A Complete Guide to Popular Courses in Canada for International Students

Table of content:

1. Why Choose Canada for Higher Education?
2. Top Courses in Canada for International Students
3. Eligibility & Admission Requirements
4. Scholarships for International Students
5. Final Thoughts
6. Frequently asked questions

Many students around the world choose Canada as their study destination because it is home to excellent universities, a rich cultural life and good jobs before and after graduation.

Since the list of choices is large, choosing what’s right for you can seem like a big challenge. This guide breaks down the most in-demand and career-friendly courses for studying in Canada to help you make an informed decision.

Why Choose Canada for Higher Education?

Before we dive into the courses, here are some reasons why Canada continues to attract international students:

• High-quality education is recognized globally
  
• Affordable tuition compared to the US and UK
  
• Work while studying (up to 20 hours/week)
  
• Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) up to 3 years
  
• A pathway to permanent residency
  

Top Courses in Canada for International Students

Let’s look at some of the most popular and rewarding courses to pursue in Canada:

1. Computer Science and IT

One of the fastest-growing fields globally, and Canada is no exception.

Top Specializations:

• Artificial Intelligence
  
• Data Science
  
• Software Engineering
  
• Cybersecurity
  

Top Universities:

• University of Toronto
  
• University of British Columbia
  
• McGill University
  

Course	Average Tuition Fee/year (CAD)	Average Salary (CAD)
BSc in Computer Science	35,000 – 45,000	60,000 – 95,000
MSc in Data Science	40,000 – 55,000	75,000 – 120,000

2. Business and Management

Canada is home to some of the top B-Schools in the world. These programs are popular for their co-op options and industry exposure.

Top Specializations:

• Finance
  
• Marketing
  
• International Business
  
• Supply Chain Management
  

Top Universities:

• University of Toronto (Rotman)
  
• York University (Schulich)
  
• Western University (Ivey)
  

Course	Average Tuition Fee/year (CAD)	Average Salary (CAD)
BBA	30,000 – 40,000	50,000 – 70,000
MBA	40,000 – 70,000	80,000 – 120,000

3. Engineering

Engineering programs are in high demand due to Canada’s infrastructure, energy, and technology sectors.

Top Specializations:

• Civil Engineering
  
• Mechanical Engineering
  
• Electrical Engineering
  
• Environmental Engineering
  

Top Universities:

• University of Waterloo
  
• University of Alberta
  
• McMaster University
  

Course	Average Tuition Fee/year (CAD)	Average Salary (CAD)
BEng	35,000 – 45,000	65,000 – 100,000
MEng	30,000 – 50,000	75,000 – 110,000

4. Health and Life Sciences

With a growing demand for healthcare professionals, medical and life sciences remain strong picks.

Top Specializations:

• Nursing
• Public Health
• Biotechnology
• Pharmacy

Top Universities:

• University of Toronto
• University of British Columbia
• University of Alberta
  

Course	Average Tuition Fee/year (CAD)	Average Salary (CAD)
BSc in Nursing	25,000 – 35,000	55,000 – 75,000
MSc in Public Health	30,000 – 45,000	65,000 – 95,000

5. Media and Journalism

With the rise of digital media, this field has seen fresh interest.

Top Specializations:

• Digital Media
• Broadcast Journalism
• Strategic Communication
  

Top Universities:

• Ryerson University
• Carleton University
• Concordia University

Eligibility & Admission Requirements

Most Canadian institutions require:

• Minimum 65%-75% in high school or undergraduate studies
• IELTS score of 6.5 or TOEFL score of 88+
• SOP, LORs, and Resume
• Portfolio (for design/media-related courses)

Scholarships for International Students

The following are the top scholarships for Indian and International students in Canada. These scholarships would help students with the financial distress of funding their studies. 

Scholarship Name	Offered By	Amount (CAD)
Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship	University of Toronto	Full tuition + living expenses
UBC International Leader of Tomorrow Award	UBC	Partial to full funding
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships	Government of Canada	$50,000 per year for 3 years

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right course in Canada can set you up for a successful career and potentially even permanent residency. Focus on what aligns with your interests and strengths, and make sure to research the universities thoroughly.

If you’re still confused, don’t worry. Nomad Credit can help you with university shortlisting, education loan support, visa assistance, and much more. Drop us a message to get started!

Frequently asked questions:

What is the duration of courses in Canada?

Diploma and certificate programs usually take 1–2 years. Bachelor’s degrees take 3–4 years, while master’s degrees take 1–2 years. The duration may vary based on your program and university.

Do Canadian colleges offer post-graduate diploma courses?

Yes, many colleges offer PG diploma courses in Canada in various fields such as IT, Business, and Healthcare. These are usually 1–2 years long and include practical training. They’re a great option after graduation.

Are courses in Canada taught in English?

Most courses at Canadian institutions are taught in English. However, in Quebec, you may find programs in French as well. Proof of language proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL) is often required.

Can I apply for a work permit after completing my course?

Yes, you may be eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). The permit duration depends on your course length, up to a maximum of 3 years. It allows you to gain Canadian work experience.