Which province is best for international students in Canada?

If you’ve decided to study in Canada, you’ve made a great choice! Canada is known for its excellent education system and the people are friendly.

You’ll feel at home here easily. However, picking the right province to study in is just as important as choosing the country itself.

Every province has its strengths, and some are better suited for international students based on factors like cost, academic options, job prospects, and quality of education.

The best options for international students include:

Which province is best for international students in Canada?

The best provinces for international students in Canada are Ontario (Toronto), British Columbia (Vancouver), and Quebec (Montreal).

1. Ontario

If you’re familiar with Ontario, you won’t be surprised to see it at the top of our list.

It is the most populous province in Canada and has been voted several times by international students as the best province to study in the country.

The province is home to several top-ranked universities like the University of Toronto (which for years has consistently ranked among the top universities in the world). 

There is also the University of Ottawa (a great place to study).

Aside from that, you have over 23 public universities, more than 24 colleges, plus more than 500 registered career colleges and institutions in the province.

In addition, Ontario has a thriving student community – with many activities, events, and clubs for you to hang out when you feel like taking a break from your studies.

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Whether you like sports, arts, culture, or other social activities, there is something for everyone in the province.

Canadians are very friendly, welcoming, and hospitable, and Ontario is no exception – you’ll find more of that in the province than anywhere else in Canada. 

• Opportunities for work and internship

There are corporations and industries in Ontario – you can take advantage of this for your co-op programs, internships, and other work opportunities.

If you intend to work part-time, you can easily find a job in the province.

• Ontario isn’t isolated

The province is well-connected to other parts of Canada and the United States.

If you stay in Ontario, you can easily travel and explore other regions. 

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Ontario also has well-developed public transport systems – there are buses, trains, and subways that connect all the cities and towns in the province.

Universities in Ontario

• • University of Toronto – https://www.utoronto.ca/
  • York University – https://www.yorku.ca/
  • Ryerson University – https://www.ryerson.ca/
  • University of Ottawa – https://www.uottawa.ca/
  • Carleton University – https://www.carleton.ca/
  • Queen’s University – https://www.queensu.ca/
  • McMaster University – https://www.mcmaster.ca/
  • Western University – https://www.uwo.ca/
  • University of Waterloo – https://uwaterloo.ca/
  • Wilfrid Laurier University – https://www.wlu.ca/

2. Quebec

Quebec is our second-best province for international students in Canada.

The province is located in the Eastern part of the country and is known for its unique cultural identity, French language, and natural beauty. 

Quebec is bordered by Ontario to the west, Newfoundland and Labrador to the east, and the United States to the south.

When you come to Quebec, one of the main things you’ll notice is its French-speaking population. 

French is the official language of Quebec because the majority of the residents speak French.

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This is a result of Quebec’s history as a former French colony.

If you’re not a French student, you won’t find it easy in this province but if you understand French, this is the best province for you.

The popular Montreal is Quebec’s largest city. If you have always wanted to visit Montreal, studying here will be a great idea.

Montreal, Quebec’s largest city is home to several top-ranked universities in Canada.

You’ll find big institutions like McGill University (which is ranked among the top universities in the world). 

The capital of Quebec is Quebec City and it’s one of the oldest cities in North America.

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Another thing about this province that you’ll find amazing is its vibrant nature.

There are numerous festivals throughout the year like the Montreal Jazz Festival and the Just for Laughs Comedy Festival. 

If you love partying, this is the city for you.

The city also has a thriving food scene – from classic French cuisine to modern fusion dishes.

Beyond its cities, Quebec is also beautiful with lots of attractions like the Laurentian Mountains and the Charlevoix region. 

If you are an outdoor enthusiast, you will enjoy different activities like hiking, skiing, and kayaking.

Universities in Quebec

• • McGill University – https://www.mcgill.ca/
  • Université de Montréal – https://www.umontreal.ca/
  • Université Laval – https://www.ulaval.ca/
  • Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM) – https://www.uqam.ca/
  • Concordia University – https://www.concordia.ca/
  • Université de Sherbrooke – https://www.usherbrooke.ca/
  • École de technologie supérieure (ÉTS) – https://www.etsmtl.ca/
  • Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières (UQTR) – https://www.uqtr.ca/
  • HEC Montréal – https://www.hec.ca/
  • Université de Québec – https://www.uquebec.ca/

3. British Columbia

British Columbia is third on our list of best provinces for international students in Canada.

BC as it is popularly called is located on the west coast of Canada.

The province is bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the west, Alberta to the east, the Yukon Territory to the north, and the US state of Washington to the south. 

It is the third-largest province in Canada by size and the second-most populous province in the country.

There are quite a lot of residents here.

Read also: Can international students work more than 40 hours in Canada?

