Best Courses to Study in Canada: In-Demand Course Breakdown

Get an up-close and personal perspective on the Canadian education system and experience with BorderPass. This article will give you a complete rundown of the programs that are not just highly sought-after, but have a proven track record of employment success after graduation.

Canada stands out as one of the best countries that provides quality education and a wide range of courses to help you succeed in your career.

In this article, we’ll cover:

• Why you should study in Canada
• The best courses to choose to study in Canada
• What you need to know about the Canadian admissions process
• Frequently asked questions

Ready to learn about the most in-demand courses available in Canada? Let’s begin!

Why study in Canada?

From our first-hand examination, Canada’s educational system is well-favored globally because it is sustainable for international students. It effectively bridges the gap between finishing studies and starting a career.

Students attending Canadian universities reap the benefits of plentiful work-study options, a broad spectrum of world-class programs for both undergraduate courses (i.e. Bachelor) and postgraduate study (i.e. Masters and Ph.D.), and promising career opportunities after graduating.

On top of this, international students get to experience and explore a higher quality of life and the potential for permanent residency, if they so decide.

Canada as a popular study destination

Did you know that Canada welcomed over 550,000 international students from 184 countries in 2022?

This signifies an astounding increase from the previous year when just over 400,000 international students entered Canada, showing a focus from the Canadian government on welcoming those from outside the country.

The number of international students in Canada has been consistently rising over the past decades from all over the globe, including Nigeria, Malaysia, Taiwan, Thailand, India, and the US, and is predicted to grow for years to come.

Benefits of studying in Canada

Drawing from our experience, the many advantages of studying in Canada are built towards helping international students determine their career paths, specialize, and succeed in their sectors.

Specialized faculties and well-equipped campuses

Canadian educational institutions only employ the most experienced faculties and experts in their respective fields. These knowledgeable professionals play a fundamental role in providing students with first-rate mentorship and guidance.

Beyond the lecture halls, Canadian campuses are vibrant and have student safety at their core, with no shortage of art galleries, concert halls, and sports facilities. University life in Canada supports a well-rounded educational experience that aligns with both academic and extracurricular activities, ensuring that your learned skills include leadership qualities.

Affordability vs US and UK

Tuition fees in Canada are relatively less costly in comparison to other popular destinations such as those embarking on US and UK studies.

$29,713 CAD (approximately $22,856 USD at 30% exchange rate) is the average annual tuition fee for international students enrolled in Canadian universities, while international students in American universities pay an average annual tuition fee of $35,086 USD.

Meanwhile, international students at UK universities could find themselves paying, on average, annual tuition fees of around £22,200 (approximately $28,297 USD at 27%).

Access to work permits

International students from eligible Designated Learning Institutions are given a direct path to acquire work permits in Canada. Graduates have the choice to submit an application for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) that authorizes them to work in the country for up to three years post-graduation.

Ample post-graduate job opportunities

One of the major pros of completing your studies in Canada is the abundant selection of post-graduate work opportunities. International students generally go through a smooth transition from college life to a well-compensated career that contributes to the nation’s economy.

High quality of life

The country is also globally recognized for its quality of life and ability to foster personal growth. Living in a safe environment is a high priority when studying abroad, and Canada is widely regarded as one of the safest places you could reside in and discover. The crime rates are low and Canadians are known for being open and friendly.

Best courses to study in Canada

Even though there are tons of academic courses offered to international students in Canada, the most critical factor in planning your career growth is making the right selection from the wide array of in-demand programs.

Be sure to look at which schools offer the best courses and provide top-notch tailored education, but which also match your academic goals and help you achieve excellence to elevate career prospects. If you plan to work in Canada after graduation, also make sure the school is eligible for Canada’s Post-Graduation Work Program (PGWP).

What you study will determine career paths and not just fulfill academic aspirations, so to ensure success and support career development, but also ensure that your studies will enable skill acquisition for your chosen field.

Express Entry categories

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) initially established the Express Entry system in 2015. Its primary objective is to empower skilled foreign workers and their families to receive permanent residency status in Canada as soon as possible.

IRCC sends out invitations to candidates from their Express Entry pool. They are chosen based on education, work experience, and communication abilities.

Persons with certain skill sets and occupations (eg, students from engineering courses) have a higher chance of getting an invitation to apply for Permanent Residency (PR). The most in-demand candidates are geared toward occupations that can help the country achieve specific economic benchmarks.

A path to permanent residence in Canada

If you are considering applying for permanent residency in Canada and are eligible, Express Entry is one of your go-to and ideal options.

The Express Entry Canada system is one of the most highly utilized immigration programs for skilled foreign workers, due to fast processing times and its mission to keep families together.

Again, if you can tailor education in Canada to create opportunities for yourself in the future, do! Look for courses that could lead to success with eventual PR, and we encourage specialization if that’s your ultimate goal.

IRCC Express Entry Categories for 2023

IRCC annually selects and sends out a report on Express Entry categories based on input from provinces, territories, stakeholders across Canada, and labor market data with projections. Those in these categories may potentially receive a recommendation for permanent residency much faster than in other streams.

IRCC Express Entry categories include:

• Occupations in transportation
• Occupations in trade
• Occupations in healthcare
• Occupations in agriculture
• Occupations in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)
• French-language proficiency

Transportation and Trade Programs

Canada is home to thriving industries in transportation and trade, offering programs that equip students with the skills needed for dynamic careers. Some exciting courses in this field include logistics management, international trade, and supply chain operations.

