Looking forward to studying STEM in Canada? Then you’ve made a good decision!
Professionals with STEM skills are in demand all over the world today. Everyone is embracing science and technology because we can all the huge benefits we stand to enjoy from it, and there is also a call for STEM professionals in the labor market.
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This is not all, STEM jobs are also part of the highest-paying jobs in the world too.
As a student or professional seeking to start a career in STEM, you sure have not made a bad choice.
In June 2023, the Canadian government announced its first express entry invitation for skilled individuals in the STEM field. The reason is to enable Canada to meet the increasing demand for skilled people in this field to fill the available positions to the end that it contributes to the nation’s economic growth and technological advancement.
Additionally, there are also key sectors experiencing a shortage of workers and immigration is working towards filling this gap. This means that there is an opportunity for international students studying STEM to get employment after their education.
Table of Contents
What is STEM all about?
STEM is simply the acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. It requires that students embrace problem-solving, critical thinking, discipline, and innovation. It comprises of the following areas:
- Natural, physical, and life science. It also sometimes includes medicine.
- Computer, electrical/electronics, and other tech disciplines.
- All fields related to engineering
- All fields related to mathematics and the application of mathematical principles for problem-solving.
Benefits of studying STEM
Some of the benefits of studying STEM include:
- It improves innovative thinking because students learn to observe, analyze, and generate feasible possible solutions to problems.
- It also enhances problem-solving. This is one of the major reasons there is a high demand for professionals in the STEM field.
- Creativity is also encouraged through studying STEM courses because you get to come up with new ways to solve technical problems.
- Additionally, STEM courses promote communication and collaboration. Since the STEM field is wide, and one person cannot master everything, professionals have to specialize and then work together towards a common goal.
- STEM also strengthens cognitive skills like reading and learning as students have to consistently open themselves to learning to become relevant.
5 In-demand STEM Programs in Canada for International Students
Below is a list of STEM programs in demand for international students in Canada.
1. Mechanical Engineering Technology – Robotics and Automation
This program includes cooperative education with about 6 academic terms. It is a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical skills in the control of robotic and automated equipment using electronics, programmable automation controllers, computers, hydraulics, and pneumatics. Additionally, it provides students with the opportunity to combine both theoretical knowledge and practical skills to generate excellence. This course also features the development of skills in 3D CAD, mechanical technology, electric motors, servo-mechanisms, advanced robotics, industrial automation, and safety standards. Furthermore, international students who choose this course will be offered three work terms to enable them to practice what they have learned in a conducive environment.
2. Advanced College Diploma – Aerospace Manufacturing Engineering Technology
Aerospace Manufacturing Engineering Technology focuses on helping students understand aircraft manufacturing operations, aerospace systems, and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology. Students will be taught the key performance indicators, continuous improvement techniques, and composite materials while also mastering CAD, CAM, and CNC operations. It entails a robust curriculum that enables students to transition seamlessly into the industry. Additionally, students will be taught business functions such as project planning and management, operations management, leading and participating in multidisciplinary teams, and problem-solving.
3. College Diploma – Biomedical Engineering Technology (Optional Co-op)
The Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) in Alberta is at the forefront of technical training and education in Canada. International students who apply for this course will have the opportunity to learn electronics, applications, computer network systems, and medical imaging systems. Additionally, they will also learn about medical laboratory practices, anatomy, physiology, and health technology management. Also, the course covers various principles in the design of medical equipment, rehabilitation, and health improvement devices, and some of them include:
- Microcontrollers
- Computers
- Engineering
- Chemical
- Biology
- And Medicine
Graduates will be enlightened to help manage technology-related risks and practices in the healthcare system throughout the entire lifecycle of medical devices.
4. Bachelor of Computer Science (Honours) – Computer Game Technology
For students who are interested in computer science and have also developed an interest in computer games, this might be the course you might be looking for. This course entails the overall theory and application behind the design of algorithms, programming languages, hardware architecture, systems software, application software, and tools. Additionally, courses are offered in artificial intelligence, human-computer interactions, web data management, and Internet tools, among others.