BC’s capital is Victoria which you’ll find on Vancouver Island, however, the largest city in BC is Vancouver, which is located on the Mainland. 

BC is quite beautiful (with wildlife, and outdoor recreational activities), making it a popular tourist destination.

In this province, you’ll find popular attractions like the Rocky Mountains, Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, Whistler Ski Resort, and the historic city of Victoria.

Universities like the University of British Columbia, Simon Fraser University, Trinity Western University, University of Victoria, Quest University Canada, Thompson Rivers University, University Canada West and Royal Roads University are all in this province.

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In addition, the province has a strong economy and a thriving technology sector. There are many technology companies in Vancouver and Victoria. 

It is also a major exporter of natural resources like lumber, coal, and natural gas, this means there are jobs for graduates who want to stay back after school.

Universities in British Columbia

• • University of British Columbia – https://www.ubc.ca/
  • Simon Fraser University – https://www.sfu.ca/
  • University of Victoria – https://www.uvic.ca/
  • University of Northern British Columbia – https://www.unbc.ca/
  • Thompson Rivers University – https://www.tru.ca/
  • British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) – https://www.bcit.ca/
  • Vancouver Island University – https://www.viu.ca/
  • Capilano University – https://www.capilanou.ca/
  • Emily Carr University of Art and Design – https://www.ecuad.ca/
  • Kwantlen Polytechnic University – https://www.kpu.ca/

4. Alberta

Alberta is located in western Canada.

It is bordered to the west by British Columbia and Saskatchewan to the east, as well as the Northwest Territories to the north and the US state of Montana to the south. 

It is the fourth-largest province in Canada by size and the fourth-most populous province in the country.

The capital city of Alberta is Edmonton, while the largest city is Calgary. 

Alberta is very popular for its natural beauty, including the Canadian Rockies and the Badlands.

It is also not left out in economic strength. The economy of the province is driven by oil and gas, agriculture, and tourism.

The school system here is managed by the Alberta Ministry of Education and they are doing a great job. 

In Alberta, you’ll find many excellent universities and colleges like the University of Alberta, which consistently ranks high on the global stage.

One unique aspect of schooling in Alberta is the province’s focus on student-centred learning -the system here emphasizes the individual needs and strengths of each student. 

This approach to education is based on the belief that students learn best when they are actively engaged in their learning and when they have a say in how they learn.

Universities in Alberta

• • University of Alberta – https://www.ualberta.ca/
  • University of Calgary – https://www.ucalgary.ca/
  • University of Lethbridge – https://www.uleth.ca/
  • Mount Royal University – https://www.mtroyal.ca/
  • Athabasca University – https://www.athabascau.ca/
  • MacEwan University – https://www.macewan.ca/
  • Concordia University of Edmonton – https://concordia.ab.ca/
  • Ambrose University – https://ambrose.edu/
  • Alberta University of the Arts – https://www.auarts.ca/

5. Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan is one of the best provinces for international students in Canada for several reasons. 

There are several world-class universities in Saskatchewan starting from the University of Saskatchewan and the University of Regina. 

These universities and colleges have different programs for students at every level of study, and they are open to international students.

There are programs in areas like agriculture, medicine, engineering and more.

In addition, Saskatchewan is also a great place to live. 

The cost of living here is very low compared to other provinces in Canada. If you’re a student on a budget, this is the right province for you.

The province is also known for its friendly and welcoming people with vibrant cultural scenes.

It is also home to some of the most unique natural landscapes in Canada like the rolling prairies, the boreal forests, and the northern lakes. 

Universities in Saskatchewan

• • • University of Saskatchewan – https://www.usask.ca/
    • University of Regina – https://www.uregina.ca/
    • Saskatchewan Polytechnic – https://saskpolytech.ca/
    • First Nations University of Canada – https://www.fnuniv.ca/
    • Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies – https://siit.ca/
    • St. Thomas More College – https://www.stmcollege.ca/
    • Campion College – https://www.campioncollege.ca/
    • Luther College – https://www.luthercollege.edu/
    • Gabriel Dumont Institute of Native Studies and Applied Research – https://gdins.org/
    • Athol Murray College of Notre Dame – https://www.notredame.ca/

6. Manitoba

Manitoba is in central Canada, it shares a border with Ontario to the east and Saskatchewan to the west. 

The University of Manitoba, the University of Winnipeg, and Brandon University are all great learning institutions in Canada and they are located in Manitoba. 

As a student here, you are in a budget-friendly province. The quality of life is high and surprisingly the cost of living isn’t high.

The province has a multicultural population, which creates a welcoming and inclusive environment for international students. 

Manitoba is also a nice place to start your career if you wish to remain in Canada after your studies.

Manitoba’s economy is driven by its agriculture and manufacturing sectors, which opens job opportunities for international students.  

