Following our previous article on top Canadian universities, here is a look at other great universities in Canada. The following universities are divided in three categories – small, medium and large. Small universities usually offer mostly undergraduate studies while medium and large universities offer graduate degrees in a range of disciplines. Large universities also offer doctoral programs including professional medical and law degrees.

Mount Allison University

Located in Sackville, New Brunswick, Mount Allison University is one of the smallest universities in Canada. Its size and personalized approach allows students to feel like individuals and not just numbers on campus. Mount Allison focuses on the growth and education of its students allowing them to customize their own degrees. In fact, Mount Allison has been so successful with its approach that has been recognized as the #2 university in Canada among primarily undergraduate universities by Maclean’s, one of the leading publications in Canada. Academic programs abound and include bachelor’s degrees in arts, science, commerce, fine arts, and music. Mount Allison is home away from home to over 150 international students who come from over 40 countries including France, Germany, USA, Japan, China and more. There are plenty of exchange programs and study abroad opportunities with other universities in countries such as New Zealand, Denmark, China, Japan, Spain, Sweden, Norway, Germany, France and others.

Admissions

Admission requirements generally include a high school diploma, GCE, French BACCALAUREATE or its equivalent with courses in English, Mathematics, and other academic subjects. Graduates are strongly encouraged to submit SAT and International Baccalaureate scores. International students whose native language is not English must submit TOEFL scores (213 on the computer-based test and 550 on the paper-based test are required), IELTS (6.5 score) or any other test approved by the university.

Tuition and General Fees*

Canadian Students: $6,720 Canadian Dollars (CAD) / academic year 
International Students: $13,440 CAD / academic year

Scholarships range from approximately $12,000 fully renewable for four years to $500. Most Mount Allison scholarships are renewable at varying rates, and are based on academic standing or a combination of academic standing and financial need. Students who have an admissions average of 90% or above are guaranteed a minimum $1,500 award. In addition, over 40% of students - including international students - work on campus.

Website: http://www.mta.ca/index.shtml

University of Waterloo

Located in Waterloo, Ontario, the University of Waterloo is recognized as one of the most innovative universities in Canada. In fact, it was one of the first universities to introduce co-operative education – a program that mixes classroom study and temporary jobs where students can apply the academic concepts they learn in the classroom. The University of Waterloo has approximately 25,000 students from 106 countries. International students are particularly attracted to its co-op program, which is the largest in the world. The university offers more than 100 academic programs in six faculties: Applied Health Sciences, Arts, Engineering, Environmental Studies, Mathematics, and Science; and five professional schools: accounting, architecture, computer science, optometry and planning. The new school of Pharmacy will open in 2008. It’s also interesting to know that in October 2005, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates said that, “most years, we hire more students out of Waterloo than any university in the world, typically 50 or even more.”

Admissions

A high school diploma or equivalent is necessary for undergraduate admission. Certain minimum requirements apply to citizens of specific countries. For example, US applicants are required to submit minimum SAT scores of 1100 or ACT score of 26, in addition to Advanced Placement examinations for certain academic programs. Prospective students are encouraged to submit International Baccalaureate diplomas, Advanced Placement or Advanced Level examinations. Consult the admissions website for further information.

Students whose native language is not English are required to provide evidence of English proficiency by submitting scores from a testing entity such as IELTS, TOEFL, MELAB or CAEL.

Graduate admission requirements depend on the specific graduate program. Minimum requirements include an honours undergraduate degree (75% overall standing) or equivalent degree plus letters of reference from academic referees. Certain programs may require additional items. Consult the graduate program website for further information.

Tuition Costs*

Tuition costs vary per academic program. The following estimates indicate a rough average of total tuition costs per academic year.

Undergraduate Canadian Students: $6,373 CAD 
Undergraduate International Students: $18,000 CAD

Graduate Canadian Students: $6,750 CAD 
Graduate International Students: $11,750 CAD

Scholarships are available to Canadian and International students. Merit-based scholarships range from $200 to $25,000 CAD. Successful applicants will have excellent academic records, high test scores (if applicable) as well as letters of reference. Some scholarships require a separate application.

