After deciding to study in Canada, many students start to think about which province or city to study in. There must be a comparison between Ontario and British Columbia (here and after referred to as B.C.), two of Canada’s most developed provinces. To help you have an in-depth understanding, let’s look at these two provinces.
- Provincial Examination
The graduation requirement for high schools in B.C. is to take the B.C. Provincial Examination (Dogwood), and you must pass the Dogwood test to be eligible for university courses. In addition, students in B.C.’s high schools need to complete 80 credit courses, including 48 mandatory credits and 32 optional credits.
In contrast, Ontario’s teaching system is more flexible, and Ontario does not have a provincial exam. Credit courses are also lower than in B.C., with students only required to complete 30 credits, including 18 mandatory credits and 12 optional credits. In addition, Ontario has fewer requirements when reenrolling for international students and would give more care for students.
- University
In Canada, education is governed by the provinces, and public universities are funded and administered by each province so that each university would allocate more quotas to high school students enrolled in its own province.
Let’s look at the strength of the universities in these two provinces based on the highly recognized Maclean’s Magazine. Of the nearly 50 Canadian universities listed in the Maclean’s rankings, 18 of the 22 universities in Ontario are listed, with 5 in the medical sciences field, 8 in the comprehensive field and 5 in the undergraduate field; 4 of 11 universities in B.C. are listed, with one in the medical science field, 2 in the comprehensive field and 1 in the undergraduate field. In terms of both number and proportion, Ontario’s universities are ahead of B.C.’s. So, students who come to Ontario for high school will have more options for their future university applications and future development.
- Language environment
Every student might want to improve their English during their study in Canadian high school. The language environment in Ontario is relatively better. For example, Ottawa and Toronto can be an eye-opener for students who apply to study here. Their accumulated knowledge and experience will help their future studies and employment.
- Social life
In similar communities, B.C.’s rent is higher than in Ontario, and so are all aspects of food, clothing, etc.
Overall, there are fewer industries in B.C., and many of them are small, so employment opportunities are limited.
The job opportunities in Ontario are better than those in B.C., which has the political center of Canada, Ottawa, and the economic center, Toronto, two major cities. The economic growth rate, the establishment of various financial centers, manufacturing centers, etc., which means there are more job opportunities, with higher income, and more options and opportunities for students to work after graduation.
Comparison for learning, life, and the prospects, it all leads to Ontario is the perfect choice for international high school students!