Furthermore, students will be able to build their game development skills for computer consoles, PCs, and hand-held computer games.
5. Advanced College Diploma – Chemical Engineering Technology – Environmental (PCETE) (Optional Co-op)
The Chemical Engineering Technology course covers courses in Solid waste, air pollution, and wastewater treatment, environmental audit, environmental regulations and laws, instrumental analysis and analytical chemistry, and design and operation of chemical processes. The program also includes three paid co-op work placements, which means that students will gain on-the-field experience while earning an income at the same time.
There are different options to explore in the STEM field in Canada. Some of them include courses in
- Civil engineering
- Chemical engineering
- Computer engineering
- Power engineering
- Data Science
- Statistics
- Mathematics and applied mathematics
- Computer science
- Data science and machine learning
- Information systems
- Biology and microbiology
- Physics
- Environmental Sciences
Top STEM universities in Canada
| Universities | QS World Ranking |
| University of Waterloo | 154 |
| University of Alberta | 110 |
| University of Calgary | 242 |
| University of Saskatchewan | 345 |
| University of Guelph | 486 |
| University of British Columbia | 47 |
| University of Toronto | 21 |
| McGill University | 31 |
| University of Montreal | 116 |
| Concordia University | 283 |
| University of Ottawa | 237 |
| McMaster University | 152 |
| University of Victoria | 359 |
| Queen’s University at Kingston | 208 |
| Université du Québec | 303 |
| Simon Fraser University | 390 |
| Western University | 273 |
| University of Ontario Institute of Technology | 1063 |
Requirements to study STEM courses in Canada
The eligibility criteria to study STEM courses differ based on each university’s requirements, however, the generally acceptable requirements include:
- For those pursuing an undergraduate degree, you must have physics, chemistry, and biology in high school.
- For those pursuing a postgraduate degree, you must have a bachelor’s degree in the STEM course you are going in for.
- Additionally, applicants must have the necessary documents
Standardized tests are also important. Some of the necessary standardized tests include:
- IELTS- for English Proficiency
- SAT- for bachelor’s Program
- TOFEL- for English Proficiency
- GRE- for Master’s Program
- PTE- for English Proficiency
- GMAT- for Management Programs
To pursue an undergraduate stem degree you must meet the following requirements in the following subjects:
- Science: 10+2 in PCM or PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics/Biology)
- Technology: 10+2 in or PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics) Biology is mandatory for Biotechnology courses
- Engineering: 10+2 in PCM with (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics)
- Mathematics: 10+2 in PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics)
To get a postgraduate certificate in any STEM course, you are to meet the following subject-specific requirements:
- Science: 10+2 with 3-year formal bachelor’s degree in Science Honours
- Technology: 10+2 with a 4-year formal bachelor’s degree in any Technological or related discipline
- Engineering: 10+2 with a 4-year formal bachelor’s degree in any Engineering or related discipline
- Mathematics: 10+2 with a 3-year formal bachelor’s degree in Mathematics Honours.
Important Documents
- Official High School Transcripts
- A letter of recommendation
- Higher Secondary Certificate
- Bachelor’s Degree (for masters)
- Work experience certificate (if any)
- Language test scores
- GRE or GMAT scorecards
- Personal Essay
- Statement of Purpose
- Resume or CV
- Proof of your financial resources
- Student visa.
Begin your Career in STEM Today
Do you desire to start a career in STEM? The first thing is to pursue a degree in STEM. Wondering how to go about pursuing a postgraduate degree in STEM courses abroad? We can guide you through your journey and make your dreams come true. Reach out to us at EdXtra to access opportunities that will help you on your journey.
Enrolling in the top universities in the world can increase your chances with employers. Unfortunately, it can be quite expensive to study abroad due to the current economic crisis. But this shouldn’t limit you as there are other options you can explore to enhance your career.
MPower Finance and Prodigy Finance are some of the best student loan providers for international students. They also do not require any cosigner or collateral before application. At EdXtra Associates, we can help you with your loan application process. We also provide educational consultancy services for international students to help make your journey easier and faster. You can reach out to us, as we’d love to guide you through this journey.
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