Best Courses to study in Canada for Internationals

Best Courses in Canada

What are best ROI Courses in Canada for International Students in 2020? Let’s take a look.

Courses with high ROI in Canada

Canada is working on increasing the number of international students in Canada through effective education strategies implemented since 2014. Quality education and high living standards in Canada has attracted many people from all over the world. The high-quality educated imparted in Canadian universities provides many opportunities after graduation and set the individuals on an excellent career path. Degrees from Canada, along with work experience, make it easy for the people to get settled in Canada permanently.

A general degree from a university in Canada can be completed in four years, which is considered to be the equivalent of an American degree. The Canadian education system is well-developed and keeps on improving with the passage of time. The courses offered in Canada covers all the modern aspects of life and business, which attracts a myriad of international students. Such opportunities can lead to numerous work opportunities in foreign countries, including Canada, the UK, the USA, and many other countries.

Before making the decision of studying in Canada, you should be familiar with the following factors:

Application Fee

The application fee for Canadian universities is between 100 to 250 Canadian dollars. It can vary a lot depending on the university you are applying to. Hence, it is better to check the university in the initial stages of the application process.

Standardized Tests

Admissions are usually finalized on the basis of high school grades. However, some universities may require SAT, ACT, or other standardized tests as well. AP or IB exams can also be taken for credits or placement in some educational institutes.

Tuition Fees

The tuition fee in Canadian universities varies a lot on the basis of the program. The average fee can be between CA$7,000 to CA$29,000 per year for the international students at universities. While the colleges cost about CA$5,000 to CA$15,000 per year, many financial aid programs, loan schemes, and scholarships are available in Canada to support international students.

Accommodation

The majority of the colleges and universities in Canada have accommodation facilities near or on the campus.

Visa and Legal Documents

Verification of the legal documents and visa approval is mandatory for international students before entering Canada. The application fee for a study permit in Canada is CA$235. It allows the students to study as well as work outside the campus for a limited number of hours during the semester and full-time during Summer or Spring breaks.

1. MBA

MBA has always remained one of the most essential courses in Canada. It provides a lot of international work experience and real-life exposure to the students, which helps them in becoming a successful businessperson and entrepreneur. Moreover, there is a considerable demand for jobs related to investment finance and management consulting in Canada. MBA graduates can specialize in IT-related fields like Analytics, data science, and Big Data, which has some of the most high-paying job opportunities in Canada.

Despite having an affordable education system, the MBA programs offered in Canada are expensive for international students. Even then, it has its own set of advantages and long-term benefits, which play a massive role in establishing stable career paths of MBA graduates in Canada. Soon after graduation, most of the individuals are offered high-paying jobs. Various types of MBA courses are offered in Canada. In India, Canada has just started to become popular for getting MBA degrees, so if you want to learn more about it, you must check out MBA in Canada for Indian applicants.

2. IT and Computer Science

IT and Computer Science programs have become highly popular since the last decade due to significant advancements in the technology sector. IT professionals are in huge demand all over the world, including Canada.

Hot Specializations in Computer Science

The tech industry in Canada is growing rapidly. Last year, about 11,500 more jobs were added to the massive IT industry. Most of these jobs are very well-paying, as well. According to the researches, an average annual salary of $81,500 is being paid to the IT experts. Moreover, experts of complex concepts of computing like blockchain, AI, and Big Data are enjoying a large annual pay of $100,000 or more.

Computers have evolved a lot in the last few years and impact every sector of society. As a result, IT has numerous different categories, and some of the specializations have become more popular than the others, such as:

  • Full-stack development
  • Project Management
  • Software engineering
  • Web Development
  • Program Analysis
  • Java Development
  • Cybersecurity
  • Cloud Computing
  • Database Administration 

Top Computer Science Universities in Canada

The majority of Canadian universities have state-of-the-art facilities which are important in enhancing the learning experience of the students and imparting modern education to the students. Such facilities have played a considerable role in producing leaders in the IT sector. The fee of the universities varies anywhere between CA$6,500 to CA$33,500 per year, depending on the scale of the university. It is always a good idea to check the fee structure of the respective university from its official website get authentic and updated information.

Also read: MS in Canada compared to MS in USA

The top universities in Canada which offer Computer Science courses are:

  1. University of British Columbia (UBC)
  2. University of Waterloo
  3. University of Toronto
  4. McGill University
  5. McMaster University
  6. Queen’s University
  7. University of Ontario
  8. Carleton University
  9. University of Alberta
  10. Concordia University

3. Engineering and Engineering Management

Though Computer science has seeped into every different field, the popularity of core engineering programs has remained almost the same. The engineering jobs have also grown steadily in Canada, and about 8,000 jobs were added to the technology sector in 2018.

