Why Study In Alberta

Undoubtedly, as a whole, Canadian Education System is globally well known for its unmatched quality and skill oriented courses. Yet, one of its provinces, Alberta has earned specific distinctions because of its people oriented government policies and a relentless drive to offer superlative experience in the field of education. Let’s scout for some of the major reasons that make Alberta as the compelling destination for the study abroad aspirants and the answer, why study in Alberta is the most rewarding decision ever made.

1. Proud and unparallel history of Higher Education:

Alberta’s education history goes back to as early as 1881 when the education responsibilities were born by church clergy and missionaries. The hamlets of Edmonton and Calgary became the centers where there stand the world renewed educational institutions with the name of University of Calgary and University of Alberta. These universities are among the top ranked educational institutions of the world and lead in various research based projects. Totally, there are 12 universities in this province Alberta out of which 7 are public.

Apart from the universities, Alberta is also a home to some of the top notch colleges and vocational institutes that vouch for their unmatched quality of education experience they offer. The Colleges like Bow Valley, Grand Prairie, Red Deer and Medicine Hat are well known for their quality education and professional training.

2. Very strong Economy and industrial Infra structure:

You would be surprise to know that Alberta’s economy in term of per capita GDP is bigger than some of the well developed European Countries like Norway and Switzerland. In fact the per capita income in this province is the highest among all Canadian provinces. Sitting on the very large reserves of oil and natural gas, Alberta is a super energy power. As a result, it attracts the best investment and best talent in the world.

Additionally, Alberta is also rich in agriculture and allied industries. As per the statistics, Alberta alone produces half of Canada’s beef consumption. It holds the first position in terms of agricultural produce. Besides this, the mining industries, pulp and paper industry, and other minor industry create a lot of growth opportunities for the people of this province.

Ten interesting facts about Alberta Economy:

Highest per capita income among all Canadian provinces
Per capita GDP – higher than that of Norway, Switzerland and even USA
Calgary-Edmonton Corridor one of the most urbanized and densest in Canada
This 400 km corridor is the fastest growing region in whole Americas
Alberta has over 3 million heads of cattle and is the leading producer and exporter of meat
Largest producer of Canola in Canada
This province has robust forestry and timber industry
Alberta is the leading in bee keeping and Honey production
The province has well developed tourism industry
Alberta has the 3rd largest oil and natural gas reserve of the world, the largest in Canada

3. Centre for Innovation and extensive research:

The education ministry of Alberta emphasizes more on innovation and research activities in the various fields like science & technology, Health, Environment and Energy and Biotech. To promote research and innovation culture, the government agencies and development department launches number of initiatives to attract international students.

Through Alberta innovates, the province offers great opportunity to the international students to immerse themselves in the devising new ways that would benefit the people of Alberta and the world.

Through this initiative, grants are offered to researchers, companies and institutes who devote themselves to the development of:

Apart from this, the availability of Mitacs Globalink Internship program since 2010, invites international student to take on various research oriented project and help in making the positive impact in the lives of people. As the intern interact with the guides, professors, government representatives, and entrepreneurs, the outcome would help in developing the related skill in a comprehensive manner.

4. Ample number of part-time and full-time Jobs:

As you know that an International students usually prefer to work during their study program. Most often they need to support their study or sometime just to gain the meaning working experience. Here too, an international student would get permission to work 20 hours per week during study and 40 hours per week during vacations.

But, one thing that makes study in Alberta so unique is about the availability of large number of job opportunities that would make the task of finding the job easier.

Most of the international students can easily find part-time jobs like teacher assistant, library assistant, nanny, dog walker, freelancer, barista etc.

The college campus and the network prove to be of immense help in finding the right job in the vicinity of your locality.

The sectors with highest number of vacant openings are:

5. Affordable Accommodation and Transport Facilities:

Affordable Accommodation:

One thing that bothers most an International Student is the uncertainty related to staying once they land in an unknown territory. They may even feel disturbed on the idea of sorting all these challenges at their own. But, in reality, they need not to worry about their accommodation plans as the colleges and universities here offer complete and genuine help to their international students. In fact, almost all these institutions have a dedicated cell to address the accommodation issues and they provide the best possible guidance to the new comers.

You would be glad to find plethora of accommodation options that fit into your budget and taste. So, if you are a type of person who wants everything in order and well planned and even not interested in trying your hand in kitchen then, campus residence would be the perfect option. Campus residence comes with wider options and there are multifarious benefits of staying in on-campus accommodation.

Apart from this, off campus accommodations are easily available in the vicinity of your colleges and universities. There are number of web sites (which you would find in the next paragraph) that offer rental services and assist in providing the list of properties available for rent. Here, you can search on the basis of area, your requirement, rent, facilities available or even, your personal tastes.

Transport Facilities:

When you would land in Alberta, you would be spellbound by its landscape that has the potential to enchant without exception. Additionally, getting around in Alberta’s cities is nothing less than a wonderful experience.

