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Canada is home to some of the best research-based engineering universities in the world. And, no matter which public university you attend, you will get some of the best education in the world. You’ll also receive a widely recognized degree that many countries accept. Some Canadian universities, however, are known for giving students more in-depth access to their field of study. Below, are some of the top universities in Canada for engineering students.
The University of Waterloo (UWaterloo), located in Kitchener-Waterloo, is considered the top university in Canada for engineering. It is internationally recognized for its one-of-a-kind engineering faculty. While it might not be the first university that comes to mind when talking about Canada’s top university, UWaterloo has many reasons that make it the best university for engineering students.
UWaterloo has the best co-op program in North America and give students the upper hand when they enter the workplace. That is because Waterloo’s co-op program allows students to get work experience while still in university. As a bonus, they also earn money during their co-op, which can help to pay off their tuition fees.
While no university guarantees students a co-op placement, UWaterloo students generally have no trouble finding placements in the workplace. This is a great achievement, considering that UWaterloo has the largest engineering department in Canada. UWaterloo also has one of the highest employment rates for its graduates, falling just behind the University of Toronto.
The University of British Columbia (UBC) is internationally known for being the center of teaching, learning, and research. It has also been recognized as North America’s most international university. As a result, UBC students receive an education that revolves around research and technology from a top university in Canada for engineering. The university is only a 30-minute bus ride to the heart of downtown Vancouver,
Combined with a great co-op program, UBC graduates generally find jobs quickly after graduating. Co-op students from UBC, especially, have an easy time finding jobs. This is because employers know they have work experience while also receiving an education based on innovation.
At the end of the day, if someone is going to hire you as an engineer, you should have your original ideas in addition to what you are taught in university. UBC is a great university for that because it encourages students to innovate and develop problem-solving skills.
The University of Toronto (UofT) is commonly referred to as Canada’s most prestigious university. It is also one of the top Canadian universities for engineering. The university is often called the Oxford of Canada. No matter which program you enter at UofT, you will find yourself among some of the best professors in Canada. Additionally, your degree will come with rightfully earned respect and recognition of a UofT graduate. The engineering program at UofT is no exception.
Like UBC, UofT’s engineering program revolves heavily around research-based education, combined with traditional lecture-styled classes.
UofT has three campuses, all of which are located in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). While the main campus, St. George, is located in downtown Toronto, the university also has campuses in Mississauga and Scarborough.
The University of Alberta (UofA) is one of the leading institutes when it comes to top Canadian universities for engineering. Located in Edmonton, Alberta, the city also has a low cost of living. As a result, if you decide to go to UofA, you will obtain a well-respected degree while managing affordable living expenses.
The University of Western Ontario (Western), located in London, Ontario, has one of Canada’s largest and most scenic campuses. It also has a great engineering faculty. Western is specifically known for exceptional programs in civil and mechanical engineering. This combined with a scenic, accessible, and bustling campus makes Western one of the top picks for international students.
Western is known for having a great student life. The university has many resources that help students balance their studies and social life. These resources help students manage their studies and not get overwhelmed. The university places importance on extracurriculars such as student clubs and intramurals. These factors, combined with a remarkable engineering program make Western one of the top universities in Canada for engineering students.
The Ivey Business School is also located on the Western University campus. It is one of the best business schools in Canada. 96% of Ivey graduates get job offers right away. Additionally, many of them reach high positions in their companies.
A common approach to make yourself more desirable to employers is to complement your engineering education with a business degree. This dual degree combination shows employers you possess technical know-how and broader business skills to enhance big-picture thinking. In addition, it can open up unique career options when you apply engineering school technical skills and business leadership, strategy, and communication skills.
A dual degree on your resume can differentiate you from other job candidates. It shows your commitment to achieving educational and career goals. Pursuing a dual degree can also help you grow your professional network by connecting you to other engineers and business professionals. This can help you find exciting opportunities and graduate with many professional contacts and references.
No matter which university you attend, you will receive a good education. Canadian universities also provide many opportunities to transition into the workplace upon graduation. At the end of the day, which university you decide to go to depends on your preferences.
Academics is not the only factor to consider when choosing an engineering school in Canada. You will spend four or more years of your life at university. Consider factors such as student life, extracurriculars, and support for international students at your university of choice.
With some of the best universities in Canada for engineering, international students can receive a degree recognized around the world. Graduating from these top universities can offer stellar job prospects and exciting career opportunities.
Without a doubt, higher education (or post-secondary education) can give you an edge in the highly competitive Canadian job market. Learning new skills or upgrading your current skills will increase your value and help you stand out from other job seekers. As well, when you show a thirst for continuous learning, you are more attractive to employers. Higher education can also provide other benefits to newcomers.
Many people in Canada attend post-secondary education at a university, college, trades program, or private college. Students must apply to the school of their choice and prepare to pay tuition fees. While some scholarships are available, most students must pay for tuition with the help of student loans.
