Why choose Canada for master’s degree – Pros and Cons

Canada is a popular destination for international students pursuing a Master’s degree. It offers a number of advantages, including high-quality education, a diverse student body, affordable tuition fees, and the opportunity to gain post-graduation work experience. However, there are also some challenges to consider, such as the cold weather, remote location, and high cost of living. Here is a brief pros and cons of choosing Canada for a Master’s degree:

Pros of choosing Canada for a Master’s degree:

High-quality education:

Canada has many universities that are ranked among the best in the world, such as the University of Toronto, McGill University, and the University of British Columbia. These universities offer rigorous academic programs and cutting-edge research opportunities. The universities have a faculty of experienced and highly qualified professors. Many of these professors are internationally renowned experts in their fields. Class sizes in the universities are typically smaller than in other countries, such as the US and the UK. This allows students to receive more personalised attention from their professors. Canadian universities have state-of-the-art facilities, such as libraries, laboratories, and research centres. 

Canadian universities are known for their focus on innovation and research. This provides students with the opportunity to learn from and collaborate with leading researchers in their fields.Many Canadian universities offer internships and co-op opportunities to students. This allows students to gain valuable work experience while they are still studying. Canadian degrees are recognized and respected around the world. This gives graduates a competitive advantage in the global job market.

Diverse student body:

Canada is a multicultural country, and its universities attract students from all over the world. This provides a rich and diverse learning environment which helps students to develop a global outlook and to become more culturally competent.  Students can learn from and collaborate with peers from different backgrounds to gain new insights and perspectives. This can lead to more creative and innovative solutions to problems. In today’s globalised world, it is important to be able to work and collaborate with people from different cultures. Studying in a diverse environment can help students to improve their communication and interpersonal skills. Students learn to communicate effectively with people from different backgrounds and to resolve conflict peacefully. 

Canada is a bilingual country, with English and French as the official languages. Many Canadian universities offer French immersion programs, which give students the opportunity to learn French while they are studying. Students who study in a diverse environment have the opportunity to network with peers from different backgrounds. This can lead to valuable professional connections after graduation. Studying in a diverse environment can be a personally enriching experience. Students learn about different cultures and traditions, and they make friends from all over the world.

Affordable tuition fees:

Tuition fees in Canada are generally lower than in other popular study destinations, such as the US and the UK. For example, the average tuition fee for a Master’s degree in Canada is around CAD 16,000-30,000 per year, while the average tuition fee for a Master’s degree in the US is around USD 30,000-50,000 per year. There are a number of scholarships and fellowships available to international students in Canada. The cost of living in Canada is comparable to other developed countries, such as the US and the UK. This means that students can get a good quality of life without having to spend a lot of money. 

Post-graduation work permit(PGWP):

International students who graduate from a Master’s degree program in Canada are eligible for a post-graduation work permit. This allows them to gain valuable work experience in Canada after graduation. This work experience can help students to develop their skills and knowledge, and to make connections with potential employers. The PGWP can help students to improve their job prospects after graduation. Employers in Canada value international students with Canadian work experience. The PGWP can be a stepping stone to permanent residency in Canada. International students who have gained Canadian work experience may be eligible to apply for permanent residency through the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).

The length of the PGWP depends on the length of the student’s study program. Students who have graduated from a Master’s degree program are eligible for a PGWP that is valid for up to three years. To be eligible for a PGWP, students must have graduated from a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada. DLIs are institutions that have been approved by the Canadian government to receive international students. Students can apply for a PGWP online or through a visa application centre. The application process is typically straightforward, but it is important to meet all of the eligibility criteria and to submit all of the required documentation.

Path to citizenship (PR):

International students who have studied and worked in Canada may be eligible to apply for Canadian citizenship. Canada has a relatively open immigration policy, and skilled workers are in high demand. This means that international students who have studied and worked in Canada may have a good chance of being accepted for permanent residency. There are a number of immigration programs that international students may be eligible for, such as the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), and the Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). Canadian citizenship offers a number of benefits, such as the right to live, work, and study in Canada indefinitely; the right to apply for a Canadian passport; and the right to vote in Canadian elections.

Cons of choosing Canada for a Master’s degree:

Cold weather: Canada has a cold climate, especially in the winter months. This can be a challenge for students who are not used to cold weather. The average temperature in Canada in the winter is below freezing, and there can be heavy snowfall. Heating costs can be high in the winter, and you may need to purchase additional winter clothing and gear. It is important to dress warmly and to take precautions to avoid these health problems. The temperature in Canada can fluctuate significantly from day to day. It is important to check the weather forecast before heading out and to dress appropriately.

Expert Tip: There are a number of things you can do to stay warm in the cold weather, such as dressing in layers, wearing a hat and gloves, and staying active.

Remote location: Some parts of Canada are very remote, which can make it difficult to travel. For example, the northern province of Nunavut has no roads connecting it to the rest of Canada. The cost of travel in Canada can be high, especially if you are flying. The culture in remote areas of Canada may be different from the culture in the major cities. This can be a challenge for international students who are adjusting to a new country.

The degree of remoteness varies depending on where you choose to study. Some cities, such as Toronto and Vancouver, are well-connected and have easy access to transportation, while others, such as Whitehorse and Iqaluit, are more remote. Even in remote areas, there are typically options for travel and leisure. For example, many remote communities have small airports and offer tour packages. If you are planning to work in Canada after you graduate, you can use your time as a student to network with people in your field and to research job opportunities.

High cost of living: The cost of living in Canada is relatively high, especially in major cities like Toronto and Vancouver. Housing costs are one of the biggest expenses for students in Canada. Rent and mortgage payments can be high, especially in major cities like Toronto and Vancouver. Food costs are also high in Canada. The price of groceries and restaurant meals can be higher than in other developed countries. Transportation costs can also be high in Canada, especially if you rely on public transportation.

Expert Tip: There are a number of things you can do to reduce your cost of living, such as cooking at home, using public transportation, and taking advantage of free and low-cost activities.Take advantage of free and low-cost activities. There are many free and low-cost activities available in Canada, such as visiting museums, parks, and libraries. There are also a number of financial aid opportunities available to international students in Canada. These financial aid opportunities can help to reduce the cost of living.

Hope this blog is helpful to know more about studying masters in Canada. UnicPath is here to help to choose right program in the UK for your profile. Contact us here – UnicPath Contact Details