will come down to one very important aspect: you. Be sure to do your research on each university, try to speak to current students, and discover what career options the choice will give you in the future. 

    Types of medicine degrees 

    Medicine degrees in the UK can take between 4-6 years to complete. Students applying to study medicine in the UK have four types of courses to choose from:  

    • Standard Entry Medicine– a bachelor’s degree in medicine 

    • Graduate Entry Medicine – a graduate degree in medicine

    • Medicine with a Preliminary Year – a bachelor’s degree in medicine that includes an extra first year, for students who didn’t take the necessary science courses in school

    • Medicine with a Gateway Year– similar to the course above, this is made for students who’ve had barriers to education and offers different entry requirements 

    No matter which degree you choose, you’ll have to sit an admissions test. There are three different admissions tests in the UK, and which ones you take will depend on what institution you apply for. The tests are:   

    • The UCAT (University Clinical Aptitude Test) 

    • The BMAT (BioMedical Admissions Test)

    • The GAMSAT (Graduate Medical School Admissions Test) 

    In addition to these tests, you’ll need to look at the admission requirements for each medical school you intend to apply for. These might include mandatory school courses, personal statements, or an interview to talk about work experience.  

    The Medical Schools Council of the UK has an excellent in-depth guide to entry requirements for dozens of universities across the UK, as well as more information on the courses and tests we list above. You can also learn more on their website. 

    Visas 

    If you’re coming to the UK to study medicine, you’ll need a Student visa. To apply, you’ll need to be offered a spot at a university, have sufficient funds to support yourself, and prove you’re proficient in English. And, our computer-based English language test at PTE Academic is approved by the UK Home Office for all Student visas. You’ll have to demonstrate you’re at a B2 level or higher, depending on your university. 

    After graduating, you might be able to apply for the Graduate route to stay in the UK to work (or look for work) for 2-3 years, depending on your degree.

    Keep in mind: We aren’t immigration agents. For the latest information and official updates, please visit the GOV UK website. 

    Costs 

    Studying medicine in the UK for international students can be expensive. According to Save the Student, medical degrees in the UK can cost up to £64,652 per year – which is a lot more expensive than other degrees. On average, students spend about £795 on living costs each month in the UK. However, the average salary for nurses in the UK is over £35,000 per year. Doctors who are general practitioners can make between £60,455 to £91,228 per year.  

    Learn more on our blog: Living expenses in the UK for international students 

    Studying medicine in the UK can be incredibly rewarding. You’ll have the opportunity to learn at a world-class university, and perhaps even contribute to cutting-edge research. On top of this, you’ll get to explore the UK’s beautiful landscapes, history, culture – and immerse yourself in all the great things it has to offer.  

    Learn more about PTE Academic UKVI, our English test recognized by the UK’s Home Office.

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    How to find student accommodation in Australia
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    Have you been accepted to study in Australia? Looking for a place to live can be one of the most enjoyable parts of planning your move abroad. There are lots of housing opportunities for international students – and in this blog, we’ll take you through a few options.

    We’ll explore accommodation around two popular universities – The University of Adelaide and The University of Melbourne to help you begin your search. We’ll also give you an idea about where you might look for housing in other cities around the country. 

    What’s important to you? 

    There are a number of things you should consider when deciding on a place to live. We recommend making a list of everything you want in a home. Having a clear idea about what kind of place you want to live in will help you to narrow down your housing options – and ensure you have the best possible experience abroad. Ask yourself:  

    • Do you want to live close to campus? 

    • Do you want to live in a house or an apartment?

    • Do you want to live in a social setting with roommates?

    • What amenities can’t you live without? (like air conditioning or high-speed internet)

    • And, of course, what is your budget? 

    You might be interested in our blog: Australian loans for international students 

    On-campus housing 

    Nearly all major institutions in Australia offer on-campus accommodation for international students. Lots of people choose to live in these residences because they’re convenient and it’s really easy to get to class. University residences also provide international students with a supportive place to call home right upon arriving from abroad.

    Living on-campus is a great opportunity to meet fellow students, too, because there are usually lots of social events planned throughout the semester. Accommodation can range from shared dorm rooms, single rooms, or private studio apartments, and can cost between $110-$280 AUD a week.

    So, what do The University of Adelaide and The University of Melbourne offer?

    Off-campus housing 

    There is a whole range of housing options off-campus, too. Let’s explore:  

    Student accommodation 

    There are lots of private student accommodation options located close to universities. They are usually not managed by universities themselves. But they are designed specifically for students and usually have many of the same facilities as a student residence – such as food halls or study rooms.

    Remember, even if you don’t live in a university residence, you can still have a full social life and take part in activities with fellow students.

    Check out these resources to help find off-campus student accommodation in Melbourne and Adelaide: 

    • Adelaide Student Housing is a website made to help international students look for accommodation in the city. It’s run by the Government of South Australia and features more than two dozen student housing options – including places like UniLodge, Y Suites, and Atira Student Living. The website also lists weekly prices for each property, making it easy for international students to compare. Prices range between $105-$690 AUD a week.

    • Close to the University of Melbourne, you can also find places like UniLodge and Infinity Place. Prices for these two options range between $173-$589 AUD a week. If you want to look for more student housing locations check out the website University Living, which lists accommodation for students in hundreds of cities around the world.

    Private rentals  

    When you finally arrive in Australia, you might also decide to live on your own in an apartment. There are definitely some benefits to living in a private rental. You get more independence and privacy. You can also choose to live anywhere you like in your new city or town.

    According to the government website Study Australia, rent can cost between $185-$440 AUD a week. You might also be asked to sign a lease for an extended period, which could give you less flexibility during your time abroad.

    You can look for private rentals in Melbourne, Adelaide, and across Australia using websites like Domain, Gumtree, or realestate.com.au. 

    Living with roommates  

    Sharing a house or apartment is a popular option for local and international students alike. It’s common for three or more people to share the same living space.

    Overall, this arrangement gives you a great chance to meet other students or young professionals – and perhaps even form lasting friendships. Shared accommodation can cost between $95-$215 AUD a week. Just make sure to sign a contract so everyone is aware of their rights and responsibilities.

    You can search for roommates on websites like flatmates.com.au or Flatmate Finders. Also check out university-specific community Facebook groups, where students often post rooms for rent.  

    Homestays 

    You might choose a homestay option, which means you’ll live with a local family. This might help you feel more supported and less isolated. You’ll also get the chance to practice your English skills in a home environment and possibly go on trips to visit local attractions, celebrate holidays, and experience your host family’s culture.

    Homestays usually include meals, which can be a big plus for busy students. They can be arranged by an education agent in Australia, but there are a range of organizations you can look into for more information, as well – including  Australia Home Stay Network, and Study Vision.

    As you can see, there are lots of accommodation options for international students across Australia. And the best part? Many are designed to support students’ needs and make them feel at home while abroad.

    At PTE Academic, we’re also committed to helping students succeed. We have tons of resources for international students moving across borders – including articles on Australian student visas, the benefits and costs of studying in Australia, and scholarships around the world. Check them out!