Undergraduate Courses in Canada Overview

A full-time Bachelor’s degree program in Canada is for four years of full-time study depending on the course, specialization. Educational institutions offer degrees, diplomas, and certificates, depending on the type of institute, program, and duration. Universities normally are authorized to award degree programs. Colleges mostly offer associate degrees and other institutes generally offer skill oriented diplomas and certificates.

In Canada, the Provincial government controls the education system while the Federal government oversees its overall functioning of it. Both public and private education institutes, universities, and colleges are open to international students. However, provincial governments may not necessarily regulate private schools everywhere in Canada.

Eligibility Criteria for UG Program in Canada

Canadian universities/colleges use a minimum Grade Point Average score to assess the academic eligibility of applicants to study in Canada. GPA is a standard method of calculating a student’s average grade for her/his study period in high school. Universities/colleges have metrics to convert Indian divisions to GPA scores.

Apart from GPA to qualify, international students need to appear for standardized entrance exams/tests to study in Canada.

IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is an international standardized test of English language proficiency for non-native English speakers. In the test speaking, listening, reading and writing abilities in the English language is tested for aspirants who want to study or work in an English speaking environment.

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is an internationally accepted standardized test of English language proficiency for those who want to study and work abroad. The test evaluates students’ reading, listening, speaking, and writing skills in the English Language.

The minimum TOEFL iBT score in the range of 70-89 and IELTS score in the range of 6-7 is considered good for applying to Canadian universities/colleges. Both TOEFL and IELTS scores are valid for 2 years.

Other than academic performance, criteria like extracurricular activities, leadership skills, SOP, letter of recommendation are taken into account by the universities/colleges before accepting an application for admission.

Know more about the Entry Requirements for Canadian Universities.

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Intake & Application Deadlines to Study in Canada

There are two major intakes by the universities/colleges in Canada for undergraduate programs: 

For Fall in the month of September
For Winter in the month of January

Diploma programs in colleges will generally have Intakes in the month of

January, May, August/September 

University and college students are advised to apply a year before their intended start date of study for proper documentation and timely submission of applications.

Know more about Upcoming Intakes to Study in Canada.

 

Tuition Fees to Study in Canada

In Canada, the education system is primarily controlled by the provincial government because of which, students may see policy variation among universities depending on their province. The tuition fee may also vary depending on the type of course and its duration. On average tuition fees for Full-time undergraduate degrees can range from CAD is 14,000-25,000 per year.

There are many scholarships available for international students pursuing undergraduate programs in Canada. Being highly competitive these are awarded on a merit basis. A few of them are the Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan, York University International Scholarship, University of British Columbia Scholarships for International Students, Vancouver Island University International Regional Scholarship.

Know more about the Cost of Studying in Canada.

PLANNING TO PURSUE YOUR UNDERGRADUATE STUDIES FROM CANADA?

Types of Undergraduate Education in Canada

Certificate Programs

A typical certificate program in Canada involves three to eight academic months of post-secondary study in a single subject. These programs are meant to impart skills and knowledge for an entry-level occupation.

 

College or University Diploma

Over 200 institutions offer postsecondary diplomas in Canada. College diplomas most often comprise a minimum of two full-time academic years of specialized post-secondary study. Like certificate programs, diploma programs are mainly developed to meet specific demands of industrial or technical skills.

 

Degree Programs

Associate Degree: These are typically two-year full-time study programs in the field of science, humanities, and social science. The degree is equivalent to the first two years of a four-year university degree. A student can convert an associate degree to a bachelor’s degree, using the credits earned to enrol in a program at a university/college authorised to award a bachelor’s degree.

Bachelor’s Degree: Most of the universities in Canada offer a three-year and four-year bachelor’s degree program as a standard practice. They require 90 and 120 credits for completion, respectively. Bachelor’s degrees can be awarded by authorised universities only. There are some colleges that have been granted the authority to offer bachelor’s degrees.

