Most Employable Courses (9) to Study in Canada

With a multicultural student environment, comprehensive curriculum, and numerous majors to choose from, studying in Canada presents an excellent chance to connect with potential employers and achieve your career aspirations. This is because Canadian universities are renowned for their academic excellence, affordability, and global recognition, offering a diverse range of programs to cater to students’ interests. Little wonder, many international students choose Canada as their study abroad destination due to the availability of jobs after graduation, reasonable living costs, and a relatively straightforward process for obtaining work permits. When considering your career path in Canada, it’s essential to select courses in demand that align with your goals. To make informed decisions, this article discusses the most employable courses in Canada for international students, shedding light on the lucrative opportunities among other useful information.

Benefits of Studying Employable Courses in Canada

1. Affordable Cost

Despite its high-quality education and standard of living, Canada remains surprisingly affordable for students when compared to other English-speaking countries. It offers a comfortable life without excessive expenses, allowing students to enjoy their stay in the country.

2. Quality of Education

Canada is renowned worldwide for its excellent academic standards across all education levels, from pre-elementary to secondary, colleges, and universities. With 26 top universities included in the QS World University Rankings 2021, Canada offers a wide range of courses in various disciplines, making it a favoured study destination for international students.

3. Scholarships

Canadian universities and colleges offer various scholarships to international students, helping them pursue higher education without financial constraints. These scholarships are often tailored to specific fields of study and interests.

4. Standard of Living

Canada offers a higher standard of living compared to many other countries, particularly appealing to students from developing nations. Studying in Canada provides an opportunity to experience a desirable lifestyle.

5. Job Opportunities

Canada provides numerous full-time job opportunities for aspiring students after graduation. Many companies offer well-paying job positions, and the Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) allows international students to work for up to three years after their studies. Permanent residency options are also available after one year of employment.

Most Employable Courses to Study in Canada

Here are some of the courses you can study that are widely sought after for employment include:

1. Law

Canada is experiencing a growing demand for well-educated and dedicated attorneys, with an estimated 42,800 new legal positions anticipated between 2017 and 2026. The country thus presents ample opportunities for aspiring legal scholars. Due to the global recognition of Canadian law degrees, graduates enjoy a broad range of career opportunities. Typically requiring four years to complete, a Canadian law degree appeals to those who enjoy debate and can handle opposing viewpoints. Prospective law students undergo coursework covering Civil Litigation, Administrative law, Family law, Commercial law, Taxation, Professional Responsibility, Intellectual Property, Jurisprudence and related subjects.

Before entering law school, students should possess essential skills such as critical reading, task organization, writing, oral communication, and listening. Law graduates in Canada can pursue diverse careers, including civil service administration, data analysis, advisory roles, chartered accountancy, journalism, patent law, and human resources. Entry-level salaries for law degree holders in Canada hover around 70,000 CA$ annually, with experienced professionals earning over 130,000 CA$ per year. For international students aspiring to study law in Canada, several top universities include the University of Toronto, McGill University, University of British Columbia, University of Alberta, University of Montreal, University of Waterloo, Queen’s University, Western University, Dalhousie University, and the University of Ottawa.

2. Medicine

The field of health and medicine in Canada offers extensive opportunities, with a high demand for professionals. Hence, the country stands out as an attractive destination for international students pursuing medical courses due to its globally renowned medical degrees. In fact, a Canadian medical degree carries international recognition, and the average annual salary in Canada for healthcare and medicine professionals is approximately $31,444. Entry-level positions yield around $27,300 annually, while experienced professionals can earn up to $53,454 yearly. Employment opportunities are found in health authorities, hospitals, and private clinics. Various healthcare and medicine courses are available at different education levels, including diplomas, bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, and doctoral degrees. Some top health and medicine courses in Canada for international students include M.Sc. in Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Doctor of Medicine and Masters in Biomedical Informatics. Distinguished universities in Canada offering these courses include:

• University of Toronto
• McGill University
• University of British Columbia
• Université de Montréal
• McMaster University
• University of Manitoba
• Queen’s University
• University of Western Ontario
• University of Fraser Valley
• Canadian Mennonite University
• University of Alberta

3. Mechanical Engineering

Many international students often opt for a fulfilling academic path in mechanical engineering. Those who have a fascination for machinery would undoubtedly love receiving professional education in creating objects with moving parts, comprehending the principles behind aircraft operation, and delving into the intricacies of thermodynamics, materials science, and mechanical structures. Fortunately, Canadian universities provide comprehensive instruction in mechanical engineering, equipping students with the knowledge needed to design, produce, and operate various types of machinery.

With a strong foundation in mechanical engineering and a skilled mindset, graduates have access to a myriad of job opportunities. Some of the most coveted roles include aerospace engineer, automotive engineer, manufacturing engineer, construction engineer, product designer, production engineer, sales engineer, and more. In Canada, highly experienced engineers can earn an annual salary of approximately 90,000 CA$, while entry-level positions typically offer around 45,000 CA$.

