Study in Ontario, Canada

Ontario is a province in Canada and is also one of the most popular student destinations in Canada. Though the place is relatively more expensive than other places in Canada, students will find that living expenses here are cheaper than in other international student destinations in the world. Students who choose this location will be able to study at the best universities in the country like the University of Toronto and the University of Waterloo.

The universities here have faculties for most disciplines of study and students will be able to take up unique research ideas during their studies here. This is also one of the safest provinces in Canada for international students due to the large immigrant population that lives here.

Benefits of Studying in Ontario

The obvious benefits of studying in a province like Ontario lie in the high-quality education international students will be able to receive through the internationally acclaimed universities and colleges here. Since the province only has a 25% native population, international students will be able to blend in well with the immigrants thereby learning more about different cultures and languages. Students who live here will be able to learn about the Canadian culture and also explore the scenic beauty of the place in their leisure time. A few other benefits of studying here include-

• Students will be able to study in the best universities in Canada if they choose this province. These universities offer high-quality education in almost all fields of study.
• They will have the option of working in the country after completing their education and during their educational years.
• Students who wish to stay back in Canada and be Canadian citizens will be able to do so especially if they are an undergraduate with a job offer or postgraduate students with research plans.
• Most of the programs here are taught in English which allows students to communicate freely without having to master another language. At the same time, students will be able to learn French if they wish to while living here.
• Universities here are mostly research-oriented in every field of study with students being able to receive decent funding if they enroll in doctoral programs.

Popular Cities for Students in Ontario

There are 52 cities in Ontario out of which most are student hubs like Toronto which also happens to be the capital of this province. Out of these, a few many cities are extremely popular among international students for the quality of education offered in the universities here and the high standards of living most of these places have. The number of entertainment options the cities have along with the student-friendly nature of the cities are also factors that make these cities popular. A few of these cities are-

• Toronto- This is the capital of Ontario and is also one of the most expensive student hubs in the country. Since the place has a large immigrant population, international students will easily be able to blend in here. The place has internationally acclaimed universities along with job opportunities for both students and graduates alike.
• Ottawa- Ottawa is an urban place with a quality of life that is better than Toronto. This is mainly because there is a balance between the hustle and bustle of city life here though it is, indeed, a cosmopolitan city. There are plenty of outdoor activities students can be part of while they stay here.
• Kingston- This place has three popular universities including the Queen’s University. The cost of living here is relatively cheaper when compared to places like Toronto. It is a small student city with plenty of entertainment options including affordable restaurants and housing.

Cost of Living in Ontario

The cost of living in Ontario is comparably one of the highest in Canada. Most of the cost one will have while living in this province is that of accommodation since housing expenses are high here. This is also because the province offers a high standard of life to all. Students who choose to find cheaper accommodations or share their living space with other students will be able to considerably reduce their expenses.

The average cost of living per month in this province is around 3,300 CAD including rent if they have taken an apartment in a relatively better area. The cost of living in a city like Toronto will be higher than the amount for Ontario considering how it is a more expensive city.

Tuition Fee in Ontario

The tuition fee in Ontario is dependent on the kind of program the candidate has chosen to do and the institution they have enrolled in. The average undergraduate tuition fee that one will have to pay in a year is between 7,000 CAD to 8,000 CAD. The graduate fee can be anywhere around 7,500 per year. But since the fee is dependent on a few many factors, one will have to consult their university and department to know the exact fee structure they will have to deal with. The fee is generally the least for arts and liberal arts programs whereas it is highest for business and STEM programs.

Accommodation and Utility Expenses

Accommodation expenses are extremely high in Ontario due to the large influx of people coming to settle in this province year after year. Even though it is a student hub, especially when considering Toronto, the place will require students to spend a large amount on their rent considering the kind of housing option they have chosen. Students will be able to choose from on-campus housing, off-campus residence buildings, rental condominiums, room rentals, homestays, etc. each of which cater to different budgets.

The monthly rent one will have to pay for an apartment can range from 1,500 CAD to 2,000 CAD based on the location of the apartment. Most students share such living spaces with other students to considerably reduce the cost. The utility bills one will have to monthly pay will not generally exceed 130 CAD though this is dependent on the lifestyle the candidate has chosen to live.

Grocery Expenses

The price for basic grocery items includes-

• Milk- 3 CAD
• Cheese- 20 CAD
• Tomatoes- 4 CAD
• Potatoes- 3 CAD
• Apples- 4 CAD
• Wine- 18 CAD per bottle

Transportation Expenses

The transportation scene in Ontario is mostly different in different cities. Most students and young professionals in the province tend to choose public transportation for their hour-long rides back and forth from their institutions. The public transport system can be in the form of local buses, streetcars, or the subway based on the city. In cities like Toronto, one will also be able to take the ferry. Students who live near their campus will be able to bike to most locations through the Bike Share features that most cities in Ontario offer.

To use public transport, one will have to buy a one-way ticket for 3.25 CAD. They will also be able to get a monthly pass by paying around 100 CAD. The tickets can be transferred from one mode of transport to another by the student if the need arises.

