Canada is known very much as an inclusive society that boasts “the most diverse cultural makeup in the G8,” which makes it an ideal destination for international students from around the world. It is well known for its friendliness and its safe, comfortable, and its multicultural environment is something that many students cherish. With all these qualities you do not need to ask, “What are the Benefits of Studying in Canada as an International PhD Student?”
As well as being a great place to live, Canada offers a wealth of higher education. With over 200 universities and colleges and a long history of innovation and pioneering in higher education, the benefits of Studying in Canada are seemingly endless.
Why Canada is the Best Destination for International PhD Students
It is always a great feeling when one finds the right path to reach the dreams in life after wandering a long way in the dark. Canada is a competitive destination for higher studies for international students, and Canadian research and innovation have created more feasible opportunities for international students.
Canada has increasingly become the country of choice for students from all parts of the world. This has become a trend, dating back to 2008 in which the population of international students in Canada grew by 84% according to the Canadian Journal of Higher Education. Currently, over 250,000 international students are studying in Canada. According to research reports – among them the report given by the Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE) – there are several reasons why students choose to study in Canada such as the high quality of education, the presence of a multicultural society, affordable and convenient education system, and opportunities to work while studying.
This has been able to create an atmosphere of wellness for students from different cultural backgrounds in Canada as the programs provide opportunities for virtue, accessible extracurricular activities, support groups, and English language classes.
It is important to note that there are several programs offered in different provinces in Canada that suit and meet students’ educational and career interests. For example, in Ontario, there is a program known as the International PhD Graduate Stream where students pursuing PhD degrees have an opportunity to apply for permanent residency provided that they have either finished their PhD or have been at it for at least two years.
This is not only an opportunity for education but also a lifelong experience as one is given a chance to explore and grow within diverse cultural and professional interests. With such programs, it is therefore not a surprise to see the percentage of students who would wish to stay and make Canada their new home is high.
See also: Top 7 Cheapest Countries to Study a PhD Degree
Top Benefits of Studying in Canada as an International PhD Student
What’s so special about studying in Canada as an international student, you may ask? Well, in this section, we will talk about the benefits for international PhD students in Canada. Let’s get started immediately:
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Quality Education System
Canada is among the top countries in the world which provide quality and research-based education. All of the Canadian universities are a part of the global university community. More than 160,000 international students go to Canada for postgraduate studies every year. Canadian universities use the latest trends in technology to teach the students and almost all of them have well-equipped computers and research labs.
The PhD students in Canada have to take only a few courses and conduct a certain period of research. This is one of the major advantages as one can focus on his work and at the same time, one gets to learn and apply his knowledge through research.
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Welcoming and Inclusive Environment
Canada is a country known for its kindness, friendliness, and respect for all cultures and its open arms policy is written directly into the Constitution, which enables everyone to practice their own beliefs and customs freely. It is not just because of the law that there is such little racial conflict, but it can also be seen within the population itself.
For example, Toronto is said to be one of the most diverse cities in the world, with nearly 100% of the population being first or second-generation immigrants. The Charter of Rights and Freedoms, says that every Canadian has the right to enjoy their own culture, practice their religion, and use their own language, as long as it does not conflict with the laws of Canada.
This welcoming mentality is crucial for PhD students as they often face enough stress being in such high levels of education in a foreign country.
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Research Opportunities and Funding
Many universities in Canada have specific scholarship programs designed to attract top international students to join the university’s community for their PhD work. These might be in the form of externally funded scholarships, bursaries or scholarship schemes established by the university itself. Some schemes and scholarships are offered to Canadian students to study or research abroad.
They provide further support to international PhD students as it increases the pool of potential students with whom scholarships can be shared. Funding is not the only source of financial support available to international students. Overall, the wide variety of scholarships and financial aid available to international PhD students makes Canada an attractive location for postgraduate study.
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Access to Top Universities and Programs
The research conducted at universities and institutions across Canada is competitive with some of the top programs in the world. There are universities and programs in Canada that are ranked among the best in the world, all recognized on the global stage for their commitment to high-quality education and cutting-edge research.
For example, the University of Toronto is always in the top 100 in global rankings, as are the University of British Columbia and McGill University. It is noted that Canada’s research-intensive universities have become global centres for research and innovation, with particularly strong impacts on advanced manufacturing, global and population health, and the digital economy.
However, the benefits of studying in Canada are not limited to the top research institutions; in fact, the quality of Canadian education and the excellence of its academic institutions are consistently cited across the higher education sector, irrespective of whether a university is research-driven or teaching-focused.
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Diverse and Multicultural Society
Canada is known for its multiculturalism and here, there are no restrictions related to any kind of racism. The Canadian government has shown and continues to show great support for multiculturalism. Here, students have the chance to interact with their fellow students and academic staff from different parts of the world.
This kind of exposure is very important for a student who is looking to excel in research. By giving students from other countries these opportunities, Canada continues to build a research environment that is multicultural and diverse.
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High Standard of Living
It’s easy to see why so many international students chose to call Canada home during their post-secondary studies. Without a doubt, Canada has set a very high standard of living and it’s known for its high quality of life, clean environment, low crime rates, excellent health care, and a well-developed education system.
According to the US News, Canada has ranked as one of the top ten places to live in the world for the past consecutive years. In this report, Canada is ranked as #3 in Quality of Life and #2 in Best Countries Overall. So, what are you waiting for? Get your decision made! Get to know and love Canada, the most exciting and peaceful country in the world!
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Post-Graduate Work Opportunities
Post-graduation work experience for international students is a big advantage of studying in Canada. International students have the opportunity to work in Canada for up to three years after they graduate. There are a variety of work permits available for international students in Canada, both while studying and after graduating.
Bear in mind that Canadian work experience gained through the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program can help international students qualify for permanent residency if they choose to apply. This means that international students in Canada have a very real opportunity to work in a wealth of professional environments after they graduate, as Canada is keen to develop its workforce by attracting people from abroad.
Related: What Can I Do As A PhD Student In Canada?
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Global Recognition of Canadian Degrees
The degrees which international students would obtain in Canada are highly recognized, respected, and appreciated across the globe. This is thanks to many different reasons, including the high quality of Canadian education, the secure and prestigious environment, the many research opportunities, and most importantly, the student-centred learning.
Canada uses the same standard of education as the United Kingdom. The rigorous and high standard of quality education has made the degrees quite valuable worldwide. The Canadian degree is of sterling qualities and amongst the best in the world. With a PhD degree in Canada, you can enjoy enormous respect and prestige in the world.
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Health and Social Benefits
International PhD students in Canada have access to Canada’s universal healthcare program from the day they arrive in the country. The Canadian healthcare system covers the cost of most medical services, including doctor’s visits, medical tests, surgery, and emergency services. Not only are international PhD students in Canada covered by government health insurance plans, but Canadian universities take extra steps to offer comprehensive health coverage too.
Conclusion
International students are not only the future of their home countries, but also Canada’s own future. Canada needs to keep international students and show respect to them. The more benefits Canada can offer to international students, the more likely they will apply to study in Canada or continue to live in Canada and play a significant role.
The top benefits of studying in Canada touched on factors like a welcoming and diverse society and personal safety and security. These health and social benefits are certainly important for international PhD students. A PhD degree from a Canadian university can lead you to a good job, better pay, and a high standard of living and can give you a better and brighter future.