Mechanical, civil, and electrical engineers are sought after the most in Canada. Moreover, an engineer with expertise in AutoCAD and CATIA are preferred by most of the companies. Ontario and Quebec are the ideal Canadian cities for engineering jobs.

An average annual salary of $81,000 is being paid to the majority of the engineers. The lowest-paying engineering jobs pay approximately $52,000.

Also read: Highest paying STEM jobs of next decade!

4. Business and Finance

Finance, commerce, and business management have always remained important in the prosperity of the economy as well as the success of an individual company. A degree in finance and economics will teach you a lot about the working of the financial markets and the procedures of the business environments. Moreover, studies related to finances allow you to develop a variety of skills that are applicable in many other fields as well.

In Canada, jobs like asset management, broking, accounting, banking, and investment management are in huge demand. Other than the undergraduate programs, MBA is one of the most popular courses in Canada and abroad.

5. Earth Sciences and Energy

With the rising popularity of renewable energy and eco-friendly developments, the demand for students in Earth Sciences has also increased.

No economy can prosper without reliable energy sources. Rapid depletion of fossil fuels and an increased rate of climate change has alarmed scientists as well as industrialists in Canada. As a result, many companies are investing a vast amount of money in finding eco-friendly solutions, and hence the jobs for renewable energy experts have augmented. Such jobs are not only high-paying but highly essential in revolutionizing the economy and protecting the planet from further damage.  Earth Sciences programs like Physics, Petroleum Engineering, Mining, and Geology are in huge demand.

10 hacks to help you succeed in Grad School and College

After spending so much time in study abroad applications, you want to ensure that you succeed in grad school or college. What does success mean? – Making the most of what your program offers + landing a great internship/job in the end. So, how to do this? Read on.

While you will be taking many jobs after this and spending next 30-40 years in professional life, the freedom and opportunities of student life shall never be back; even if it does, it probably will be the two years you spend in a business school. And the worst part is that the time in school flies by. Before you know it, the school will be over and hopefully, with a job offer in your hand. But, if you just land a job and never really bonded with your classmates, I feel it is an opportunity wasted.

You need to make efforts to ensure you achieve what you had set out seeking when you entered the school.

How to succeed in Grad School and college?

1. Start early

Between settling in an alien setting, dealing with the course load and making new friends, first semester will fly by and before you know, you will be standing clueless at career fairs. Focus early on, get a hang of recruiting calendar and be prepared for a long and grueling internship and job hunt. This is where our Internship Masterclass program positions you perfectly to succeed in Grad School and colleges.

2. Seek what you want but respond to opportune moments

There is a reason why good schools ask you to write an essay on your short and long term goals. If you do this part diligently, you will be more grounded in the school. With various people recruiting for different fields, it is easy to fall for herd mentality. Knowing what you want is very important so that you don’t start chasing things that seem lucrative but are not what you want.

On that note, a good career is a balancing act of planning and serendipity. There will be opportunities coming your way which may not be part of your plan but if they look right for a reason and appeal to your passion, perhaps you can give it a try. Now, this may sound contradictory to what I said in the previous paragraph but if you follow closely, you will understand.

For example, there comes an opportunity where a team is looking for one more member for a startup pitch contest. You meet them and let’s say you like their idea – you can try it out. Who knows what it might lead to? Grabbing opportunities on the way ensures you expose yourself to what is out there but it does not mean trying things which will suck all your resources and may cost you your original dream. The key is to be nimble and only you can find the right combination for you but you get the idea.

3. Have a hearty breakfast before starting your day. Never eat alone

Expect long days out and getting a healthy fulfilling breakfast will ensure you have the stamina required for it. For your other meals, try to always go out with other person or a group. Preferably try to meet at least one new person every three days. Lunches are a great way to help you make friends!

4. Do not take menial jobs to pay bills that do not add to your skills

A lot of students end up taking demanding on-campus jobs and assistantships that do not add much to their learning just because they pay something. You are already spending time and money to attend the school. Understand the value of your time and resources. Make sure you spend those on something worth engaging in.

5. Work for free if you get to learn

You are here to learn and grow. If an exciting opportunity is knocking on the door but it is not paying you, work for free. Yes, working for free in a research lab or an unfunded project is better than cleaning cafeteria tables.

6. It is okay to feel lost

Many students feel overwhelmed in first few months so much so that they lose track of what matters and what not. They put so much pressure on themselves to find the right assistantship or the courses or friends that it becomes disheartening when things move slow. Remember, it is okay to feel lost. Give yourself time to settle in the new surroundings. You will be fine, don’t panic.

7. Invest in relations. Connect with people from diverse backgrounds

You will probably never make as good friends as you can find in your classrooms. Go, talk to people. Hang out with those who are interesting, inspiring and make you think. Meetups are a good way to do this. Build bonds that can last a long time. Of course, you have to nurture every friendship and relationship but to start with college friends is way easier than making friends in professional circles. This is also the time to widen your lenses. Talking to people from other backgrounds will give you humility and lessons in open-mindedness.

