Best Student Cities in Canada to Live Study and Work - Universities, Rank, Fees

Best Student Cities in Canada -While many of us know that Canada features prominently among the top study abroad destinations of the world, what many of us don’t know is that there are some of the best cities in Canada for international students. After all, it is only natural to want to live in a city that is safe, beautiful, friendly, culturally rich and affordable. To be the best place to study in Canada, it must have access to top employers in the region and academic infrastructure. This is especially true for international students who are studying abroad.

Latest: Canada Country Guide

This Story also Contains

1. Best Cities in Canada for International Students
2. Universities in Canada in Famous Canada Student Cities
3. How to Decide Among the Best Student Cities in Canada
4. Affordable Cities in Canada for International Students

All the cities in Canada are considered as the best cities in Canada for Indian students due to welcoming atmosphere and respect among native people for India culture. Not surprisingly, many Indian students choose to settle in the country. Luckily there are many best cities in Canada for students that check almost all the boxes that international students have when they are studying in another country. This article explores the best student cities in Canada according to QS rankings.

Best Cities in Canada for International Students

Canada is one country where you can pick a city with your eyes closed, and you won’t go wrong. But there are some cities that are among the top choices of students. Here is the list of top student cities in Canada according to the latest QS ranking. Remember that best city for students in Canada is decided based various factors like affordability, safety, desirability, presence of top universities, opportunities for exploration, ease of living etc.

Best student cities in Canada according to QS ranking 2023

Montréal

Montréal has been Canada’s top city for quite some time now and has maintained its position till date. It is also the best city in Canada for Indian students. When a city consistently makes it to the top, unlike cities that make a surprise entry one year only to disappear from the list completely the very next year, you are assured of one thing: there is stability and solid ground holding that city together, which would enable it to weather any storm, whether it is an unexpected economic downturn or anything else. Among the many things helping Montréal cement its place at the top are a slew of highest ranking educational institutions, which includes the McGill University.

What is also special about the city is that despite being a largely English-speaking country, it has assumed a more cosmopolitan nature, largely due to immigration taking place from all across the world. If you are a cultural person, you have the largest comedy festival in the world, Just for Laughs, for entertainment; and it is only one of the many cultural extravaganzas that portray the rich cultural landscape of the city. Native people in Montreal respect Indian culture and diversity making it the best city in Canada for Indian students that offers safety.

Another unmistakable feature of this best city in Canada for Indian students is its amazing public transit system, which is powered by its efficient bus system, operating in over 300 bus routes; the metro; and to a lesser extent by the regional train service. In addition, making things simple, convenient and cost effective for commuters, the transit system is highly integrated which allows you to use any form of transit system you want to with a single ticket.

Fast facts about Montreal

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Toronto

There is no prize for guessing the next city in our list of best student cities: Toronto. A regular, along with Montréal, on the best student cities in the world list, when it comes to assuming the mantle of being the “Cultural capital” of Canada, it is almost a tie between Toronto and Montreal. For its part, Toronto is buzzing with food scenes, high-brow fashion and art, historical monuments and a large concentration of people with creativity making it the best city in Canada for international students.

In another similarity with Montreal, Toronto, which is ranked 14^th in the world, has three universities ranked by QS, with the University of Toronto the highest placed at 15th. If there is one aspect where Toronto steals the march over its arch rival is that it has a larger international business sector, which understandably will be appreciated by international students who come to study in Canada. The presence of these business sectors opens up many avenues for international students like there are more work opportunities to take advantage of, whether you are looking for full-time or part-time jobs.

Fast facts about Toronto

Vancouver

While Vancouver may not be in the news as much as the two cities that came before it, it has a lot going for it which explains why it is recognized as one of the best student cities; in the latest ranking it is20th best city in Canada for students. If you are looking forward to studying in Canada, the city with jaw-dropping backdrops, courtesy the Grouse, Seymour and Cypress mountains nearby, would leave you spellbound. Also, these mountains aren’t just restricted to sightseeing, as a number of popular adventure activities like skiing attract tourists from all over the world. Moreover, if you are an outdoorsy person, there are a number of fun activities you can engage in, right in the middle of the city. Not just for academics, Vancouver is the best city in Canada to live and work for International students.

The cultural life of the city, meanwhile, is no less amazing, as there are theaters and music at every bend. In fact, the city will bring alive the artist inside you.

Fast facts about Vancouver

Ottawa

The next city in our list of best student cities in Canada is the capital of the country, Ottawa.Ottawa is ranked at 55 among the best cities for students in Canada. Highly multi-lingual, with English and French being the two major languages, the city is a paragon of diversity and has a very cosmopolitan population.

The city is renowned for the Rideau Canal, which holds the distinction of being the oldest continuously operated canal system in North America; the canal is also a world heritage site. Other important cultural and historical spots gracing the city are the Canadian Museum of History and the striking neo-gothic parliament building ‘Centre Block’.

Fast facts about Ottawa

Quebec

The most picturesque city in our list of best student cities in the world, the historical city of Quebec is ranked at 106. The most impressive aspect about the city has to be the grandiose Château Frontenac, which happens to be the only preserved city ramparts in the whole of North America and is a world heritage site. In fact, historical buffs will have their hands full as the city is littered with items of historic and cultural importance; if you love figures, there are around 37 historic sites of national significance in the region. It is also an affordable student city in Canada.

The cultural scene of the city is not to be left behind as starting from colorful life music venues to winter carnivals, to thriving art, the city has it all.

The city is also home to three universities, which offer all the top courses you want to study in Canada. So, academically as well you have little to worry about.

Universities in Canada in Famous Canada Student Cities

How to Decide Among the Best Student Cities in Canada

When you have to take a decision regarding the best city in Canada for studies, consider the following factors.

Affordability: Learn about cost of living, accommodation, transportation, costs for socialising, utilities and food. Ease of finding accommodation is also an important factor to consider.

Proximity to facilites: Know if the given city has easy access to healthcare facilities, daily needs, groceries, part-time jobs, public transportation, etc.

Safety: Student safety is the top most priority. If possible enquire about safety standards from any family members or acquaintances in Canada for more authentic information.

Job Opportunities: The best city in Canada for students must have ample employers across the city. It helps internatinoal students find jobs easily after studies. It also facilitates getting internships easily.

Indian Community: Presence of Indian community in any particular Canadian city must be a direct indicator of the safety and availability of resources. It helps hugely with respect to networking.

Affordable Cities in Canada for International Students

As can be seen from the above information, cost of living in the above cities seems to be high. However, there are many affordable cities in Canada for students who can't afford the above living costs. Quebec is the cheapest city in Canada for international students followed by Saskatoon and Regina. The following are some of the low cost cities to study in Canada.

1. Victoria, British Columbia
2. Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
3. Winnipeg, Manitoba
4. Kitchener-Cambridge-Waterloo, Ontario
5. Moncton, New Brunswick

Also read:

• Student Visa for Canada
• Most affordable universities in Canada
• Top student cities in the UK