Why Calgary is a premier destination for international students coming to Canada

Calgary is the most populated city in Canada’s province of Alberta, where more than 32,600 international students chose to pursue their education in 2021.

Calgary, the world’s third most livable city according to the Economist Intelligence Unit’s Global Livability Index 2022, is among the top destinations for international students looking to pursue education and immigration in Canada.

Life as a post-secondary student in Calgary

As valued members of the Calgary community, international students will be able to experience the vibrant social life of Canada’s third-most diverse city. Home to residents who speak more than 120 different languages, international students will have 333 days of sunshine per year —more than any major Canadian city — to explore and interact with Calgary’s diverse population.

Calgary’s median age is also just under 38 years old, one of the lowest of all major Canadian cities. This means that young international students in Calgary should have little trouble making friends with whom they can experience life in this city together. From enjoying the Calgary Stampede to visiting the Rocky Mountains, Alberta’s largest city has many things to offer those looking for a fun student life on top of a world-class education.

However, education and entertainment are only part of the story for international students. They will also need to sustain themselves financially. To this end, Canadian international students will temporarily be able to work full-time hours during the school year, thanks to a policy change that took effect in November 2022.

Eligible students can now work full-time even outside of scheduled school breaks, earning money to support themselves financially and gaining Canadian work experience.

Note that this temporary policy will remain effective until December 31, 2023. Typically, international students are able to work 20 hours per week off campus during their studies, and full-time during scheduled breaks.