What kind of school should I apply to as an international student in Canada?

Universities, colleges, and specialty programs across Canada all have unique values, and the best choice for international students often depends on their individual career goals and aspirations.

Note: Speciality programs are those specifically designed to help students develop and enhance specific skills such as those in the trades. Meanwhile, bridging programs help newcomers connect the international training, education and experience they have with what is needed to continue working in their field when they arrive.

Foreign nationals should remember that only designated learning institutions (DLIs), regardless of the type of program they offer, are permitted to welcome international students to study in Canada.

Including a comparison of these pathways, what follows may help prospective international students make informed decisions based on multiple factors, including their personal development, academic/professional ambitions.