Study in Ontario, Canada: Experience a world-class education

If you have Ontario in mind, then here are some of the key factors which will help you know more about the province:

1. Quality of education

Ontario has a mix of large, medium, and small universities. Although the degree is recognised globally with no bargaining in the quality of education. Some examples of such universities are:

• Small universities: Nipissing University

• Medium universities: Queen’s University

• Large universities: Western University and the University of Toronto

To give a glimpse below are some of the top institutions in Ontario:

2. Economic and financial centre of Canada

The multi-ethnic city “Toronto” is also the second-largest financial centre in North America and one of the top destinations for aspiring applicants to study, whereas Ottawa is the country’s capital. These two markets alone represent most major employers in Canada.

3. Technology centre

This indicates how manufacturing is a vital part of Ontario’s economy. The “Technology Triangle” of Ontario “Ottawa, Toronto & Waterloo” attracts bright students from around the world.

4. A safe, welcoming, and diverse society

Ontario is recognised for its cultural diversity and friendly hospitality. The province holds extensive experience in hosting international students and offers flexible policies and practices in place to promote student safety not just within the campus but also in homestay and the local community.

5. Emerging sectors

The diverse industries like Media, arts, and culture are the emerging pioneers of Ontario. For potential mechanical engineers, seven of the world’s largest vehicles company have their base in the province. This shows the labour market for students is quite healthy.

Quick facts about Ontario:

Population: 14,305,073

Capital: Toronto

Largest City: Toronto

Cost of Living: $4,975/ per month

Weather: Ontario has 4 seasons: summer, fall (autumn), winter and spring. Usually, January is the coldest month of the year, and July is the warmest

Since the province is the centre of the financial, government, and artistic sectors in Canada, most of the students plan to pursue their higher education in business, finance, technology, and arts stream.

Also, Ontario is famous for having some of the best STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) universities in Canada.

Post-secondary education in Ontario is the prime reasonability of the Ministry of Training, Colleges, and Universities. Whereas the Ontario Council on Graduate Studies comprising university deans of graduate studies appraises the latest graduate programs before they are reviewed by the ministry.

There are 19 publicly assisted and affiliates, one applied health science institute, 24 publicly assisted colleges of applied arts and technology, and 17 privately funded institutions with restricted degree-granting authority to provide post-secondary education in Ontario.

Several private and out-of-province public institutions offer specified degree programs in Ontario with the consent of the Minister of Training, Colleges, and Universities
University offers degree programs in the science, arts, graduate, and professional courses including distance and part-time programs.

More than 3,000 college programs are approved for funding. Although, these programs vary as per different regions of the province; however, 200 provincial programs are constant to provide program learning outcomes while individual colleges have an established area of specialisation

1. Toronto Metropolitan University

Caption: Downtown Toronto Campus, Toronto Metropolitan University (Source: ryerson.ca)

The university is located in Toronto the centre of the most diverse city places due to which creates an impact in both ways i.e., globally and locally. Besides, the university engages in scholarly, research, and creative (SRC) activity to address real-world problems to improve quality of life and drive economic growth.

2. University of Waterloo

Caption: Waterloo Campus, University of Waterloo (Source: uwaterloo.ca)

The University of Waterloo has a current strength of 42,000 students (both full-time and part-time) in undergraduate and graduate programs for Fall 2020. Besides, it granted more than 9,000 degrees in 2020.

3. University of Ottawa

Caption: Ottawa Campus, University of Ottawa (Source: uottawa.ca)

This university based in Ottawa is the largest bilingual (English French) university in the world based in the heart of Canada’s capital. Besides, its social sciences, engineering, health, science, and humanities are quite renowned.

Once you've decided where to study in British Columbia, the next step is to find where you’re going to live. There are numerous options available. Whether you're staying on campus or living in a private residence, each housing has its policy.

1. On-campus housing

Accommodations located on or near campus are in the form of dormitories called residence halls or townhouses/ apartments. It is probably easier to stay on campus than to search for off-campus housing as you will be in the vicinity of your classroom, and you get the expediential experience of studying in the classroom. You get to mingle with other students and make more connections.

