Student Life: Studying in Canada vs Australia

Depending on how old you are, your motivations for choosing to study abroad might differ slightly. If you are younger you may be more interested in the student life surrounding the study experience. If you are somewhat older, you may be thinking more long-term, your plans after graduation. The good news is that both Canada and Australia boast excellent colleges and universities that offer vibrant student lives. Both countries also want their foreign graduates to put the skills and knowledge they have acquired during their studies to good use in their own countries, and so they offer pathways to becoming a permanent resident after you graduate. It will ultimately come down to you to decide where you want your future to be, as a determined person can achieve whatever they set out to do, that is the Canadian dream. Just be forewarned, your decision to study in Canada could very well end up with you deciding to immigrate to Canada. We are that confident in just how amazing our country is. Let's go over some of the advantages you will experience if you choose to study in Canada over Australia.

Advantages of Studying in Canada

Canada has two national languages

While you will most likely be communicating in English on a daily basis, Canada’s other national language is French! You will undoubtedly increase your French-speaking ability while completing your studies, and maybe be able to put them to good use beyond.

Canada has some of the best-rated universities in the world

Not only are our universities very highly ranked globally, but they also boast of the best post-graduate employability records in the world. Long story short, if you graduate from a Canadian university, and are actively seeking employment in Canada, you have an excellent chance of finding it. From there, becoming a permanent resident of Canada is pretty much a given. A few of Canada’s top-ranked universities include:

• University of Toronto - Top 30
• University of British Columbia - Top 40
• McGill University - Top 50
• University of Alberta - Top 150

and we can confidently say that the pursuit for a higher standard of excellence trickles down through all of Canada’s post-secondary educational institutions. We are all competing to produce better skilled and more knowledgeable graduates every year.

A Welcoming Community

Canada has one of the most diverse, accepting, and cosmopolitan cultures in the world. Over 50% of our population does not list English as their first language. We value our LGBTQ community both on and off-campus and as a part of our 120,000 strong international foreign student contingent, we will value your special cultural input into our giant melting pot.

High quality of life with a lower cost of living

Canada has consistently been ranked second in the world for not only safety but also the quality of life. Socializing is a favorite pastime of all Canadians and so it is important to us that the costs associated with doing so aren’t overly expensive. Areas where students live and study have shops and restaurants that offer special deals exclusively for students. They also offer numerous part-time job opportunities for foreign students who want or need to earn extra money.

How Can I Apply To Study In Canada?

There are three important factors to consider if you want to study in Canada. Where you want to study, are you eligible to study and can you afford to study in Canada? The first step requires you to apply to schools of your choice for the programs of your choice. The second requires you to apply for a Canadian study visa. The finances are up to you, just know there are numerous scholarships and bursary funds here in Canada for foreign students, so your dream is always alive. Let’s take a look at the eligibility requirements for a Canadian student visa:

Canadian Student Visa Requirements:

• Proof of Acceptance - this will be provided to you by the institution you have applied to. If you have to take prerequisite courses, such as English or French before you can start your actual studies, you will be granted a shortened study permit, and will need to reapply for an extension once you start your actual program.
• Proof of Identity - you will need a valid passport or travel document. If you have any family members (partner or children) accompanying you, they will require the same.
• Proof of Financial Support - in addition to your proof of your tuition fees you must show you have a minimum of $10,000 per year to support your living expenses. You can use any of the following methods as proof:
  • Canadian bank account in your name with minimum amount;
  • Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) from a Canadian financial institution;
  • Proof of a student loan from your bank;
  • Your bank statements from the past four months
  • A bank draft that can be converted to Canadian dollars;
  • Proof you have paid the tuition and housing fees upfront;
  • A letter from a person or school sponsoring your education and expenses; or
  • If you have a scholarship or are in a Canadian-funded educational program, proof thereof.
• If you have a partner or children accompanying you, in addition to your own $10,000 you will need to show $4,000 for the first dependant, $3,000 for the second dependent, and so on.
• Letter of Explanation - attach a letter to your application which outlines your goals. Namely, why you want to study in Canada and that you understand your responsibilities to your institution and as a student

How We Can Help You On Your Journey

We understand you are interested in this topic because you are thinking about your future, and we like that. Studying in Canada could lead to a career and a future in Canada, or better prospects in your home country, that will ultimately be up to you. What we can assure you is that studying in Canada will be an unforgettable experience; four beautiful seasons, from snowy winters to warm and balmy summers, wide-open spaces and abundant wildlife, multicultural diversity, safety, and unparalleled quality of life. By using our accredited Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) you will not only improve your chances of success in your Canadian visa application process, but you will get expert advice on how you can proceed after graduation if you intend to continue living in Canada. Our RCICs are highly qualified and are granted permission by the Canadian government to assist you with your eligibility evaluation, review all your documents and application forms, and submit them for you. We handle the paperwork while you plan your perfect working holiday in Canada. All you have to do is complete our online form by clicking the link below and we’ll take care of the rest. It's just that simple.

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