What Will Life in Canada Be Like as a Pakistani Student

Life in Canada for Pakistani students is generally positive, but it comes with both opportunities and challenges. Here’s what they can expect in different aspects of life:

1. Education & Academic Life 📚

✅ High-Quality Education – Canadian universities and colleges provide a world-class education with modern facilities and research opportunities. Some of the top world ranked universities are in Canada, but even so, anytime you student at a public university, you know you are getting a quality education.
✅ Flexible Learning Environment – Students can choose their majors, take electives, and work on projects. Professors are usually approachable.
✅ Academic Pressure – Adjusting to new teaching styles, independent research, and deadlines can be challenging for students used to rote learning systems. Even so, your course mark is not limited to your final exam but is a combination of mid-terms, class assignments, participation and of course the final exam.

2. Cost of Living & Expenses 💰

💲 Tuition Fees – Varies by institution, but public universities are more affordable than private ones. Scholarships can help reduce costs. Almost all universities offer merit scholarships with some also offering larger prestigious scholarships that can cover a significant portion of your tuition costs. Eligibility for these large scholarships are dependent on high academic standing and participation in extracurricular activities and experiences.
🏠 Housing – Renting an apartment in Toronto or Vancouver is expensive, while smaller cities like Winnipeg or Fredericton are more budget-friendly.
🍽 Food Costs – Pakistani students can find halal food easily in major cities. Cooking at home saves money but eating out frequently can be costly. Larger grocery stores like Costco, Superstore and Walmart will carry halal chicken and sometimes goat meat as well. In some cities there are also smaller halal-meat shops or butchers.
🚍 Transport – Public transit is reliable, but winter travel can be challenging. Many students use buses and trains to get around. Many universities have bus passes available to students at discounted prices. For example, if you see the term U-Pass (or something similar) in your general non-instructional fees, know that that pertains to your public transit pass.

3. Work & Job Opportunities 💼

✅ Part-Time Work – Students can work 24 hours per week during semesters and full-time during breaks.
✅ On-Campus & Off-Campus Jobs – Many work in retail, restaurants, call centers, and on-campus libraries or research assistant roles.
✅ Internships & Co-op Programs – Most universities offer co-op work placements, which help students gain experience and students also get paid for these terms.
⚠️ Job Competition – Finding a job can be tough in the beginning, especially for those without Canadian experience. You also need to apply for your Social Insurance Number (SIN) before working off-campus. The SIN is similar in function to the NADRA NIC card.

4. Social Life & Community 🌍

✅ Pakistani Student Associations – Most universities have Pakistani or South Asian student groups that organize events, Eid celebrations, and networking opportunities.
✅ Cultural Diversity – Canada is multicultural, so students rarely face discrimination, but adjusting to new cultural norms can take time.
✅ Festivals & Events – Many students celebrate Independence Day (August 14), Eid, and cricket matches with fellow Pakistani and South Asian students. But there are lots of international festivals to enjoy as well such as Heritage Days in Edmonton or the KW Multicultural Festival in Waterloo.
⚠️ Homesickness – Some students struggle with being away from family, especially during Ramadan or major celebrations.

5. Weather & Lifestyle Adjustments ❄️

❄️ Harsh Winters – Cities like Winnipeg, Edmonton, and Montreal experience cold (-20°C or lower), so buying proper winter clothing is a must. The good thing about these cities is they have plenty of winter sunshine and drier climates which makes the cold durable.
🌞 Milder Climates – Cities like Kamloops, Windsor and Victoria have mild winters with little snow.
⚠️ Seasonal Depression – The lack of sunlight in winter affects some students emotionally, so staying active and social is important. If you feel this may affect you, Canada has lots of sunnier study destinations such as Edmonton, Prince George or Kamloops are good cities to choose from too.

6. Immigration & PR Pathways 🏡

✅ Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) – After graduating, students can stay in Canada and work for up to 3 years.
✅ Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) – Provinces like Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and New Brunswick make it easier for graduates to get permanent residency (PR).
✅ Express Entry & PR – Many Pakistani students stay in Canada after studies and apply for PR under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).

Final Thoughts: Is Canada a Good Choice for Pakistani Students?

✅ Yes! Canada is a welcoming country with quality education, work opportunities, and an easy immigration process.
⚠️ Challenges? The high cost of living, job competition, and cold winters can be difficult at first, but students who adapt thrive in Canada.

Would you like a Canadian to guide you for all your study in Canada inquiries? Then contact Go 2 Canada Education Services today. 🚀

Photo Courtesy of George Pak at Pexels