Best Cities for International Students in Canada

Thousands of international students migrate to Canada every year to pursue their higher education. However, adapting to the culture of a new country can be overwhelming for students. Here we have curated a list of the best cities for international students in Canada. Once students have adequate knowledge and information about these cities, they can make informed career decisions.

Table of Contents

• List of Best Cities for International Students in Canada
• Advantages of Studying in the Best Cities in Canada

List of Best Cities for International Students in Canada

Which city is best for international students in Canada? Students aspiring to study in Canada often come across this question. Among the 100 best student cities in the world, four Canadian cities were ranked in the top 100 by QS Best Student Cities 2022. Here are the top 5 cities in Canada for international students, along with their QS Rankings:

Montreal

More than 350,000 students go to Montreal to avail exceptional educational opportunities. With a barrage of prestigious universities, Montreal ranks among the best cities for international students in Canada. 

Moreover, it offers a high standard of living and abundant employment opportunities for students. Montreal is known for its rich culture, festivals, and incredible destinations. The most spoken language in the city is French, followed by English, and other languages. Here are some of the details to know if you are planning to study in Montreal:

• Top universities: McGill University, University of Montréal, HEC Montréal, Concordia University, Polytechnic School of Montreal
• Ease of transportation: Accessible and affordable transportation facilities with 200 bus routes and 50 metro stations. Students can travel around the city using Bixi bikes or buses (ticket/Opus card accepted). A single trip costs around CAD 3.25 and the cost of a night out pass is CAD 5.
• Safety: 17th safest city in the world
• Culture: Has a dynamic culture and hosts several events, cultural activities, and festivals around the year.
• Cost of studying: 11,000 CAD - 60,000 CAD
• Monthly cost of living: Rent of apartment (1 bedroom): 709-1050 CAD (0.43 lakhs-0.64 lakhs), 3-course meal: 60 CAD (0.03 lakhs), transportation: 85 CAD (0.05 lakhs)

Toronto

Home to the world-renowned University of Toronto (U of T), Toronto is another popular choice for students who intend to study in Canada. Around 17% of students who pursue study programs in the universities of Toronto belong to foreign countries. 

A staggering 140 languages are spoken in the city making it extremely popular among students. Moreover, students can find fairly good employment opportunities in Toronto. In addition, the city is regarded as the hub of Finance and Business in Canada. If you intend to move to Toronto for pursuing higher education in Canada, here is what you need to know:

• Top universities: University of Toronto, York University, Ryerson University, Centennial College, Humber College
• Ease of transportation: A well-connected city with affordable transportation facilities. Subways, bus services, and streetcars are provided by the Toronto Transit Commission (transport fares: CAD 3, the daily pass cost: CAD 11, and the metro pass cost: CAD 133.75)
• Safety: No safety or privacy-related issues. Though scams and pickpocketing are rare in Toronto, one needs to be cautious of online scams.
  
• Diversity: A culturally rich city with people speaking over 140 languages. Students from India, the UK, China, and Ireland form the largest cultural groups in the city.
• Cost of studying: 11,000 CAD - 60,000 CAD
• Monthly cost of living: Rent of apartment (1 bedroom): 2020 CAD (1.23 lakhs), 3-Course meal: 75 CAD (0.04 lakhs), transportation: 103 CAD (0.06 lakhs)

Vancouver

Known for its rich culture, student diversity, and natural beauty, the city of Vancouver offers a lively and vibrant lifestyle. Due to its large minority population of 50%, the city is an ideal study destination for international students.