Surprisingly to newcomers, employers like to see the names of Canadian schools on resumes. Often it’s because when managers recognize the schools you have attended they are more confident in their hiring decision.
So attending a Canadian school may give you an edge over those who have studied at foreign schools. But, if you have not attended a Canadian school, it may be helpful to get a credential evaluation. Doing so will help employers compare the schools you attended in another country to Canadian schools.
You will require a license to work in some professions in Canada. These are known as regulated professions. And because the education system in Canada may differ from your home country, you may need more training. A credential evaluation will show if your education is equal to that of a Canadian school.
Some examples of regulated jobs include:
Pursuing higher education can be a good start if you want to change your career.
Are you moving to Canada soon or already here? Do you need to find a job? Would you like to find good resources for finding employment in Canada? If so, join us for a free webinar where you can ask an expert your questions. We’ll discuss what you can do to make yourself more marketable to potential employers.
REGISTER FOR THE WEBINARPursuing higher education allows you to meet others who may work in your field. This helps you to grow your professional network and can even help you access the hidden job market. In the hidden job market, you’ll discover jobs that are not advertised. And because these jobs aren’t widely posted, it can make your job search easier.
Learning is a constant process and Canadian employers value those who commit to ongoing learning. Focusing on continuous learning can also advance your career.
You can attend a university, college, or private school. Or, you can also consider options such as bridging programs and certificate programs.
Many Canadian universities are well respected across the world, including:
University studies develop critical thinking and research skills as students work toward a:
Class sizes tend to be large, with some lecture halls counting hundreds of students. Although you may also attend smaller tutorials or labs.
Colleges and technical institutes offer a range of applied programs that typically prepare you for a career. Students work toward a:
Some colleges also offer apprenticeship training for trades. The hybrid “university college” may also offer undergraduate degrees. Class sizes are typically smaller than in universities. And tuition fees are usually less expensive.
Private career colleges are private businesses that could be either for-profit or non-profit. They do not receive government funding like colleges and universities. And because of this, fees tend to be quite high.
Private colleges offer certificates and diplomas in fields such as:
They offer flexible learning schedules, and you can enroll at different times during the year. Training is usually delivered over a short period. Some private schools, including some English language schools, are not regulated by the government. So make sure to research the school before you pay any fees.
Bridging programs are another way to get more education. These programs are delivered in partnership with a college or a university. They tend to focus more on soft skills than hard skills.
A bridging program can fill the gap between Canadian and foreign education and work experience. And bridging programs offer a faster way to get Canadian experience. Most bridging programs are between six weeks to three months.
In contrast with other courses, you can also explore certificate programs that relate to your business function such as:
These certificate programs can add to your current skill set or start you on a new career path.
Tuition fees vary depending on the school and program you attend. Fees for universities are higher than colleges. As well, the cost to attend a graduate program is higher than an undergraduate program.
The cost also depends on your immigration status in Canada. Canadian citizens and permanent residents pay domestic tuition fees. Foreign students pay international tuition fees that are more expensive than domestic fees.
For example, consider how costs compare for the full-time MBA program at the University of Toronto:
Canadian citizens and permanent residents can obtain Government of Canada grants and loans depending on:
You do not have to repay grants. However, you have to repay loans within a defined period.
If you’re studying as an adult, it may be difficult to attend school full-time and work. So, you may think that returning to school isn’t viable. However, adding Canadian education to your resumé could mean the difference between finding a job in your profession and a “survival job”.
Many post-secondary institutions offer part-time and distance education courses geared toward working adults. This allows adults to study and work at the same time. Higher education can help you stand out in a tight job market. Many schools allow you to gain practical work experience through job placement. And most importantly, it may even help you advance your career in Canada.
Post-secondary education is very much self-guided in Canada. Aside from a small number of required courses, students are free to choose what subjects they would like to study. For example, a person working toward a political science degree may take a welding course just because it fits their schedule.
Speak with your child to determine what’s important to them. Choosing post-secondary education is a big step and your child may need help to navigate the system.
Each school has its admission process and deadlines. For example, some schools run on a three-semester basis and accept students at the beginning of each semester. However, other schools may follow a yearly schedule with application deadlines in early spring.
You can contact the admissions department and visit school websites to find out what programs they offer.
Each school will also have its criteria to recognize international academic qualifications. They may also require your academic credentials to be translated and verified. You may have to get your academic credentials assessed through a credentials evaluation service. Because they charge a fee, make sure that the school accepts the assessment from the service you select. This will help you avoid paying extra costs.
Depending on the faculty or program you apply to, you may also have to show proof of specific courses. To be eligible to apply for certain programs at the university level, a student must take certain classes in high school. For example, English and Math 12 are usually necessary with a high-standing grade.
For more information about education in Canada, check out these sites: