Best Cities to Study in Canada
When choosing the best place to study in Canada as an international student, it’s crucial to live in a city that offers a robust support system and excellent quality of life. Here’s an overview of some of the best cities in Canada for international students:
Benefits of Studying in Best Cities of Canada
- Supportive Student Community: Access to a network of fellow students for support when needed.
- Organized Student Life: Top universities provide benefits like student discounts and subsidized public transportation.
- Top Study and Work Locations: Cities such as Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver, and Ontario are ideal for both studying and working.
- Part-Time Work Opportunities: These cities offer ample part-time work options, making it easier for international students to support themselves financially.
Montreal
Montreal is frequently considered the best Canadian city for studying. Known for its strength in science and technology, especially IT and aeronautics, it offers world-class education. The city is renowned for its innovative culture and vibrant entertainment sector.
- World Ranking: Ranked #10 in the QS Best Student Cities Ranking 20251.
- Cost of Living: The average cost of living in Montreal is CAD $3,332 per month.
- Activities: Explore Old Montreal, visit Quartier Des Spectacles, the Science and Arts Museum, the underground city, and the Olympic stadium.
Diversity in Montreal
Montreal is a multicultural hub and a top study destination globally.
- Ethnic Groups: Major European ancestries include French (26%), Italian (7%), Irish (6%), English (4%), Scottish (3%), and Spanish (2%). Visible minorities make up about 31% of the population, including Black (9.1%), Arab (6.4%), Latin Americans (4.2%), South Asians (3.3%), and Chinese (2.9%).
- Languages: French is the primary language, spoken by 57% of the population, followed by English (18.5%) and other languages (20%). Montreal is highly bilingual, with 56% of residents fluent in both French and English.
Benefits of Living in Montreal
- Rich Cultural Scene: Known for its arts and culture, with numerous museums, galleries, and festivals like the Montreal Jazz Festival, the Montreal International Film Festival, and Just for Laughs.
- Access to Nature: Despite being a major urban center, Montreal offers easy access to nature and outdoor activities, including parks and the nearby Laurentian Mountains.
- Quality of Life: Consistently ranked as one of the most livable cities, Montreal offers high-quality public services, including healthcare and education.
Top Institutions
LaSalle College
College in Montreal, Quebec
Concordia University
University in Montreal
University of Montreal
University in Montreal
Toronto
Toronto is another top city for international students, particularly for those studying science, business, arts, and other disciplines. It is home to a large Indo-Canadian community, making it an appealing option for Indian students.
- World Ranking: Ranked #11 in the QS Best Student Cities Ranking 20251.
- Cost of Living: The average cost of living in Toronto is CAD $31,000 annually.
- Activities: Enjoy the view of Niagara Falls, visit breweries, explore St. Lawrence Market, and marvel at the CN Tower.
Why Study in Toronto?
- Diverse Student Population: Approximately 51% of students come from households where a language other than English is spoken. Common languages include Mandarin, Cantonese, Punjabi, Tamil, and Urdu.
- Visible Minority Groups: 29% of students belong to visible minority groups, with South Asian, Chinese, and Black being the most common.
- Census Data: In 2021, 55.7% of Toronto’s population was composed of visible minorities. The city is home to a significant number of immigrants, with 1,537,285 racialized people, about 67% of whom are of Asian ancestry.
Benefits of Living in Toronto
- Cultural Diversity: A diverse population creates a vibrant mix of cultures, languages, and traditions.
- Economic Opportunities: A strong job market and high standard of living, with numerous multinational corporations and startups.
- Education: Home to top-ranked universities like the University of Toronto, Ryerson University, and York University.
- Arts and Culture: Numerous museums, galleries, and events like the Toronto International Film Festival.
- Green Spaces: Many parks and green areas, such as High Park and the Toronto Islands.
- Public Transit: Extensive public transit system makes getting around the city easy.
- Healthcare: World-class hospitals and medical facilities.
Top Institutions
Seneca College
Public College in Toronto
York University
University in Toronto
Centennial College
Public College in Toronto
Vancouver
Vancouver is known for its cultural diversity and vibrant city life. It is an excellent choice for studying digital media, engineering, or IT.
- World Ranking: Ranked #19 in the QS Best Student Cities Ranking 20251.
- Cost of Living: The average cost of living in Vancouver ranges from CAD $2,500 to CAD $3,500 monthly.
- Activities: Drive the Sea-to-Sky Highway, visit the Museum of Anthropology, explore Stanley Park and Grouse Grind, and experience Chinatown and the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Garden.