4. Computer Science

International students looking to obtain a Computer Science degree can choose from a diverse range of specializations, including Artificial Intelligence, Computer-Human Interface, and Game Design, among others. As they delve into the dynamic realm of technology during their studies, they acquire the skills to tackle complex challenges using computer tools. Graduates in computer science have the option to further their education through master’s or doctoral programs and can also pursue careers in both research and industry. Some of the rapidly growing professions that graduates can choose from include Data Scientist, Web Developer, System Analyst, Software Engineer, Full-Stack Developer, Database Administrator, and many other lucrative options. These opportunities span across companies of all sizes, from small startups to large multinational corporations. Depending on their chosen career, graduates may earn annual salaries ranging from 70,000 CA$ to 115,000 CA$.

5. Psychology

If you’re interested in exploring human psychology and venturing into new fields, Canada makes an excellent choice for your academic pursuit. Opting for a psychology program in Canada will introduce you to the study of human behaviour, mental processes, the intricacies of the mind and brain, and various psychology disciplines like social, abnormal, personality, cognitive, and developmental psychology. A psychology degree offers remarkable versatility, opening doors to a wide array of career possibilities.

As a psychology student, you’ll delve into the core principles of psychological research, critical thinking, and effective problem-solving. This degree equips you for diverse career paths, including roles like clinical psychologist, community psychologist, counselling psychologist, neuropsychologist, forensic psychologist, evolutionary psychologist, and numerous other psychology-related professions. The average annual salary for clinical psychologists in Canada stands at $100,000 or $51.28 per hour.

6. Graphics Design

Graphic design in Canada offers a wide range of job opportunities because many businesses need skilled graphic designers to make things like ads, websites, and product packaging look great. People who finish graphic design programs can work as graphic designers in design companies, advertising agencies, marketing teams, or by themselves as freelancers. These programs can be diplomas or degrees and usually involve both practical design work and learning about design theory. They help students learn how to make things look good in different ways. To join these programs, you generally need to have finished high school. Noteworthy, some universities might want to see samples of your design work, especially for more advanced courses.

If you’re going for a postgraduate degree, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree related to the field. You also need to show that you’re good at English by taking tests like IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE. You can pursue different degrees in graphic design such as Bachelor of Design (BDes) in Graphic Design, Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Graphic Design, Master of Design (MDes) in Graphic Design and Postgraduate Certificate in Graphic Design in reputable universities in Canada. The average salary for a graphic designer in Canada ranges from around CAD 30,000 to CAD 80,000 per year. How much you make depends on your experience, job position, the company you work for, and where you live.

7. Business Management

Business management courses in Canada are highly sought after by both local and international students. This is because Canada offers a stable economy, a great business environment, and numerous career options in this field. Canadian universities and colleges provide top-notch business management education with relevant curriculum, excellent facilities, and skilled lecturers. To be eligible for these courses, you usually need a bachelor’s degree in business management or a related area. Some programs might also ask for work experience, and you’ll likely need an IELTS score of 6 or higher if English isn’t your first language.

You can pursue different degrees in business management such as a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management, Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Doctor of Business Administration (DBA). After completing your studies, you can explore various career options such as Marketing Manager, Operations Manager, Business Development Manager, and Management Consultant among others. Salaries in this field can vary based on your industry and experience. On average, you can expect to earn between $60,000 to $70,000 per year.

8. Media and Journalism

Media and Journalism courses in Canada are in high demand due to the growing need for qualified professionals in this field. Canadian universities provide students with a strong foundation in journalism and media principles, teaching them essential skills for gathering, analyzing, and sharing information across various platforms. Graduates in this field find diverse job opportunities in Canada, ranging from traditional media outlets like newspapers and television to digital media and communications.

To join these courses, you typically need to have completed high school or have a diploma in journalism or a related field. Some programs may require an undergraduate degree in journalism or a related area. You’ll also need to demonstrate your proficiency in English through tests like IELTS or TOEFL. You can pursue various degrees in this field, including Bachelor of Journalism, Master of Journalism, Bachelor of Media Studies, Master of Media Studies, Bachelor of Arts in Communication, and Master of Arts in Communication. Salaries in the field can vary based on your employer, location, and job role. On average, journalists in Canada earn around CAD 50,000 per year, while media and communications professionals make an average of CAD 60,000 per year.

9. Project Management

Project management courses cover a broad range of topics, teaching skills like planning, scheduling, risk management, budgeting, team management, communication, and leadership. Canadian universities offer both undergraduate and graduate programs for project management, making it a versatile field of study. Project management has a wide scope, leading to numerous job opportunities in various industries such as construction, information technology, healthcare, finance, and more. These courses are highly sought after in Canada because they are recognized by employers worldwide.

To enrol in project management courses, you generally need a high school education. For postgraduate courses, having an undergraduate degree in a related field is often required. You’ll also need to demonstrate your English proficiency through tests like IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE. You can pursue different degrees in project management, including a Bachelor of Commerce in Project Management, a B.B.A. in Business Administration with a focus on Project Management, a Bachelor of Engineering in Project Management, a Master of Engineering in Project Management, and a Master of Business Administration in Project Management. Salaries in project management can vary widely, ranging from CAD 27.50 to CAD 75.00 per hour, depending on your level of experience, the industry you work in, your location, and the demand for your specific role.

Conclusion

The most employable courses in Canada, as explored in this article, span a wide spectrum of fields, from business management to healthcare, graphic design, media and journalism, and project management. These courses not only align with the country’s evolving job market but also cater to the global demand for skilled professionals. Hence, if you are an international seeking to make the best out of your career, then it is recommended that you go for the courses discussed above.