Universities in Canada

Universities in Canada

Second largest country in the world covering most of the northern part of the North American continent, Canada has an extremely varied topography. In the east, the mountainous maritime provinces have an irregular coastline on the Gulf of St. Lawrence and the Atlantic. The St. Lawrence plain, covering most of southern Quebec and Ontario, and the interior continental plain, covering southern Manitoba and Saskatchewan and most of Alberta, are the principal cultivable areas. In the west rises the so famous Canadian Cordillera stretching from the Rocky Mountains to the Pacific Ocean. 

Lying north on the border of the United States, Canada is the second largest country in the world in regards to total area. Extending from the Pacific to the Atlantic Ocean, Canada also boasts of having one of the largest economies due to its abundance of natural resources that include oil, minerals, fisheries and forestry. It is considered a constitutional monarchy and parliamentary democracy, with a prime minister and Queen Elizabeth as the head of state. Canada ranks high among other global countries in human development, civil liberties, education, economic freedom and quality of life. In addition, it is a member of the United Nations, NAFTA, G8, NATO, WTO, APEC and the Commonwealth of Nations.

Because Canada has vast areas of heavily forested land, it has a population density of about three people per eight square miles (one kilometer). This demographic is one of the lowest in the world, comparable to parts of the North and South Poles, Russia and the Amazon jungle. Alternately, Southern Quebec and Southern Ontario contain the most densely populated regions of Canada, along the St. Lawrence River and the Great Lakes.

Three territories and ten provinces comprise the federation of Canada. Provinces are more autonomous than territories in regards to welfare, health care and education, with provinces collecting additional revenue from the government. However, the federal government can implement national policies such as the Canadian Health Act in provinces. Although provinces have the right to decline initiation of federal policies, they usually chose to accept them.

Essential Facts about Canada

• The capital of Canada is Ottawa, located in the province of Ontario.
• Canada has two official languages--English and French. Nearly 60 percent of Canadians speak English while 20 percent speak French. Other languages commonly spoken in Canada due to its high level of multicultural diversity are Cantonese, German, Punjab and Italian.
• The legal system in Quebec is based on a system of civil laws supported by French law; the rest of Canada adheres to the English common law system.
• Canada contains an estimated two million lakes which covers around eight percent of its total landmass.
• The maple leaf is Canada's national symbol and is displayed prominently on the country's flag.
• Canada offers free basic health care to its citizens; however, dental service fees remain the responsibility of the person receiving such services. Prescription medications are mostly free to senior citizens over 65 as well as recipients of social aid.
• The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (colloquially called "The Mounties") are both a national and federal police force that is known for riding decorated horses as they patrol areas of Canada.

Canada's Climate

Average summer and winter temperatures vary widely from territory to territory. While southern parts of Canada experience weather conditions similar to that of the U.S., the Prairie and interior provinces have continental climate conditions where daily temperatures in winter can vary from 5 degree Fahrenheit to -30°F (-15 to -35°C) on average. All areas of Canada are susceptible to large amounts of snow and rain. Montreal, Quebec and Ottawa present average summer temperatures of 78 degrees (25°C) Fahrenheit and average winter temperatures of 10 degrees Fahrenheit (-10°C).

Canadian Currency

The currency of Canada is the Canadian dollar, indicated by the symbols $ or C$, or the code CAD. Like the American dollar, the Canadian dollar is divided into 100 cents. Canada also produces coins that come in 1¢, 5¢, 10¢, 25¢, 50¢, 1$, and 2$ denominations, although the 1 cent and 50 cent coins are rarely seen in circulation. Currency notes come in 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 CAD denominations.

Religion in Canada

Almost half of all Canadians consider themselves Catholics, followed by Islam and Hinduism. According to a recent census, nearly 24 percent of Canadian citizens are not affiliated with any type of religious group, preferring to call themselves atheists or agnostics.

Higher Education in Canada

It is the Canadian provinces of Ontario, Newfoundland and Labrador, Alberta, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Quebec, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island that are constitutionally responsible for higher education operations.

Although each province differs slightly in the way they manage their higher education system, some similarities remain that can help students planning to study in Canada get an idea of what to expect from the country's education system. For example, all universities and colleges grant bachelor's master's and PhD degrees while vocational or technical colleges provide certificates or diplomas. Canadian higher education institutions also include community colleges that offer two year associate's degrees, colleges of Applied Arts and Technology, provincial institutes and private vocational colleges. If a student is interested in attending a particular college or university, he or she should visit the website of that particular province to learn more about its unique educational system.

Popular Universities in Canada

The University of Toronto consistently ranks high on the list of best North American universities. Offering students access to more academic courses than any other Canadian university as well as the chance to work in recognized research laboratories, UT is considered one of Canada's top-flight higher education institutions.

Other distinguished Canadian universities include the University of British Columbia, where over 50,000 students enjoy concert halls, museums and a variety of music and athletic programs; and the University of Alberta, a world-respected and research intensive university known for its in-depth curriculum and high standards of learning.

Tuition Fees

Average tuition for Canadian citizens or permanent residents seeking to earn an undergraduate degree in their country is about $5000 CAD per year. The same students choosing to earn a graduate degree in Canada should expect to pay about $1000 CAD more annually than undergraduation tuition fees.

International students are required to pay higher fees than Canadian residents--nearly three times the amount, in fact. If you are an international student, expect to pay $14,000 per year for undergraduate programs and an even higher amount for graduate degrees. Nevertheless, some agreements between certain countries and provinces can lower the tuition fees (France and Quebec for instance). It has been noticed that nonresident students attending Saskatchewan and Quebec universities pay the highest in tuition fees, while international students attending Newfoundland and Manitoba universities will pay the lowest tuition fees.

Eligibility for Study Visas

To be eligible to obtain a Canadian study visa, students must prove they have been accepted by a college or university in Canada, show they can financially support themselves and pay tuition fees and present a clean record in regards to criminal history. Students may be asked to undergo a medical examination in some cases before a student visa is issued.

Why Study in Canada?

Not only has Canada one of the most gorgeous landscapes in the world, but the country is also worldly renowned for its Higher Education system. Although it may become expensive for international students to attend some schools or universities in Canada, this country also has one of the best reputations regarding quality of education. In addition, Canada provides a peaceful, safe and diverse environment to students, as well as an excellent working conditions and learning atmosphere. Canada, land of multiculturalism, will be the home for students wanting to live a unique experience  in the heart of some of the best universities and schools in the world.