Study Politics in Canada
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Erudera's Complete Guide to Studying Politics in Canada
Canada is defined by economic advancement, political stability, and high safety levels, which means there are many reasons why this country is an ideal place to pursue a political science degree. Canada does not simply consist of natural beauty, maple syrup, and politeness; it also has a top-notch higher education system and excellent politics degree programs across its universities. If you’re not yet convinced Canada is an excellent study destination or you simply wish to know more—this article will be helpful.
Here’s everything you need to know about studying politics in Canada:
Reasons to Study Politics in Canada
Excellent Study Programs
Canadian universities teach the fundamentals of politics through a variety of teaching methods. Politics programs at Canadian universities prepare students for a challenging job market by honing their analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills at both the theoretical and practical levels. Students gain hands-on experience through internships, exchange opportunities, and co-op programs. They get to learn from highly qualified professors in state-of-the-art facilities and encouraging study environments. Canadian universities consistently rank among the top worldwide universities, meaning their degrees are appreciated globally.
Comparatively Affordable
Studying in Canada is comparatively affordable compared to top study destinations like the US or the UK. When you decide to study abroad, you not only take into consideration the tuition fees but also the general living costs and other associated expenses. The cost of living in Canada is reasonable, tuition fees are affordable (especially if you win a scholarship), and the quality of life is one of the best in the world. Although international students pay more in tuition fees compared to domestic students, these fees average around USD 25,000 per year. This means you may find cheaper or more expensive programs, depending on the university you wish to attend.
Safe, Multicultural, and Explore Worthy
Canada is home to more than half a million international students, and immigrants living and working here make up over 21% of the total population of Canada. It is a diverse and multicultural country, highly welcoming to people from other parts of the world who wish to live, work, or study in Canada. One of the factors that make Canada appealing to internationals is its quality of life and safety levels. In fact, Canada ranks among the top safest countries in the world in the Global Peace Index. Apart from its safety levels, Canada is also one of the best countries to study your politics degree due to its political and economic stability, picturesque cities and towns, and the opportunity to learn something new every day.
Top Universities to Study Politics in Canada
Some of the best universities in Canada to study politics are:
- University of Toronto
- McGill University
- University of British Columbia
- University of Montreal
- University of Ottawa
- Carleton University
- University of Waterloo
- York University
Requirements
University requirements to study politics in Canada include:
- Academic transcripts.
- ACT or SAT test scores. If applicable.
- Graduate Record Exam (GRE). For master’s programs, depending on the university.
- Proof of English language proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, other).
- For English-taught programs.
- Proof of French language proficiency (TEF, DALF, DELF, other).
- For French-taught programs.
If you’re traveling to Canada as an international student, you will also have to meet the following requirements:
- Study permit. International students must obtain a study permit to be allowed to study in Canada.
- Proof of financial resources. You must show you have sufficient funds to cover your expenses.
Application Process
When you meet the requirements to study a specific politics program at a Canadian university, you must prepare for the application process. Generally, Canadian universities have their own online application portals. However, if you wish to apply to a university in the province of Ontario, you must use the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (ouac.on.ca).
The supporting documents you need to submit include:
- Identification documents.
- Previous education transcripts.
- Minimum three Letters of Reference.
- English proficiency exam scores (TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, or other).
- French proficiency exam scores (for French-taught programs).
- GRE scores (for some master’s programs).
- Statement of Interest.
Important: Remember to stay within the application deadlines. Universities do not consider late applications.
Degree Duration: How Long Does It Take to Study Politics in Canada?
It will take approximately three to four years to complete your political science bachelor’s degree in Canada. If you wish to study at the graduate level, it will take one to two years to complete a master’s degree, depending on the program. Many politics MA graduates go on to pursue their PhD. This type of degree takes a minimum of three years to complete. The degree completion rate will vary significantly on the students’ commitment to the program.
Tuition Fees: How Much Does It Cost to Study Politics in Canada?
The cost of studying politics in Canada is approximately CAD 5,725 (~USD 4,510) per year for domestic undergraduate students and CAD 6,095 (~USD 4,800) per year for domestic graduate students. International students at the undergraduate level pay an average of CAD 31,788 (~USD 25,030) per year, while international students pay approximately CAD 16,582 (~USD 13,060) annually at the graduate level.
International students must also account for the cost of living expenses when they decide to study in Canada. An international student will need around CAD 1,100 (~USD 870) to cover their living expenses, excluding the cost of rent. The cost of rent depends on the type of accommodation. For example, living in student dorms or shared flats will be much cheaper than renting an apartment and living alone.
Politics Career Prospects in Canada
Politics graduates from Canadian universities are well prepared for countless career paths. You can undertake various job titles, such as political scientist, diplomat, political consultant, government official, researcher, data analyst, or policy analyst, to name a few. You may find employment in the private sector, government, education, or even journalism, as a press officer, publisher, public relations specialist, etc.
As a politics student, you will gain an insight into the political processes and systems of numerous countries and regions. If your aspirations include political careers, a Canadian politics degree will help you get there. However, you may also use a politics degree to further your education and career in other areas, such as business or law.
Careers in politics can also be financially rewarding. For example, a political scientist in Canada can earn anywhere from CAD 65,000 (~USD 51,350) to CAD 110,000 (~USD 86,900) per year. Of course, you can make more depending on professional experience, job title, Canadian province, etc.
