Why Ottawa is One of the Best Cities in Canada for International Students

If you’re researching international education, Ottawa is the place to be! From safe city streets to a thriving job market, to friendly citizens, to high-quality education, living and learning in Canada’s capital is one of the best decisions you could make.

Here are four reasons why we think Ottawa could be the right fit for you:

1. Ottawa is a safe, inclusive and multicultural city

A diverse international population and inclusive public services empower new students to feel at home quickly!

Safety first

Ottawa stands out as one of the safest cities in the country, offering residents and visitors alike a sense of comfort and ease. With its low crime index and high safety index, you can feel confident knowing you’re in good hands, whether you’re exploring downtown, wandering through its parks, or simply enjoying the city’s welcoming atmosphere.

All are welcome here

The city also has a reputation for being welcoming and diverse! Ottawa is a true melting pot of culture with every one in four residents being an immigrant (City of Ottawa, 2025). Every newcomer brings something special to the city and Ottawa welcomes all.

Culture shock? More like “cultures rock”!

With such a diverse population, it’s only fitting that cultural celebrations are commonplace here! Ottawans host dozens of cultural events each year, including the Lebanese festival, Dumpling Fest, the Filipino-Canadian festival, Greek Fest and more. International students are never far from home in this city.

2. Ottawa provides affordable and high-quality living

Moving abroad can be expensive, but you’ll be glad to know that Ottawa offers lower rent, food and transportation costs compared to bigger cities like Toronto and Vancouver.

Rent
Being a smaller city has its advantages; the average cost of a two-bedroom apartment in Ottawa is between $1,200 and $1,500, whereas Toronto and Vancouver’s rental prices are significantly higher.

Food
Groceries cost less here. A single Ottawa resident can live on $400 of groceries a month. Meanwhile, in larger cities, students could spend $500-700 per month on food alone.If you’d rather eat out, you’ll appreciate Ottawa’s lower restaurant costs. Here, two can dine for around $80 at most mid-range eateries.

Transportation
Algonquin College in Ottawa is conveniently located with easy access to reliable public transit, making it simple for students to navigate the city. Several major bus routes and the nearby O-Train Line 1 connect the campus to popular neighbourhoods, shopping areas, and downtown Ottawa. Whether you’re commuting to class or exploring the city, transit options are frequent, affordable, and student friendly.

3. Ottawa offers work-integrated learning and career opportunities

Every penny counts when you’re a student. That’s why Ottawa’s strong economy and significant economic prosperity make all the difference.

Work-integrated learning
Some educational institutions, like Algonquin College, give students the opportunity to gain relevant Canadian work experience while they study.

Algonquin College has tons of Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) programs that include co-op and field placements. Students can find work in sectors like tech, health, business, and government.

4. Ottawa’s diverse job market

Ottawa is a hub for government jobs, tech companies (Silicon Valley North), and international organizations, providing plenty of part-time jobs, internships, and post-graduation employment opportunities.

Speaking of the workforce, did you know that 86% of AC graduates find employment within six months of graduating? (Algonquin College, 2024)

The best of the best
AC’s faculty is comprised of industry leaders, and its facilities are equipped with top-of-the-line equipment. Regardless of your program, you’ll get to use state-of-the-art technology and industry-standard equipment to emerge fully prepared for the workforce. Algonquin College’s International grads benefit from being job-ready and often stay and work in Canada.

A great place to live and learn

Ottawa is home to reliable public transit, beautiful walkable neighbourhoods, multicultural food options and sprawling green spaces and hiking trails. Budget-friendly entertainment, student discounts and an easy-going pace make Ottawa an excellent place to study and live. Learn more about international education.