Pros and Cons of Study in Canada: Your Comprehensive Guide

Pros and Cons of Study in Canada: The evolution of Canada as a popular study-abroad destination for higher studies has gathered attention from students all over the world. Whether it is high-quality education, the standard of living, or global exposure, Canada has stood out among the top-tier universities and study abroad programmes worldwide.

Latest: Canada Country Guide

This welcoming multicultural ambience of Canada, however, has some limitations and drawbacks including unfavourable weather patterns, insufficient intercity transportation options, and other banes that can adversely affect its international population. Students who intend to relocate to Canada longing for a potential career opportunity must carefully consider the benefits of studying in Canada and the drawbacks of the country beforehand.

This article is solely dedicated to resolving all the queries related to pursuing higher education in Canada. Read the article till the end to discover the many nuances of the pros and cons of study in Canada.

Benefits of Studying in Canada

Canada offers a dynamic, diverse, and welcoming environment for international students. Breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural tapestry, and high quality of life have always attracted international students seeking an enriching academic experience. Here we have included various benefits of studying in Canada for Indian students.

Employment Opportunities

Canada offers diverse and plentiful employment opportunities for international candidates. The Canadian government allows international students to take part-time jobs to manage their monthly expenses and course requirements. However, students must be enrolled in a full-time study programme and have a valid work permit to Canada.

Additionally, students can apply for jobs on campus or internships with different public and private organisations. Employment opportunities can impact the reality of international students in Canada and enhance their living conditions. Hiring foreign students is primarily motivated by a stable, diverse economy with low unemployment rates.

High-Quality Education

Canada is renowned for its exceptional education system. Most Canadian universities are listed by numerous prestigious ranking agencies, such as QS and THE, among the best in the world for higher education. Canadian degrees and diplomas are highly respected internationally.

The education system of Canada prioritises research, fostering innovation, and access to cutting-edge knowledge among students. By integrating real-world projects and internships, students' employability prospects for global career opportunities can be improved.

Affordable education, diverse research ranges, multicultural learning environments, and emphasis on innovation and entrepreneurship are among the major benefits of studying in Canada for international students.

The top universities in Canada for international students offering world-class education are given in the table below.

Top Universities in Canada for International Students

Safe Environment

Canada consistently ranks among the safest countries in the world. According to the Global Peace Index, Canada ranks 6th among 172 countries globally. Canada boasts significantly lower crime rates compared to many other developed nations and secures a safe learning environment for international students. Strong political institutions, the rule of law, and respect for human rights contribute to the primary benefits of studying in Canada.

Post-Graduate Work Permit

One of the best reasons to study in Canada is the simple work permit requirements. International students can remain and work in Canada for a maximum of three years after completing their studies there with a work visa. A post study work visa can be applied for in Canada by foreign students who have finished a course leading to a diploma, degree, or certificate.

Students can apply for PGWP within 180 days of completing their studies and receiving the final transcript.

Here are some popular job sectors in Canada for international students after completing their studies are as follows:

• Technology

• Healthcare

• Engineering

• Business and Finance

• Education

Also Read: Student Visa Canada

High Standard of Living

Canada is often recognised for its high standard of living for international students. Students are provided with necessary medical care throughout their study duration in Canada. Canada is built with well-developed transportation networks, reliable utilities, and efficient communication systems. Students can also apply for permanent residency through programmes like the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).

Fair labor laws, strong family support government arrangements promote a healthy work-life balance are among the major benefits of studying in Canada for international students.

Also Read: Reasons to study in Canada

Disadvantages of Studying in Canada for Indian Students

Canada is a popular choice for international students and holds undeniable appeal including Indian students. Canada holds an undeniable appeal as the best study-abroad country for international students. However, considering the pros and cons of studying in Canada students must require a balanced perspective to select Canada for higher studies.

