Canada is a great destination for international students, and African students are no exception.
Canada is one of the top destinations for African students seeking higher education abroad.
With a diverse and welcoming culture, a high standard of living, and top-notch universities, Canada has everything an international student could want.
In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best Canadian universities for African students.
If you want to invest in your future, then Canada is a perfect destination for any international student.
According to the IRCC, there were over 807,000 foreign students with active study permits (study visas) for Canada as of the end of 2022, with a growth percentage of over 31% compared to the previous year.
A number of these students came from 184 countries to study across Canada.
Below are the top 10 countries with the highest number of new international students entering Canada in 2022:
- India (226,450 students);
- China (52,165 students);
- Philippines (23,380 students);
- France (16,725 students)
- Nigeria (16,195 students);
- Iran (13,525 students);
- Republic of Korea (11,535 students);
- Japan (10,955 students);
- Brazil (10,405 students); and
- Mexico (10,405 students).
Why Canada is a popular study destination for international students
Recently, Canada has become the most sought-after study destination for international students. International students benefit from the same rights and freedoms that protect all Canadians: respect for human rights, equality, diversity, and a stable, peaceful society.
International students are attracted based on the relatively low cost of living, availability of better opportunities post studies, liberal government policies, and the multicultural environment of Canada. However, these are not the only reasons for studying in Canada.
Below are simplified reasons international students choose Canada as their study destination
- Safe and welcoming education system
- Some of the world’s best universities are in Canada
- Better career opportunities
- Quality of life
- Multicultural environment (home for all)
- Low cost of living
- Easy and fast admission process
- Fully funded scholarships opportunities
Overview of the Canadian education system
Canada has a strong and well-funded system of public education, largely managed provincially.
All of Canada’s 13 provinces and territories run their school system and follow government standards to ensure high-quality public education across the country.
They follow government standards to ensure high-quality public education across the country. School is mandatory for children from ages 5 to 16 years or six (6) to 18 years old depending on the province.
Generally, the Canadian education system is divided into three levels:
- Primary
- Secondary
- Post-secondary
The education system in Canada is safe and very welcoming. That’s why Canada is the prime destination for international students around the world to discover a world full of possibilities.
It’s not surprising that so many international students choose Canada for their university studies.
Best Canada Universities For African Students
Top universities for African students in Canada include:
- University of Toronto
- University of British Columbia
- McGill University
- University of Alberta
- University of Waterloo
University of Toronto
The University of Toronto is located in Canada’s largest city and is one of most Canada’s prestigious universities.
The U of T offers several undergraduate and graduate programs, to students from all over the world to come and learn from the top professors and researchers.
The university has a large international student population, and African students in particular are well represented.
The university also offers numerous undergraduate scholarships and financial aid to African students every year, including the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship, which covers all tuition fees, books, incidental fees, and full residence support for four years.
Programs offered, and admission requirements at U of T
Various undergraduate programs are offered at U of T. The admission requirements for international or African students who want to study at the University of Toronto depend on the country’s system of education.
In some countries, in post-secondary schools leaving certificate is required, while in some countries you must be in your first year in the university as an undergraduate.
Please note that admission to the university of Toronto is competitive and meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
This means that you must demonstrate excellent academic achievements and best performance.
University of British Columbia
The University of British Columbia is located in Vancouver, the beautiful west coast of Canada, and it’s one of the top universities in the country.
About 30% of master’s students and 44% of doctoral students at UBC Vancouver are international students.
The university has a large population of international students, and African students are well-represented.
As a UBC student, you will be part of a diverse community that is home to some of the brightest minds in the world.
The university offers several programs that are of particular interest to African students, including the African Studies program, where history meets the future, and ambitions meet inspiration.
The University of British Columbia offers very high-quality education at a significantly subsidized low tuition cost.
Apart from the low base tuition, excellent candidates for research programs will benefit from scholarships and awards.
McGill University
McGill University is located in Montreal, Quebec, and it’s one of the most highly regarded universities in Canada.
The university has a large international student population, and African students are well-represented.
The university also has several scholarships available for international students, including the MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program, which covers tuition, housing, and living expenses.
McGill University also offers a one year entrance scholarship for all first-time students entering a full time full-time undergraduate program the first year.
These scholarships are awarded to students who have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement at their secondary school level
University of Alberta
The University of Alberta is located in Edmonton, Alberta, and it’s one of the top universities in Canada.
The university has a large international student population. The university also has several scholarships available for international students, including the International Student Scholarship, which covers tuition and living expenses.
The University of Alberta Requirements
- Students applying for admission from high school must show that they have successfully completed five academic subjects. The five academic subjects vary, depending on the chosen faculty.
- Must meet U of A’s language proficiency test and requirements ie. English Language.
- U of A’s admission solely depends on the student’s program of study and faculty.
- Must submit an application fee for new students CAD $125
University of Waterloo
The University of Waterloo is located in Waterloo, Ontario, and it’s one of the top universities in Canada. Waterloo is home to over 30,000 international students.
The International Student Entrance Scholarship (ISES) is a scholarship program at the University of Waterloo, which is available to African students, and is awarded annually to outstanding international students admitted to Year One of an undergraduate degree program.
The university also has several services available for international students, including, free immigration consulting, learning from the experiences of other international students through a peer community, staying on campus during holidays through a special program just for international students
Programs offered, and admission requirements at the University of Waterloo
Choosing a university program can be a daunting task. A big challenge is not knowing what to look for and how to properly distinguish between theme
From digital arts, biotechnology, and robotics, to health, data science and over 100+ undergraduate programs offered by the University of Waterloo.
Admission Requirements:
The admission requirements of the University of Waterloo vary, depending on the program you are going for.
For international students, you can check your program admission requirements, indicating the following:
- Level of education,
- Country of post-secondary education,
- Your country’s system of study, and
- Your program choice
The results of A1 are recommended because it will increase your chances of being admitted. This means you must have an overall average in the low 90s for individual consideration.
University of Waterloo Admission Information Form (AIF) is required for admission to this program. Instructions for the AIF will be sent once we receive your application.
Cost of in Canada for International Students
Canada is one of the cheapest countries for any international students, unlike the USA and the UK.
The cost of programs can vary but the average cost of undergraduate programs in Canada is between $20,000 and $40,000 (CAD).
Universities in Canada also offer multiple financial aid programs for international students, which can often be more challenging in countries like the USA and UK.
Better career opportunities and post-graduation studies
International students who study in Canada can learn a lot about the country, its culture, diversity, and ethics.
Most students who study in Canada usually find employment within three months or less after graduating from their courses.
Overview of job prospects for international students in Canada
Most international students can work while studying in Canada. International students can choose to work “on campus and off campus”
- On Campus: working within the university and campus environment.
- Off-Campus: working outside the university or campus environment.
International students can only work full-time during official school breaks, such as the winter and summer holidays or spring break.
You have to apply for a non-student work permit when you finish your studies in order to work full-time.
Official work hours for international students off Campus
But can work off campus up to 20 hours per week:
- During regular school sessions or while you are studying as part of an intensive program with no planned breaks.
- If your studies are part-time because you are finishing the last session of your program.
- If you are a graduate student who has finished the required courses for your degree.
Graduates with work experience may be able to settle in Canada permanently by applying for Express Entry.
You may be eligible based on your education, skills, work experience and language abilities.
Post-graduation work permit guide
Post-graduation work permits (PGWPs) are open work permits given to Canadian international students who graduated from a program of study at any university in Canada.
PGWPs allow holders to work for any employer, for as many hours as they wish, anywhere in Canada. PGWPs are only valid for a period of eight months to three years.
IMPORTANT TIP: Not all programs of study in Canada are eligible for a post-graduation work permit. Before selecting a program be sure to verify PGWP eligibility.
To be eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP):
- a foreign national must be at least 18 years old and have studied full-time in Canada
- the program must be at least 8 months.
- Must have completed a program of study at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada.
- must apply for PGWP within 180 days of the completion of their study program
Benefits and opportunities available for African students in Canada
High-Quality Education:
African students in Canada can receive a world-class education, which can set them up for a successful career in the future
Scholarships and Funding Opportunities:
Scholarships and funding opportunities are available to help reduce the financial burden of studying in Canada, making it more accessible for African and other international students.
Cultural Diversity:
Meeting with other students with the different cultural backgrounds can broaden international students’ horizons and provide a unique and enriching experience
Work and Immigration Opportunities:
African students may be eligible to apply for a post-graduation work permit or permanent residency after graduating, which can help them build a successful career and life in Canada.
Personal and Professional Development:
Studying abroad in Canada can be a transformative experience for African and other international students, providing opportunities for personal and professional growth, including cross-cultural communication skills, independence, and adaptability.