Benefits of Studying in Vancouver
- High-Quality Education: Home to some of the best universities in Canada, providing high-quality education with globally recognized degrees.
- Multicultural Environment: A culturally diverse city, with people from all over the world. Studying in Vancouver can give you the opportunity to experience different cultures and make new friends from around the globe.
- Safe and Secure: One of the safest cities in the world, providing a secure environment for students to study and live.
- Natural Beauty: Surrounded by beautiful mountains, forests, and beaches, providing plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, and surfing.
- Job Opportunities: A hub for various industries such as tech, film, and finance, providing job opportunities for students who want to work while studying or after graduation.
- Healthcare: Canada’s healthcare system is one of the best in the world, and students studying in Vancouver can access healthcare services for free or at a minimal cost.
- Student-Friendly City: Many amenities and services geared towards students, such as affordable housing, public transportation, and student discounts.
- Vibrant Culture and Nightlife: A vibrant culture and nightlife, with numerous festivals, events, and entertainment options throughout the year.
Statistics and Demographics
- Quality of Life: Ranked among the top five cities for quality of life and education globally.
- Population: As of 2021, 1.42 million residents of the region’s total population of 2.61 million residents are part of a visible minority or 54.5%.
- Visible Minority Populations (2021): Chinese: 512,260 (20%), South Asian: 369,295 (14%), Filipino: 142,120 (5.5%).
Top Institutions
University of Canada West
University in British Columbia
Acsenda School of Management
College in Vancouver, Canada
LaSalle College Vancouver
College in Vancouver, Canada
Ottawa
Ottawa is one of the most attractive cities in Canada, with gorgeous scenery all around. The city provides more than that, though. Many STEM students receive first-hand experience to the industry thanks to the top research centers in science and technology.
- World Ranking: Ranked #57 in the QS Best Student Cities Ranking 20251.
- Cost of Living: The average cost of living in Ottawa city is CAD $2,000 – $2,500 monthly.
- Activities: Skate on the Rideau Canal, tour Parliament Hill, and enjoy outdoor adventures.
Why Choose Ottawa?
- Innovation Hub: As the capital city of Canada, Ottawa is a center of innovation and globally recognized as innovative, future-ready, and the best place to work and live.
- Population: Estimated at 1,423,000 in 2022, with a growth rate of 1.04%.
- Diversity: Home to 255,800 immigrants, making up 19.7% of the total population. Visible minority groups constitute 32.5%, while those of Indigenous origin make up 2.6%. The largest visible minority groups are Black Canadians (8.5%), Arab Canadians (5.8%), South Asian Canadians (5.8%), and Chinese Canadians (4.6%).
Top Institutions
Carleton University
Institution in Ottawa
Algonquin College
Public College in Ottawa
University of Ottawa
Institution in Ottawa
Quebec City
Quebec City is Canada’s French-speaking province, and studying here will expose you to both Canadian and French cultures. For international students, Quebec is one of Canada’s most affordable cities. For Indian students wishing to live on a tight budget, this is one of the best cities to live in Canada.
- World Ranking: Ranked #128 in the QS Best Student Cities Ranking 20251.
- Cost of Living: The average cost of living in Quebec City is CAD $1,500 – $1,800 monthly.
- Activities: Stroll through Old Quebec, walk along the Fortifications of Quebec, and visit Terrace Dufferin.
Why Live in Quebec?
- Affordable Education: Offers affordable education, post-study work permits, and shorter duration courses, making it a worthwhile place to study.
- Safety: Known for its safety, with one of the lowest crime rates in North America. Named the safest city in Canada to raise children.
- Population: Approximately 542,000 as of 2017.
- Language: The only province where French is the sole official language, with a mostly French-speaking population.
Top Institutions
McGill University
University in Quebec
Laval University
Public Institution
Edmonton
Edmonton, known for its vibrant cultural scene, provides students with an affordable and enriching lifestyle. It is one of Canada’s top cities for international students.
- World Ranking: Edmonton ranks #102 in the Best City QS Ranking of 2023.
- Cost of Living: The average cost of living in Edmonton is CAD $10,000 to $12,000 annually.
- Population: As of July 1, 2023, Edmonton’s metro area population is approximately 1.56 million1.
Things to Do in Edmonton:
- West Edmonton Mall: This massive 490,000 square metre mall boasts over 800 stores and services and is the largest mall in North America.
- River Valley Parks: Edmonton’s River Valley Parks are made up of 20 different parks, combined they are 22 times larger than Central Park in New York City.
- Arts District: Centred on Churchill Square, this area hosts numerous cultural festivals and was the city’s original Market Square.