Popular Programs to Study in Ontario

A few of the popular programs one can study in Ontario include-

• Engineering
• Business & administration
• Applied Economics
• Applied Computing
• Finance

Top Universities in Ontario

A few of the best universities in Ontario include-

Ontario Tech University

This university was established in the year 2002 and has a student population of around 10,000. It has around 300 academic staff as of now. It is a tech-based institute offering programs in the fields of business & information technology, energy systems & nuclear science, science, health science, social sciences & humanities, etc. It offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs to all candidates.

The research areas provided here include artificial intelligence, data science, distributed computing, health professions & health policy, etc.

University of Toronto

This university was established in the year 1827 and is a research university that is publicly funded. It has a student population of over 64,000 along with over 3,200 academic staff. They offer programs in areas like applied science & engineering, architecture, arts & sciences, dentistry, education, information, kinesiology & physical education, law, management, medicine, music, nursing, etc.

Each faculty in this university has its own set of research institutes and centers all of which focus on solving different global crises.

Western University, Ontario

This university is located in London, Ontario, and was established in the year 1878. It has a student population of over 40,000 along with over 1,500 academic staff. Students will be able to choose programs from faculties like music, arts & humanities, health sciences, law, social science, medicine & dentistry, information & media studies, etc. It offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs to all candidates.

The university has research institutes for bone & joint, philosophy, earth & space exploration, and neuroscience.

University of Waterloo

This university was established in the year 1956 and is a public research university. It has a student population of over 43,000 along with over 1,500 academic staff. The faculties it has included health, arts, engineering, environment, mathematics, and sciences. Through these faculties, it offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs with a keen interest in research and the highest enrolment rate in undergraduate programs.

The research centers they have include ones for accounting research & education, bioengineering & biotechnology, computational mathematics in industry & commerce, control of emerging contaminants, etc.

York University

This university was established in the year 1959 and is a public research university. They offer undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs to all students. They have a student population of over 55,000 alone with over 7,000 academic staff. The faculties they have include engineering, arts, liberal arts, environmental studies, law, business, science, fine arts, etc.

The research centers they have include centers for public policy & law, child & youth research, education & community, refugee studies, Asian research, international & security studies, etc.

Entertainment Options in Ontario

Ontario being one of the most popular places in Canada is a must-visit location, especially during the winters. While there are plenty of museums, art galleries, historic landmarks, and other areas of interest one can visit, students who live here will also be able to attempt the various winter sports and activities. The province has a satisfying blend of the wilderness and the cosmopolitan making it an ideal place for people of all interests to be in.

Students will also be able to attend live concerts during different festivals or go to plays and other art-related activities that are conducted from time to time in the province. They will be able to go to casinos, pubs, escape rooms, etc., or even be part of charity fundraisers in their locality if they wish to according to their interests.

Places to Visit in Ontario

Students who live in Ontario will be able to go to the different museums like the Royal Ontario Museum, Art Gallery of Ontario, etc. during their stay here. The province is home to over 700 sites that are historically or culturally associated which people will be able to visit at their leisure. The place also has its share of natural beauty spread across the wilderness found here. Students will be able to explore the place depending on the season. For instance, during summer, students will be able to attend different festivals and hike or explore scenic spots. During winter, they will be able to enjoy the different ice caves that are formed or even visit the frozen waterfall. A few of the must-visit places in Ontario include-

• Horseshoe Falls- This is one of the three waterfalls that make up Niagara Falls. Students will be able to trek across the 2,200 feet zip line towards the falls or they will be able to visit the spots behind the waterfalls both of which are exceptional experiences. They will also be able to take a boat tour of the falls.
• Skylon Tower- This tower is also located close to Niagara Falls and provides a spectacular view of the falls from a 360-degree angle. The place offers a decent shopping and dining experience to people. Students will also be able to watch glass blowing performances.
• Algonquin Provincial Park- This is the largest park in the province offering wildlife viewing and other adventures. Students will be able to visit the Logging Museum and Art Centre while they are here.

Things to do in Ontario

People who stay in Ontario will be able to keep themselves engaged with various activities that are held throughout the year. Since the place has plenty of landmarks and historic sites one can visit, they will be able to categorize the places they wish to visit and make weekend plans out of them. They will also be able to take part in winter activities like skiing, ski-shoeing, snowshoeing, etc. while they are here. They will also be able to attend the different festivals that are conducted here from time to time throughout the year. A few of the must-do things in the province include-

• Visit the Royal Ontario Museum- This museum is the largest one in Canada and has over 13 million artifacts of historical importance that one can view. Students will be able to learn about the artistic and cultural inclinations of the place by visiting this location.
• Go to the Georgian Bay- This is a lake with a 1,240-mile granite shoreline. Students will be able to do outdoor activities like fishing, kayaking, etc. while exploring the place. They will also be able to view the different beaches and even the Georgian Bay Island National Park while they are here.
• Try Ski-Shoeing- Ski-Shoeing is a back-country skiing activity that one can indulge in during winters. Students will be able to explore the countryside and at the same time blend snowshoeing and hiking if they wish to experience something new. Those who wish to only snowshoe will be able to visit the ice caves at Gros Cap, Michipicoten Bay, etc.