Top 10 Best Courses to Study in Canada for International Students

Canada is one of the most favoured places for undergraduate and graduate studies. As one of the leading destinations for studying, Canada attracts international students from all over the world due to its relaxed study cum work structure, immigration policies, and quality education. Take this guide – Top 10 Best Courses to Study in Canada for International Students as your go-to source to find the best courses in Canada and some university recommendations.

When deciding what to study, you must consider several things. Over and above your aspirations and academic results, you also need to consider your career goals and prospects. Going for a course that will ensure your future in Canada is a good way to go. So, when taking the next step in your studies, consider the best courses to study in Canada in 2023.

Read: Top 15 Tuition Free Universities in Ireland

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Course in Canada

Choosing your future path can be a difficult and daunting task. You’ll need to dedicate time to weigh up your options and then make a decision based on what will work best. Factors to consider include:

Consider your potential career: What career do you want to pursue, and what do you need to achieve this dream academically? Some careers can be very course-specific, so you must complete the correct programs to qualify.

What are your strengths and weaknesses: You will always do better in a program that excites and inspires you, which should be an essential factor to consider when choosing your career path. If you naturally excel at a subject or topic, it is always good to explore the options that will allow you to perform to the best of your ability.

Job opportunities: When choosing a career, you should always research the market opportunities. Some industries can be more lucrative, while others have high competition and are difficult to get into.

Work and learn opportunities: One of the best opportunities to get involved when you start your studies is to work in your field of study or volunteer in your spare time. If this is something that you want to pursue, these educational programs can be found at many different schools.

Working during the day and studying in the evenings can be a good step forward. You can gain work experience, meet potential employers and ensure that you have an excellent place to start your career after your studies.

Why Study in Canada?

International students choose to study in Canada because of the exciting opportunities for world-class and best courses in Canada, experienced faculties, affordability, and a high standard of living. The country offers incredible Canadian post-graduate job opportunities in almost every sector, with high salaries, easy access to work permits, and an overall healthy environment.

However, perhaps one of the top reasons international students choose to study in Canada is because it’s easy to obtain a Canadian student visa.

How to Get a Study Permit in Canada

You must follow several steps to obtain a Canadian Study Permit successfully.

• Step 1: Choose Courses to Study in Canada
• Step 2: Find a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) that offers your course.
• Step 3: Get a letter of acceptance from a DLI
• Step 4: Gather your supporting documents
• Step 5: Apply for a study permit

Can I Stay in Canada After I Have Completed My Studies?

There are various ways to remain in Canada once your studies are completed. If you have gained enough work experience, you may be able to apply directly for a permanent residency. You can also apply for a Post Graduate Work Permit (PGWP), which allows you to stay in Canada longer. If you have sufficient Canadian work experience, you may later apply for permanent residency through the Express Entry system using the Canadian Experience Class(CEC).

Is Studying In Canada Expensive?

While some universities in Canada are expensive, international tuition in the Great White North is more affordable than in many other first-world countries. Additionally, you can apply for scholarships to assist you in paying for your studies, and you can get a part-time job which will go a long way in covering your tuition fees and living expenses.

Do I Need English to Study at a Canadian Institution?

One of the requirements for successfully getting a study visa from Canada is to pass an English test such as the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). To enroll at a Canadian institution and apply for a study permit, you must understand English or French, as these are the two national languages. In most universities, the language medium of instruction is English. At the same time, in some provinces like Montreal, it is a dual medium, meaning lectures and classes are offered in both French and English.

Top 10 Best Courses to Study in Canada

Canada has record-breaking vacancies across all sectors, so plenty of opportunities await you once you finish your course. While you’re making up your mind on what to study, look at some of the best courses in Canada, with tips on where to study.

Health & Medicine

Canada always needs graduates in the medical field. Candidates who want to work in healthcare or medicine can apply for medical courses. These courses provide students with opportunities to pursue careers such as Doctors, Health Policy Specialists, Respiratory Therapists and Healthcare Managers, to name a few.

The Canadian government is placing more emphasis on healthcare occupations. Canada is a preferred study location for international medical students worldwide due to its rigorous medical education program. There is a massive demand for numerous medical professions throughout Canada, from surgical specialists to pharmacists, and demand is exceptionally high for registered nurses.

Where to Study

Top-tier universities such as the University of Toronto, McMaster University, and the University of British Columbia offer these courses.