Website: http://www.uwaterloo.ca/

McGill University

Recognized as one of the world’s top universities, McGill is an international university located in the charming, diverse and multicultural city of Montreal. McGill offers leading academics, plenty of culture, and an incomparable student life in the middle of downtown Montreal. The university offers courses in 300 areas of study and includes over 10 faculties: Agricultural and environmental sciences, arts, dentistry, education, engineering, law, management, medicine, music, religious studies, and science. McGill is home to 33,258 students, nearly 20 percent come from more than 150 countries. Exchange and study abroad programs abound at McGill, which is known for its global community and remarkable international alumni. Some of its most notorious members include three astronauts, four Nobel Prize recipients, seven Oscar winners and many other business, political, and scientific leaders.

Admissions

A high school diploma or equivalent is necessary for undergraduate admission. Certain minimum requirements apply to citizens of specific countries. For example, US applicants are required to submit SAT I and SAT II scores, and UK applicants are required to submit A-level examinations. Prospective students are encouraged to submit International Baccalaureate diplomas and Advanced Placement examinations. Consult the admissions website for further information.

Students whose native language is not English are required to provide evidence of English proficiency by submitting scores from a testing entity such as IELTS (6.5 score or better), TOEFL (Paper: 550-600, CBT: 213-250, iBT: 79-100 depending on the academic program), or MELAB.

Graduate admission requirements depend on the specific graduate program. Minimum requirements include an undergraduate degree or equivalent degree plus letters of reference from academic referees. Certain programs may require additional items such as GMAT scores for the MBA program. Consult the graduate program website for further information.

Tuition Costs*

Tuition costs vary per academic program. The following estimates indicate a rough average of total tuition costs per academic year.

Undergraduate Quebec Students: $1,700 CAD

Undergraduate Canadian Students: $5,000 CAD 

Undergraduate International Students: $13,000 – 15,000 CAD

Graduate Quebec Students: $1,768 CAD

Graduate Canadian Students: $5,140 CAD 

Graduate International Students: $11,886 CAD

If you are enrolled in certain eligible French degree programs or courses, or if you are a citizen of France or certain other countries, your tuition will be reduced.

Fees for the MBA (International students), the Master’s in Manufacturing Management, and the International Master’s Program for Practicing Managers are higher than those shown. McGill has an extensive program of scholarships and awards. Entrance scholarships range in value from $3,000 to $10,000 renewable each year. A separate application is required for major scholarships ($5,000 and over).

Website: http://www.mcgill.ca/

* Costs do not include university fees, housing or living expenses

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Many college students study abroad, either because they have the opportunity, or because it’s required for their degree program.

Sometimes, it’s ok to look like a visiting tourist, but when you’re spending multiple months in another country, blending in is a better option than sticking out. Here are a few pointers on how to study abroad without seeming like a tourist.

Say “Au revoir” to English.

If you’re studying in a country that speaks another language, don’t speak English the entire time. Try to speak as much of your host country’s native tongue as possible. Not only will you become proficient in the language, but it will also make communication with locals easier: they appreciate it when you try. Picking up on the dialect of the city or village you now live in will make you seem more like a native and less like a visitor.

Ditch the duds.

If your ensemble screams “American,” ditch it. Hit up some local shops and thrift stores for a few key pieces to help you blend in with your neighbors in the classroom, workplace, or on the streets; this will help you to feel more comfortable in your new place and will most likely be more climate and culture-appropriate.

Grab a bite of culture.

Even if you’re unsure about some of the traditional meals in your new country, don’t seek out familiar chains like McDonald’s. Ease yourself into new gastronomic experiences by sampling some of the standard dishes of your country. These meals, which can be found easily throughout the country, will provide nourishment if you can’t eat the more traditional or odd-sounding dishes.

Travel in style.

Learn public transportation systems, especially Metro lines, as quickly as possible. More reliable and less expensive than taxis, public transportation is easy to use and can get you almost anywhere easily.

Get lost.

