There are a lot of advantages and disadvantages of studying in Canada for international students, and you will see them in this article.
No matter where you come from (India, United States, China, France, Nigeria, Iran, South Korea, Japan, Mexico, Colombia, or the Philippines), studying in Canada as a foreigner can be a rewarding experience due to the various advantages of studying in Canada for international students.
However, before choosing to study in Canada as an international student, knowing the disadvantages of studying in Canada for international students is important to ensure they do not affect your academic and personal goals.
Below is a long list of the advantages and disadvantages of studying in Canada for international students, and we hope it helps you make a reasonable decision.
(a). Advantages of studying in Canada for international students
Canada is known for its high-quality education, vibrant multicultural society, and stunning natural landscapes, offering many advantages that build an enticing choice for international students worldwide.
Below is a long list of the advantages of studying in Canada for international students:
1. A multicultural and inclusive environment
Canada is widely recognized for its commitment to multiculturalism and inclusivity, making it one of the advantages of studying in Canada for international students.
Canada’s multiculturalism policy was officially adopted in 1971, this is because of the cultural diversity of its population. Since then, the North American country has been rated as one of the least racists in the world.
This policy promotes the preservation and celebration of various cultural heritages while fostering a sense of national unity and inclusiveness. The inclusiveness is stretched further to ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, gender, race, disability, and others.
With this policy, there are laws and regulations in place that shape the native Canadians’ lifestyle to adopt a sense of inclusiveness that prevents discrimination.
2. Opportunity to work while studying
Among the numerous advantages of studying in Canada for international students, the one that draws a lot of foreign students into this country is the fact that one is permitted to work while studying which is something uncommon in other developed countries.
Canadian international students with a valid study permit can work part-time during their studies which helps them to gain work experience even before graduation. Typically, international students in Canada are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during regular academic sessions and full-time during Academic breaks, such as winter and summer holidays.
Working while studying in Canada helps international students to acquire valuable work experience that enhances their skills, and offer exposure to the Canadian job market.
Also, the income International students earn while pursuing their education can help cover living expenses, rent, and additional expenses associated with studying abroad.
3. Renowned quality of life
The Canadian economy is strong and stable, meaning Canadians have the resources essential to a high-quality life and this is among the advantages of studying in Canada for international students.
Canada is known for its advanced and modern technology and infrastructure, access to clean air, water, and food, and preserved natural beauty contribute to Canada’s high quality of life.
To ensure safety, efficacy, and quality, two Canadian government agencies are known for strictly regulating food and drugs that are consumed in the country which reflects the high quality of life of the people living in Canada.
The agencies responsible for these regulations are Health Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).
4. Safe and peaceful environment
Canada consistently ranks among the safest countries globally due to various factors that contribute to the country’s stable, peaceful, clean, and safe environments.
This is because Canada has relatively low crime rates compared to other developed countries of its caliber. Ownership of guns by its citizens is notably lower in Canada compared to other nations, contributing to a sense of safety for residents and visitors alike.
Also, Canada has a very low record of natural disasters compared to many other regions globally. While certain areas in Canada may face less dangerous natural events occasionally such as floods or forest fires, dangerous natural disasters like earthquakes, and Volcanos are far from Canada.
With Canada’s commitment to global peace and stability movement, the country rarely goes to war with other nations, which reflects its values as a peaceful country, and this is one of the advantages of studying in Canada for international students.
5. Easy pathway to permanent residency/citizenship
This may be one of the most important advantages of studying in Canada for international students. Canada is the only country that has designed an easy pathway to help international students become Canadian permanent residents and eventually citizens.
Unlike other Western countries like the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and the United States, there are three clear pathways a student can become a permanent resident in Canada, however, the most popular and easiest one among them all is the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
With this pathway, international students who have completed their studies and have a one-year work experience in Canada are eligible for the Canadian Experience Class.
This also makes it easier for international students to become citizens without having to live in Canada for three years after being a permanent resident. This is because a day spent in Canada as a student counts as a half day.
6. Open work permit for spouse
One of the most important advantages of studying in Canada for international students, especially married students is that Canada offers open work permits to students’ spouses, allowing them to bring in their families to live with them in Canada.
This enables their spouses to work for any Canadian employer without the need for a job offer which is something uncommon in other developed countries.
For your spouse or common-law partner to be eligible for an open work permit as an international student in Canada, you must be enrolled full-time in a program at a designated post-secondary institution and hold a valid study permit for a program that lasts at least six months.
