Studying in Canada: Cities, Education, Study Requirements, Activities, Housing and Universities

In this article, we tell you the most relevant facts you need to know to make the most of your exchange in Canada, read on to discover them!

From the prestigious universities to the vibrant cultural life, and its unique and lush nature, Canada is an attractive destination for students looking for an enriching international educational experience. Are you ready to embark on an academic adventure on the other side of the Atlantic? Here we tell you which are the most chosen destinations, studies and requirements for a student, what to do during your stay in Canada, what are the different types of accommodation available and its best Universities. Let's do it!

Popular Cities in Canada for an exchange

The North American country has several popular destinations for international students, such as Montreal, Toronto, Ottawa and Vancouver. Each city offers a unique combination of academic excellence, quality of life, cultural diversity and numerous opportunities to explore and enjoy. For our part, we believe that the biggest difference between Canadian cities lies between those that are bilingual (English and French) and those that aren’t. This can make your choice easier, along with the possibility of accessing natural areas, living in a big city or in a smaller town, or even being able to travel to nearby locations.

These are some of the most popular destinations for an exchange in Canada:

MONTREAL Montreal is the second-largest city in Canada and the largest in the province of Quebec. Its name means “Monte Real”, given by the mountain that is in the centre of the city. Both English and French are spoken in this city, so you improve or learn both languages during your stay in the city. Montreal is full of international students, as it has an excellen

TORONTO Toronto is the largest city in Canada and the capital of Ontario. It is a multicultural city with a very good quality of life, very safe and with a good public transport system. The universities and institutions in Toronto are very prestigious, the quality of their degrees and teaching staff are usually of high quality, which attracts the attention of young

VANCOUVER Vancouver is located on the west coast of Canada, in British Columbia. This city is perfect for students since it is possible to enjoy a wide range of possibilities. From a day full of activities and a night with a party to more tranquillity in the nature that is in the city and the surroundings. In fact, from Vancouver, you will be able to easily reach more

OTTAWA Ottawa, the capital of Canada, is located in the province of Ontario and south of the Ottawa River. Both English and French are spoken in this city, so you will be able to practice both languages if you want. Student life in Ottawa is usually not the liveliest of Canadian cities. That said, there are several bars, clubs and entertainment venues that you will

Study in Canada: a guide for international students

Basic requirements for international students in Canada

Each university in Canada may have specific requirements for exchange students, but some of the most common are:

Language certificate. Depending on the province and university, you may need to demonstrate your proficiency in English or French through exams such as the TOEFL, IELTS or DELF.
Obtain a student visa. Normally, you’ll need a student visa to reside there. You must apply for it at the Canadian embassy or consulate in your country and meet the established requirements. Some of them are to present a letter of acceptance from a Canadian university and to demonstrate that you have the financial means to cover your expenses during your stay. Your home institution will probably help you with this.
Health insurance. It’s advisable to have health insurance valid for the entire period of your stay in Canada. Some universities may require specific health insurance, so make sure you know the requirements of the institution you’re going to.
Demonstrate that you have sufficient financial funds to pay for the duration of your studies.

Why study in Canada?

Canada is a multicultural and welcoming country, with great ethnic and cultural diversity. Studying in this North American country allows you to interact with people from different cultural backgrounds and learn from their perspectives and experiences. Take advantage of this opportunity to learn more about the local culture and the native peoples of Canada.

Canadian universities and colleges are recognized worldwide for their high-quality education. Many institutions offer a wide range of academic programs, as well as the possibility to improve your English and/or French during your stay.

The Maple Country is known for offering an excellent quality of life. It stands out for its safety, its quality health care system, its developed infrastructure and its breathtaking natural environment. In addition, Canadian cities are known for their cleanliness, safe environment and recreational activities. There are endless opportunities to have a good time!

Best things to do in Canada as a student

The Great White North is known for its natural beauty, which includes majestic mountains, crystal-clear lakes, national parks and vast forests. If you enjoy outdoor activities, you'll have numerous opportunities to explore and enjoy nature in all its splendour. Among the best places to visit are Banff National Park and Jasper National Park in the Rocky Mountains of Alberta, the Pacific Rim National Park on the west coast of Vancouver Island, the Fundy National Park and the famous Hopewell Rocks.

In terms of urban life, in Canada, you’ll find amazing cities such as Montreal, Vancouver, Toronto and Ottawa, where you’ll not only enjoy a diverse and exciting cultural scene with galleries, museums and theatres but also bars, clubs, discotheques and concert halls that offer a lively nightlife. In Canada, you can also visit smaller cities where you can immerse yourself in the local culture, such as Kelowna, Kamloops and Saskatoon.

The sport in Canada deserves its own space. It plays a very important part in the essence of the country, whether you’re the one who does it or if you go to see an event. The most important sport is probably ice hockey (you can even see its image on the 5 $CAD bills!), so we encourage you to try it and also watch games of the National Hockey League (NHL). Soccer is also on the rise in Canada, with several teams being part of Major League Soccer (MLS), including Toronto FC, Montreal Impact and Vancouver Whitecaps. But that's not all, you can also play or enjoy games of baseball, basketball or even Canadian football (a type of American football).

Another aspect of the country that you can learn a lot about during your stay is the rich indigenous culture. Knowing more about it will help you get into the culture of the First Nations through art, participation in ceremonies (such as "powwows"), ancestral traditions and linguistic diversity.