Over the past few years, there has been a steady rise in the number of Nigerian students applying to study in Canada. Canadian colleges and universities received a record number of applications, and this is due to the high quality of education the country offers.
According to immigration.ca, a reputable Canadian immigration agency, Canada issued 16,160 Student visas to Nigerians in 2022, up from 9,525 in 2021. It issued a further 5,230 study permits to Nigerians in the first quarter of 2023.
The quality of Canadian education speaks for itself when universities like the University of Toronto, McGill University, and the University of Alberta continuously place well on the QS Top Universities list.
Now the main question right now is, how can you choose the right Canadian college or university? And Yes! Knowing how to choose the right college or university in Canada is crucial to get the most out of study in abroad.
Below is a step-by-step guide to choosing the right college or university in Canada for higher education.
Table of Contents
How do I choose a college or University in Canada?
Here is what you need to know on how to choose the right college or university in Canada:
Choose the best Course for PR
When you are looking to study in Canada, you want to choose the best course that will improve your skills for employment to extend your stay in Canada. Depending on your long-term goals, take a course in Canada that will allow you to obtain permanent residency. Here are some of the best courses available at Canadian universities to make your stay in Canada easy.
- Information Technology
- Computer Programming & Analysis
- Mechanical Engineering
- Logistics & Supply Chain Management
- Sports
- Business Management
- International Business Management
- Advanced Manufacturing Management
Consider the Tuition Fees
Generally, there is a tuition fee differential between domestic and international students studying in Canada. Thus, as a Nigerian student, you should expect to pay higher tuition fees while studying there.
However, you have the option of working part-time, which can help you pay for tuition, books, living expenses, and housing.
Furthermore, the cost of studying in Canada can also be reduced based on the province you choose. For instance, studying in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, or Newfoundland can be very affordable for Nigerians and other international students.
Scholarship Opportunities
If you are a Nigerian student looking for scholarships or financial aid to study in Canada, you will find a plethora of options. The majority of the scholarships are provided by Canadian and foreign governments, non-governmental organizations, and international organizations.
It is recommended to contact the financial assistance office of the Canadian university where you intend to apply for a university scholarship. Because most scholarships are based on academic merit, it is critical to remember some of the major requirements. However, you should conduct an extensive study to see what types of scholarship opportunities are available.
Check if the school is government approved
Another step in choosing the right college or university is to conduct research to see whether the school is licensed and approved by the Canadian government to enroll international students. This is a critical step that many students overlook.
You should be especially cautious about this while applying to universities online. Check to see if the university or college you chose is recognized by the Canadian government. Ensure that you choose a Designated Learning Institution approved by the government for your studies, as it can decide whether or not you get a post-graduate work permit or not.
Verify work-permit options
Typically, Canadian universities or colleges assist with work permit visas after graduation. Find out how the college assists students with their post-graduation careers.
A post-graduation work permit is a type of work permit that allows a student who has graduated from a Canadian post-secondary institution to live and work in Canada in order to gain valuable Canadian work experience.
What it means is that as a graduate of a Designated Learning Institution, you can live and work in Canada and thereby get the needed Canadian work experience that will help you to become a permanent resident in Canada.
Which College gives work permits in Canada?
As rightly stated above, Nigerian students who wish to study and work in Canada must choose a college or university that’s government-approved to get a post-graduate work permit (PGWP).
Based on your course, you can get a work permit in Canada from eight (8) months to three (3) years. If you are looking for a Post Graduate Work Permit college, we have a list of colleges and universities in Canada that make you eligible for a work permit after graduation.
Here’s a list of Canadian schools that will prepare you for a work permit after graduation.
- University of Alberta
- British Columbia
- Capilano University
- University of Calgary
- University of Lethbridge
- Coast Mountain College
- Vancouver Community College
- University of Manitoba
- University of Winnipeg
- Coquitlam College
- Simon Fraser University (SFU)
- University of British Columbia (UBC)
- University of New Brunswick
- Queen’s University
- Ryerson University
- McMaster University
- Niagara University
- Northeastern University
- Sheridan College
Note: Please refer to the following link for a complete list of Canadian DLIs that offer PGWP-eligible programs.
What is the difference between a Canadian college and a Canadian university?
The main difference between colleges and universities is that colleges focus on career-building programs, whereas universities are degree-awarding institutions that focus on professional and academic programs.
Generally, Universities in Canada offer undergraduate, graduate, and doctorate programs, whilst colleges provide graduate and diploma programs. Course duration, organization, teaching approach, and educational goals all differ from one another.
There are currently 436 higher education institutions in Canada, including 223 universities and 213 colleges. Among these institutions, 28 Canadian universities are listed in the QS World University Rankings 2023, while 31 Canadian universities are ranked in the Times Higher Education Rankings 2023.
If you want to study in Canada, you should understand the differences between college and university. I hope this article has helped you understand how to choose the right college or university in Canada as well as know the differences between college and university.
If you have got any questions or need study abroad advice, kindly reach out to us via the comment sections below. Good luck!