Benefits of Studying in Canada

Students engage in conversation in their classroom in Ontario, Canada.

There are nearly one million international students studying in Canada, making it still one of the most sought-after study destinations in the world today. 
Ontario attracts more international students than any other province in Canada7. 

With world-class postsecondary institutions and an exceptional quality of life, Canada is consistently ranked among the best places to live and study globally. 
So what makes it so appealing? 

The world’s favourite classroom 

Ontario and Canada are welcoming, safe, diverse, and accessible. From vibrant cities to breathtaking natural landscapes, the country offers a wide range of experiences to suit different lifestyles and budgets. 

For these reasons and more, Canada remains one of the top destinations worldwide for international students8. 

  • 96% of international students recommend Canada as a study destination9 
  • About 60% plan to apply for permanent residence after their studies10 
  • The top reasons students choose Canada include:  
  • the quality of education 
  • its reputation as an inclusive and non-discriminatory society 
  • its safety and stability11  

A safe and supportive environment to study 

Canada is widely recognized as one of the safest countries in the world, with strong public services, stable institutions, and high quality of life12.  

Accessible education, a strong healthcare system, high life expectancy, and a strong economy all contribute to making Canada an excellent place to study and build your future. 

World-class education 

Canada’s postsecondary system includes universities, colleges and Indigenous Institutes recognized globally for quality and innovation. 

From short programs to full degrees, students can choose flexible learning pathways that match their goals, whether building new skills or advancing their careers. 

Learn about postsecondary institutions in Ontario.  

A great place to study, work and live 

From dynamic urban centres to welcoming smaller communities, Ontario and Canada offer something for everyone. 

Learn more about why Ontario is a great place to live. 

A diverse and inclusive society

  • Cultural diversity

    Ontario and Canada have one of the most diverse populations in the world. Ontario is home to 240,000 international students and there are 140 different languages spoken.

    Canada is a multicultural country that supports and celebrates the heritage of people from all over the world, as well as Indigenous peoples and cultures.

    When you immigrate to Canada, you are not expected to assimilate. The country’s multiculturalism means that all people who live in Canada are able to protect their identities and take pride in their ancestry.

    Canada celebrates the diverse identities, heritage and traditions of its citizens through National Indigenous History Month, Black History Month, Asian Heritage Month, International Holocaust Remembrance Day and more.

    Many different cultural traditions are honoured through local festivals, parades and celebrations all throughout the year. Most cities and towns have a variety of international grocery stores, markets and restaurants with cuisines from all over the world.

  • Freedom of religion

    In Canada, there is no connection between the government and any religious tradition. You are free to practice any faith and worship as you choose. You can find places of worship for any of the world’s major religions in most cities in Ontario.

  • LGBTQ+ rights

    Under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the Ontario Human Rights Code, discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity is against the law.

    During Pride month in June and all throughout the year, Canada celebrates and welcomes people of all sexual identities, including those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, transsexual, queer, questioning, intersexual, asexual and two-spirited (LGBTQ+).

    Ontario has many support services in place for newcomers who identify as LGBTQ+.

Shared values

While Canada is a nation made up of many global cultures and traditions, Canadians share some of the same important values. These include pride in their country, equal respect for all people, an appreciation for diversity and freedom of speech.

Shared values are part of what gives Canada a reputation for being safe, friendly and peaceful.

Support for international students

Hundreds of thousands of international students study in Canada every year. There are lots of support resources available to help you succeed.

Visit these websites for more information: