Advertorial

When it comes to making the decision to attend university, there are a lot of options and questions to consider. The Canadian University Application Centre knows all about these questions, and has many answers. It should considering the dozen years of experience of advising international students in Bangladesh and around the world.

What does the CUAC do?
The Canadian University Application Centre, or CUAC, has offices located in cities across the globe - including one right here in Dhaka. In fact, since 1998, nearly 1,000 Bangladeshis have gone for university studies in Canada, thanks to the CUAC.

Today, a total of eight Canadian universities are CUAC members and they include institutions from coast to coast such as Victoria, Winnipeg, Windsor, Guelph, Algoma and Saint Mary's. The CUAC also counsels students for the LLM program at York University's Osgoode Hall Law School, and the Master of Management in Logistics and Supply Chain at McGill University. This year two Canadian colleges joined the CUAC in Dhaka, and they are Confederation College and Sault College.

As a potential international student, coming to a CUAC office gives you the chance to ask all your most important questions about Canadian universities, degree options, and 'life in Canada'. Taking into account each student's individual interests, strengths, and career goals, CUAC staff help students narrow down the choices, pick the best programs and institution for them, plus fill out applications, apply for a Canadian student visa, and make all the final arrangements, in order to ensure the smoothest experience possible.

So…what's so great about Canadian universities?

For starters, Canadian universities have well earned reputations for quality education. With world-class research facilities, renowned expert faculties, and supportive learning environments, students who choose Canadian universities are guaranteed a top quality academic experience culminating in a degree highly regarded all over the world. And as all universities in Canada are public institutions, high standards are ensured no matter which school you choose.

Great value
Besides being great quality, Canadian university educations are also considered great value! Even when compared to other popular study destinations, such as the U.S. or U.K., Canadian universities typically weigh in at a fraction of the cost.

For example, why spend almost $57,000 USD (all academic and living costs included) to study computer science for a year at the University of Southern California, when you can do the same undergraduate course at the highly regarded University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada for less than $25,000 USD (again, all academic and living costs included)? Or, for those considering a degree in business, compare these yearly program & living costs: $39,837 USD at Ohio State University versus $20,045 at Saint Mary's University, in Halifax, Nova Scotia. And for those pursuing Master's degrees, costs are similarly low.

Work while you study
Looking for other ways to keep costs down? Those considering Canada will be happy to know that, across the country, international students are legally able and in many cases, encouraged to take up part-time jobs, either on or off campus, during their studies. But a note of caution: Canadian universities are demanding and for serious students. Classes come first, and any work that's even possible, comes second.

Additionally, all CUAC universities have plenty of co-operative education programs, where students study full time for part of the year, and then work full-time in a placement coordinated by the university and industry. It means great, career-related experience, as well as some extra cash for expenses (note: many co-op jobs pay very well).

The Canadian degree as a pathway to immigration
For many international students, choosing to study and graduate from a Canadian university is part of a family plan to settle in Canada. Canadian work permits, residency and citizenship are a simple and often seamless step once a student graduates in Canada. The Canadian government is anxious to attract skilled and capable young people to work and live in Canada, and the new regulations and laws have made it the best of times to immigrate to Canada.

Canada a great bet for your future!
There has never been more uncertainty in our world. Yet amidst all the anxiety over jobs, the value of our money, the economy, and security, Canada stands tall as a sound and stable state in this era of volatility. Canada's banks are a model to the world and global banking leaders say so. Canada's natural resources; minerals, oil, gas, wheat, water, etc, position it superbly for future growth and leadership. Canada's world-class education system turns out top graduates, and provides skilled employees and prepared entrepreneurs for high technology, research and development. Canada is a global leader for telecommunications, aerospace and biotechnology all economies of the future.

Find out more
If you or someone you know is interested in learning more about attending a Canadian university, be sure to visit www.canada123.org - or, drop by our Dhaka-based CUAC office located on Gulshan Road.

On Friday, October 28th, Canadian university representatives will be present at The Westin Dhaka, ready to answer all your questions in person! This event, however, is by INVITATION ONLY, so if you're interested in attending, please contact us in advance by email, at dhaka@canada123.org, or by phone, at 02.8826445.

We look forward to seeing you soon!

Worried about visa or immigration issues? Don't be! For those international students admitted to a CUAC-member university, there is a high success rate for receiving a student visas. This is because CUAC centres carefully interview, counsel and screen all potential students. The CUAC has a strong reputation with Canadian High Commissions and visa offices all over the world.