More than 25,000 international students study at some 90 universities in Canada. These range from large research institutions to small liberal arts universities, and are located in both major business and cultural centres and smaller, more intimate communities. The range of choice is tremendous - large and small, denominational or secular, English, French or bilingual. Most institutions are publicly funded and more than half offer graduate as well as undergraduate education.

Canada is a country built on diversity. Often referred to as a cultural mosaic, it is widely viewed as a progressive, multicultural and very welcoming country. Canada is known for its global perspective, tolerance and international peace initiatives. Three of Canada's major cities are rated by the World Bank as among the top ten best places in which to live, work and study. Canada's universities are world-renowned for their high standards and educational excellence. A degree from a Canadian university is internationally recognized. Furthermore, tuition and living expenses are lower than at comparable institutions in the United States, Australia and the United Kingdom.

Choosing a university

One of the easiest and best ways to get information on the wide range of universities and programs of study is through the Internet. A good place to start is the web site of the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada (AUCC) at www.aucc.ca. This site provides access to the Directory of Canadian Universities which offers hotlinks to the homepages of the universities themselves. In addition, there is comparative information on tuition fees among Canada's ten provinces, as well as comparisons of fees and living costs between Canada and the United States (for both public and private institutions), the United Kingdom, Australia and France. Additional information about specific universities and their programs can be obtained by writing to the university's Registrar.

Information Services
Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada (AUCC) 151 Slater Street, Ottawa, Ontario, K1P 5N1: general information on programmes for international students wishing to study at Canadian universities (application forms and details on admission requirements available only from the universities and colleges).

Canadian Bureau of International Education (CBIE) 85 Albert Street, Suite 1400, Ottawa, Ontario K1P 6A4: general information on study, work and exchange in Canada and abroad; reception service for incoming international students during August and September each year at the airports of Halifax, Toronto and Vancouver.

Canadian embassies, high commissions and consulates abroad provide general information on studying in Canada and on visa requirements.

Canadian Education Centres (CECs) have been established in a number of locations around the world. These centres are supported by the government of Canada and are located in seventeen cities in Asia, the Americas and Australia. The CECs sponsor education fairs, stock information about study at a variety of Canadian institutions, give presentations on Higher Education in Canada, and have counselors on hand to assist students. For details, see www.studyincanada.com/