Study well and study wisely. Find out which degrees your fellow international students are choosing in Canada.
As a younger person lacking higher educational qualifications, professional work experience, or clear career direction, immigration to Canada may seem like a daunting prospect. However, if you are looking to change that by pursuing further studies, the post-graduate work permit (PGWP) program may be the ideal pathway to immigration for you. Herein, completing your studies from a designated learning institution (DLI) may grant you a temporary work permit matching the duration of your education, for a maximum of 3 years.
So, what exactly should you pursue as a college degree in Canada? Maybe you already have an idea, in which case you should start exploring Canadian Universities that offer it. If you are not sure which degrees are chosen the most by both Canadian and international students, however, this article is for you. Keep reading for a list of the top 5 favourite college degrees in Canada for 2023.
1. Psychology
Although it may come as a surprise to some, a psychology degree is extremely popular (and profitable!) among the Canadian student demographic. It allows one to pursue a career as a human resources specialist, social worker, or (of course) psychologist, allowing an average annual salary of roughly $90,000 to $150,000. Students can also focus in one of the many specialties and sub-specialties at the graduate level, including but not limited to Industrial-Organizational Psychology and Experimental Psychology.
2. Computer Science (CS)
With technology having pervaded almost every industry, computer science graduates are of use to companies across Canada. According to Columbia University CS professor Salvatore Stolfo, “the sky is the limit” for those who pursue the degree in question, as we are living in the “golden age” of computer science.
Most computer science courses in Canada include the study of compilers and operating systems, software development and testing, and theory of computation. Graduates can expect to find work in engineering, finance, healthcare, along with every traditionally technological field one can think of.
3. Nursing
International students are especially drawn to this degree, with there being career stability and constant labor market requirements for Registered Nurses (RN). Over the next 3 years (as based on the 2016 version of the National Occupational Classification), new job openings are expected to arise for both RNs and registered psychiatric nurses are projected to total 155,400, with only 143,700 job seekers projected to fill them. Moreover, professionals can expect to make a median of $40 an hour, with median salaries going as high as $54 Nunavut.
4. Business or Management Sciences (MS)
With an average annual salary of $110,000 – $115,000 in 2017 CAD (and one of the highest salary returns for women according to a 2016 Statistics Canada report), an MS translates to a career in administrative services, budget/management analysis, and marketing management.
The degree is rooted more in math than in commerce, and thus students can expect to learn business statistics, analytical modelling, and data science. The interdisciplinary nature of this degree also allows one to build unparalleled management skills needed by major Canadian organizations.
5. Dentistry
Taking 4-5 years to earn, a dentistry degree reflects growth and prospect for all successful graduates. The labor market requirements within the industry are only going to scale over the next 10 years, and graduates can expect entry-level salaries well into the six-figures.
The pre-dental educational requirements involve courses in math and sciences, but vary from school-to-school. It is thus important to contact your desired school for their admission specifications.
All schools do have one requirement in common, which is the submission of your Dental Aptitude Test (DAT) scores. This is a test that is delivered by the Canadian Dental Association (CDA), and evaluates your general academic ability, comprehension of scientific information, two- and three-dimensional visual perception, and manual dexterity. Learn more about the DAT here.
To keep up to date on the Canadian job market, check out SkilledWorker.com today!
