5 Reasons to Study in Atlantic Canada

Canada offers many incentives for international students to study in Canada; from world class universities and programs to lifestyle and job opportunities. Every Canadian province wants you to stay. I am going to do a series on the different regions in Canada and why you might want to study in that region. Today I focus on Atlantic Canada which covers the provinces of Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Newfoundland & Labrador. These provinces are sometimes referred to as The Maritimes so you may hear either Atlantic or Maritime provinces, interchangeably. So let us explore the Maritimes (Atlantic) provinces and see why you would want to study in the eastern part of Canada.

Reason #1: World Class Universities

While Atlantic Canada has several other reputable universities, I will only share about three of them.

Memorial University is one of the largest universities in Atlantic Canada and offers several unique programs such as the only co-op program in Ocean & Naval Architectural Engineering in the world. It also offers an MBA in social enterprise and entrepreneurship, an unparalleled specialization. Research is an integral part of Memorial and some of their projects get worldwide recognition such as their Smart Ice project that received the UN Momentum for Change Climate Solutions Award.

One of Canada’s top 20 research universities, Memorial has a lot of options to offer the international student. They offer over 100 programs on two campuses, their main campus at St Johns and their Grenfell Campus in picturesque Corner Brooks, NFLD. International entrance scholarships are available, and students can enjoy a smaller student to faculty ratio – 16:1 which is one of the best in Canada.

St Francis Xavier University is Canada’s #1 undergraduate university and is in Antigonish, Nova Scotia, a small town where folks are friendly and welcoming to international students. StFX is known for its exceptional teaching and opportunities for students to make a difference in their community and across the globe. With a focus on academic and personal development, a degree from St Francis Xavier University prepares students for the challenges of life and the employment world. It has 4 faculties and offers over 70 programs. Your professors will get to know you by name; you are not just a number in the crowd.

University of New Brunswick – is one of Canada’s oldest universities and offers students over 75 programs in 14 faculties on either of their two campuses in Fredericton or Saint John. There are experiential learning opportunities in every faculty such as co-op work experience, internships, or volunteerism. Research is a major component at UNB, and they collaborate with NASA and house the Canadian Institute of Cybersecurity. One in every two students receives an award. In 2014, the University of New Brunswick was named the most entrepreneurial university by Startup Canada, and this is reflected in the academic programs they offer their students. UNB is home to Canada’s first engineering and forestry programs and the first Faculty of Computer Science.

Check out the websites and programs for these three universities, and see for yourself that Atlantic Canada has much to offer the international student.

Reason #2: Affordable Tuition & Cost of Living

As an international student, you not only benefit academically, but also financially when you attend a university in Atlantic Canada. Tuition rates are below the national level and fall in the $20,000 to $25,000 CAD range. This is less than the national average of $29,000 CAD (according to Statistics Canada). Cost of living is equally affordable with average costs under $15,000 CAD. International students at major cities across Canada can expect to pay above $15,000 for their accommodations and other living expenses.

Even with the lower tuition costs, Atlantic universities also offer excellent international student scholarships. For example, St Francis Xavier University has an $80,000 CAD scholarship for students going into their Business program. The University of New Brunswick has a $52,000 CAD scholarship for international students. Memorial also offers international student scholarships.

All in all, studying at an Atlantic Canada university makes good economic sense.

Reason # 3: Post Graduate Work Programs

For the international student who wants to stay in Canada and get their PR card, Atlantic Canada is worth considering with its Study and Stay programs. And that is exactly what one of their programs is called, “The Atlantic Canada Study and Stay” program which is an opportunity for international students who are committed to studying, living, and working in Atlantic Canada.

Then there is the Atlantic Immigration Pilot program which includes the Atlantic International Graduate Program for international students who have studied in one of the 4 Atlantic provinces. To add to this is each provinces’ Provincial Nominee program. Oh, and let us not forget the Canadian government’s PGWP which leads you to your Permanent Residency status.

So now we have great universities at affordable rates and graduate employment programs and opportunities. If that isn’t enough to convince you to study in Atlantic Canada, then there are two more reasons.

Reason #4: Beautiful Scenery

There is nothing better than studying in a beautiful spot and the Maritime provinces have lots of them. With miles and miles of ocean shorelines and inshore hilly spots for hiking and skiing, the Atlantic provinces offers one of the most beautiful scenery spots in all of Canada.

Enjoy postcard beauty at Miscou Island where you can eat lobster and watch the fishermen unload their catch of the day. Miscou has beaches, sand dunes and lagoons and peat bogs that turn bright red in the autumn making it one of nature’s most photogenic sites. Or if that isn’t enough, sight gigantic icebergs off the coast of Newfoundland or watch the tide come in at the Bay of Fundy where the highest tides in the world are.

The Bay of Fundy

Then as you make your way north to Newfoundland & Labrador, you will want to check out Corner Brook located at the mouth of Humber River on the Bay of Islands where you can enjoy a spectacular combination of ocean and mountain scenery – no wonder it is a tourist attraction.

Reason #5: Peaceful Lifestyle

Atlantic Canada is a peaceful place to live. With a smaller population and relaxed lifestyle, it is the perfect place to study, work and live. If we use Antigonish, home to St Francis Xavier University as an example, you will find a smaller community of 5000 people who are warm, welcoming, and friendly. When you walk down the street, expect to be greeted by the town folks there. On campus your professors will know you by name. If you miss class, someone will call you to see why. Are you ill? What could the matter be? They care about their students’ well-being. This is also the town that took in an influx of Syrian refugees with open arms.

This is just one town, but that is what Atlantic Canada is all about whether it is Corner Brook, St Johns, Wolfville, Fredericton, Charlottetown, or St. John.

Have I convinced you yet? As you check out the universities’ websites and information on the Atlantic provinces, you will see Canada is a great study abroad destination. Atlantic Canada is a special nook in our huge nation, at least I think so, and I am an Albertan, born and raised there.

For more information on studying in Atlantic Canada make sure to Contact Us and we will provide you with all the assistance you need.

Photo by Paul Green from Pexels