Canada

About Canada

Canada is known for its breathtaking nature, high quality of life, and friendly, multicultural society. From the skyscrapers of Toronto to the French charm of Montréal, the outdoorsy vibe of Vancouver to the historical cities of Québec or Ottawa, the country offers a mix of North American modernity and European heritage.

Canadians are welcoming, respectful, and very used to international students — especially in big university towns. Expect cold winters, wide open landscapes, polite conversations, and an academic system that values participation, independence, and critical thinking.

Before You Go – Visa & Entry Requirements

If your exchange lasts more than 6 months, you must apply for a study permit (student visa). For stays of less than 6 months, most students only need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA).

✅ Less than 6 months:

✅ More than 6 months:

  • You need a study permit
    Documents usually required:

  • Valid passport

  • Letter of acceptance from your host university

  • Proof of financial means (about 10,000 CAD/year)

  • Proof of payment for permit (150 CAD)

  • Biometrics (done at a visa center)

Apply online here:
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada.html

Money & Cost of Living

Canada uses the Canadian Dollar (CAD $). Living costs vary greatly depending on the city — Toronto and Vancouver are more expensive than cities like Montréal, Ottawa or Halifax.

  • Rent: Student housing costs around 500–1,000 CAD/month. In big cities, private flats are expensive (1,200–1,800 CAD), so dormitories or shared apartments are highly recommended.

  • Food: Groceries are affordable if you avoid specialty stores. Budget around 250–400 CAD/month. Eating out is pricier (12–20 CAD for a casual meal).

  • Transport: Public transport costs vary by city. Expect 90–120 CAD/month, but student passes are often available with significant discounts (e.g., OPUS card in Montréal, TTC in Toronto).

💳 Cards are accepted everywhere, and contactless/mobile payments are very common.

Housing in Canada

You should apply early for on-campus housing, as spots fill up fast. Off-campus options are available but vary by city and are usually more expensive.

Recommended websites:

Note: Rental contracts are often for 8–12 months, so check the length carefully if you’re staying only one semester.

Traveling in Canada

Canada is huge — and getting around is not as fast or cheap as in Europe. That said:

  • In cities: Metro, tram, and bus systems work well (e.g., Toronto, Vancouver, Montréal).

  • Between cities: Use buses (Megabus, Flixbus, Orléans Express) or trains (VIA Rail).

  • Flying: Often the fastest option for long distances (Air Canada, WestJet, Porter).

  • Car rental: Great for exploring national parks and smaller towns — but drivers need an international license (or a translated license, depending on your province).

Places to visit:

  • Toronto: Multicultural city, CN Tower, Niagara Falls nearby

  • Montréal: French-speaking, student-friendly, cultural festivals

  • Vancouver: Nature meets urban, great for hiking and skiing

  • Québec City: Charming European-style architecture and snowy winters

  • Banff & Jasper: National parks in the Rockies — stunning natural scenery

  • Ottawa: Capital city with museums and political history

Useful Apps in Canada

  • Transit App: For real-time public transport in most cities

  • Uber / Lyft: Available in large cities

  • Google Maps / Apple Maps: Works very well

  • SkipTheDishes / DoorDash / UberEats: Food delivery

  • PC Optimum / Metro / Walmart: Grocery store apps with deals

  • Wise / Revolut: For currency exchange and managing payments

  • Tim Hortons: For coffee and donuts — it’s iconic 🍁

Daily Life & Tips

  • Winter is serious. Temperatures can drop below -20°C, especially in Québec, Ottawa, or the Prairies. Bring thermal layers, a waterproof coat, snow boots, and gloves.

  • Tipping culture: In restaurants, bars, taxis, or hair salons — tip between 15–20% of the bill.

  • Health insurance: Some provinces cover international students (e.g., British Columbia), others don’t — check with your university. Private insurance is often mandatory for exchange students.

  • Cultural life: Canada is multicultural — expect events from many cultures and open-minded attitudes. French is spoken in Québec and parts of New Brunswick, but English is dominant elsewhere.

  • Politeness matters: Saying “sorry,” “thank you,” and “have a nice day” goes a long way.

Montreal

Torronto

Vancouver