Universities in Manitoba

• • University of Manitoba – https://umanitoba.ca/
  • University of Winnipeg – https://www.uwinnipeg.ca/
  • Brandon University – https://www.brandonu.ca/
  • University College of the North – https://www.ucn.ca/
  • Université de Saint-Boniface – https://ustboniface.ca/
  • Canadian Mennonite University – https://www.cmu.ca/
  • Booth University College – https://www.boothuc.ca/
  • Providence University College – https://www.prov.ca/
  • Red River College – https://www.rrc.ca/
  • Assiniboine Community College – https://assiniboine.net/

7. Nova Scotia

Located on the east coast of the country, Nova Scotia is the second smallest province in Canada, but it is densely populated, with a population of over 980,000 people.

The province is well known for its rich history and beautiful natural scenery. 

Nova Scotia is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, which opened opportunities for water activities like fishing, boating, and kayaking.

The province also parades some of Canada’s top universities and colleges like Dalhousie University, Saint Mary’s University, and the University of King’s College.

Nova is a lively province with many events and activities geared toward students.

The capital city is Halifax, and it hosts many music events, festivals, and nightlife.

Nova Scotians are very friendly, you’ll find it easy to integrate here as an international student.

Universities in Nova Scotia

• • Dalhousie University – https://www.dal.ca/
  • Saint Mary’s University – https://www.smu.ca/
  • University of King’s College – https://www.ukings.ca/
  • Mount Saint Vincent University – https://www.msvu.ca/
  • Cape Breton University – https://www.cbu.ca/
  • Nova Scotia Community College – https://www.nscc.ca/
  • Acadia University – https://www2.acadiau.ca/
  • NSCAD University (Nova Scotia College of Art and Design) – https://nscad.ca/

8. New Brunswick

One province that is always ignored by international students in Canada is New Brunswick.

It is located on the east coast of the country.

New Brunswick has both English and French recognized as official languages.

There are many attractions in this province like the Bay of Fundy, which has the highest tides in the world.

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Additionally, there are several national and provincial parks where you can go hiking, camping, and other outdoor activities.

Universities in New Brunswick

• • University of New Brunswick – https://www.unb.ca/
  • Mount Allison University – https://www.mta.ca/
  • St. Thomas University – https://www.stu.ca/
  • Université de Moncton – https://www.umoncton.ca/
  • New Brunswick Community College – https://www.nbcc.ca/
  • Maritime College of Forest Technology – https://www.mcft.ca/
  • Crandall University – https://www.crandallu.ca/
  • Atlantic Baptist University – https://www.abu.nb.ca/
  • Collège communautaire du Nouveau-Brunswick – https://www.ccnb.ca/
  • New Brunswick Bible Institute – https://nbbi.ca/

9. Prince Edward Island

Prince Edward Island (PEI) is located on the east coast of the country.

It is the smallest province in Canada both in terms of land area and population.

The capital city of Prince Edward Island is Charlottetown.

PEI is quite popular for being the birthplace of Confederation, where the Fathers of Confederation met in Charlottetown in 1864 to discuss the creation of Canada as a country.

Most international students who shared their experiences with us have this province as the last on their list.

It is safe to say that the province isn’t quite popular among international students.

Universities in Prince Edward Island

• • University of Prince Edward Island – https://www.upei.ca/
  • Holland College – https://www.hollandcollege.com/
  • Collège de l’Île – https://www.collegedelile.ca/
  • Centre for Christian Studies – https://ccsonline.ca/
  • Robertson College – https://www.robertsoncollege.com/
  • Keyin College – https://www.keyin.ca/

From the answers given to us by both past and present international students in Canada, Ontario, British Columbia, Nova Scotia, and Quebec are among the most popular provinces for international students.

How to choose which province to study

To decide on the right province, consider:

• The province with the universities and colleges that rank high on the global stage
• If you have a specific field of study in mind, find out which institutions (and in which province) are known for their excellence in that field.
• Some provinces have higher tuition fees than others therefore, consider the tuition fees across the institutions in each province.
• Check the cost of living in each province. Your focus should be on the price of accommodation, food, transportation, and other daily expenses.
• Think about whether you prefer living in an urban, suburban, or rural area.
• If you prefer a French-speaking environment, then Quebec should be your choice.
• Read reviews and testimonials from former international students about their experiences in each province and institution.
• List your priorities, like program specialization, cost, climate, job opportunities, and lifestyle preferences and check which province matches you needs.
• You can create a comparison chart to know how each province meets your criteria.
• Lastly, talk to current students, alumni, and educational consultants to get their perspectives.

Read also: How long you can stay in the UK after your student visa expires?

Regardless of which province you choose, you’ll have a great time in Canada.