 

Types of Higher Education Institutes in Canada

Degree-granting – At the post-secondary level, Canada has universities, university colleges, colleges, institutes of technology, and specialized institutes that have the authority to offer degree-level programs. They have a wide range of courses with an equal focus on teaching and research.

Non-Degree granting-These institutions are either recognized public colleges or are private registered ones that offer vocational programs in a wide range of academic and technical fields. These institutes can be community colleges, colleges of applied arts and technology, institute of technology and advanced learning, private academies and institutes. These colleges may also offer short term courses that last between several weeks to several months.

 

Why choose Canada for UG?

High Academic Standards

The Canadian government has education as one of its primary focuses which has resulted in Canada emerging as a preferred study abroad destination for international students. Steadily for years, Canadian universities have been amongst the top 50 best universities around the world. Consistency in high-quality education, teachers, and resources supported with a strong framework for higher education, has made Canada a popular choice for postsecondary education.

 

Affordable Education

Canada is a developed nation, however, the education cost for an international student here is less compared to other western developed nations such as the UK and the USA. The tuition fee, living costs, health insurance all put together are significantly low compared to other countries. Here public and private institutes both alike extend financial support to students in the form of grants and scholarships.

 

Immigration Friendly

Canada is known for its immigration friendly policies. Students studying in Canada find it easier to adjust here as it is has a diverse society comprising of different cultures. This makes life in Canada easy for international students as they find ample support from their communities.

 

Strong Employment Prospects

Canada encourages students to find employment opportunities within Canada post their studies. Students with work permits can stay in Canada for up to 3 years to work after completing their studies. Canada is known to be a technologically advanced nation. It is emerging as a hub for industries based on advanced technologies like blockchain and artificial intelligence, generating numerous employment opportunities. Canadian degrees are internationally recognized, which opens up plenty of opportunities for students graduating from Canadian universities to work in reputed global companies across the world.

PLANNING TO PURSUE YOUR UNDERGRADUATE STUDIES FROM CANADA?

Quick Facts to Know

The Education System in Canada

The Education system in Canada is highly decentralized. The Federal government oversees the education system but it is controlled by the provincial governments. Due to this reason, students applying to study in Canada may see a difference in university/college policies from one province to another.

Some universities may accept applications through a centralized system while others may require students to apply directly to the college/university. It is recommended to check with individual universities/colleges before applying.

 

Designated Learning Institutes

Applicants must make sure to study in Canada they apply to an institute that is on the designated learning institutes (DLI) list. A designated learning institution is a school approved by a provincial or territorial government to host international students.

 

Health Insurance

The Government of Canada does not pay for the medical costs of foreign students. Health coverage for foreign students varies between provinces. Students should check with universities/colleges individually to get detailed information on medical coverage for international students.

 

Work While Studying in Canada

Students while studying full time on a student permit visa can work up to 20 hours a week on or off-campus. If a study program includes co-op or internship placement, students are required to get a work permit and meet all the requirements before taking up any work.

 

Popular Fields of Study in UG Courses for Canada

  • Engineering- Civil, Mechanical, Petroleum, Agriculture, Biomedicine, Software, Chemical
  • Information Technology
  • Medicine & Healthcare
  • Nursing
  • Business Administration &Management
  • Geosciences
  • Pharmacology
  • Hospitality Management 

 

Top Universities for UG in Canada

Following is the list of top universities in Canada for UG:

Name of the University QS World University Rankings 2022 THE World University Rankings
University of Toronto 26 18
McGill University =27 40
The University of British Columbia 46 34
University of Montreal 111 =73
University of Alberta 126 =131
McMaster University 140 69
University of Ottawa 230 = 145
University of Calgary 235 = 200
University of Waterloo =149 201-250
Western University 170 201-250
Dalhousie University = 272 251-300
University Laval =414
Queen’s University =240 251-300
Simon Fraser University =298 251-300
University of Manitoba 601-650 351-400

These were some top universities in Canada for UG.

