3 Best Canadian Provinces for Filipino International Students
The Philippines belong to the top 3 countries with the highest number of international students sent to Canada in 2022. So, it’s only fitting to know the best Canadian provinces for Filipino international students in terms of living, studying, and working.
If you are an aspiring study abroad applicant, read along to find out which location suits you best.
#1 - Ontario
Taking the number one spot is no other than Ontario. Aside from the fact that most of the leading institutions are located in this province, it is also one of the safest places to live in. As a foreign student in a new and unfamiliar place, security is a serious issue that needs to be considered.
Living in Ontario
Living in Ontario offers a high quality of life, but is a bit on the expensive side when talking about living costs. According to the Conference Board of Canada, Ontario scored the 14th spot in the first-ever “How Canada Performs: Society” and has been ranked as “B”—a pretty good score that depicts high levels of life satisfaction among its residents.
Living costs in Ontario can vary widely since not all have the same lifestyle. However, international students can expect to spend around 10,000 to 12,000 CAD a year.
Ontario may be the most expensive in just every way compared to other Canadian provinces, but it’s where most Filipinos are. This shouldn’t come as a surprise as work opportunities are limitless in Ontario. Considering rent affordability and job growth, some of the best cities to live in are Sarnia, Thunder Bay, Sudbury, Windsor, and London.
Studying in Ontario
Ontario is considered one of the best places to study and work in Canada. The schools offer high-quality education and it has the best cities for part-time work opportunities.
Educational institutions in Ontario concentrate greatly on innovation and research. For this reason, studying anywhere within this province gives students a competitive edge. Those who completed their degrees from Ontario colleges and universities are well recognized globally. All the more for those who have studied at Niagara College - Toronto (NCT).
NCT offers programs that are curated to meet the demands of the labor market in the Toronto and Niagara region. It is an excellent choice for students who need to achieve both academic and practical learning.
Entertainment in Ontario
When it’s time to destress, students can easily take a break from school pressure and relax when one chooses to study in Ontario. Some of the affordable things you can do are visit St. Lawrence and Kensington Market in Toronto and explore the Niagara Falls or Royal Ontario Museum.
There are plenty of chances to experience recreational and cultural activities year-round in Ontario. If you’re a music lover, you’d be delighted to witness famous music festivals, while those into film will surely adore The Toronto International Film Festival.
Are you wondering if there are Filipino gatherings too? Every August, a huge assembly happens where authentic Pinoy food and culture are showcased. This type of event makes living in Ontario easy. It’s comforting to know that a big community is waiting, especially when you feel alienated.
Working in Ontario
Many Filipinos—both permanent and temporary migrants choose to settle in this province due to prospering jobs. Normally, international students are allowed to work 20 hours max a week, but due to labor shortages, the limit has been lifted allowing student permit holders to work for as much as they can.
The average international student salary according to Talent.com is $62,850 per year or $32.23 per hour. As a benefit, regularly working students also have a 3-hour rule where they are paid 3 hours even if they worked less time.
If you’re planning to stay in Canada for good after your studies, getting a PR under the Ontario Immigration Nominee Program (OINP) will be your fastest and easiest route when immigrating to Canada. The process only takes around 18 months. You only need to accomplish the requirements especially when it comes to paid work experience belonging to skill types O, A, or B of the NOC List.
To be eligible under the OINP, start by getting into the right program. Choose the one that leads to PGWP so you can have the chance to get the 1 year paid work experience required from the OINP applicants. Talk to our agents to know which courses are the best for Permanent Residency in Canada.