- Strathcona Historic District: This historic area was once Edmonton’s commercial core and is now a provincial historic area.
Diversity in Edmonton:
- Cultural Attractions: Edmonton has a cosmopolitan vibe with various cultural attractions and events. It is known as the Festival City for its numerous seasonal events, including food, literature, and music festivals.
Why Study in Edmonton?:
- Excellent Job Market: The city has a strong job market, diverse culture, and vibrant nightlife.
- Cold Winters and Crime Rates: There are also some drawbacks, such as cold winters and higher-than-average crime rates.
- Cultural Attractions: Edmonton has a good mix of local, native, and immigrant populations. It has a cosmopolitan vibe with various cultural attractions and events.
- Festival City: Known as the Festival City, Edmonton hosts seasonal events every month, including food, literature, and music festivals.
Top Institutions
Norquest College
Public College in Alberta
University of Alberta
University in Alberta
Northern Alberta Institute of Technology
College in Edmonton
Calgary
Calgary is a well-maintained city focused on innovation in sustainability, energy studies, and renewable sources. It is one of the best places to pursue a STEM course in Canada. If you are interested in futuristic learning and development, Calgary is the place for you.
- World Ranking: Calgary is named the world’s 3rd most livable city by the Economist Intelligence Unit1.
- Cost of Living: The average cost of living in Calgary city is CAD $1,800 – $2,000 monthly.
- Population: Calgary’s metro-area population grew to 1.68 million as of July 1, 20231.
Things to Do in Calgary:
- Skyline View: Enjoy the skyline view from the Calgary Tower.
- Visit the Calgary Zoo: Spend a day at the Calgary Stampede.
- Entertainment District: Explore the Entertainment District.
Why Live in Calgary?:
- Unique Vibe: Calgary offers a unique and different vibe to students.
- Wealth and Cleanliness: Calgary is one of Canada’s wealthiest, cleanest, and most livable cities.
- Lower Cost of Living: Residents enjoy a lower cost of living, a good job market, and low taxes.
- Sunny Climate: Calgary enjoys a dry, sunny, windy climate with temperatures ranging from winter lows of −3°C to summer highs of 30°C. It is one of the sunniest cities in Canada.
Benefits of Studying in Calgary:
- High-Quality Education: Home to top universities like the University of Calgary and Mount Royal University.
- Affordability: Relatively affordable compared to other major Canadian cities.
- Job Opportunities: Strong economy with booming oil and gas industries, and a growing tech sector.
- Quality of Life: Consistently ranked as one of the most livable cities with a high standard of living and access to outdoor activities.
- Multicultural City: Diverse and welcoming community with a large immigrant population.
Top Institutions
Bow Valley College
Public College in Calgary
University of Alberta
University in Alberta
Southern Alberta Institute of Technology
Waterloo- Kitchener
Waterloo is known as Canada’s tech hub and a leading producer of tech and innovation in science. Studying here enables you to start working right after graduation.
- World Ranking: The city is ranked fifth in the inaugural 2022 Canada’s Best Small Cities Report by Resonance Consultancy.
- Cost of Living: The average cost of living in Waterloo is CAD $2,400 – $3,200 monthly.
- Population: The total population for the Region of Waterloo reached an estimate of 706,875 as of July 1, 20242.
Things to Do in Waterloo:
- Historic Walking Tour: Explore the Mary-Allen neighbourhood and Uptown Waterloo.
- Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest: The largest Oktoberfest outside Germany, attracting over 700,000 people.
- Conestoga Mall: A large shopping mall.
- Laurel Creek Park: Enjoy swimming, windsurfing, canoeing, or having a picnic.
- Virtual Reality Arcade: Canada’s first virtual reality arcade opened in 2016 in Waterloo.
Benefits of Living in Waterloo:
- Immigration: Waterloo Region received 27,840 immigrants between 2016 and 2021, doubling the previous five years.
- Cultural Diversity: Common ethnic origins include German, English, Scottish, Irish, Canadian, Chinese, Indian, and French.
- Academic Excellence: Known for its academic excellence in science, engineering, and technology.
- Co-op Programs: Famous for co-op programs offering practical work experience.
- Entrepreneurial Spirit: Strong entrepreneurial culture with a thriving startup community.
- Quality of Life: Safe, peaceful city with a high quality of life and access to parks, trails, and recreational facilities.
- Proximity to Toronto: Located close to Toronto, providing access to internships, networking events, and cultural experiences.
Each of these cities provides a supportive environment for international students, with opportunities for part-time work, cultural experiences, and a high standard of living.
Top Institutions
Bow Valley College
Public College in Calgary
University of Alberta
University in Alberta