According to the 2022 Times Higher Education World University Rankings following are the top universities in Canada for Undergraduate Degree programs:

University of Toronto

The University of Toronto (UofT), offers over 200 postgraduate degree programs. With a longstanding reputation for innovation and research, it counts five Canadian prime ministers among its former students and associations with 10 Nobel laureates.

 

University of British Columbia

The University of British Columbia (UBC) is a global centre for teaching, learning, and research, consistently ranked among the top 20 public universities in the world. UBC has two campuses — one in Vancouver and the other in Kelowna. UBC researchers work with industry, university, and government partners to advance knowledge and create countless new products, treatments, and services.

 

McGill University

McGill University is the oldest university in Montreal with 11 faculties and schools. McGill has an alumni network of roughly 250,000 that consists of 12 Nobel Prize winners and 140 Rhodes Scholars, more than any other university in the country.

 

McMaster University

McMaster University, one of four Canadian universities consistently ranked in the world’s top 100, McMaster has a proud tradition of academic and research excellence, evidenced by the achievements of the best and brightest whose ranks include three Nobel Prize winners, global business leaders, technological innovators, prominent politicians, public intellectuals, philanthropists and performers.

 

University of Montreal

The University of Montreal is a leading research university with its affiliated schools, Polytechnique Montreal (engineering), and HEC Montreal (business), it also one of the largest universities in North America. Many renowned laboratories were born at the University of Montreal, including MILA, the world’s leading university research center in deep learning; the Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer (IRIC), one of the most productive in its domain; and the Centre de recherche en Droit public (CRDP), the most comprehensive public-law research centre in Canada.

 

University of Alberta

The University of Alberta is a public research university in Canada. According to the school, it has graduated 75 Rhodes scholars and boasts more than 200 undergraduate programs and more than 500 graduate programs. The university offers French instruction at the Faculté Saint-Jean, which provides courses in arts, science, education, commerce, engineering, nursing, conservation, and environmental sciences and is also well known for its paleontology research.

EXPLORE TOP UNIVERSITIES/COLLEGES IN CANADA

Most Popular Bachelors Courses in Canada

If you are planning to study UG in Canada then the following are some best UG courses in Canada:

1. Economics

Economics is a prominent topic around the world, with a growing demand for research associates and policy advisers. Canada is one of the best places in the world to study Economics as a bachelor’s degree program. According to the Times Higher Education Rankings 2019, the University of Toronto is rated 24 in the world in Economics. Economics is one of the most preferred UG courses in Canada. A bachelor’s honors degree in economics, environmental management, or economics and political science is available. With any bachelor’s degree, you can pick economics as a minor. There are a number of top undergraduate business schools in Canada that offer top Finance UG courses in Canada.

 

2. Medical

In order to become a Doctor of Medicine in Canada, you must first have a bachelor’s degree. A bachelor’s degree might be earned in Canada or abroad. In 2019, the Times ranked the University of Toronto at 21. Medical UG programs in Canada are preferred by most international students. Before pursuing an MD, you can pursue an Honors Bachelors in Science with Biotechnology, Biology, Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, and so on. In Canada, an MD is the same as an MBBS.

 

3. Engineering

Engineering is a popular choice among students who come to Canada to pursue a bachelor’s degree. There are numerous universities that offer engineering degrees, as well as numerous work prospects for recent graduates. McGill University is ranked 39th in the world in Engineering by Times in 2019. They offer a Bachelor of Science in Architecture, a Bachelor of Software Engineering, and a Bachelor of Engineering degree with concentrations in Chemical, Mechanical, Civil, Electrical, Computer Science, and Construction, among other fields. Engineering UG programs in Canada are preferred by most international students.

