Canada
- Canada is the second-largest country in the world.
- Land of Immigrants.
- Multicultural Society.
- One of the most industrialized countries in the world.
- The currency is the Canadian Dollar.
- The provinces of Ontario and Quebec are known for industries.
- Area of 99 lakh square kilometers with a population of around 37.6 million.
- A world leader in Aerospace, Pharmaceuticals, telecommunications, and Biotechnology.
- Almost 80% of the population of Canada lives within 250 kilometers of border with the U.S.
- Northern Canada is known for gas and oil exploration while Eastern Canada is known for agriculture, forestry, and fisheries.
Canada Economy
- The economy of Canada is a highly developed mixed economy.
- It is the 9th largest GDP by nominal and 15th largest GDP by PPP (Purchasing Power Parity) in the world.
- As with other developed nations, the country’s economy is dominated by the service industry which employs about three-quarters of Canadians.
- Ontario, which has 39 percent of Canada’s population, remains its economic motor. In 2018, the province accounted for $859.1 billion, or 38 percent of Canada’s GDP.
Education System
Universities & Colleges
In some parts of the world, the words “college” and “university” are often used interchangeably to refer
to all post-secondary education. In Canada, the two are very distinct in terms of their program offerings, requirements and teaching styles.
| UNIVERSITIES | COLLEGES |
|---|---|
| There are 91 universities in Canada, offering students over 15,000 undergraduate (Bachelors) and graduate (Masters and Ph.D.) degree programs | Canada is home to over 130 colleges |
| Universities provide well-rounded academic education with theoretical and practical components | Colleges in Canada focus on applied and technical education that is specifically geared to the students’ desired profession/career |
| Due to the in-depth curriculum, undergraduate (Bachelor’s) university programs are typically three or four years long, though some two-year Associate Bachelor’s degree programs are available | Class sizes are small, with a lower student-to-instructor ratio which allows teachers to provide personalized attention and more practical or hands-on learning opportunities |
Course Duration
- Undergraduate degrees in Canada can take two to four years to complete, depending on the university. Postgraduate degrees last between one and three years to complete, depending on the type of degree.
- For Postgraduate – These courses range between 1-2 years
Course Intakes
- The three main intakes in Canada are fall, winter, and summer intakes.
- Winter intake: January
- Fall intake: September
- Spring/Summer intake: May
Types of Universities/ Colleges
Different types of higher education providers in Canada include: universities (which carry out research and provide both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees), community colleges and technical, applied arts, or applied science schools (which grant certificates, diplomas, associate’s degrees, and bachelor’s degrees).
Demanding Courses
Career Opportunities
- International students place post-graduation benefits as an important factor when finalizing destinations for their academic careers.
- Canada’s foreign-worker policies and post-graduate work programs make it possible for international students to work in Canada after they graduate, and give Canada a competitive advantage over other international education destinations.
- Students graduating from a 2+ year PGWP-eligible academic program can work up to three years following their period for study. Students in an 8-month to 2-year program can obtain a PGWP that is valid for up to the same length as their study program. For example, if a student completed a 9-month program, a work permit may be issued for up to 9-months. Students in a program that is less than 8-months in duration are not eligible for PGWP.
- The experience international graduates gain – and the income derived – from this employment is important to offset the family’s investment and help repay their study loans.
- The work experience gained while working can also help international students qualify for permanent residence in Canada.
- The post-graduation work permit (PGWP) allows students who have graduated from a participating Canadian post-secondary institution to gain valuable Canadian work experience. These institutions are known as designated learning institutions (DLI) and are approved by a provincial or territorial government to host international students.