Information Technology (IT) & Computer Science

Students from all over the world are drawn to information technology, engineering and computer science. Artificial intelligence, machine learning, data science, big data, and other exciting courses are available in the field of information technology.

Students who complete these Public Relations (PR) courses in Canada are qualified for Software Developer, Engineer, Cloud Architect, Data Scientist, and Technical Writer jobs. Expect high salaries if you graduate with a degree in IT.

There are various popular bachelor courses for a tech-loving student to consider:

• Bachelor of Computer Science
• Bachelor of Information Technology
• B.Sc in Applied Computing
• B.Sc in Computer Science

Where to Study

The University of Toronto, McGill University, the University of British Columbia and the University of Montreal are among the best places for international students.

Business Management

Due to its opportunities for gaining valuable foreign work experience and strong career possibilities, business management is one of the most sought-after programs in Canada. Not only are Canadian business education programs among the top 100 business administration programs, but they are also renowned for their unwaveringly excellent educational standards.

Your professional prospects will be more varied, thanks to a Master of Business Administration (MBA), which also exposes you to a diversified corporate network, new knowledge, and a thorough awareness of the business world.

Some management and administrative-related jobs remain in the “Skill Shortages” category. These positions fall under banking, investment finance, and management consulting.

In business management, you can opt for the following courses:

• BBA
• Bachelors of Business Management

Economics

One of the best courses to study in Canada is Economics. An Economics degree from a Canadian university will guarantee a fighting chance in the labour market and assist you with your permanent residency application.

Here are the best courses you can take to study Economics:

• Bachelors in Economics
• Macroeconomics for Business Management

Where to Study

The best universities to study economics are the University of Toronto, the University of British Columbia, Western University and the University of Alberta.

Nursing

The medical colleges in Canada provide top-notch programs and exposure to other cultures when it comes to studying nursing abroad – this gives students the knowledge and abilities they need to join the core of the international medical sector. You can select from a wide variety of nursing courses in Canada, whether you’re seeking a nursing diploma or comprehensive degree programs.

In Canada, nursing programs emphasize giving students practical training in various areas, including disease prevention, disease treatment, and more.

Canadian medical universities and nursing schools collaborate internationally with other health organizations to give students the finest exposure. These institutions are also well-known for their research and development.

Where to Study

You can attend various colleges and universities that allow you to study a bachelor of nursing science, including Ryerson University, Langara College and Conestoga College of Applied Arts and Technology.

Media & Journalism

In major media companies across Canada, students with journalism degrees work as reporters, associate producers, associate media directors, content developers/managers and media operations managers.

Using the media efficiently allows media workers to explore more branches, such as history and current events.

After graduation, there are numerous career opportunities because most businesses seek creative writers, content creators, journalists, publicists, and digital managers who are familiar with the industry and can aid businesses in growing in the digital sphere.

Additionally, candidates may pursue positions in the advertising industry and other branches of marketing. It gives pupils several opportunities to demonstrate their abilities and develop their interests.

You can choose to do the following courses:

• Bachelors in Journalism
• BA in Media Studies

Where to Study

Consider applying to the University of Alberta, University of Montreal, University of Calgary or the University of Ottawa for your journalism degree.

Agriculture & Forestry

Agriculture Science and Forestry is a highly sought-after course in Canada. Studying plants, animals, and the environments in which they flourish is the main objective of the essential scientific discipline of agriculture and forestry.

You’ll learn about maintaining the beauty of nature around us, managing natural resources, producing food, and restoring forests. Crop rotation and maintaining the mineral properties of the soil are other topics covered by agriculture and forestry.

Agricultural Science and Forestry graduates guarantee that goods comply with industry requirements and make it to the marketplaces. This is crucial for large-scale food production, whose demand will rise with the population.

You can study the following courses:

• Bachelor of Science in Agriculture
• Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness
• Master of International Forestry
• Master of Sustainable Forest Management

Where to Study

The best Agriculture Science and Forestry can be found at the University of Guelph, the University of British Columbia, McGill University and the University of Alberta.

Engineering

Engineering and management are two of Canada’s most PR-friendly programs. As a well-equipped professional engineer, the degree is so valuable that it usually offers international students opportunities to remain in Canada after completing their studies. A degree from any Canadian university improves your professional prospects and chances of permanent residence. Engineers in Canada are well-paid.

