Top 5 reasons to study in Canada

Of course Canadians are proud of this global recognition; getting a nod from the global community is enough to warm any Canadian’s heart, even on those really cold winter days but it’s not what defines us.

#4 - Immigration

Coming in at number four on reason to pursue your studies in Canada are the country’s immigration rules. At both a national and provincial level, there are policies in place to help smooth the transition from a study permit to a work permit for those graduates interested in staying in Canada after completing their post graduate education. According to University Affairs, reforms to Canada’s Express Entry rules in 2016 to facilitate the immigration process for international students post-graduation contribute to the appeal of studying in Canada.

In addition to the Express Entry, finding your path to permanent residence in Canada is possible though initiatives such as the post-graduation work permit, which is issued by the Government of Canada to graduates from designated learning institution who want to say in Canada and work after finishing their programs. The University of Winnipeg is one of the designated learning institutions, meaning graduates from our Professional, Applied and Continuing Education post-degree diplomas are eligible to for the post-graduation work permit.

Provincial governments also offer incentives to attract international students, skilled workers, and entrepreneurs. In Manitoba, the Provincial Nominee Program assists people with the skills needed in the local labour market, such as those learning in PACE’s industry-aligned programs, and interested making an immediate and ongoing contribution to the Manitoba economy and community in securing permanent residence visas.

#3 - Tuition Cost

At number three on our list of why to study in Canada, are competitive tuition fees. International students typically pay a higher tuition fee than domestic students at universities across Europe and North America.  Even with the higher fee, tuition for international students studying in Canada are often more competitive, especially compared to American universities or colleges. And while domestic students might be able to secure assistance in funding their education from student aid programs, international students are not, making tuition fees an important consideration when shopping for institutions to complete studies at— whether for undergraduate or post-graduate studies.

Across Canadian institutions tuition fees vary significantly as well, for both domestic and international students. Amongst Canadian universities, UWinnipeg has some of the most affordable tuition fees across undergraduate and post-graduate programs. as well as offering entrance scholarships for international students who will be attending UW for the first time in either the Spring, Fall or Winter Terms. In addition at PACE, we offer a number tuition awards each term to help off-set the cost of tuition.

#2 Cost of Living

In number two spot on list of top reasons to pursue your studies in Canada is the cost of living. Whether bringing your family along with you is a consideration when looking at studying in Canada, next to tuition fees, how much you have to budget to live on is a major consideration.

Compared to our American neighbours, some larger Canadian cities rank well in cost of living comparisons while medium-sized cities, such as Winnipeg, fare extremely well. In fact, according to Economic Development Winnipeg, Winnipeg consistently ranks as the number 1 most cost-competitive city across all of the US and Western Canada. All while boasting housing and rental costs are nearly 42%  lower than the Canadian average and the second lowest childcare costs in Canada. What can we say, Winnipeg has it all!

#1 Cultural Diversity

The number one reason to study in Canada is our cultural diversity. In fact, we Canadians pride ourselves in encouraging our citizens to honour their own cultures, thanks to a 1971 national policy on multiculturalism.

Stephen Hayes, who teaches cultural diversity at PACE says, diversity is no longer our end game as Canadians but our starting point. 

And Canada’s cultural diversity spreads into the classroom in most, if not all, post-secondary institutions across Canada thanks to our immigration policies as well. This is no different at UWinnipeg PACE. It fact, it has become one of our hallmarks.

“Here at PACE, our goal is to harness these diverse backgrounds and perspectives to create inclusive and egalitarian classrooms,” says Stephen. “By discussing, celebrating, and investing in the wide array of cultures that inform our diverse hallways we represent a microcosm of Winnipeg’s, and Canada’s, potential.”

By celebrating the litany of cultures present in our classroom, from the diversity brought by both indigenous and settler-Canadian, as well as international students, PACE does more than pay lip service to cultural diversity, says Stephen. Stephen says this is all to the benefit of graduates who have honed progressive, culturally-rich values during their studies.

“Because of this ubiquitous cultural platform, when hallways turn to boardrooms – our students are ready,” he says.

So there you have it, our top 5 reasons to study in Canada. Whether you are basing your decision of where to complete post-graduate studies on tuition, cost of living, reputation, live-ability, or cultural diversity, Canada has it all. And while we might be a bit bias, we think UWinnipeg is an excellent destination. With industry-aligned professional programs that span from 12 – 24 months, depending on the area of study, UWinnipeg is the perfect place to study!