Canadian universities: Seven tips for choosing the right one for you
So you decided to study abroad in Canada – congratulations! Now you’ve got another important choice to make: which universities to apply to? Similar to the U.S., Canada is home to some of the world’s top universities. We’ve put together a guide to help you narrow down your options and apply to the right schools for your academic, professional and personal needs.
1. Understand your major and career goals
Before you pick what schools to apply to, it’s helpful to have an idea of what you want to study in your postgraduate program. Don’t worry – you don’t need to know your exact major quite yet. But you should have an idea of the direction you want to go academically. Health sciences, engineering or maybe another field of study? Knowing your academic interests helps you research schools specializing in those postgraduate degree programs. Knowing your career goals helps too. Some schools may offer specialized internship, research opportunities or co-op programs to help you start making professional connections while you’re in school.
2. Explore university rankings
While university ranking shouldn’t be the only factor in deciding which schools to apply to, they can be a helpful part of the decision process. Rankings can give you a clearer idea of a school’s reputation in your preferred degree program.
3. Check out campus life and extracurricular activities
While your primary focus on campus should be academics, studying abroad is also a time to have fun and connect with other students. When you’re comparing schools, be sure to check out their student clubs, sports and other on-campus facilities. Larger universities may even have clubs for students from your home country, which can be a great way to feel at home in a new country.
4. Compare tuition costs
Let’s be real: Studying abroad can be expensive. Tuition costs vary significantly between different Canadian universities and provinces. Be sure to research the cost of your program and the cost of living in the area your school is located. Housing, food and transportation costs can all add up. Financial aid can help in these situations, so be sure to check out MPOWER’s international student scholarships and no-cosigner student loans. MPOWER loans can cover up to US$100,000 total in tuition fees at schools in Canada..
5. Research international student support
Studying abroad in a new country is exciting – and it might also be challenging at times. For those challenging moments, it’s helpful to be enrolled at a school with a robust support system for international students. Check to see if the school you’re researching has a dedicated international student office to support your needs on campus.
Canada hosts hundreds of thousands of international students every year. As a result, many businesses offer special international student promotions that can go a long way toward helping you feel supported in your new home. Our trusted partners at TD Bank, for example, offer an exclusive International Student Banking Package designed to help you get your start in Canada.*
6. Consider location and climate
Another factor that’s important to consider when picking schools is location. Do you prefer the hustle and bustle of a big city or the local charm of a small town? Or perhaps you’re looking for something in between. Major cities like Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal are great choices for students looking to study in an urban setting. Also remember to consider climate. While Canada is known for its colder winters, the actual climate varies a bit throughout the country. Do your research on milder settings in the country if you’re not ready to face a Canadian winter!
7. Consider application requirements
Finally, you’ll want to consider each university’s application requirements, which can vary significantly from school to school. Some might have specific test requirements, and most will require a language proficiency test. You’ll want to make sure to take any required tests for your potential schools before applying, so note down the different requirements while you’re doing your research.
Education in Canada is only the beginning of your journey
Choosing the right Canadian university for your academic, professional and personal needs requires a decent amount of research. But rest assured that whichever schools you decide to apply to, Canada’s welcoming and inclusive environment makes it a great place for all international students to thrive both academically and personally.
*MPOWER has referral agreements with TD Bank and may earn referral fees from this relationship.