Canada has a severe shortage of skilled workers, and many regions, such as Toronto, attract jobs in these fields due to its large manufacturing sector. Other Canadian cities, such as Montreal, Calgary, and Edmonton, are considered the most profitable markets for such degrees. Civil, mechanical, electrical-electronics, chemical, and engineering management professionals can easily find work.

Some of the more popular engineering courses are:

• Petroleum engineering
• Mining engineering
• Computer systems engineering

Where to Study

The University of British Columbia, McGill University, and the University of Toronto are among the best universities in the area for engineering studies.

Hospitality

Hospitality management is a great option to pursue in Canada. These degrees equip students with the necessary business strategies for the tourism industry. Hospitality students learn various skills – like how to control the quality of food, handle lodging, entertain guests, and organize activities – all of which contribute to keeping clients satisfied.

Canada’s tourism and hospitality industry desperately need qualified individuals to fill management and entry-level to mid-level positions in hotels, restaurants, and resorts across the country. These positions are in high demand, partly because Canada is a popular tourist destination with a young, mobile population.

Numerous students choose to enroll in courses in this area. Canada provides cutting-edge food technology and highly skilled programs to its students to provide the skill sets they need to succeed in the workplace.

Where to Study

Educational institutions such as Ryerson University, Georgian College, and Fanshawe College train and promote students to be the best in their fields.

Human Resources & Public Relations

Public relations, one of the most in-demand careers, is one of the many industries where students might find employment. Additionally, human resources are at the top of the in-demand list for many provinces.

Human Resources (HR) management is the approach to managing people within a company or organization. Human resource managers must ensure that the organization runs smoothly, effectively and efficiently. The goal is to maximize work performance and satisfaction among employers, and employees ought to ensure company goals are met.

Organizational development and human resource management are crucial to the success of contemporary businesses because of the growing need for talent among enterprises. Organizations require HR professionals with the necessary training and experience to find, nurture, and inspire great employees.

Where to Study

You can pursue courses in HR in Canada at several institutions, including Tent University, University of Windsor and York University.

How to Choose the Right University or College

Choosing the right place for your tertiary education can be stressful and often confusing. With many factors to consider, we’re making things simpler with some steps to follow to make your selection process easier.

Step 1: Research Each Potential Institution

Research is key when looking for the ideal university or college. Explore the institutions you’re considering online. Some may have virtual tours to give you a better idea of what to expect. If you are in Canada, you may also want to attend some university fairs. Remember to keep your options open and try not to limit yourself.

Step 2: Look at the Location

Canada has about 223 public and private universities and 213 public colleges and other institutes. With so many options spread across the country, the possibilities are endless. So narrow it down by thinking about the setting you’d like. A bustling city vibe or a more relaxed and quaint town atmosphere? Coastal or inland? You’re bound to find the perfect Canadian University for you.

Step 3: Size of Institution

When it comes to university settings, you may also want to consider the size of the institution you apply to. Do you want small classes with lecturers that can give you individual attention, or do you want a bigger class with hundreds of students? Whichever option you choose, universities and colleges often have tight-knit communities and a great support system.

Step 4: Affordability

This is probably one of the most significant factors in choosing a school, as certain institutions and courses may be well out of your budget. Luckily, university fees in Canada are known to be quite affordable, although they may vary from institution to institution. You’ll also find that many scholarships and financial aid systems are in place to help foreign students in need. To help cover costs, you can work up to 40 hours a week.

Step 5: Reputation

Canada has a reputation of prestige across education levels, so when it comes to the university level, it’s no surprise that it has several institutions that rank high on the world rankings. While a university’s reputation is important, remember to also think of whether it is the right fit for your academic needs and interests.

Step 6: Recreational Activities

The availability of This may or may not factor into your decision, but some students like to know that sports and cultural activities are available on the premises. These activities can help you make friends, meet new people and learn something new, all of which can make life at a new school much easier.

Best Courses to do in Canada: University Application Process

Every university has a process to enrol new aspirants; completing that process must be your prerogative. Remember, the best courses to do in Canada are also in high demand. Meaning the admission process might be a little competitive.

That said, here are some of the common guidelines you must follow to ensure that your application is accepted and reviewed by the board:

• Ensure that you meet all the requirements for applying to the college or university.
• Proficiency in English (with evidence from IELTS exam score).
• Proof of funding to verify that you can finance your studies and living expenses in Canada.
• You must have obtained good marks (70% aggregate) in the previous standards.