One can consider pursuing courses like engineering, digital media, IT, etc., at the institutions of Vancouver. Moreover, it is home to some of the giant tech organizations like Microsoft, Google, Amazon, etc. Therefore, students can find a plethora of job opportunities in the city. Listed below are some important details for those who are interested in studying in Vancouver:

• Top universities: University of British Columbia, Simon Fraser University, University of Canada West, Vancouver Island University, Columbia College
• Ease of transportation: Easy and safe public transportation modes including rapid trains, rail commuter services, buses, sea buses, etc.
• Safety: It is a safe and peaceful city for international students. Crimes like murder, shooting, and mugging are rare.
• Diversity: A multicultural city with students from Europe, Scotland, Britain, Ireland, and China.
• Cost of studying: 11,000 CAD - 60,000 CAD
• Monthly cost of living: Rent of apartment (1 bedroom): 1900-3000 CAD (1.16 lakhs-1.83 lakhs), 3-Course meal: 80 CAD (0.04 lakhs), transportation: 109 CAD (0.06 lakhs)

Ottawa

Next on the list of best cities for international students in Canada is Ottawa, which is known for its cultural diversity and world-class educational institutions. Be it safety, ease of transportation, quality education, work opportunities, or natural beauty, Ottawa possesses all the aspects of an ideal student city. Additionally, the city is renowned for its winter sports, such as skiing and skating. Those who are looking to study in Ottawa must go through the following information:

• Top universities: University of Ottawa, Carleton University, Algonquin College, Dominican University College
• Ease of transportation: Various transport services like rapid buses, shuttles, rails, and trains are available. A separate para transport service is provided for physically disabled students.
• Safety: With low crime rates, Ottawa is one of the safest cities in Canada for international students.
• Diversity: A cosmopolitan centre of Canada with international students from Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and Africa. The most spoken languages include Spanish, Arabic, German, and Chinese.
• Cost of studying: 11,000 CAD - 50,000 CAD
• Monthly cost of living: Rent of apartment (1 bedroom): 1120 CAD (0.68 lakhs), 3-Course meal: 70 CAD (0.04 lakhs), transportation: 103 CAD (0.06 lakhs)

Quebec

Popularly known as the french land of Canada, Quebec is one of the best cities to live in Canada for international students. This is because the city offers affordable housing options for overseas students who are looking out to live on a budget. 

Quebec is the second-largest metropolitan city in the country with a very high minority population. Moreover, it is a very lively city with endless festival celebrations and winter sports events. Also, Quebec has the lowest unemployment rate among all Canadian cities. Therefore, there are plenty of job opportunities available in the city. Here are some basic facts about studying in Quebec:

• Top universities: Laval University, Bishop’s University, Bart College, Morrin College
• Ease of transportation: Offers winning transportation facilities to students. A number of transport modes are available in the city, including cars, buses (CAD 3), taxis (CAD 1.70 per 0.6 miles, two-wheelers, bicycles, and ferries.
• Safety: A highly safe and secure city with friendly and liberal people. Public crimes or violent acts do not take place in Quebec.
• Diversity: It is the second-largest metropolitan city in Canada and has a rich cultural diversity. Around 88% of students in the city speak French.
• Cost of studying: 10,000 CAD - 40,000 CAD
• Monthly cost of living: Rent of apartment (1 bedroom): 525-700 CAD (0.32 lakhs-0.42 lakhs), 3-Course meal: 60 CAD (0.03 lakhs), transportation: 87 CAD (0.05 lakhs)

Advantages of Studying in the Best Cities in Canada

A top student city is defined by the quality of life that it offers to the students. Here are some of the major benefits of studying in the best cities for international students in Canada:

• Provides the best opportunities to study and work in Canada. Montreal, Ontario, Vancouver, and Toronto offer great part-time job opportunities for international students.
• Helps students maintain a well-planned lifestyle. Some of these aspects include the cost of living, ease of transportation, availability of student discounts, safety, etc.
• Students can easily reach out to the student communities in these cities. Moreover, they can explore tourist destinations to gain exposure.

In Canada, every city has its own unique characteristics that set it apart from other cities. While Montreal is renowned for its world-class universities, Vancouver is known for its splendour. And while Ottawa is popular for its lucrative job opportunities, Quebec is noted for providing an affordable living. Every student is unique and so are their aspirations and goals. Therefore, international students must carefully evaluate their career goals and future aspirations and then decide which city shall be suitable for them to study in Canada.