8 Reasons Canada is the Best Study Destination for Indians

1. Quality Education and World-Class Institutions

   Canadian universities and colleges consistently rank among the top in the world. Some of the best universities in the world are here, including the prestigious University of Toronto, McGill University and the University of British Columbia. With a strong emphasis on research and innovation, these institutions provide excellent academic programs and opportunities for students to engage in groundbreaking research. If you’re an Indian student looking for such avenues, Canada offers many places. You will also get the expertise of renowned professors and gain a comprehensive education that equips them for their future careers.

2. Diverse Programs and Courses

   Whether it's science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM), humanities, arts, or business studies, there are abundant options to cater to the diverse academic interests and career goals of Indian students. In fact, if you’re looking for short-term courses like graduate diplomas or certifications for specialized study, Canada has plenty of them without disturbing your budget or plans. This allows students to pursue their passion and gain specialized knowledge in their chosen fields.

3. Post-Graduation Work Opportunities

   There are plenty of attractive post-graduation work permit (PGWP) options for international students in Canada, an aspect which is among the first to be checked. This allows Indian students to gain valuable work experience in Canada after completing their studies. The PGWP enables students to work in Canada for up to three years, depending on the length of their program. Unlike other countries that have stricter immigration laws with a lot of work permit applications permit, Canada’s PGWP is a breath of fresh air. This work experience helps them apply their skills professionally and, if planning to, increases their chances of qualifying for permanent residency in Canada.

4. Cultural Diversity and Welcoming Environment

   Canadians are world-famous for their politeness and friendliness. The country is also renowned for its multicultural society and readily welcomes international students from all over the world. In fact, Canada’s one-quarter of the total population is made of immigrants, and Indians constitute around 18.6% of this total immigrant population. This also goes on to prove that student visa for Canada is not too difficult to get, and if done correctly, the chances of visa rejections are also pretty low.

   Indian students can immerse themselves in a vibrant and diverse community, experiencing different cultures, languages, and traditions while feeling at home. This enriching cultural exposure enhances their overall educational experience and fosters global citizenship.

5. Safe and Secure Environment

   Canada is around 11,600 km away from India, and the fastest way to reach there takes around 15 hours. Separated by such a huge distance, it is natural to worry about the safety of Indian students. Living away from their families, Canada again scores higher on the safety index and consistently ranks as one of the safest countries in the world. 

   With a low crime rate and a strong emphasis on ensuring the safety and well-being of its residents, including international students, Canada offers peace of mind to Indian students pursuing their education there. To make it even better, plenty of travel insurance companies in India offer student travel insurance for Canada. It will protect them from many emergencies ranging from medical, stay-related, legal liabilities, etc.

6. Affordable Fees and Cost of Living

   Compared to other popular study destinations such as the United States or the United Kingdom, Canada offers competitive tuition fees for international students. This makes education in Canada more financially feasible for Indian students. Additionally, the cost of living in Canada, while varying across cities, is generally more affordable than in many other countries. This combination of affordable tuition fees and living expenses makes studying in Canada attractive for Indian students. What’s even better, most programmes allow students to work while studying in Canada so it’s possible to support yourself financially there.

7. Scholarships and Financial Aid Opportunities

   Canadian universities, non-government institutes and the Canadian government provide numerous scholarships, bursaries, grants, and financial aid options for international students, including those from India. Some of the most popular government-funded scholarships for Indians studying in Canada include:

   • Canada- ASEAN SEED (CAD 1600 weekly allowance, CAD 10,000 for the program and CAD 5,000 for flight expenses)
   • Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship (CAD 70,000)
   • IDRC Research Awards (CAD 15,000)

   Other than these, plenty of scholarships can be merit-based, need-based, or specific to certain fields of study. The availability of such financial support helps deal with the financial burden and makes studying in Canada more accessible for deserving Indian students. Please note that these scholarships are limited and are highly competitive. There is also a certain deadline that you must adhere to if you’re considering applying for one or more scholarships for Canada.

8. Pathways to Permanent Residency

   For those considering living abroad for various reasons, Canada offers various immigration programs that facilitate the transition from being an international student to a permanent resident. By studying in Canada, Indian students can gain valuable Canadian work experience, improve their language skills, and potentially qualify for immigration programs like the Express Entry system. These pathways to permanent residency provide Indian students with long-term opportunities to live and work in Canada if they are considering it. 

Over to You,

Canada provides Indian students with a compelling combination of high-quality education, great work opportunities, a welcoming environment, and many great opportunities. The country's safety, affordability, and generous scholarships make it an attractive destination for Indian students seeking an enriching and rewarding educational experience. No matter when you decide to come here, ensure that you buy international travel insurance for Canada. If you plan to study here, it will provide great peace of mind and financial safety.