Top 10 Cities in Canada for International Students

As an international student, getting a chance to study in Canada is amazing. However, as an international student, you may always look for the best place to live in Canada. Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal, etc. are the best cities in Canada for international students. 

Students are very eager to learn about the cities in Canada before choosing one to study. So here are the top cities in Canada for international students.

Advantages Of Choosing The Top Cities In Canada To Study Abroad

Usually, a city that has a favourable weather condition, employment opportunities, and is more livable is considered the best place to live and work in Canada for immigrants. Let’s know some advantages of choosing the top cities in Canada to study abroad.

• A supportive student community
• Well-planned and advantageous lifestyle for international students.
• Great opportunities for work
• Safest city
• Great transportation facility
• Moderate living costs

So, as we know about the advantages of choosing the top city in Canada for education, let’s learn about the best cities in Canada to live and work for international students.

Top 10 cities in Canada for international students

Looking for the best cities in Canada to live in? Remember, we’ve already listed the top Canadian options for international students seeking the best place to study.

• Vancouver
• Toronto
• Montreal
• Québec City
• Ottawa
• Calgary
• Edmonton
• Waterloo
• British Columbia
• Ontario

Study In Montreal City

Montreal is the largest city in the province of Quebec and the second largest city in Canada. It is one of the top student cities in Canada. According to the QS Best Student Cities 2024, Montreal ranks 10th. The city is known for festivals, comedy shows, and cultural extravaganza. The living cost in Montreal is 9,700–12,700 CAD (approximate). Tuition fees at the universities in Montreal are quite affordable.

Study In Toronto City

Toronto is considered the second-top city for international students. It is also expensive and one of the top cities in Canada. 17% of international students study in Toronto. Toronto is known for its historical monuments, food festivals, and art. Some of the top-ranked universities are available in Toronto. For international students, there are many highest-paying job opportunities available in Toronto. The living cost in Toronto is 31,000 CAD (approximate).

Study In Ottawa City

Do you know Ottawa is the capital of Canada? It is considered the most livable and student-friendly city for international students. It has a lively and diverse student environment. It is one of the best cities to study in Canada for international students. The living expenses in Ottawa are 2000–2500 CAD (approximate). 

Study In Quebec City

Quebec is another great city for international students. However, Knowing French is a must as Quebec is considering making itself an independent country out of Canada as they consider themselves as French-speaking nationals. There are 37 National Historic Sites of Canada in Quebec City. The living cost in Quebec is 1500–1800 CAD (approximate).

Study In Vancouver City

Vancouver is the richest and is also on the list of top cities in Canada. It is the largest city on the West Coast of Canada. Universities like British Columbia are on Vancouver Island. In a short description, we can say that Vancouver is a beautiful city to live in. The living cost in Vancouver is 2500–3500 CAD (approximate).

Study In Edmonton

Known for its delicious pizzas, Edmonton offers a culturally vibrant lifestyle for its students. International students in Edmonton enjoy a comfortable and luxurious lifestyle at affordable prices, making it one of the best places to study in Canada. The living cost in Edmonton is 10000 to 12000 CAD (approximate).

Study in Calgary

Calgary, Canada, is a meticulously maintained city that prioritizes innovation in sustainability, energy studies, and renewable resources. This makes it an excellent destination for pursuing a STEM course in Canada. For those interested in cutting-edge learning and development, Calgary is the ideal place to be. The living cost in Calgary is between 1800 and 2000 CAD (approximate).

Study in Ontario

Ontario is a premier destination for studying in Canada and is home to six of the country’s top universities. This ensures that any course pursued in Ontario offers excellent training and real-world industry exposure. Additionally, Ontario provides numerous job opportunities for international students living in the region. Ontario is one of the top cities in Canada for international students. The living cost in Ontario is between 1500 and 2200 CAD (approximate).

Study in Waterloo

Recognized as Canada’s tech hub, Waterloo stands out as a leading centre for technology and scientific innovation. Studying in Waterloo not only provides a top-tier education but also offers immediate job opportunities upon graduation. The living cost in Waterloo is 2400–3200 CAD (approximate).

Study in British Columbia

Studying in British Columbia, Canada, offers the opportunity to build a successful career amidst stunning natural landscapes. The universities in British Columbia are renowned for their high-quality education, making the province one of the most desirable places to study in Canada. The living expense in British Columbia is 1800–2200 CAD (approximate). It is the best place to live in Canada for young adults.

Best Student Cities 2025 in Canada for international students by the QSWUR

Five cities in Canada are also ranked top in the QS World University Ranking 2025. Here is the list of QS Best Student Cities 2024 in Canada for international students.

Name of the City	QS World Ranking 2025
Montreal	10th
Toronto	11th
Vancouver	19th
Ottawa	57th
Quebec	128th

Final words

However, overall, studying in Canada is always a great experience for international students. A student will not only enjoy the standard academic experience but also get the best living experience. So, if you want to study in Canada and are looking for the cheapest city in Canada for international students, the counsellors of AIMS Education can illuminate your knowledge with the up to date information.

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