As the province with the highest number of international students, Ontario is home to 192,906 international students. Universities and colleges in Ontario provide degrees, diplomas, and certificates recognized across ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø and abroad, which can give international students a competitive edge.Ìý
Ontario hosts 21 universities and 24 colleges, meaning there are thousands of programs for students to consider. Ontario has more post-secondary education institutions than any other province in ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø; out of all these institutions, four are in the top 200 in the world.Ìý
Study at University of Fredricton
The University of Fredericton (UFred) is a private institution established in 2005 in Fredericton, New Brunswick, that offers online, high-quality, and affordable education for students from all across ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø and the world
Reasons to Study Abroad in Ontario
Most of the country’s population resides in Ontario, home to some of ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø’s finest universities and colleges.Ìý
Here are a few reasons to study in Ontario, ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø:
Top Universities
Ontario offers some of the most excellent post-secondary education opportunities, including schools that are leaders in research and innovation. According to the international rankings, there are five universities in Ontario among the top ten universities in ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø: the University of Toronto, McMaster University, University of Waterloo, Western University, and Queen’s University. Since most of these universities are research-intensive, attending one of them is an excellent choice.
High Employment Rate
The employment rate for Ontario university graduates is 92 percent, the highest in the country. As a result, Ontario has created a hub of economic, social, and political opportunities in ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø, making the federal government the largest employer in the province. Ontario has several important industries, including automobiles, machinery, and electrical parts. Most major automakers, like Chrysler, Ford, and Honda, manufacture cars here.
Diverse Culture
In Ontario, most of the population is of English and European descent, making it the most diverse province in ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø. The presence of Chinatown, Little Italy, Korea Town, Greek Town, and many more add color to Ontario’s already vibrant and diverse culture.Ìý
As a result of the large number of Irish, Scottish and Italian immigrants, the province has an unusually high percentage of foreign-born residents at over 28%, compared with less than 20% for the rest of the country.Ìý
Stunning Scenery
Ontario is no less than heaven for nature lovers. Ontario is as vast and varied as it is scenic, with tens of thousands of islands and probably just as many lakes. The province attracts thousands of tourists in the fall to see Niagara Falls, the Rideau Canal, Niagara-on-the-Lake’s vineyards, and Fathom Five National Marine Park’s unusual flowerpot rock formations.
List of UniversitiesÌý
Ontario is ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø’s most industrially developed province. In addition to having the largest number of international students, this province also has top-notch education institutions.Ìý
Here are the top universities in Ontario, ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø:
University of Toronto
Located in a city where knowledge meets achievement, history meets the future, and ambitions meet inspiration. The University of Toronto is a world-renowned university; academics and employers from all over the world have ranked the University of Toronto among the best universities in ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø and the world. More than 700 undergraduate and graduate programs are offered at the university, including Humanities & Social Sciences, Life Sciences, Physical & Mathematical Sciences, Kinesiology & Physical Education, Music, and Architecture.
University of Waterloo
One of the fastest-growing communities in ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø, Waterloo is a place where collaboration, innovation, and entrepreneurship are encouraged. It has the world’s second-highest number of start-ups and headquarters or development offices among the largest high-tech, automotive, advanced manufacturing, and aerospace companies. With Waterloo, you get relevant experience for whatever you want; Waterloo has North America’s largest co-op program, international exchanges, clubs, certificate programs, lab work, field studies, and hackathons, just to name a few.
McMaster University
Over 31,000 undergraduate students attend McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø, ranked among the world’s top 85 universities. With world-class interdisciplinary research and innovative teaching approaches, McMaster University has been cultivating human potential since 1887. The achievements of some of McMaster’s most distinguished alums include Nobel Prize winners, technological innovators, global business leaders, prominent politicians, public intellectuals, philanthropists, and performers. McMaster has a proud tradition of research excellence.
University of Ottawa
The University of Ottawa is the largest bilingual university in the world, teaching English and French in the heart of ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø’s capital. Consistently ranked among the best universities in ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø, it is currently ranked in the top 200 universities worldwide and 10 of ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø’s top universities. The University of Ottawa offers a diverse range of academic programs in most subject areas, and students usually have a good choice of modules. The Office of International Affairs provides full support and comprehensive information about studying and living in Ottawa. Its campus life is diverse and stimulating, offering many recreational and cultural activities.
Queen’s University
With a rich history of academic excellence and a unique community, Queen’s University is an institution with a rich heritage. Students across ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø and over 125 countries attend Queen’s to create their academic paths. Continually challenged by their peers and internationally renowned professors, they acquire the knowledge, skills, and life experience that will prepare them for success in the future.