7. Almost free healthcare system
Healthcare is typically expensive for individuals without health insurance in most developed countries. This is especially true for international students who do not have the Government-provided healthcare assistance that citizens enjoy.
However, Canada is different, as healthcare is often referred to as affordable or free for everyone, and having almost free healthcare services is one of the advantages of studying in Canada for international students
Every international student in Canada is always given a health card which is prearranged by the designated institutions to serve the student throughout their study years. The payment for this card is however deducted from the tuition fees and it’s usually less expensive compared to other countries.
Aside from health insurance cards, Canada has a publicly and government-funded healthcare system that offers essential medical services almost free to everyone living in the country. This is because healthcare is considered a fundamental right, and most basic medical needs are covered for free.
8. Employment opportunities
Great employment opportunities in and outside Canada are also among the advantages of studying in Canada for international students.
With the Canadian certificates that international students receive after graduation, plus the work experience they acquired during their studies (which are the two major things Canadian employers are after), it becomes easier for them to get employed in and outside Canada.
Additionally, the Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) program, also allows international students to work in Canada immediately after graduation, which gives them access to the Canadian labor market that is filled with employment opportunities.
9. High-quality education
There is no doubt that Canada is globally known for its high-quality education system, and this is one of the important advantages of studying in Canada for international students.
Canadian universities and colleges over the years have been in the world’s top 100 universities rankings for their academic programs, modern infrastructures and technologies, research opportunities, and faculty expertise. Canadian institutions like the University of Toronto, the University of British Columbia, and McGill University are prominent worldwide.
The use of innovative teaching methods in making sure International students are prepared to face the labor market is one of the Canadian educational strengths. These methods include interactive learning, practical application of knowledge, and opportunities for hands-on experiences, which boost critical thinking and problem-solving skills among students.
With this, degrees and certifications from Canadian institutions are highly respected and recognized all over the world. This contributes to the employability and credibility of Canadian graduates in global job markets and for further education.
Universities and colleges in Canada also offer high-quality international student support services, such as academic advising, counseling, career services, and resources to assist international students with cultural adaptation and integration.
10. Memorable outdoor experience
Canada is known as a beautiful country both in infrastructure and nature. The country is known for its stunning natural landscapes, including mountains, lakes, and national parks.
Also, the country offers diverse cultural experiences, music, sports, arts, entertainment, and recreational activities, that are fitting to various interests and hobbies, contributing to a well-rounded lifestyle.
With the amazing outdoor experience in Canada, international students can access various outdoor activities and explore the country’s natural beauty, making it among the advantages of studying in Canada for international students.
(b). Disadvantages of studying in Canada for international students
Studying abroad is an exciting experience and an investment for the future, but it comes with its set of challenges. This is not exceptional when it comes to studying in Canada as an international student.
The disadvantages of studying in Canada for international students require consideration and proactive management for a successful academic journey.
Below are the disadvantages of studying in Canada for international students.
1. Difficult immigration rules
One of the disadvantages of studying in Canada for international students is how difficult the immigration process that allows you to be here in the first place is.
It’s so expensive to come to Canada as an International student. Before now, the proof of fund that a student needed to have to be approved for entrance into Canada used to be $10,000 per student, but recently it was increased to $20,00 proof of fund.
This is in addition to how time-consuming it is to manage paperwork, visa processes, and legal and residency requirements. It takes at least 6 months for you to be done with the paperwork of getting approval to study in Canada which is longer compared to other countries like the UK.
2. Extremely cold Weather
Canada is known for its cold temperatures and heavy snow during winter seasons. The cold weather may be one of the disadvantages of studying in Canada for international students, especially those who come from countries with hotter weather.
Severe cold temperatures, snow, and icy conditions may pose challenges to the daily activities and transportation of international students, including their mental health.
Extreme cold temperatures can also result in other health issues, such as frostbite, hypothermia, or seasonal illnesses such as colds and flu, which can affect their studies and social life.
This may result in international students spending extra costs on winter clothing, boots, and other gear suitable for cold weather, which are usually expensive and can be an additional cost for those who are unaware.
3. Low graduation rates
Since the Canadian educational system uses innovative teaching methods (such as interactive learning, practical application of knowledge, and opportunities for hands-on experiences) to grade students, many students tend to fail, especially international students who are not familiar with how the Canadian educational system works.
Some international students also drop out of school due to personal reasons, such as lack of funds to pay tuition fees, or struggles with academic performance because they are more focused on jobs than concentrating on their studies which is what brought them to Canada in the first place.
While Canada has taken significant steps in improving graduation rates such as the 20-hour-per-week work limit, there are still areas or specific demographics where graduation rates might be lower and it’s one of the disadvantages of studying in Canada for international students.
4. High cost of living
Over the years, the cost of living has gone up in Canada making it one of the disadvantages of studying in Canada for international students, especially those from low-income backgrounds.
While tuition fees might be lower compared to some other countries like the United States or the United Kingdom, international students still face considerable high expenses, including tuition, living costs, healthcare, and more.
Rent and accommodation are high due to the current housing crises in major cities in Canada, especially Toronto and Vancouver. This has made it difficult for international students to get affordable places to rent, which is now more challenging and expensive.
Aside from the high cost of rent, the overall cost of living in Canada, including groceries, utilities, and transportation, can be relatively higher compared to some other countries.
5. Culture shock
Culture shock is a common experience for international students and newcomers in Canada, making it among the disadvantages of studying in Canada for international students.
The difference in the culture of their home country can differ from Canada, especially in social norms, communication styles, food, holidays, and interpersonal interactions which may lead to a sense of disconnection or isolation.
Many international students in Canada complain about some symptoms of culture shock such as feelings of disorientation, loneliness, frustration, homesickness, and difficulty in understanding or adapting to new social behaviors, which may eventually lead to depression.
6. Language barrier
Aside from culture shock, the language barrier is also one of the disadvantages of studying in Canada for international students, especially those whose first language is not English or French.
The inability to adequately communicate in standard English or French language can pose challenges in communication, social interactions, academics, and daily activities for international students in Canada.
This might hinder effective communication and interaction between international students and their peers, professors, and the local community, which impact negatively in their academic performances and their ability to build relationships.
7. Study and work-life balance
International students live a very busy life, this is because they must work to cope with the high cost of living in Canada. Combining work with studies plus other personal chores that a student must accomplish, slowly makes free time to become a luxury for most international students.
With the already overwhelming school work that is filled with lots of assignments, shuttling for job shifts to cover living expenses without impacting academic performance can be challenging and this is one of the disadvantages of studying in Canada for international students.
However, while this can be overwhelming and challenging for international students who are not used to Canadian society, it helps them to adopt adequate time management skills.
8. Limited job opportunities
One of the disadvantages of studying in Canada for international students is limited job opportunities.
While Canada allows international students to work part-time during their studies, getting a job might be difficult and competitive, especially in certain fields or regions.
This does not mean there are no jobs in Canada, however, most Canadian employers are looking for full-time employees which is something students cannot offer, making the labor market among students more competitive compared to non-students.
The reason international students cannot work full-time is because of the 20 hours per week work limit that restricts International students in the number of hours they can work.
9. Long waiting time in hospitals
While Canadian healthcare is applauded globally for offering essential treatment for little to no cost, it takes longer waiting hours to be attended to and this makes it among one of the disadvantages of studying in Canada for international students.
However, this is not relatively true in all healthcare services as the waiting times within the healthcare system in Canada can vary depending on different factors, such as the type of medical service needed, the region, the seriousness of the condition, and the demand for specialized care.
International students might experience delays when seeking non-emergency or elective medical services, such as specialist consultations, non-urgent surgeries, or diagnostic tests.
10. High tax rate
The negative impact of high tax rates on international students in Canada can be significant, especially considering their typically limited income and financial resources, making it one of the disadvantages of studying in Canada for international students.
While Canada’s taxation system supports various social services and benefits, including almost free healthcare, high-quality education, and high-standard social programs, it can be a shock to most international students, especially those who pay little to no taxes in their home country.
Understanding tax laws and available deductions or credits for students can also be difficult and overwhelming for international students.
Additionally, high tax rates might make it more challenging for international students to earn enough income from part-time jobs, especially when managing the costs of tuition fees (that’s way higher than domestic students), high-cost of rent, and other educational expenses, high tax rates may contribute to further financial strain.
Conclusion
The above article is a long list of the advantages and disadvantages of studying in Canada for international students and we hope it helps you make a better decision on your study journey in Canada.
While the advantages of studying in Canada for international students are enticing, the disadvantages of studying in Canada for international students are something you need to weigh in order to make a better decision
Thank you for reading this article till the end and don’t forget to check out our other articles that can help you successfully travel to your desired destination for work or study.
