Rising East Coast: Why is Halifax the Next Toronto for Relocation?

Explore the benefits of studying in Halifax, Nova Scotia—a city where world-class education meets vibrant coastal living:

1. The quality of education: Nova Scotia offers top-notch education with its 10 Universities and community college systems that include 13 campuses and learning Centers. Halifax hosts the main campuses of six universities: Dalhousie University, Saint Mary’s University, Mount Saint Vincent University, University of King’s College, NSCAD University, and Université Sainte​ (Discover Halifax, n.d.)​.

2. Diversity of cultures: Halifax, which is Nova Scotia, is emerging as one of Canada’s most multicultural cities. This city is home to people from over 200 different ethnic backgrounds, with immigrants from more than 168 countries. Over 100 languages are spoken here. For the past ten years, Halifax has seen record numbers of international students enrolling. The city’s growing diversity is not surprising given Nova Scotia’s welcoming nature​ (Choerab, 2021)​.

3. Pathways to long-term settlement: Canada aims to welcome 465,000 new permanent residents in 2023, 485,000 in 2024, and 500,000 in 2025​ (immigration-refugees-citizenship, 2022)​, with the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) being a key pathway. Halifax, Nova Scotia is an excellent place to study, as it participates in AIP. The Program allows employers to hire foreign nationals with Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), making it easier to transition to permanent residency. Graduates from recognised institutions in Halifax are exempt from work experience requirements if they meet certain criteria. Halifax offers strong settlement support, making it easier for newcomers to integrate, work, and stay in Canada​ (Owlspriority Immigration, n.d.)​.

Discover how Halifax offers a more affordable and welcoming environment than Toronto for international students:

• Halifax stands out as a more affordable and comfortable place to live compared to Toronto. The Cost of living for a Single person in Halifax is $2,377 per month, comparatively lower than Toronto’s $3,551 per month ​(Kota, 2024)​.

• Halifax experiences a more temperate maritime climate with winter lows of approximately -7°C and summer highs reaching about 23°C compared to Toronto’s colder winters and hotter, humid summers, with January temperatures of - 6°C and temperatures of 26°C in July​ (Duarte, 2023)​.

• Nova Scotia, the Province where Halifax is located, has a lower unemployment rate of 6.2% compared to Ontario, where Toronto is situated, which has an unemployment rate of 6.7%.​ (Statics of Canada, 2024)​.

With the recent changes in immigration policies, there will be a significant impact on the overall international Student experience. Halifax, known for its welcoming stance towards immigrants, offers a lifestyle comparable to that of Toronto, making it an ideal city for International Students. To pursue your dreams of studying in Halifax, reach out to experts at IDP Education for guidance.

Banukrishanthini Balakrishnan joined IDP as a Counsellor for Canada in 2021, Just like many others in IDP she is passionate about transforming lives through international education. As a counsellor, she assists students in making their journey seamless, guiding them through the entire process from application to study permit assistance. She ensures that students choose the right programs that align with their long-term career goals.

She is committed to staying updated on recent changes in Canada's immigration policies to provide accurate information, dispelling myths or doubts students may encounter through social media or other unreliable sources. She finds it fascinating to learn new things about the country she specialises in and to enjoying connected with students who have migrated to Canada, listening to their success stories.