8. Experiment in your internships. Take those jobs that will teach you helpful skills and not the highest paying ones

Another big mistake students make is to choose the highest paying job after graduating. Remember, you are recruiting your employer as much as he is recruiting you. The cost you will pay by taking up a job that will not help you advance in the direction you wish to go is way higher than what any employer can ever pay you. Do not give yourself away for a salary. Your future is worth much more. Do you dream of being an executive of a tech company someday? If so, do you think that job in a big MNC with no hands-on learning is the best way to learn how a company is operated? If not, think what will get you closer to your dream and take jobs where you can develop those skills.

9. Engage in clubs and extra curricular activities. Travel and have fun

A lot of learning comes from outside the classroom – learn on street, hone new talents, experience life because this time will never come back. While a lot of emphases is on building good relationships and connecting with people, it is useful to spend quality time alone to introspect and reflect upon this splendid journey.

10. Take classes with Professors who teach well as opposed to a course that looks great on paper but has an uninspired Professor

Ask your seniors for recommendations. You can learn more from a good professor even if the subject is slightly off track. I have personally experienced that being knowledgeable and a good teacher are two separate things. Look for people who know how to teach and communicate a concept. Choose your electives wisely. Engineering Professors can be quite drab and what seemed a relevant curriculum is reduced to awkward lectures and tiresome assignments.

And, those are a few easy hacks in a nutshell that will help you succeed in the Grad School without breaking much sweat. Which ones resonate with you the most? Reply in comments!

Img credits: Trusty Joe

FAQs for MIS and MEM programs

FAQs for MIS MEM

We are getting lot of interest from MIS and MEM programs’ applicants. Plus, those who are interested in Data Science and Analytics specifically. Let’s look at some of the most commonly asked questions.

See our elaborate post on MIS/MEM and other techno-management programs for details on these curriculum, rankings and their job prospects.

Frequently Asked Questions on MIS programs

Should I go for MIS only if my profile is not good enough for MS in Computer Science (and other branches respectively for MEM)?

This is a misconception that MIS stands second to core engineering MS programs. I have known students with excellent profiles and a shot at top MS in CS programs to opt for MIS because of their career goals. It is important to understand the difference in career paths that stem from MS CS vs MIS. You should see which program aligns better with your career goals and not choose based upon its perceived reputation in your head.

If I want to do MBA later on, then should I still go for MIS/MEM?

Many MIS/MEM programs are offered by business schools (and some by engineering schools). As a result, you might be taking some courses along with the MBA students. I recommend doing MBA much later in career for either switching your career stream or to get a jump in career ladder within your industry. Doing a MIS/MEM (granted that it fits in with your aspirations now) will not rule out an option for MBA later on. You might be studying some of the courses again but you can still do it if you feel the need to do so.

Are the job prospects after MIS/MEM worse that MS or MBA?

Please understand that all these are different programs and hence comparing them is not ideal. MS and MBA have been there for a long time and have established reputation whereas MIS/MEM programs are comparatively newer and still building their base. And this is the reason that they are growing steadily in demand as well. Would you rather do MBA when fewer people were doing it and there was a higher demand or when the market is saturated and practically everyone has an MBA?

Top MIS/MEM programs such as Duke, CMU, Stanford etc are highly competitive and graduating from them is highly rewarding in terms of career opportunities. So, I feel that if you graduate from a good MIS/MEM program, you will not be compromising on any job prospects compared to other fields. Currently, there is an employment boom for engineers (especially CS related) which may change later on. Therefore, job prospects after these programs depends on the industry demands and not the reputation of these programs alone. As is true for MS or MBA, doing MIS/MEM from higher ranked schools should open lucrative opportunities for anyone.

How can I make my MIS/MEM application stronger?

Following things can help especially for MIS/MEM-
– Having at least a year of fulltime work experience. This is because management programs benefit from exposure to industry and students can better contribute to the classes if they have worked previously. Also, they are able to better understand some concepts that are applicable in real world jobs
– Get at least one LOR from the Industry. This can come from your Manager if you are employed or a project guide if you are an engineering student and did some industry project/internship.

Should I apply for MIS or not?

If you want to get into IT consulting, Analytics, Project Management, Product Management etc kind of careers, then and ONLY then you should opt for MIS and NOT because it is less competitive or easier entry for US.

Our students are joining MIS/MEM/MS Business Analytics/MS Data Science programs at Columbia, UT Austin, CMU, TAMU, Duke, Syracuse, Buffalo, NEU, UIC etc every year. Contact us if you need help with your MIS/MEM applications.