Spend time walking through your new home and getting lost. Carry a map for emergencies, but try not to use it if you can help it. Let yourself wander and then find your way back to your apartment or host house. You’ll get to see some of the main tourist spots and a few off-the-beaten-path ones as well. And you’ll feel especially proud of yourself when a weekend tourist stops you on the street to ask you for directions!

Keep digital memories with you.

Carry a camera everywhere you go and take lots of pictures. If you’re taking pictures of monuments, the pictures will be a great reminder of the walk or train line you took to get there. However, try to avoid taking “typical” photographs in front of main tourist spots - take pictures of monuments, buildings, or gardens off the beaten path, like the ones you discovered while you were getting lost.

Be a people person.

Make friends! Introducing yourself to neighbors is a great way to meet people and make new friends. Do not feel as if you need to hang out only with your fellow students. Becoming friends with the people in your neighborhood will help you immerse yourself into their culture. Speaking their native language will help you improve the skills you already have from classroom conversations.

Now that you have the skills necessary to survive your semester abroad, remember that you’re there to have fun and to learn, but the point of studying in another country, though, is to become immersed in the culture of their temporary home, not to be a tourist.

Australia is the preferred overseas study destination for over 455,000 international students from 190 countries around the world. There are things you need to consider when concerning studying in Australia such as applications, accommodation, detailed profiles of education institutions, course listings and study data like contact details, fees and course duration.

Australia is the world’s fifth-largest provider of education to international students, who contribute nearly $12 billion to the Australian economy. Australia’s international students are enrolled in a wide range of disciplines at eight different levels of education, including short-term English language courses, secondary education, bachelor and masters degrees right through to doctoral degrees. Asia is Australia’s main source of international students, representing four out of every five of Australia’s overseas student market.

Most international students enrol in higher education programs, with an increasing number enrolled in Vocational Education and Training (VET) and English language programs.

Higher education international students are usually either on a study abroad program or an exchange program. These programs vary in regards to credit transfer and fees, and the time spent in Australia. Some students choose to study for one or two semesters, while other complete their whole degree in Australia.

International students come to study in Australia for the world-class degrees, safe and multicultural cities and great climate. Students choose Australia over other international destinations for the cheaper price of living and degrees, compared to the US and the UK.

Studying overseas is not just beneficial from an academic view, it also helps students gain a global perspective and gain some great life skills that will attract prospective employers.

If you are a professional in medical and health sector and willing to practice in Australia, you have to give out an Occupational English Test (OET) to prove your proficiency in the English language. The test is administered by the OET center. The test is recognised by the Regulatory Authorities of 12 Australian health professions.

The OET test assesses only the fluency in the English language for the overseas qualified health professionals. It consists of four modules - Listening, reading, Writing and Speaking. The test-taker has to score a minimum of grade-B in each skill to qualify the professional boards.

The maximum time limit of the test is 3 hours and the test is conducted for 6 times in 40 locations all around the world. OET test is valid for 2 years from the date of test taken.

To work and migrate to Australia OET test is essential for various health professional. If you fall under any of the following professions, you have qualify the test:

• Medical Practitioners (GPs and Specialists) 
• Dentists 
• Vets 
• Nurses 
• Radiographers 
• Dieticians 
• Speech pathologists 
• Pharmacists 
• Physiotherapists 
• Related medical professionals

As per the requirements of AMC (Australian Medical Council), the test-taker has to triumph over all the modules in one sitting. This is exempted for the candidates in the dentist profession, where they can pass the test in multiple sittings. Typically in all the four modules of the test there are two common elements:

General elements: This element includes all the components of the test which are common for every profession, which highly based on the general medical concepts. Listening and reading are the key modules designed to test the general elements of the test.

Professional elements: This element of the test has the specific components of the test that would be varying based on the test-taker’s profession. Listening and reading are the key modules to test the usage of English in the perspective of the test-taker’s profession.

Though the structure of the test is similar to all the professions, its content varies based on the nature of the profession. Here the test-taker will be assessed only the usage of the English language in their own field.