CANADA – Higher Education in Canada
Why Study in Canada?
Canada is a North American country located between the United States to the south and the Arctic Circle to the north. Its main cities include Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Quebec City (both French-speaking), and Ottawa, the capital.
Canada is home to vast wilderness areas, including Banff National Park with its many lakes in the Rocky Mountains. It also features the famous and majestic Niagara Falls.
Studying in Canada is undoubtedly one of the best choices for Moroccan students. The country has a high-quality education system, offering a wide range of programs taught in English or French, depending on the region and the chosen institution. Canadian higher education stands out for its many internationally recognized programs known for their excellent quality.
The French-speaking province of Quebec is particularly popular among Moroccan students. Most choose Montreal to continue their studies, as they adapt very easily to life in the city. Students wishing to study in Canada are generally required to hold a French language certificate when applying to French-speaking institutions.
Education System
Studies in Canada are based on a three-cycle system:
First cycle: Bachelor’s degree, lasting 3 to 4 years depending on the field of study.
Second cycle: Master’s degree, lasting 1 to 2 years.
Third cycle: Doctorate (PhD), lasting 3 years or more.
Postdoctoral studies are also possible after completing the third cycle.
In Canada, the academic year is mainly organized into two semesters:
Fall semester: September to December
Winter semester: January to April
(Some courses may also be offered during the summer.)
Types of Programs
Whether you are interested in engineering, architecture, business, or administration, Canada offers a wide variety of world-class programs designed to meet students’ expectations. You will benefit from high-quality education based on both theoretical and practical learning, allowing students to integrate quickly into the job market.
Admission Requirements
If you wish to study in Canada, you must first choose a program and a higher education institution that best match your academic background and interests. Below are the general admission requirements for undergraduate (Bachelor’s) programs at Canadian universities:
Required diploma: High school diploma (Baccalaureate)
One successful year of university studies, or a preparatory year (e.g., UdeM preparatory program)
French language certificate
Language Tests
International students must prove proficiency in English or French, depending on the institution. Many English-speaking universities require a minimum score on a standardized language test. French-speaking universities usually assess language proficiency on a case-by-case basis.
Tuition Fees
Tuition fees for international students and the cost of living in Canada, especially in Quebec, are among the lowest in North America.
Partial tuition fee exemptions aim to facilitate access to university studies for French-speaking students in Canada.
Once enrolled at the Université de Montréal (UdeM), students receive an invoice each semester corresponding to tuition and mandatory fees.
Below is an indicative estimate converted to euros (€) for Moroccan students for the 2019–2020 academic year (approximate conversion):
Bachelor’s degree: between €12,300 and €16,050 per year, depending on the field of study
Master’s degree: about €6,165 per semester / €365 for a thesis-writing semester
Doctorate (PhD): about €5,575 per semester / €365 for a thesis-writing semester