More information on these and some case studies are covered in MS Book: Smart Engineer’s Complete Guide to MS in USA.

Indian IT Male MBA Applicants chances

Indian IT Male MBA Applicants

Dear Indian IT male MBA applicants, we all empathize with you. The western world wonders how India keeps churning so many of you. Just like we wonder why most of the white males go into Finance.

Who are the Indian IT Male MBA Applicants?

Indian guy who scores 720+ on GMAT, has work experience in global IT companies, an engineering degree and same old story in his MBA applications.

Top universities look for people who are standing out but Indian IT Male look all similar – with similar pedigree and similar characteristics. To make the matter worse, they do all the ‘supposed’ things – work for NGO, highlight their problem solving and analytical skills. In the end, they all look like produced from a factory.

4 types of Indian IT Male MBA Applicants

1. Fast track career go-getter

Are you a mainstream fast track career go-getter ‘I will beat you on this corporate ladder’ person? Then you are probably eyeing top banks and MBB.

To get there, you need to get into Top 10-12 schools (lets leave the exceptions aside). Try getting 750+ GMAT, go for a year to Africa on a UN project, teach slum kids or do some eye catching social service (Gates Foundation kind) for at least a year. Do the off beat things, work for the govt may be, microfinancing, rural infra, agritech etc etc.

Pray to Lord and talk about how partition forever dismantled your family in a personal essay. Avoid talking about cricket, Infosys and food.

2. Eternal Worrier

The ones who find reasons to worry about in any situation. Just like you worried 6 years ago how you will get into a top engineering college and then into a top MNC, now you are worrying about how to get into a top MBA program.

I have bad news for you. Once you get into B School, you will worry how to get into the top bank. Then you will worry if you will get a good bonus or not. You will worry if you will get the high profile assignment or not. You will worry if you will get the perfect family, house, street address, green card and business class tickets.

Even writing that is making me dizzy. Please relax. At this rate, you will shorten ten years of life without drinking or smoking. You need a vacation and please read ‘How will you measure your Life’ by Harvard Professor Clayton Christensen now. Right now.

3. Sincere but confused guy

Are you the shy, sincere guy who has been conditioned to perform the best and doesn’t know what else to do at this point apart from an MBA?

Perhaps it is time to first reason why ‘you’ need an MBA right now.

Not why others do it but why you. And if you find a solid reason that only an MBA can help with, then prepare your best for GMAT.

4. Sincere guy with genuine desire to do MBA

If you are sincere and have a good reason for MBA – next step is to try and score as high as you can on GMAT. Apply to a mix of schools distributing your risk and go to the best offer you get. If you know what you want out of an MBA, you can do it at any good school in Top 50–60.

Also read: Best MBA programs in Canada and Europe for Indians

How to strengthen your chances?

Sorry, I did not mean to be rude and pardon if I offended anyone. I just feel we should be ‘building life and meaning’ instead of building profiles and resumes. And the joke is equally on me. I am not male but otherwise I fall into category number 3 above. Luckily, I stopped at the introspection step the first time I was considering MBA. Later on, I found my solid reason to do an MBA (4) and I eventually did. From NYU Stern. It was fun and I dropped out after first year because my purpose was solved.

So, let’s look at real ways of how Indian IT Male MBA applicants can break this conundrum and cookie cutter image that international MBA programs have about them.

  1. Genuinely introspect. Have a good clarity on what career are you targeting post-MBA. Do an MBA ONLY if it is the best way to get to your goals.
  2. Improve your profile by enhancing your leadership skills. Even if you are not in a lead position, you can take initiative in projects to highlight this.
  3. Don’t do cliche extracurricular just to enhance your resume. Look at things that genuinely excite you and do 1-2 solid things there. Eg. if you are a football fan, create your own models and a fantasy football league within your office and tell an interesting tale around that instead of uh, donating blood. You get the point.
  4. Articulate well. At the end, it all boils down to how clearly and strongly you are putting your story in the applications. This is where an expert MBA admission consultant can help you.

I personally work with select genuine candidates who want to pursue MBA abroad. I do not do hourly consulting because life doesn’t run by the hour. If I come across someone who I believe in and feel deserves it, I am happy to work with you at rates that don’t break your bank. Our previous candidates have gotten interviews and admits from Cornell Tech, Kelley, ISB, USC, TAMU, Emory, Babson, Vanderbilt with scholarships.

Whoever you are, you have my best wishes. Indian children are often at educational disadvantage because of the way our education and society beliefs are designed but I’m hopeful it will change gradually. I’m an eternal optimist. So, I know you did not choose certain things in your life (most likely your IT degree) but you can start shaping your life now by happiness and right priorities.

Applicants in categories 3 and 4 – you can find me here – MBA Admissions Counseling by MBA grads