 

4. Finance and Accounting

Undergraduate finance courses in Canada are the most popular bachelor’s degree options. The University of British Columbia was ranked 44th in Accounting and Finance by The New York Times. Finance and accounting is one of the most preferred UG programs in Canada amongst international students. Under the Sauder School of Business, the university provides bachelor’s degree programs in accounting and finance. Accounting and Finance majors at the University of Toronto and McGill are likewise ranked in the bottom 50. Studying Finance and accounting UG courses in Canada would be an equitable decision as there are a number of best undergraduate business schools in Canada.

 

5. History

In Canada, bachelor’s degrees in history are very popular. In Canada, students can study a wide range of historical subjects. In 2019, The New York Times ranked McGill University 44th in History. History, Classics, East Asian Languages and Cultures, Religion and Globalization, Liberal Arts, African Studies, and World Islamic and Middle East Studies are among the courses available in Canada. Many history majors can minor in with any degree.

So these were some top UG programs in Canada.

 

Average Median Salaries for UG Graduates in Canada

Human Resources- $48,000
Financial Services- $52,000
IT & Software Development $53,000
Consulting, Accounting & Professional Services- $61,000

Know more about the Job Opportunities for International Students in Canada.

Source: https://www.emolument.com/

Top Industries to Choose in Canada

  • Information Technology
  • Banking & Financial Services
  • Aerospace & Defence
  • Engineering & Manufacturing
  • Healthcare
  • Drugs & Biotechnology
  • Consulting
  • Education
  • Transportation & logistics

 

Where to Study in Canada?

Following are some best cities to study UG in Canada for Indian students:

1. Montreal

Montreal, sometimes known as the “Cultural Capital” of Canada, is a vibrant metropolis in the country’s east, near the US border. It is an excellent choice for pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Canada because it is a centre of modernization and development. McGill University, which is ranked 35th in the QS World Rankings and provides various bachelor courses to its students, is located here. The city has a well-developed public transportation system and offers opportunities to work for international corporations such as Warner Bros., ALDO, and L’Oreal.

 

2. Toronto

Toronto is a fantastic city to get a bachelor’s degree in Canada. Metropolis Magazine named it the most livable city in the country. Apart from the amenities, there is a thriving international business sector with significant multinationals where you can easily find internships, part-time or full-time work. Toronto is a centre for economic development because of its vast diversity and safe environment. Toronto is home to over 20,000 international students from all around the world. It’s also known as Canada’s Financial Capital, and it’s a great place to start a finance career.

 

3. Vancouver

Vancouver is home to two premier colleges that provide various bachelor programs in practically every discipline. It is known for its jaw-dropping scenery and atmosphere. It is the country’s third-largest metropolis, located in the southwestern part. Every year, over 10,000 international students come to Vancouver to pursue master’s and bachelor’s degrees in Canada. It is also one of the hottest cities in Canada during the winter, making it a desirable location for many international corporations and other enterprises.

 

4. Quebec City

This historically significant city serves as a major administrative centre in Canada. It is one of the most affordable cities in Canada for pursuing a bachelor’s degree. The city’s distinctive architecture pays homage to Medieval Europe and the French influence it has inherited as a result of historic colonization. It is a rapidly expanding technical and retail centre in North America. It includes a lot of administrative positions in management and social science, which means there are a lot of job opportunities.

 

5. Ottawa

Ottawa is multicultural in nature since it is an symbol of diversity. The city is home to two prominent institutions, both of which are among the top 500 universities in the world, giving it an equitable option for pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Canada. It is Canada’s capital and is located in the east of the province of Ontario, on the banks of the magnificent Ottawa River. Ottawa has a good level of living and the fourth highest GDP growth rate of any Canadian city.

 

Application Process for Bachelors in Canada

Following is the application process for UG in Canada for Indian students:

  • Make a list of all the courses and options that match your subject. It is critical to conduct research before enrolling in a bachelor’s degree program in Canada. Research the courses you want to take, the city you want to study in, scholarships and financial aid alternatives, and, of course, a list of colleges you want to attend.
  • Once you have selected a university you want to study in, read and examine the criteria, such as the admission deadline, needed documents, and language proficiency test. Make a list of everything so you don’t forget anything.
  • Following is the list of documents you would need to apply in the universities of Canada:
  1. Copy of your High School Certificate/Diploma
  2. Application Form
  3. Statement of Purpose
  4. English Proficiency Test like IELTS/TOEFL
  5. Documents proving that you can afford to study and live in Canada
  6. Educational Credential
  7. Updated CV

Make sure that the following documents are translated in the English language.

