Last Updated: April 13, 2021
Which are the best cities for international students?
Canada in general is a very pleasant country, that encompasses people of various cultures. Over the years, and due to the friendly nature of the country itself, Canada has become a huge melting pot of cultures and people from every corner of the world.
A beautiful country that provides ample opportunities to the students that come to one of the many prestigious universities, Canada has fast become a mass favorite for a majority of students. However, it is exceedingly important to choose an ideal city to live in as at least 2-4 years of any international student will be spent in the city they choose to attend university in.
Below is a list of the top 7 cities to live in Canada.
Toronto
- Toronto is Canada's cultural capital and is famous for the vast variety of historical landmarks, food, festivals, and art. The variety is a blend of different cultures and people that have been settling in Canada for years ago, and continue to seek Toronto as the no.1 destination to start a new life.
- International students are no exception. Among the vast population of students in Canada, around 18% of them are international students. With such a high rate of international students gathering in the capital, it is of no surprise that the city caters to the needs of the international students effectively and efficiently.
- Toronto is home to one of the most reputed universities in the world and the top university in Canada - The University of Toronto. The reputation of the University of Toronto automatically increases the inflow of students in the city - making it develop into a student-friendly place.
- Safety is not a major concern in Toronto. The city has been known to be a very safe place to stay - especially for international students. Furthermore, a good degree of freedom is provided to international students, which opens the door after door of opportunities for them.
- Transportation is fairly easy and accessible in Toronto. The primary method of transportation that is well-received by many students are the buses and the subway. The cost of the transportation will be on average of CAD 3 per day, and a monthly pass may cost international students CAD 12.
- Since the city has a major population of international students, part-time jobs are very popular. An international student can work part-time jobs while being in university, but the limit is set to 20 hours per week.
- However, a major drawback for Toronto is the high living costs that burn a hole in the pocket of most international students. Not only are the day-to-day living costs quite high, but being a major city hub, the cost of accommodation and housing in Toronto is sky-high as well. Additionally, the University of Toronto is easily one of the most expensive universities to attend, making the city a difficult option for students on a budget.
Quebec
- Even though Quebec is a predominantly French-speaking city, international students are more than happy to apply to the universities of Quebec. The European architecture and the variety of fun festivals celebrated in Quebec attract many people from around the world, and students are no exception.
- Even though the city itself does not necessarily converse in English in their day-to-day life, the universities of Quebec function only through the medium of English. However, it is required of an international student to know French and English of a certain level to live and study freely in the city of Quebec. Few courses are strictly taught in French, which makes it all the more of an important requirement.
- The city of Quebec houses great universities under it. Every university in Quebec delivers outstanding education and is actively involved in research under various fields of study and expertise. Scholars and researchers from all over the world come to the universities of Quebec as professors or to conduct research. Furthermore, the tuition fee for universities in Quebec is comparatively lower than other major cities in Canada - making the city a student favorite.
- Quebec is the safest city that international students can find in the whole of Canada. A quaint and peaceful city, Quebec hardly reports any kind of violence, theft, or other grave crimes and has a student-friendly environment.
- Public transportation is fairly easy and accessible in Quebec and is also the primary method of transportation. The most sought-after modes of transportation that are well-received by many students are buses, taxis, ferries, bicycles, and two-wheelers.
- Quebec is the cheapest city for students in terms of cost of living and accommodation & housing. Hence, the city is the most affordable place for international students and domestic students alike. Additionally, the tuition fees of universities in Quebec are not too heavy, making the city a hub for students.
Montreal
- The QS Best Student Cities Rankings (2019) places Montreal in the 6th rank. With the abundance of premium universities, a great cultural mix, exciting festivals, and events, Montreal is the most ideal city for students wanting a perfect balance of academics and fun.
- Montreal houses Canada's finest universities - one of them being McGill University, which ranks as one of the top 50 universities in the world. Moreover, the tuition fee of McGill university is not bank-breaking and comes under the budget range of a majority of international students.