Top Student Cities
The degrees, diplomas, and certificates earned by international students at Ontario’s universities and colleges are highly regarded internationally.Ìý
Here are the top student cities in Ontario, ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø:
Toronto
Toronto ranks 13th among the top city universities for international students. You can enjoy living in this part of the country as a student if you know the right places to shop and have friends to keep you company in Toronto, one of the most liveable cities in the world. The city boasts cultural heritage, a diverse population, and natural attractions. The city offers a diverse range of reputable universities, a great city atmosphere, and lower fees and living costs than the United States.
Ottawa
Besides being known for its natural beauty, Ottawa is celebrated for the quality of education it offers students. Thousands of students migrate to ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø yearly to receive an excellent education at Canadian universities. In addition to its strong economy and high income, Ottawa is also pedestrian- and transit-friendly, ranking as the #1 city for newcomers. Several factors contributed to Ottawa’s high ranking as the best living place, including income, car ownership, unemployment rate, housing, and weather.
Waterloo
Waterloo provides students with various events, places, and activities that promote a thriving social life. It doesn’t matter if you’re an introvert or an extrovert; Waterloo offers numerous opportunities to meet new people. The Waterloo region has a student-friendly culture that makes everyone feel welcome. If you are overworked or stressed, take a break and enjoy the many activities, events, and places this city offers.
Hamilton
International students can enjoy a friendly and relaxed environment in Hamilton, one of the best cities in ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø. As one of the busiest and most business-driven cities, it hosts many events, festivals, and opportunities to entertain people. In addition to the city’s high ranking as one of ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø’s top real estate markets, it also offers a great deal of green space, great opportunities for young professionals, and a relatively low average home price.
Accommodation Options
A few accommodation options in Ontario, ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø, include:
- On-campus. Students usually rent a single bedroom and share facilities such as bathrooms and kitchens with an institution located on campus or close to it for on-campus accommodations. Some institutions may offer apartment-style rooms with private bathrooms and kitchenettes. The average cost for on-campus accommodation is CAD 11,934 per semester.
- Off-campus. Moving off-campus is the right option if you want to live independently or with friends. Students can find shared houses through word of mouth, real estate websites, newspapers, or student noticeboards. The average cost for off-campus accommodation is CAD 1,262 per month.
- Homestays. Quite popular with students who want to experience living with a Canadian family, a homestay offers you a private room and three meals a day. You’ll get to understand Canadian culture, and it’s safer than the other options as the family staying in the house can help you whenever you need something.Ìý
Cost of Living
In Ontario, a single person’s estimated monthly costs are $1,328 without rent.Ìý
Here are some other average living costs in Ontario:Ìý
Item/City | Toronto | Ottawa | Waterloo |
Accommodation | $1,800 – $2,600 per month | $1,500 – $2,000 per month | $1,500 – $2,000 per month |
Utilities | $90.00 – $340.00 per month | $95.93 – $228.73 per month | $121.43 – $325.00 per month |
Groceries | $01.00 – $35.00 | $01.00 – $33.30Ìý | $01.00 – $60.00 |
Clothing | $30.00 – $100.00 | $30.00 – $75.00Ìý | $20.00 – $70.00 |
Transportation | $130.00 – $165.00 per month | $122.50 – $150.00 per month | $90.00 per month |
Restaurants | $15.00 – $40.00 per meal | $15.00 – $50.00 per meal | $13.80 – $25.00 per meal |
Entertainment | $25.00 – $120.00 per month | $40.00 – $105.00 per month | $35.00 – $50.00 per month |
Places to VisitÌý
Here are some places you can visit while in Ontario, ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø:
- Niagara Falls. Thousands of tourists visit Niagara Falls each year, and it is one of ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø’s most internationally recognized attractions. Among the three sets of falls, Horseshoe Falls, the largest, drops approximately 57 meters, creating a massive wall of water between Niagara Falls, ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø, and Niagara Falls, USA.
- ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø’s Wonderland. This is a theme park about 30 kilometers northwest of Toronto’s city center, and it is open during summer. It’s one of the top things to do in summer for tourists. Some attractions include water parks, roller coasters, dinosaur parks, and live shows.
- Art Gallery of Ontario. This art gallery maintains a particularly impressive collection of Canadian paintings focusing on Toronto and Ontario artists.
- Toronto’s CN Tower. Standing tall along the Toronto skyline, the CN Tower is one of the country’s most iconic structures. During the evening, the tower is illuminated and can be seen from all over the city and surroundings. For the full experience, visitors will want to visit the tower in person.
- Thousand Islands. During the hot summer months, Thousand Islands is one of Ontario’s most popular holiday areas, popular with cottagers, boaters, and those seeking a cool getaway from Southern Ontario’s cities.