  • Wait for the university to contact you. After receiving UG admission in Canada start applying for a student visa.
    So these were some steps to follow for UG admission in Canada.

 

Canada Work Permit

Another significant benefit of earning a bachelor’s degree in Canada is the ability to work while studying. International students must apply for a work permit in order to work while studying in Canada. Students have the option of working either on or off campus. In any event, having a Canadian work permit is required. Candidates are allowed to work 20 hours per week under the terms of the work permit, which is valid for the duration of the course. During the vacation season or semester breaks, the number of hours each week can be increased. Working while studying will assist you in both managing your finances and gaining the necessary field experience in Canada.

 

Post Study Stay Back Options in Canada

International students who complete their post-secondary education in Canada may apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit, or PGWP, in order to gain Canadian work experience.

The PGWP allows eligible international graduates to work in Canada after their studies for a period of up to three years.

The Government of Canada provides the Post-Graduation Work Permit to international students to retain them as skilled workers. The program provides an open work permit, which allows international graduates to work for any Canadian employer in any industry. Government policies are geared towards making it easy for students to apply for PR in Canada, when applicable.

PLANNING TO PURSUE YOUR UNDERGRADUATE STUDIES FROM CANADA?

What are the Job Prospects for Each Course in India and Abroad?

Usually, courses are offered in response to the demand for a certain occupation. Furthermore, the student is offered a 2- to 3-year Open Work Visa to obtain experience in Canada based on their qualifications. This may lead to the country’s PR, or if they return to India after earning an international qualification, experience, and exposure from overseas, they will have an advantage over their Indian counterparts and will be easily absorbed by multinational corporations.

 

Pursuing UG Courses in Canada

Experiential learning: They incorporate practical training within their bachelor’s curriculum to obtain hands-on experience.
High educational standards: According to THE Rankings 2020, seven of Canada’s institutions are among the top 200 in the world, indicating that the country provides enough possibilities for a world-class education.
Work opportunities after graduation: In Canada, a student can acquire a three-year work permit after finishing their degree.
When compared to other wealthy countries, studying in Canada is significantly cheaper. Furthermore, both public and private colleges provide financial aid to their students through grants and scholarships.

 

Difference Between UG Major and UG Minor

UG Major UG Minor
A Major is a student’s primary area of interest It’s a secondary concentration of courses, which complements the Major
Students would need to achieve 10 out of 20 credits for completing an honors degree program in a major subject area. Students would need to complete 4 credits in the minor subject areas.
For example: With a major in Biology a student can study UG in Science. For example: With a minor in Political Science a student can pursue a BA of arts and honors.
Usually UG major is not available in some of the structured programs like Engineering, Architecture, Accounting, and Financial Management, Computer Science, etc. Students can pursue these courses within their home faculty. For example, Only engineering students have the options in the Faculty of Engineering.

 

Salient Features of UG Programs in Canada

Following are some salient features of UG in Canada for Indian students:
Undergraduate programs at SPP institutions are typically two years long, after which students can apply for an open work visa for up to three years, following which they can seek permanent residency in Canada after earning work experience of at least one year in a related profession.
Furthermore, if a student decides to continue their studies for a bachelor’s degree course provided by a university in Canada after completing two years, they can get an exemption for the studies already finished and complete the bachelor’s degree in a minimum of two years.

