In recent years, Canada has become an increasingly popular destination for international students seeking a quality education and a better future. Canada is ranked as the second-best country in the world for quality of life, according to the Best Countries ranking by U.S. News & World Report. One of the most sought-after degrees in Canada is computer science and for good reason. Here are five reasons why a computer science degree is the best gateway to Canada:
1. High demand for computer science professionals
In Canada, there is a high demand for computer science professionals, which means that graduates in this field are in high demand. According to a study by the Information and Communications Technology Council (ICTC), Canada will need to fill approximately 216,000 tech-related jobs by 2021. The study also indicates that the demand for tech professionals is expected to continue to grow, with the need for more than 300,000 new tech workers by 2023. This high demand for computer science professionals provides a great opportunity for international students to secure employment after completing their studies in Canada.
2. High salaries for computer science graduates
In addition to the high demand for computer science professionals, these professionals also enjoy high salaries in Canada. According to data from PayScale, the average salary for a computer science graduate in Canada is $73,750 per year. This salary is significantly higher than the average salary in Canada, which is $53,000 per year. Furthermore, the average salary for computer science professionals with five to nine years of experience is $91,690 per year, which is significantly higher than the national average.
3. Opportunity for permanent residency
Canada offers a variety of immigration programs to international students, including the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWPP). The PGWPP allows international graduates to work in Canada for up to three years after completing their studies. This program provides an opportunity for international students to gain valuable work experience and potentially transition to permanent residency. According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), over 58,000 international graduates were approved for permanent residency in 2019, which is a 40% increase compared to 2015.
4. Multicultural society
Canada is known for its diverse and inclusive society, and this is particularly true in the tech industry. According to data from Hired, a job search platform, 53% of tech workers in Canada are immigrants. This means that international students who study computer science in Canada will have the opportunity to work with and learn from people worldwide. This multicultural environment can help students develop their cross-cultural communication skills, which are valuable assets in the global economy.
5. Quality education
Finally, studying computer science in Canada provides international students with access to a high-quality education. According to the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, six Canadian universities are ranked in the top 100 for computer science, including the University of Toronto, the University of British Columbia, and the University of Waterloo. These universities offer a wide range of programs, including bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in computer science, as well as co-op and internship opportunities that provide students with valuable work experience.
In conclusion, a computer science degree is a great gateway to Canada for international students. With a high demand for computer science professionals, high salaries, opportunities for permanent residency, a multicultural society, and access to high-quality education, studying computer science in Canada provides a clear path to success. If you are considering studying computer science in Canada, you can be confident that this degree will provide you with a valuable education and the skills and experience necessary to succeed in the global tech industry.