- Just as other major cities of Canada, Montreal is a safe city for international and domestic students alike. It is a student-friendly city that welcomes people from all over the world with an added zeal and enthusiasm.
- Transportation in Montreal is very easily accessible and the cost of travel is quite cheap. Students can explore the city by buses or by 'Bixi bikes'. The fare for bus travel increases slightly in the nighttime, but it is not something that is out of any student's budget.
- The cost of living and cost of accommodation & housing is affordable for international students in general. However, it is important to keep in mind that the cost may vary as per the area a student chooses to reside in. International students should face a difference in cost of accommodation & housing mostly.
Ottawa
- Ottawa is the city in Canada with probably the most cultural diversity, as the international students and working people make up half of the population. The variety of several cultures blending in, as well as the living environment of the city, makes it an ideal destination for students.
- Ottawa is also famous for the outstanding universities. The University of Ottawa is one of the top 500 universities in the world, which aims to provide exceptional education and develop world leaders. Additionally, the University of Ottawa is fairly budget-friendly, leading the university to be one of the most sought-after universities in Canada.
- Being worried about safety probably does not exist in the city of Ottawa. The city has been tooted to be the safest city in the whole of Canada, helping the international students feel at ease and settle in a new environment without much of a hiccup.
- Ottawa has a very efficient transport hub. The major modes of transport in Ottawa are buses, trains, and especially a railway mode of transport that acts as a replacement for a shuttle.
- Living costs at Ottawa are very affordable. The city in itself is budget-friendly for international students, including the cost of living, housing, and tuition fee to be paid at universities. Moreover, the city of Ottawa is brimming with opportunities in terms of employment and part-time jobs, so international students can comfortably live and earn in the city without worrying too much about the finances.
Vancouver
- The city of Vancouver ranks as one of the top 20 cities to live in Canada. The city is surrounded by gorgeous nature and has plenty of international students who are attracted to not only the beauty of the city but even the comfort and opportunities it provides.
- Prestigious and famous universities such as Simon Fraser University and The University of British Columbia are located in Vancouver. Both the universities are known for the educational standards, high employment rate, and affordable tuition fees. Students looking for all three of the qualities mentioned are attracted to Vancouver to pursue higher education.
- Safety is not an issue in Vancouver, the city is as safe as any other major city in Canada. Crimes towards students or people, in general, are very low, however, it is advisable to keep safe of any kind of online scam.
- Transportation comes in many forms in Vancouver, students will find rapid trains, buses, West Coast Express, and SeaBus everywhere. However, the primary mode of transport for students has to be either rapid trains or buses. West Coast Express and SeaBus operate majorly for tourists.
- A major drawback of Vancouver is the fact that it is the most expensive city to live in. It ranks higher than Toronto in terms of living costs and costs for accommodation & housing. For students who are on a budget, Vancouver is definitely not an ideal choice.
Calgary
- Calgary is the largest city in the western province of Alberta. It is the fourth-largest metropolitan urban center in Canada and the third-largest city in the country.
- Some of Canada's best universities are located in Calgary, including the University of Calgary, Bow Valley College, St. Mary's University, and many others.
- One of the shining perks of Calgary is that the city is known for producing employment in a variety of industries, including oil and petroleum, manufacturing, banking, logistics services, transportation management, and tourism.
- Despite popular belief, it is quite expensive to live in Calgary. The cost of living is not sky high as Toronto or Vancouver, but it still puts a strain on the bank and budgeting in general.
Victoria
- The city of Victoria is the capital of the British Columbia province. It is not only a lovely city with many historic landmarks, beautiful landscapes, pleasant locals, but it also houses some of the country's topmost universities.
- The University of Victoria, St. Michaels University School, Pearson College, Royal Roads Military College, and several other reputable Canadian institutions are all located in Victoria.
- The cost of living in the city of Victoria is not sky-high. International students looking to live comfortably yet not wanting to spend a bomb on daily necessities will find Victoria a pleasant choice.