Some of the disadvantages of studying in Canada for Indian students are as follows:

• Poor healthcare system

• Higher cost of living

• Culture shock and language barrier

• Climate challenges

Healthcare System

Although the Canadian healthcare system is frequently commended for its accessibility and universal coverage, it is not without its shortcomings. Here are some key disadvantages of studying in Canada for international students to consider related to healthcare:

• Waiting duration: The Canadian healthcare system is criticised for long wait times for non-emergency procedures and specialist consultations. This can be frustrating for patients suffering from severe emergencies.

• Limited access to specialists: The Canadian healthcare system lacks access to certain specialists and treatments, particularly in rural areas.

• Challenges for newcomers: Students who migrate to Canada for education purposes may face difficulties regarding unfamiliar procedures, language barriers, and potential delays in accessing coverage.

• Mental health care: Accessibility to mental health care is very limited for international students.

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Canada is comparatively high compared to living expenses in major Indian cities. Potential students belonging to a financially backward background face numerous challenges in managing their living expenses and course requirements in Canada.

The housing expenses, groceries, utilities, transportation, and other primary and personal expenses in major cities like Toronto and Vancouver, are significantly higher than the global average. Additionally, Canada has a progressive tax system compared to some other countries. Therefore, the cost of living in Canada is one of the pronounced disadvantages of studying in Canada for Indian students.

Students must analyse the living expenses in Canada carefully before planning a higher education.

Cost of Living in Canada

Culture Shock and Language Barrier

Adapting to life in a new country can be exciting, but also challenging. When considering Canada, be prepared for potential culture shock and language barriers, especially if you're coming from a very different background. Here's an overview:

Adapting to a new life in Canada is full of challenges and considerations. Culture shock and language barriers are the major disadvantages of studying in Canada for Indian students. Here we have included an overview of the potential culture shock and language barriers that affect the quality of education in Canada.

Every year thousands of students from different countries of the world move to Canadian colleges and universities to pursue higher education. The number of students has increased the cultural variations and developed the feeling of cultural ethnocentrism among students. Students who migrate to Canada, away from their family and friends, might face difficulties in pacing themselves with other cultural beliefs.

Additionally, while English is the dominant language in Canada. However, a significant portion of the population in Canada practice the French language. This can create a language barrier between the two cultures and populations. Again, regional accent variety may increase the level of disadvantages of studying in Canada for Indian students.

Challenges in Adapting to the Climate

Canada registers major temperature thresholds which can be one of the major disadvantages of studying in Canada for international students. Canadian students experience extreme temperatures including long cold winters to heavy snowfalls during the winter season and severe hot and humid summers in the south. Therefore, the reality of international students in Canada are adversely affected by seasonal variations.

Students migrating from different parts of the world might lack experience dealing with extreme cold and hot climatic conditions. Which might introduce multiple challenges to their daily lives and thereby affect the quality of education. Many students get infected with seasonal affective disorder (SAD) pointing to the cause of why not to study in Canada for international students.

Why Not study in Canada for International students? Changes in Visa Policies

The Canadian education system is related to multiple pros and cons. While it is among the top choices for higher education among study-abroad students, however, there are multiple disadvantages of studying in Canada for international students.

The Canadian government has made numerous modifications to its student visa policies for international students. All international students approaching for a student visa Canada for higher studies must follow the latest visa changes and guidelines beforehand. A few of the latest visa rules in Canada for international students include

• Cap on international student visas: A two-year cap on international student visas has been implemented by the Canadian government which results in a 35% reduction in the new study visas in the year 2024.

• Provincial attestation letter: As per the new Canada visa rules, all students seeking study permits in Canada are also required to submit a provincial attestation letter at the time of application submission.

• Increase in the financial requirement: Starting from January 1, 2024, the Canadian Immigration Authority has revised the financial requirements for international students and has increased the value to CAD 20,635 as Canada GIC amount to support living expenses in Canada for one year.

• Restrictions on postgraduation work permit: The IRCC has changed PGWPs for various public institutions that licence their curriculum to be delivered by an affiliated private college to guarantee the quality of education as a result of the introduction of the 'Trusted Institutions Framework'.

Students who are planning to move to Canada for higher education must consider all the potential pros and cons of study in Canada before applying for a university degree. Research and analyse all the reality of international students in Canada and select the desired institution.