Study programs in Canada

Apart from its beautiful landscapes and diverse culture, Canada is also known for its world-class universities. This makes it an attractive choice for students seeking to pursue their studies abroad.

In fact, recent statistics from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) reveal that Canada welcomed a record-breaking 550,000 international students from 184 countries in 2022.

Canada is recognised as one of the countries with the best education systems in the world. So, how does the education system work there, and what study programs can you pursue? Let's dive into the details of studying in Canada through this article!

Education system in Canada

The Canadian government places great emphasis on the quality of education, as it significantly invests in the field. In fact, according to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Canada is one of the top three countries in terms of per capita expenditure on public education after secondary school.

The higher education system in Canada consists of several levels, including:

• Certificate Programs: usually last for one year.

• Diploma Programs: last for one or two years.

• Advanced Diploma Programs: generally last for two or three years.

• Bachelor's Degree: awarded upon completion of a four-year study program.

• Postgraduate Diplomas/Certificates: last for one or two years.

• Master's Degree: awarded after obtaining a bachelor's degree to specialize in a specific subject.

• Doctorate or PhD: usually last for four to seven years.

With these different levels, students in Canada have a wide range of options to pursue their academic careers based on their interests and goals.

It not only provides a diverse range of study levels but also offers an extensive selection of fields of study. Whether your passion lies in medicine, science, engineering, business, or media and communication, you'll find an array of captivating study programs in Canada.

Favorite study programs in Canada

1. Medicine

The field of medicine prepares students to become doctors and other medical personnel. Like in other countries, after completing several years of medical education in Canada, students will earn a Bachelor of Medicine degree, depending on the education level they choose.

During their medical studies, students will learn various subjects such as anatomy, biochemistry, pharmacology, pathology, and clinical skills. After graduating from this program, students can specialize in specific areas such as surgery, obstetrics, or internal medicine.

The career prospects for medical graduates are excellent, with opportunities to work as general practitioners, specialists, or medical researchers. You can even open your own practice or work for companies in related fields.

Some universities in Canada that offer medical programs include the University of Toronto, the University of British Columbia, and the University of Alberta.

2. Science

For those passionate about scientific principles across various disciplines, the field of science provides a deep understanding. Students will study physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics, and even computer science.

If you choose to pursue a bachelor's degree in science abroad, you will be awarded a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree. For postgraduate education, the degree is Master of Science (M.Sc.).

Graduates of this field have a wide range of career options, including becoming researchers, scientists, or laboratory experts.

In Canada, there are many universities that offer science programs, such as the University of Toronto, the University of Waterloo, and McGill University.

3. Engineering

The field of engineering goes beyond technical knowledge and also teaches students about technology. They will learn about engineering principles, mathematics, computer science, and systems modeling.

The degree awarded for undergraduate study in this field is Bachelor of Engineering or Bachelor of Applied Science, depending on the specialization you choose.

You might wonder about the career prospects in the field of engineering. Don't worry, the career opportunities are vast, ranging from civil engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering to software engineering.

Some universities in Canada that offer engineering programs include the University of Alberta, McMaster University, and the University of Calgary.

4. Business and Management

The business and management field prepares students to understand and manage various aspects of business and organizations. Some subjects that students may study include accounting, finance, marketing, and business strategy.

Graduates of this field have broad career opportunities in both the private and public sectors. They can work as managers, business consultants, financial analysts, or even start their own businesses.

There are many universities in Canada that offer business and management programs at various levels of education, such as the University of Alberta, the University of Ottawa, and the University of Waterloo.

5. Media and Communication

The media and communication field is suitable for those who want to pursue careers in print or digital media, television, advertising, and public relations. Specifically, you can work as a journalist, editor, communication manager, or part of a public relations team for a company.

This field prepares students to understand the media industry, mass communication, and information technology. During their studies, students will learn skills in writing, journalism, media production, interpersonal communication, and marketing strategies.

In Canada, universities renowned for their communication and media programs include the University of Toronto, McGill University, the University of British Columbia, and Concordia University.

Choose the right program with IDP

From the list of study programs in Canada above, are there any fields that interest you? Or are you feeling even more confused about choosing the right program and university in Canada?

At IDP, we have a team of educational counselors who can provide guidance and support you throughout the university application process, from selecting a program to preparing for your departure.

Start your study journey in Canada with a free counseling session with IDP!