So, once you are in Alberta, you can opt for large number of options available in the form of Air travel, Light Rail Transit (LRT), Public transit buses, and even rental car.

Both the major cities of Alberta namely Edmonton and Calgary have international Airports and are well connected with most of the European, Asian and US cities. In fact these airports are the 4^th and 5^th busiest airports of Canada.

This makes Alberta well connected with other cities of Canada as well as other continents. Besides, Alberta’s other cities such as Medicine Hat, Lethbridge, Red Deer or Brooks, all have their well established and well developed transport system that keep the city moving all the days and always make you feel connected. Even the colleges do guide and offer valuable support though their own network in order to make international student at home.

6. Easy and Flexible PR rules:

It has generally been asked by the International students if the PR rules are easy and flexible in Alberta; so to a certain extent you may expect positive response. Certainly, the federal and Alberta provincial government encourage immigration through their AINP (Alberta Immigration Nomination Program) in which skilled workers who have studied and worked in Alberta get priority.

As per the official website- https://www.alberta.ca/ainp-alberta-opportunity-stream-eligibility.aspx following rules are to be considered.

Residency, work permit requirements

At the time your application is submitted, and at the time the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP) assesses your application, you must have a valid temporary resident status in Canada that authorizes you to work in Canada, that is, a temporary foreign worker permit.

Eligible applicants

At the time your application is submitted, and at the time the AINP assesses your application, you must have a valid work permit – not status maintained during processing (formerly implied status) or restoration status.

Valid work permits are based on one of the following:

Occupation requirements

Eligible occupations

At the time your application is submitted, and at the time the AINP assesses your application, you must work in an eligible occupation in Alberta. Occupation requirements also apply to your work experience and job offer.
You must review the work experience criteria and eligible job offer criteria sections below for details.

The occupation you are working in at the time your application is submitted is your ‘current occupation’.
Most occupations under National Occupational Classification (NOC) skill levels 0, A, B, C and D are eligible under the AINP.

7. Safe for International Students:

The Canadian province of Alberta, through its well geared education system, offers quality services to international students. These provisions ensure not only the safe and secure environment to the overseas students; their free and fair movement is also guaranteed. Alberta’s moderate and inclusive society offers a thriving atmosphere for those who chose this province as their study destinations. Without exception, each and every college and university has its own cell dedicated to provide services to the international students.

Moreover, the presence of large number of international students also gives a sense of safety among the new comer overseas students. Every Year over 20,000 students from different countries head for Alberta and become the part of its thriving education system.

The people here are very gentle and supportive and always show their willingness to extend their help to the needy one. Further, it helps in nurturing a sense of belonging and a positive sense of self. Hence, the discrimination on the basis of color, country, or the faith you practice is almost absent. Foreign students feel very secure and safe even during the late hours as the Alberta’s overall culture believe and practice the culture of harmony and inclusiveness.

8. Supportive agencies and Network:

Yes, when you would be in Alberta, you need not to worry about a whole lot of thing, like how to find an affordable accommodation, how to open my Canada bank account, how to get a job during my study or even when and how to apply for the PR. These all vexing issues are well addressed by the availability of various supportive agencies operate in Alberta. The Universities and colleges support all the overseas students through their well designed system which consist of: Leadership team, Office of Associate Vice-Provost, Director International Students, and Director International relations.

Besides, the provincial government has very flexible immigration plan for those foreign students who wish to stay in Alberta and are willing to contribute to its economic progress. And, for this there are numerous agencies to guide and assist the aspirants.

9. Diverse culture and welcoming people:

Alberta province is well known for its hospitality and festivals which make it one of the richest provinces in terms of culture. For the international students the presence of the students from more than 180 countries offers them an opportunity to immerse themselves in learning the diverse cultures, traditions and belief system. It not only helps them in broadening their perspectives but also make them ready to work comfortably in the work places of cultural diversity.

Alberta also offers a once in the life time kind of opportunity to the international students to explore the festivals and gala events that are held in its major cities. These carnivals and events attract thousands of tourists from Europe and Latin America.

The major festivals are that are held in Calgary and Edmonton are Calgary Stampede and K Days. Both these festivals are among the biggest annual events of this province which last for 10 days in the month of July every year.

Besides, the students can also attend other exhibitions and Film festivals held in Lethbridge, Calgary, and Edmonton cities. Overall, Overseas students would have enough opportunity to have a glimpse of the Canadian culture that would certainly help them during their assimilation in the local culture.

10. Affordable Health care Facilities:

This is also, one the compelling reasons to choose Alberta your study abroad destination. We all know that buying health insurance in Canada is not only compulsory but it also cost a lot. As a result sometime overseas students have to face unwanted hardships. This is why, Alberta province has unique health insurance plan with the name AHCIP which can be buy with affordable cost.

But, for being eligible for AHCIP and international students need to apply within 3 months of their arrival and their valid study permit is for at least 12 months. It definitely relieves overseas students from tension related to the cost of hospitalization and visit to the doctors. Here, it is also need to understand what are not covered in this regional health insurance plan.