Fast Facts

Capital: Ottawa
Population: Approximately 34 Million.
Size: Approximately 10 Million square kilometers
Time Zone: UTC, 3.5 to -10 hours
Currency: Canadian Dollar (CAD)
Official Languages: English and French

Information about Canada

From untouched nature to vibrant metropolises, Canada is truly a country of contrasts. Though gigantic in size, this country has only a population of around 34 million. The rest is all unspoiled wilderness stretching on beyond your wildest dreams. A large part of the country is luckily still unspoiled but many exciting cities have also evolved, especially in the southern metropolitan regions.

Cosmopolitan, secure and clean- those are the words that can best describe both small and larger cities in Canada. The unique combination of wilderness, expanse and metropolitan areas will contribute to a unique experience while studying in this country. All of these reasons and more are why Canada is one of the most livable countries in the world.

Canadian Higher Education System

Education is considered extremely important in Canada and is mostly financially supported by the government. This support ensures a consistent level of high quality that is not dependant on the particular institution or faculty. Canadian higher education institutions enjoy an excellent reputation worldwide.

Admission requirements and tuition fees can vary widely, as educational matters are regulated by the provincial governments. Universities in Canada offer a wide, innovative and diverse course program. Universities offer undergraduate, postgraduate and PhD degrees which are equal to American and other Commonwealth universities.

In addition to the diverse study programs, one of the biggest advantages of studying in Canada is that you can improve your skills in two languages, English and French. You can come into contact with each of these languages in your daily life and some universities offer courses in both. Outside of Québec, where French is the only official language, Ontario has the largest French-speaking population.

Canada has a very multicultural society influenced by its many groups of immigrants. Taking all of this into account, it should be not surprising that every year thousands of international students decide to study in Canada where they always receive a warm welcome.

Beginning of the Semester

July, September and January

Expenses per Semester

Tuition fees for international students vary according to the university and study program. You should expect around $5500 to $7000 in tuition fees although some universities may have higher tuition fees rates. Living costs vary between $5,000 and $6,000 per semester. Details on tuition fees and living costs are listed in each specific university profile.

Visa

A student visa is not required if you study for one to six months in Canada. For more than 6 months a permission to study must be requested at the Canadian embassy.

Health insurance

Students can take out Canadian health insurance when studying longer than 3 months.

Work

If granted a permission to study you will be allowed to work on campus. As of only recently have students who study at least 6 month fulltime in Canada been allowed to also work off campus once they applied for a work permit (up to 20 hours a week, unlimited in the semester break). This work permit will be granted under the condition of satisfactory grades and must be signed off by the university. All ESC partner higher education institutions will provide a work permit under these conditions.

Languages

Canada has two official languages, English and French. ESC only cooperates with English-speaking universities. However, some universities offer their courses in both languages. Students do not have to be fluent in both languages to study at Canadian universities.

For students whose mother tongue is not English, a language test is required. The TOEFLtest is generally accepted, but in Canada other English language tests are also accepted such as the IELTS test.