2. Off-campus housing

To save on living you might look for private, off-campus housing. Try checking with your student union office on campus for a list of nearby rental units. Remember that these accommodations are not inspected by your institutions, so it is your responsibility to contact the landlord and examine the premises. Further, make sure while deciding on off-campus housing to consider the following points the proximity of the apartment from your campus, monthly rent, transport facility, and roommates.

3. Homestay

Some institutions provide an option to stay with a Canadian family in their home which includes private and shared furnished room facilities. This gives you a complete cultural experience and a home away from home. Mostly this option is given to under-18 students arriving in Canada.

4. Temporary housing option

You can temporarily book housing in Canada if you haven’t found any option before your approval. There are hotels near the campus locations which are available at a discounted rate if they have an arrangement with your institution.

5. Student residences

Off-campus student residences and on-campus housing options are almost similar in nature with the only difference in their operating authority i.e., these are managed by cooperative or private companies rather than a college or university. Although both are available to students only and the information can be obtained from campus only.

6. Rental housing or private rentals

This is the most common type of off-campus housing and these rental contracts in Ontario extend for a duration of 12 months. Do note that the majority of the rental housing is rented unfurnished in Ontario. However, those landlords often provide basic furnishings to students.

There are several ways to commute in Ontario while the most affordable options are walking, cycling, and public transit as compared to taxis, driving, and rideshare. Let’s explore each of them:

1. Public transit

Almost all the towns of Ontario have a public transit system, but small towns have a regional transit system. Besides, most of the institutions have these public transit systems (mainly buses) within their campuses or community. However, some big cities like Toronto have the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) which includes rapid transit trains, subways, light rapid transit lines, and buses.

2. GO transit

Go Transit is commuter trains and buses in and around the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA) between the cities and towns. Most the university and college students avail of services of this system.

3. Metrolinx and Presto

Metrolinx is a provincial transit agency that connects the public transit systems in the (GTHA) i.e., the regional commuter bus, GO Transit, and train system. As an international student, you can use Metrolinx Presto Card on many public transit systems within the GTHA region and in the city of Ottawa

4. Walking

Many international students in Ontario choose off-campus housing as it is within a walking distance of campus to save on commuting costs, although they may pay higher rent.

5. Cycling

One of the most inexpensive ways to commute in Ontario is cycling Many Ontario cities and towns have designated routes and paths for cyclists.

6. Taxi and Rideshare

Taxi service is available in almost all the cities of the province. However, the cost is a little expensive as compared to other modes of transport. Besides, the cost is based on the distance and time metered on the taxi, but you can still ask the driver for an approximate cost. Another option is to take up the shared ride on apps like Uber which is an alternative to taxi service.

7. Driving

Driving your car in Ontario is expensive as you must pay for insurance, regular maintenance, registration, refilling fuel or gas, and parking. Although, you may choose car-sharing services like Enterprise, ZipCar, Car2Go, or Community CarShare.

8. Carpool

Carpooling is another great way to commute as individuals who must arrange to drive to pick up other people who contribute to the cost of driving. But before you opt for this option, always keep a backup of other transport systems in case the driver isn’t available.

9. Train and buses

Intercity train and bus services at a discounted rate for students make it easy to travel in Ontario or to other provinces (even to the US). Know more about the Transport system in Canada.

Ontario is popularly known as the economic heart of Canada since all types of industries are present in there (precisely in Toronto and other urban areas). Here’s a brief on the thriving sectors of the province:

It is home to a strong updated service and information technology sector, along with the established manufacturing base (primarily the auto sector)

Also, the province has many natural resource-based industries with a well-established mining sector i.e., iron and nickel mines. Since the province has widespread forest areas, the lumber, paper, and pulp industry are quite common. The unemployment rate in Ontario is at 6.8% i.e., on par with the national average with promising job opportunities spanning from agriculture to information technology

Indeed, Ontario is known to be Canada’s most populated province with a variety of educational institutions than any other province with i.e., 20 universities, 26 colleges, and 150 apprenticeship trades. It’s the most culturally diverse province that offers friendly hospitality to all people from across the globe. For more information on the province and institution or course, feel free to get in touch with our international education experts who will guide you through the process.