Why are transportation and trade programs a good choice in Canada?

Canada's strategic geographical location and robust trade network make it an ideal hub for transportation and trade studies. Graduates can explore rewarding careers in logistics, supply chain management, and international trade, contributing to the nation's economic growth.

Top schools for transportation and trade programs in Canada

• Centennial College
• Humber College
• Medicine Hat College
• University of British Columbia

Healthcare Programs

The healthcare sector in Canada is known for its commitment to providing high-quality education. Students pursuing healthcare programs, such as nursing, dentistry, and health promotion, benefit from a research-intensive learning environment.

Why are healthcare programs a good choice in Canada?

Canada's dedication to healthcare education is reflected in its state-of-the-art facilities and comprehensive curriculum. International students choose Canada for its excellent medical school programs, preparing them for diverse roles in healthcare.

Top schools for healthcare programs in Canada

• McMaster University
• Fanshawe College
• Dalhousie University
• McGill University

Agriculture Programs

Agriculture programs in Canada cater to the demand for skilled professionals in managing resources, food production, and environmental sustainability. Students can specialize in areas like crop rotation, biotechnology, and soil management.

Why are agriculture programs a good choice in Canada?

With a rising global population, the demand for qualified professionals in agriculture is increasing. Canada's agriculture programs prepare graduates to address challenges in food production, resource management, and environmental stewardship.

Top Schools for agriculture programs in Canada

• University of Guelph
• University of Alberta
• McGill University
• Northern College

STEM Programs

Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) programs in Canada are designed to meet the growing demand for skilled professionals in these fields. Courses cover diverse areas such as machine learning, artificial intelligence, and environmental engineering.

Why are STEM programs a good choice in Canada?

Canada's STEM education is globally renowned for its high standards and innovation. Graduates can pursue rewarding careers in software development, environmental engineering, and other cutting-edge fields.

Top schools for STEM programs in Canada

• University of Toronto
• University of Waterloo
• Ontario Tech University
• Durham College

By choosing programs in transportation, trade, healthcare, agriculture, and STEM, students can embark on fulfilling careers and contribute to the growth and development of Canada's diverse industries.

Business management

Over time, we found that business management is one of the most highly sought-after degrees in Canada because of the international work experience and career prospects it provides.

Why is a business a good choice in Canada?

Canadian business education programs are renowned for their exceptional education standards and are among the top 100 in the world. A Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA) will expose you to a diverse corporate network and instill a thorough understanding of the business world.

Career opportunities after a degree in business

Some of the prospective career opportunities after an MBA fall under investment finance, business analytics, management consulting, banking, and many more.

Best schools for business studies in Canada

Some of the best schools for business degrees include:

• Rotman School of Management
• Smith School of Business
• Centennial College
• Medicine Hat College

Other notable courses

The Canadian education system also offers a ton of other courses that involve specialized learning and practical learning that are in high demand in the job market.

Diploma courses and their benefits

Diploma courses in Canada lead to a strong career foundation. They offer high academic standards, global recognition, diverse programs, and post-study job opportunities.

Some of these programs include:

• Liberal arts
• Media and Journalism
• Film production
• Marketing
• Photography
• Animation

Admission process in Canada

The general admission process for colleges and universities in Canada has two basic requirements: competency in either English or French and the completion of high school.

The application process varies depending on the province, so remember to check all requirements before downloading and submitting your application.

How to choose the best course for yourself?

Making decisions on your course and future career path can be difficult. You need to dedicate time to evaluate and compare different factors to make the right choice.

You should:

• Consider your potential career path
• Identify your strengths and weaknesses
• Find work and learn opportunities
• Research work opportunities.

Application process and deadlines

Aside from province, the application process for international students in Canada can also vary from university to university.

Here is a list of the general procedure and steps:

• Step 1: Research universities you are interested in
• Step 2: Review academic terms and timeline for intakes
• Step 3: Gather all the admission requirements
• Step 4: Fill out your online application
• Step 5: Submit any additional requirements
• Step 6: Pay for the application fee
• Step 7: Wait to be notified of a decision.

Fees and living costs

Most universities in Canada charge an application fee that is typically around $100 CAD. When it comes to daily living expenses, the monthly average for international students is generally around $600–$800 CAD for food and other everyday costs. Rent can be expensive in Canada, depending on where you live. Be sure you have enough saved for living expenses and tuition.

Key takeaways

Canada is one of the most excellent choices among the many countries to study abroad for aspirants.

To ensure that you make the right course choice and maximize your experience, international students need to thoroughly assess their planned career trajectory, along with the following components:

• Know the reasons to study in Canada
• Identify the top courses to study in Canada  
• Understand the admission process steps in Canada.

If you’re ready to start your international study in Canada, why not get in touch with us at BorderPass? We’ll help you every step of the way, from application for your study permit, to post-graduate work, to permanent residence!

FAQs

How long will it take to get a study permit?

Once you submit your study permit application after getting your letter of acceptance from a college or university in Canada, it can take up to several months to receive your study permit, though this will depend on your home country.

Can I get a job in Canada after completing my course or degree?

To be authorized to work in Canada after graduation, you will be required to apply for a post graduation work permit (PGWP). The work experience you accumulate after graduation can help you qualify for permanent residence.

Is it possible to study in Canada without IELTS?

Pursuing higher studies in Canada will require you to provide English proficiency test scores. Many colleges and universities in Canada offer admission alternatives for IELTS, such as TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo Test, and others.