An Excellent Place to Learn, Live and Work

Ontario is home to some of Canada's top universities and colleges. With more than half of Canada's new immigrants settling in the province, nearly 40% of the country's population lives in Ontario. Offering international students a world-class education and first-class experience the province has become the place of choice for many. Despite its popularity, you may still be wondering, why study in Ontario?

Here are 10 reasons why Ontario is a great place to go to school

1. You are spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing tertiary institutions, with more than 30% of Canada's top universities located in Ontario. World-renowned universities in Ontario include University of Toronto, Queen's University, The University of Western Ontario and McMaster University. Many of these universities are world leaders in research and innovation.


2. Degrees, diplomas and certificates received in Ontario's universities and colleges are recognized worldwide, giving students a competitive edge both in Canada and abroad.


3. Canada offers an off-campus work permit for full-time university and college students as well as post-graduation work permits with no restrictions on employment. These allow you to gain valuable Canadian work experience and are especially helpful given the abundant work opportunities available within Ontario.


4. In Canada, Ontario has the highest employment rate for new graduates within two years of graduation, at 96%. This is higher than British Columbia's and Quebec's graduate employment rates.


5. Ontario is home to the country's financial hub (Toronto), its legislative capital (Ottawa) and plays host to 1100 multinational companies. This bustling economic landscape provides you with unlimited career opportunities upon graduation from university.


6. The province of Ontario is close to major US cities, New York, Boston and Washington D.C, providing a wide range of internship, student exchange, post graduate studies and employment possibilities. These opportunities can facilitate your personal and career development.


7. Ontario offers a centralized, stress-free online application system via the OUAC (Ontario University Application Center, http://www.ouac.on.ca/). In other provinces, you would have to submit individual applications to each university, costing both more time and money.


8. Ontario is one of the safest places in North America. According to Statistics Canada (2009), Ontario has the country's lowest crime rate. Only 10 American states (including Idaho, Hawaii, Alaska, Nebraska and Montana) have a lower crime rate, however, they each have less than 10% of Ontario's population. This impressive record makes Ontario a place where you can study and live without worrying about your safety.


9. Ontario has a vibrant cultural environment and celebrates diversity; this encourages cultural immersion and exchange, shaping international students, just like you, into cultural ambassadors with a greater understanding of the world.


10. 1.Columbia International College is located in the Education City of Hamilton, Ontario and is the largest private boarding university preparatory school in Canada. Columbia's Total Care Education System^® guarantees an excellent bridge to renowned universities worldwide and it boasts exclusive partnerships with Canada's top universities.