5 best cities in Canada for students and why they’re famous

Best cities in Canada | Why study in Canada?

Known for its wide landscapes and natural beauty, Canada is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. But that’s not all. It is also home to some of the top-ranking universities in the world, all of which are known for their quality of education. Fortunately, these universities are located in some of the best cities in Canada – a perk every international student should know about!

So if you’re also planning to move to Canada, this list of the top 5 student-friendly cities will help you find the best place to live in!

5 best Cities in Canada for students

The majority of the below-mentioned cities are cosmopolitan and welcoming to international students. Studying in these cities will not only give you exposure but also the experiences that you need to grow as a person. Let’s look at each of these cities in detail. It will help you choose the best city to live in Canada for you.

1. Montreal

Montreal has a barrage of esteemed universities and is a popular choice for those who intend to pursue higher education in Canada. Ranked at #9 as per QS World Rankings, the city also came 2nd in the ‘student view rank’ list. These numbers indicate why it is amongst the best cities in Canada. No wonder more and more students are inclined towards studying in Montreal and it is one of the best cities in Canada for international students. 

Now, although Montreal is not the most affordable option, it is considered the best city in Canada to live and work in. It is because of the excellent standard of living and the blend of various cultures that this city has to offer. 

Universities in Montreal

• McGill University 
• Concordia University
• Montreal College of Information Technology
• Polytechnique Montreal

Cost of education 

The average tuition fees for an undergraduate program can be around CAD 11,000 to CAD 60,000 per year. Remember, the fee can vary as per the university you choose.

2. Toronto 

Being the capital of Ontario, Toronto ranks high amongst the best cities in Canada. The city is a popular hub for students and is home to many prominent universities and colleges in Canada.

It has an extremely diverse culture, with about 50% of the population belonging to minority communities. Ranking 13th in the QS world rankings, Toronto welcomes students from all parts of the world. People in this city speak over 160 languages! It can be the best city in Canada to live and work for you.

Universities in Toronto 

• University of Toronto 
• TAIE International Institute 
• York University 
• Ryerson University

Cost of Education

Here, you can find universities with an average tuition fee of around CAD 12,000 to CAD 50,000 per year. 

3. Vancouver 

Next on the list of best cities in Canada is Vancouver, with its breathtaking landscapes and peaceful life. Located on the west coast of the province of British Columbia, it ranks 18th in the QS world ranking. It has also been ranked as one of the most well-living places in the world and one of the best city for international students in Canada. 

Vancouver is home to tech giants like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft. The languages predominantly spoken are English and French. This makes it easier for international students to communicate with locals and land a job! 

Universities in Vancouver 

• University of British Columbia
• Columbia College
• Simon Fraser University 
• Vancouver Island University

Cost of Education

In Vancouver, the tuition fee can range from CAD 10,000 to CAD 26,000 per year. 

4. Ottawa 

Ottawa is well-known for its world-class educational institutions with experienced faculty members. Ranking 53rd in the QS world rankings, it welcomes students from diverse cultures and hosts immigrants from Africa, Europe, and Asia! 

This city offers a myriad of job opportunities and a great standard of living. Looking at the perks, one can say that Ottawa is one of the best cities to live in Canada. It has the largest tech park in Canada, offering thousands of jobs to international students. What’s more? It is also one of the safest cities in the world.

Universities in Ottawa 

• University of Ottawa 
• Saint Paul University 
• Carleton University 
• Dominican University College

Cost of Education

The average tuition fees for universities in Ottawa can be around CAD 8,500 to CAD 30,000 per year. 

5. Quebec City 

Quebec is a French-speaking province that is considered the best city in Canada for students. It is renowned for its ancient architecture and European feel. 

Quebec is the second-largest cosmopolitan city in Canada which is inhabited by a large percentage of minorities. 

The unemployment rate in Quebec is the lowest among all cities in Canada. We recommend you to use public transport in this city, thanks to the vast network of buses and ferries it has to offer. Students have found Quebec to be an economical city with an excellent education system. It ranks 113 in the QS world rankings. 

Universities in Quebec 

• University of Quebec
• Champlain College 
• TELUQ University 
• Bart College 

Cost of Education

Average tuition fees for an undergraduate program are around CAD 10,000 to CAD 40,000 per year. 

Well, this was a bit about the best cities in Canada for students. Let’s move ahead and learn about the requirements for studying in Canada. 

Requirements for studying in Canada

The requirements to be fulfilled for studying in a Canadian city include the following-

• Being eligible to apply for a study permit.
• Passing an English language proficiency test with the required band.
• Applying and being accepted by your preferred university.

So, which city is the best in Canada?

We hope this detailed blog answered your query – ‘Which city is best in Canada for students?’

If not, we can help you find the right answer.

1. To start with, you first need to decide what you want. Quaint landscapes or busy skylines, job opportunities, safety, quality education.
2. As you do this, also consider the university you want to study in.
3. Use the above 2 points to prioritize your needs and choose the best city for yourself!

Key takeaways

• Studying abroad might be overwhelming, but it can open doors of opportunities for you.
• Canada has always been a popular choice among students for studying abroad.
• The majority of the best cities in Canada are cosmopolitan and welcoming to international students.
• Montreal is not the most affordable option, however, it is considered the best city in Canada to live and work in.

Don’t be afraid to accomplish your dreams. If you get stuck or need help with the process, reaching out to us might help! We are just a call away!

All the best!

Liked this blog? Read next: Top universities in Canada | The Times Higher Education ranking!

FAQs 

Q1. Which city is the best in Canada for studying? 

Answer- According to the recent QS rankings, Montreal is considered the best city for studying in Canada. Besides this, the alumni of universities in Montreal have also voted it as the best city to learn and live in. 

Q2. Which city in Canada provides the highest employment opportunities after completing education? 

Answer- The city of Quebec is known to have the most employment opportunities with a great per-hour salary. 

Q3. How much does it cost for a student to live in Toronto? 

Answer- The monthly cost of living for a single student is around CAD 2200, including apartment rent, food, and transportation. You can opt for cheaper options by sharing an apartment and buying a bus pass.

WRITTEN BY

Aastha

Sr. Content Writer

Aastha Arya is a Senior Content Writer at iSchoolConnect who writes about topics covering study abroad trends, exclusive news updates and prolific college courses. She has a 4-year of experience in this field and also likes to keep tabs on recent events, visa policy changes, and many other concerns that affect international students.

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