How Can International Students Apply to the Best Colleges in Canada?

International students often choose to study further in Canada because of how this affects their academic or career goals, and how it can offer them a pathway to living and working in the country. It isn’t always easy to choose the right college because there are many things to be considered, from reputation and location to fees and work opportunities after graduation.  

This blog lists the important things to keep in mind before making your decision. 

What Are Your Academic or Career Goals in Canada?

 International students often choose to further their educational journeys based on career goals or programs linked to occupations in long-term shortage areas. College rankings are a great way of finding the best institutions for programs related to business, engineering, or health sciences, among other fields, but students also think about where colleges are located, and job opportunities in the region. 

Location can make an enormous difference because Canada has great educational institutions in urban areas like Toronto or Vancouver, as well as high-ranking colleges in smaller cities offering a more laidback learning experience. Climactic conditions also vary and can impact student life on and off campus. 

The Importance of Reputation, Fees, and Financial Aid

International students should always check if the college or university being considered is accredited by the appropriate Canadian authorities and meets national standards. Check rankings from independent sources or speak to an IDP counsellor for advice on how to choose the right program. 

Next, check tuition fees, which may vary significantly depending on the program and institution. IDP Canada has a Cost of Living calculator that can help you estimate how much you will need to cover all your other expenses as an international student.  

Finally, look for scholarships or grants that can help make your academic journey easier to manage. A lot of students work while they study, to gain valuable work experience while enhancing their quality of life. Find out more about work opportunities as an international student, how to get a work permit, what it means to study on or off-campus, and how to prepare for life after college by transitioning to a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). 

What do Canadian Colleges Offer in Terms of Student Support? 

It is important for international students to choose a college that offers strong support services, such as orientation programs to help students acclimate to Canadian culture, counselling and wellness services, cultural exchange programs that promote social integration, or even language support if English or French is not your first language and you want to improve your communication skills. 

Here is more information about free support services available at colleges or universities for everything from finances to mental health, study skills, and more. 

Other Factors to Keep in Mind While Choosing a Canadian College

Here are a few more things to consider, starting with the size of your classes. Smaller classes can lead to more direct interaction, while larger classes are more impersonal but may offer wider perspectives, so think about what learning style and preferences work for you. 

Also, research the safety of a campus and surrounding community and visit a campus if possible because it is the best way to gauge whether a college is right for you. It allows you to speak with current students, understand student life better, and find out more about any program you are considering. 

Choosing the best college in Canada as an international student clearly depends upon a lot of factors, from an individual’s personal goals to the costs and services offered. Research always helps, and IDP Canada has a lot of resources on everything from provincial guides to student visa requirements, key dates to keep in mind, and more. 

If you have more questions about studying in Canada as an international student, our education counsellors are here to help! Book a free chat here. Get help or advice on everything from fine-tuning your application to choosing the right courses.  

For more tips and information about international student life in Canada, follow IDP Education Canada on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter.