Canada is a country known for its incredible natural beauty and diverse culture. People in Canada really care about their environment. When students come to Canada, they get to experience one of the most stunning natural settings in the world.
Canada has a diverse landscape, and there's a lot to explore outdoors, from the beautiful coastlines and the impressive Rocky Mountains to the wide-open prairies and the scenic Great Lakes region. The country's clean and safe cities are close to amazing mountains, oceans, and lakes. In fact, Canada has about a quarter of the world's fresh water. The country has four distinct seasons, with hot summers that can reach up to 35°C and cold winters that can drop to -25°C. Spring and fall have more moderate temperatures. You can enjoy world-class theatre, music, restaurants, and cultural and sports events, including cricket, throughout the year.
Canada is bilingual, with two official languages, English and French. Globally, about 800 million people speak English, and 250 million speak French.
For nine years in a row, the United Nations ranked Canada among the top three countries in the world to live and study out of 174 countries. Canada consistently scores high on the Human Development Index survey because of its excellent education, high-quality healthcare, low crime rates, and clean environment.
Hostelling
Hostelling is a budget-friendly way to stay in big cities. The accommodation is simple, and you share things like bathrooms and kitchens with others. You pay for each day, and it's cheaper than other places to stay.
Average cost in a hostel: $10 - $20 CDN per night.
YWCA/YMCA Hotels
These are also affordable, clean, safe, and comfy places to stay. Some even have pools and gyms. Just keep in mind that hostels and YWCA/YMCAs can get full fast in the summer, so it's smart to plan ahead.
Average cost in a YWCA/YMCA: $24 - $45 CDN per night.
Dormitory
Many schools have housing on or near campus. Rooms can vary in size and quality, and you might share things like kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry facilities. You can choose between sharing a room or having a private one. Dorms are often separated by gender. Some even have cafeterias and meal plans. Dorms usually come with furniture and are a great way to get involved in campus life and meet other students.
Average cost for dorm rooms: $3,000 - $7,500 CDN per school year. Contact your school for more info.
Home Stays
Lots of Canadian families welcome international students. It's a great way to experience daily life in Canada and meet friendly people. Homestays offer a stable and safe environment, which is especially good for younger students. You live with a Canadian family, get meals, and have a private room. The family encourages you to take part in their activities.
Average cost for homestays: $400 - $800 CDN per month.
Off-Campus Housing
Renting a place is an option, but the cost, quality, and availability can vary a lot. In big cities, rent can be high, and it's not always easy to find a place. Many students share housing to save money and find what they want. Some schools offer help in finding off-campus housing near the campus. They can also help you find roommates. When you're on campus, you'll often see ads for nearby housing, but it's best to set things up before coming to Canada.
There are different types of places you can rent. A house is usually too expensive for one student, so many students share or rent a suite within a larger home. Apartments are another option, with a kitchen, bathroom, and one or two bedrooms. Most rental apartments don't include furniture or meals, but some cover heating and electricity.
You can find listings for available apartments or homes in local newspapers. It's up to you to check if they're suitable because schools don't inspect these places or arrange them for you. Most landlords ask for a damage deposit, and rent is usually paid monthly in cash or by check.
Education System in Canada
Elementary and Secondary Education
In Canada, public education is available to all Canadians who meet certain age and residence criteria, and it's free. Each province and territory has a department or ministry in charge of education, led by a minister who is typically a member of the legislature and chosen by the government leader of that area.
Schools
According to Statistics Canada data, there are approximately 15,500 schools in Canada:
Number of Institutions
Canada has 163 recognized universities (which can be public or private) and 183 recognized colleges and institutes (which are public). These include institutions that offer applied and bachelor's degrees. Besides these, there are 68 university-level institutions and 51 college-level institutions that are allowed to operate and offer specific programs meeting quality standards set by the province.
University Governance
Publicly funded universities in Canada have a good deal of independence. They decide on their own admission rules, and degree requirements, and have the freedom to manage their money and academic programs. The government's role is mainly about providing funds, setting tuition fees, and introducing new programs. Most Canadian universities have a two-part system to make decisions. One part is a board of governors, which deals with finances and policies. The other part is an academic senate, which looks after academic matters like courses, degrees, and admission criteria. The board has to approve the decisions made by the Senate. Both students and community representatives often have a say in these decision-making bodies.