According to the United Nations, the quality of life in Canada is among the highest in the world. While the US is often referred to as a "melting pot," Canada is often referred to as a "cultural mosaic" (one out of three Canadians has an ethnic background other than English, French, or aboriginal). Being a very multicultural country, most international students should have relative ease in adjusting to life in Canada. In addition, it should not be forgotten that Canada is a bilingual country and has two official languages. Students may choose to study in either French or English, or at a bilingual university.

　

Consistently High Standards

There are approximately 90 universities in Canada, with the vast majority of them being public (provincial) institutions. As a result, there is less of a variation between the levels of each institution. In general, Canadian educational standards are very high and uniform. Even if not well known in Japan, many Canadian institutions are very highly recognized around the world.

Two Official Languages - French & English

Canada has two official languages: English and French. Interestingly enough, Canadian English uses the Queen's (British) English for correspondence (writing), but the spoken version is much closer to American English.
* 60% of Canadians use English as their native tongue
* 25% of Canadians use French as their native tongue
In the province of Quebec, more than 80% of the population speaks French as their native language.

Low Cost of Living

The relatively low tuition fees and cost of living, combined with a high-quality education and clean, safe environment has made Canada a particularly attractive destination for students from the Asian countries.

The Canadian education system, consisting of both public and private schools from kindergarten through to university, is rather unique in the sense that you will find significant differences between the education systems of the different provinces. Depending on the province, compulsory education begins at the age of 5 or 6 and continues to the age of 15 or 16. Primary education in Canada 7 years in length in British Columbia, 8 years in length in Ontario and Manitoba, and 6 years in length in the other provinces and territories. The school year normally runs from September through June, and with the exception of Quebec, most schools conduct their classes in English.

Secondary education is further divided into a two-tiered Junior and Senior High School system and a single-tier secondary school system. Although the systems may sound somewhat confusing (6・3・3, 7・5, 8・4), in the end, students will have completed 12 years of elementary and secondary education similar to Japan.

Postsecondary education in Canada is composed of college, university-college, university, or CEGEP studies, which is a French acronym for College of General and Vocational Education (College d'Enseignment General et Professionnel). CEGEP is only offered in Quebec and is two years of general or three years of technical education between high school and university.