How safe is studying in Canada?   

Yes. There’s a low crime rate in Canada and it’s one of the safest countries according to the 2022 Global Peace Index*. Plus, 60% of international students apply for permanent residency after study. 

*The Global Peace Index is a report by the Institute for Economics and Peace surveying countries based on safety and stability, domestic and international violence, and militarism. 

Yes! Canada has many diverse, multicultural cities where international students can find community and belonging. Canada is friendly to immigrants and has an accepting society. 

Curious what others think? IDP Education gathered video testimonials from international students, counsellors, and institutions on what studying is like in Canada.  

12 Safety Tips for Studying in Canada  

1. Know who to contact in case of emergency. 
   
   911 is the number for police and other emergency services. 
    
2. Have a cab number or a rideshare app on hand. 
    
3. Use Walk Home Services. 
   
   Universities and colleges have Walk Home Services where student volunteers can accompany you home if you’re alone and out late. 
    
4. Make sure friends and family know your whereabouts. 
    
5. Use International Student Services resources. 
   
   Your college or university’s International Student Services have free, useful workshops to help keep you informed and safe. 
    
6. Know where emergency buttons are on public transportation. 
   
   Public transportation has emergency buttons and strips that alert staff if you feel endangered or a crime has occurred. Some cities offer specific stop requests between designated bus stops to make sure riders feel safe at night. 
    
7. Attach a safety whistle to your keychain in case of emergency. 
    
8. Have fun responsibly. 
   
   Pay attention to your surroundings and make sure you have a safe way to get home. If something feels wrong, listen to yourself and make smart decisions. Driving under the influence or drinking underage can result in deportation. 
    
9. Keep your valuables in a secure place in your apartment. 
    
10. Choose housing that feels right for you. 
    
    It can feel overwhelming moving in with strangers. Besides renting and subletting, you can also homestay with a family through the Canada Homestay Network. 
     
11. Rent responsibly. 
    
    Know your tenant rights and what’s included in your rental contract (utilities, internet, etc). 
     
12. Be aware of scams and frauds. 
    
    Wherever you study, students can fall victim to scams and frauds. Certain crimes that target international students include scams where people impersonate the Canada Revenue Agency, Service Canada, Immigration Canada and the Canada Border Services Agency. Luckily, the best way to protect yourself is to be proactive and informed.  
    
    Like previously mentioned, Canadian universities and colleges provide free workshops for international students, including scam and fraud awareness.  
    
    Bottom line, trust your gut. If someone is asking you urgently for money or personal information, see it as a red flag.  
    
    To learn more, visit your International Student Services and check out EduCanada’s article on avoiding fraud. (EduCanada is The Government of Canada’s official website for international students.) 

We hope you’ve gained some insight on what it’s like to study in Canada and that these tips have given you some peace of mind. 

Want to learn more about international student life in Canada? Follow IDP Education Canada on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter.