Find out which courses are on the upswing in the country and which one is the best option for you

By João Martins

Check out below the most sought-after courses, the highlighted areas of knowledge and the main cultural differentials from east to west in Canada as presented in the lectures by some of the main Canadian educational institutions that were present at the event:

University Canada West (UCW)

With innovative courses in the fields of business and technology, University Canada West (UCW) has been recognized as the third-best university in Canada and the top one in British Columbia by the prestigious QS Stars University Rankings, receiving a 5-star excellence award.

One of UCW’s most popular programs is the Master of Business Administration (MBA), designed in partnership with the Digital Marketing Institute (DMI) to offer students an environment focused on business, marketing and digital technology. Among the bachelor’s degrees, the highlights are the Bachelor of Commerce (Bcom) and the Bachelor of Arts in Business Communication (BABC). Both programs have a duration of four years.

UCW also offers a two-year Associate of Arts (AA) program aimed at students who have not yet decided on their area of study. It allows them to explore different subjects to identify the careers that best suit their desires and needs. UCW offers four intakes throughout the year, in January, April, July or October. More information: UCW Vancouver

Queen’s University

Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario, offers QBridge program, specially designed to prepare students who want to enter undergraduate and postgraduate courses but do not yet have the required English language proficiency. Queen’s University’s undergraduate and postgraduate programs offer more than 125 degree options in a variety of fields, including law, medicine, nursing, engineering, mining, arts, science, education, business and politics, and are designed for students of all ages.

Among the short courses, the highlight is the three-week intermediate course designed with

sustainable development goals, with 18 hours of classes per week and a series of activities, trips and excursions for summer and winter. Regarding undergraduate and postgraduate courses, there are options in several areas. One of them is Master of Education. For more information: https://pros.educ.queensu.ca/courses

New York Institute of Technology – Vancouver

Traditionally known as the birthplace of 3D animation and a pioneer in robotics education, the New York Institute of Technology offers master’s degrees in several areas, especially in engineering, science and technology. Some of the most sought-after courses include Master of Energy Management, Master of Science in Cyber Security and the MBAs – General in Business Administration, Finance and Business Analytics. The New York University’s campus in Canada is located in Vancouver, a city on the west coast of Canada, with a strong tourist appeal, hosting major companies, consulting firms and banks.

The institution also offers courses in the green economy, or cleantech, a technology sector focused on the environment and reducing environmental impact. The New York University Vancouver is the only private institution on Canada’s West Coast accredited by The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools (AACSB) for MBA programs. Students can also take one semester of the course at the Manhattan campus, in NY, without prejudice to the course. More information: https://www.nyit.edu/admissions

Lakeland College

Located between the provinces of Alberta – Canada’s fourth most populous – and Saskatchewan in west-central Canada, Lakeland College has a strategic location that enhances opportunities for entry into the job market. Undergraduate programs at its two campuses (Vermilion and Lloydminster) offer one or two-year degrees in a variety of areas such as agricultural science (general agriculture and commercial agriculture), business, interior design, environmental science, agricultural technology, agribusiness, animal science, crop technology, energy and process engineering. The institution also offers bachelor’s degrees in the same areas, lasting up to four years. It is worth noting that the programs are highly practical, with on-site experience. More information: https://www.lakelandcollege.ca/index.aspx

Algonquim College

Recognized as one of Canada’s largest and best research and technology hubs, Algonquim College is located in Kanata North, Ottawa, in the eastern Province of Ontario, close to the Quebec border and between the cities of Toronto and Montreal. The institution offers at its three campuses – Ottawa, Pembroke, Perth – courses in various specialties, with technical diplomas or bachelor’s degrees, in more than 180 programs, covering careers in arts and technology.

In partnership with CDI College in Toronto, Algonquim College provides specific programs for international students at two campuses, North York and Mississauga. Students receive the same certification they would obtain at the institution’s other campuses in Ottawa. Among the courses, there are options in the areas of business, technology, arts and design, which have the structure of CDI College and Algonquim teachers and certifications. More information: https://www.algonquincollege.com/

NorQuest College

Located in downtown Edmonton, in the province of Alberta, considered one of the cities with the lowest cost of living in Canada, NorQuest College has two campuses with more than 30 course programs in the areas of business, environment and technology, health, and human resources. Among the courses focused on technical education, 50% of the class content is theoretical and the remaining 50% is practical.

Health and business fields are among the most sought after, but new courses such as the two-year Arts and Sciences program also attract the attention of international students.

The institution has three intake periods during the year, in the fall, winter and spring, and some courses offer scholarships. NorQuest College is also recognized for its English as a Second Language (ESL) programs, which cater to academic upgrading, university transfer programs, or the attainment of certificates and degrees. More information: https://study.alberta.ca/plan-your-studies/universities-colleges-technical-institutes/public-colleges/norquest-college/

Mission Public School

Mission Public School boasts a privileged location next to lush landscapes, such as the Fraser River Valley and mountains. Situated an hour away from Vancouver, Mission Public School is in the city of Mission, British Columbia, renowned for its academic excellence and innovative curriculum.

Mission College courses are recognized by all Canadian and American universities and students seek the institution to improve their English language skills, ensuring a smoother transition to universities as they learn different subjects in arts, business, sciences, all in English, as preparation for undergraduate programs or universities. More information: https://studyinmission.ca/