If you plan well and do your research, your student life abroad could be the best experience of your life. Take note of the 10 important points below if you’re planning to get a qualification at one of Canada’s world-renowned universities or colleges.

1. Prepare to explore Canada
   Canada is the second largest country in the world. The vast landscape gives international students so much to see and do during holidays and weekends! From Mont-Royal in Montreal to British Columbia's Glacier National Park, students in Canada are perfectly positioned for an adventure.
2. Pack for all seasons
   A country as large as Canada experiences all four seasons. Winters can be bitterly cold and snowy, with temperatures averaging -3.6°C in Toronto and -12.6°C in Calgary. In the warmer months of June, July and August, you can expect temperatures to climb as high as 25.3°C in Montreal and 23.6°C in Toronto.
3. Expect interesting town names
   There are thousands of towns and cities in Canada, many of which you may have heard of. The names of locations often come from Indigenous Northern American words and you can have fun learning how to pronounce some of them on the way there! In fact, the longest name of a place in Canada belongs to a lake in Manitoba. Can you pronounce Pekwachnamaykoskwaskwaypinwanik Lake?
4. Discover the cultures
   Canada is home to more than 250 ethnic origins, with 200 languages from around the world and 70 Indigenous languages spoken in the country. If you have ever wanted to learn about a different culture, you can do it while you study in Canada!
5. Dive into diversity
   With a welcoming culture and friendly residents, people from all over the world have created a comfortable home in Canada. According to the Canadian Immigration Law Firm, the country aims to welcome 485000 new immigrants in 2024. In 2022, there were more than 800 000 international students in Canada, making it the ideal destination to meet people with fresh new perspectives.
6. Taste something new
   One of the best parts of studying abroad is the chance to try new local foods! Have you heard about poutine? You can try the side dish featuring French fries, cheese curds and gravy at most diners and big food chains throughout the country because it’s a favourite in Canada! Their famous maple syrup is also a must-try on a variety of dishes.
7. Apply on time
   Make sure you have researched the application deadlines for universities in Canada. Deadlines vary, but there is typically a Fall (September) intake, a Winter (January) intake and a Spring/Summer (May) intake of students. Start your application process at least a year in advance. Read more about application deadlines here.
8. Prepare for IELTS
   You will be required to take an IELTS test if you’re applying to study at an institution in Canada. IELTS is the preferred English language test for Canadian universities and was the first to be recognised by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. You can book your IELTS test with the British Council and get free preparation material to ensure you achieve the required band score.
9. Know the cost of living
   Finding accommodation that you can afford is an important factor to consider when you study abroad. The cost of living for students in Montreal is lower than other major cities in Canada. Student housing in Toronto can cost anywhere from $1000 CAD to $3000 CAD per month, while in Montreal you can expect to spend $550 CAD per month. Read more here.
10. Find scholarship opportunities
    To ease the costs of studying abroad, you can apply for scholarship opportunities. Study in Canada offers scholarships and exchange programmes to students from African and Middle-Eastern countries every year. Conduct regular research online to find new opportunities to have your studies partially or fully funded. Ready to apply to universities in Canada? Book your IELTS test and let the journey to owning your future begin!