 

Popular Specializations Offered by Canadian Universities

Major Fields Specialisation options
Engineering Degree Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electronics & Communication, Computer Science & IT, Chemical Engineering, Mining Engineering, and Architectural Engineering
Arts and Design Fashion Design, Graphic design, Film, Photography and Media, and Visual Arts
Business Administration Human Resource, Supply Chain Management, Commerce, Finance, Project Management, and Accountancy
Hospitality and Tourism Management Hotel & Food Administration, Hospitality and Tourism Management
Health Nursing and Health Care Technology Management

 

Top Areas of Specialisations Chosen by Indian Students to Study in Canada

Following are some Areas of Specializations preferred by Indian students to study in Canada:

  • Accounting and Finance
  • Architecture
  • Arts and Cultural Management
  • Cyber Security
  • Design
  • Data Science
  • Education and Teaching
  • Communication
  • Aviation
  • Business

 

Areas of Specialisations for UG in Canada

There are around 160 universities in Canada, with over 18 million students enrolled in them. A student can complete their UG studies in Canada by choosing from a variety of courses and course combinations. We understand that this can be a stressful situation.

 

Duration of UG Courses in Canada

In Canada, a typical bachelor’s degree lasts four years since the education system requires you to take minor courses alongside your core degree. There are, however, some three-year curriculum that do not contain minor studies at certain universities. You can choose to continue your studies for an additional year to earn an Honors degree at the end of your studies.

 

Benefits of Studying UG in Canada for Indian Students

  • Undergraduate universities in Canada provide quality and advanced education to their national and international students.
  • If we look at the Canadian bachelor’s degree fees with the cost of studying in other destinations we will come to a conclusion that Canada is a very affordable study abroad destination than others.
  • Every university in Canada offers globally recognized degrees to its national and international students.
  • The Canadian government allows international students to stay in the country for up to 3 years after completing their degree program.
  • Most of the universities in Canada are listed in the top universities of the world.
  • Canadian universities have a multicultural environment.
  • Canadian universities provide a variety of research opportunities.
  • The Canadian government allows international students to apply for permanent residence.

 

Undergraduate Scholarships for Indian Students in Canada

Most of the Canadian university helps students in managing their expenses by offering them undergraduate scholarship in Canada. The undergraduate scholarship in Canada offered to Indian students are divided into the categories mentioned below:

  • Waiving of Tuition fee
  • Scholarships provided by Provincial Government
  • Merit-based scholarships
  • Grants based on the needs and bursaries by universities
  • Scholarships provided by private organizations

 

Scholarships Offered by Universities in Canada

Following is the list of scholarships in Canada for UG courses:

  • Narotam Sekhsaria’s Scholarships
  • Hani Zeini Scholarship
  • Jared J. Davis Grant
  • QS Undergraduate Scholarship
  • Ontario Graduate Scholarships (OGS)

 

Candidates Can Apply Without IELTS or After Results of Class 12th

We are all aware of the significance of the IELTS score as well as the academic percentage in determining whether or not your application will be accepted by any university. One of the most important things to remember while applying to a Bachelor’s program in Canada is that you can do so even if you don’t have your Class 12 results or IELTS score. The institutions will accept you based on your grade 11 transcripts. When your offer letter arrives, you will be required to show your Class 12 results.

 

Requirement of IELTS and Academics for Bachelor’s

If you are planning UG admission in Canada following are the requirements of IELTS and academics:

  • IELTS Requirement: 6.5(individual score should not be less than 6)
  • Academic Requirement: Passing certificate of class 12 exam with minimum 65% marks.

 

Top 5 Courses Preferred by Indian Students in Canada After 12th?

For international students, Canadian universities offer a variety of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in a variety of fields.
The top five UG courses in Canada are listed below:
• Engineering
• Information technology
• Business management
• Pharmacy technician
• Hospitality management

 

What is the Fee Structure for These Courses?

SPP Colleges in Canada charge cheaper tuition costs, ranging from CAD $12,000 to $14,000 per year. Undergraduate degrees typically cost between CAD $11,500 and $22,000 in tuition. Because rates vary for each university, visiting their website and looking at their tuition fees structure will give you a better understanding of the fees structure.

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