Have you ever wondered what sets Canada apart as the ultimate haven for expats?

I assure you that besides maple syrup and ice hockey, Canada offers a world of opportunities and a high quality of life that continues to draw people from all corners of the globe.

Ranked the second-best country in the world, Canada encompasses all aspects essential for an exceptional life and promising career prospects that continue to draw people from all corners of the globe. Its economic stability and lucrative Business opportunities attract individuals worldwide to grow professionally in a nurturing environment.

So, if you are looking for a great place to study and launch your career, Canada definitely should be at the top of your list. Here is why.

Why should you study in Canada

While Canada ranks in the top five in terms of the quality of education, it doesn’t just boast top-notch education. It is also one of the best countries for studying abroad. This is predominantly due to the strong economy and thriving job market, but also cultural accessibility, inclusion, and fun. And that is not everything.

Canada stands out as a nation that celebrates diversity and encourages all of its citizens to honor their own cultures. With the belief that inclusivity leads to peace and prosperity, it has built a vibrant, resilient, and innovative society. This welcoming atmosphere means that you won’t feel like a foreigner for long; instead, you’ll soon be able to call this country your home.

And, if you are a nature enthusiast or an adventure seeker, you can rest assured that the country’s vast array of natural wonders will fulfill your wanderlust. See yourself:

And, if you find yourself overwhelmed by the application process, permits, and other administrative tasks, it is not as daunting as it may seem and definitely worth a hassle.

Here are nine simple steps to begin your journey:

How to afford to study in Canada

Pursuing a degree at a prestigious Canadian university does come with costs, yet investing in your education is a wise choice. Earning a degree from a prestigious institution can unlock numerous opportunities, enabling you to secure positions at your dream companies or launch your business with confidence.

So, instead of hesitating about degree expenses, consider strategies to make your educational investment more manageable.

Here are a few ideas to fund your degree in Canada

Start your research by delving into the scholarships and other financial aid options offered by your university of choice. Many institutions acknowledge that not everyone can easily cover tuition costs and commit to helping ambitious individuals in need.

Also, look for external scholarships from foundations and organizations, like:

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter for more exciting opportunities delivered to your inbox every Saturday!

• Rhodes Scholarships for Canada
• Fulbright Canada Graduate Studies Award
• FINCAD Scholarship for Women in Finance

Moreover, some universities offer attractive solutions, like a Tuition Payment Plan Program, to help students afford their degree.

While securing a full scholarship can be challenging, there are still more ways to fund your studies abroad!

Combining your studies with a part-time job is a common practice, and it can be highly rewarding. Take a look at this overview of high-paying part-time jobs for students that can help you financially support your degree:

Canada is renowned for its high-quality education system, but what about the job market and business opportunities? Let’s delve into how Canada supports innovation and entrepreneurship in addition to providing a top-notch education.

How Canada supports innovation and entrepreneurship

The Canadian government actively fosters a dynamic and sustainable venture capital industry by investing in innovation and encouraging development.

With a record VC funding of $14.7 billion in 2021, the country demonstrated its ongoing commitment to allocate substantial resources annually to empower local startups and innovators across a wide range of fields.

Here are some recent examples of Canada’s investment initiatives:

• $50 Million Venture Capital Catalyst Initiative in the life sciences sector and for entrepreneurs from underrepresented groups, including women and racialized communities.
• $15 million investment in the WES Inclusive Women Venture Capital Initiative, funding projects that strengthen and build a more inclusive venture capital environment for Canadian women.
• Canada Digital Adoption Program helps e-commerce small and medium-sized businesses grow their digital presence and effectiveness
• Up to $500,000 CanExport funding for exporters, innovators, associations, and communities
• A $190-million Agricultural Clean Technology Program investing in research, development, and adoption of clean technologies
• Innovative Solutions Canada funding for small and medium-sized businesses supporting technology research, development, and commercialization
• Business Development Bank of Canada’s $500 million Thrive Venture Fund and Lab for Women supporting Canadian women-led businesses

These programs are just a glimpse into how Canada empowers young, ambitious leaders to bring their ventures to life.

Moreover, with a favorable corporate tax landscape and a host of incentives, Canada provides a supportive environment for businesses to thrive.

Canada’s federal corporate tax rates come in two levels

In addition to these federal rates, corporations also need to factor in provincial corporate tax rates, which can vary from province to province.

Also, specific rates apply to different types of income, such as investment income, capital gains, and dividends.

Canada has a dual federal corporate tax rate system. The Federal Small Business Tax Rate is 9%, which is relatively low and beneficial for small businesses.

The General Corporate Federal Tax Rate, which applies to larger corporations, is 38%, but it includes various deductions and reductions, resulting in a net tax rate of 15% for general corporations.

Additionally, Canada provides a range of tax credits and incentives, both on a federal and provincial scale, to foster business expansion. These incentives warmly welcome companies engaged in pioneering projects, thanks to the country’s strong commitment to supporting research and development activities.

Thrive in the tech talent hub of Waterloo

Now that you’re aware that studying and advancing your career in Canada is not only possible but also more accessible than you might have initially thought, let’s tackle the challenging aspect. Canada, being the second-largest country in the world by land area, offers a vast expanse of options, making the decision of where to settle a daunting task.

Let me save you time doing research and reveal the trending city for studying and doing business. Recognizing your time’s value, I won’t suggest the most obvious choice but to introduce you to a hidden gem in the Great White North: Waterloo.

In recent years, the Canadian province of Ontario has solidified its reputation as the Silicon Valley North with its thriving tech industry, a highly skilled workforce, and substantial investments in innovation.

Waterloo is recognised as this year’s Tech Talent Leader in the 2023 Metro Rankings Report.

Being a key part of the Toronto-Waterloo Corridor, it allows entrepreneurs to benefit from a thriving ecosystem fueled by proximity to major markets, extensive research and innovation support, robust investment opportunities, and an exceptional quality of life.

The corridor’s strategic location offers easy access to Canadian and U.S. markets, enhancing market reach. Its innovation hub boasts numerous research centres and tech hubs, providing resources and mentorship. Additionally, the region attracts substantial investments from venture capitalists and tech giants, offering entrepreneurs ample funding opportunities.

Beyond business, Waterloo provides an excellent quality of life with affordable living costs, cultural amenities, and recreational activities, making it a great place for entrepreneurs to live and work.

Opportunity: Get your Master’s Degree at the Lazaridis School of Business and Economics

Are you passionate about business, entrepreneurship and innovation? Would you like to get the skills to launch your successful venture in Canada backed by a strong degree from a renowned business school?

If yes, then apply for one of the Master’s programs offered at the Lazaridis School of Business and Economics and establish your career path in the thriving environment.

Whether you are looking to take a deep dive into the latest business or economics research topics or want to earn a widely recognized credential to advance your career, the Lazaridis School of Business and Economics at Wilfrid Laurier University has a graduate program to meet your needs.

• Master of Business Administration
• Master of Finance
• Master of Science in Management Analytics
• Graduate Diploma in Accounting
• Master of Arts in Business Economics
• Master of Science in Management

Would you like to start your journey and study in Canada? Or, what is your dream destination to unlock your full potential? Let us know in the comments!

For more business and entrepreneurship tips, subscribe to our weekly newsletter and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

The post Study in Waterloo: Thrive in the most innovative hub of Canada appeared first on AlphaGamma.