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Tag: STEM Occupations

High-Demand STEM Courses in Canada for International Students in 2025

STEM courses in Canada are in high demand. Canada invests largely in STEM fields, as there is a rising demand for skilled professionals. Theoretical base with practical reality; this is how STEM education plays a key role in helping students deal with real life challenges.

Here is the blog where you will explore more about STEM education and its importance.

What is STEM Education and Why is it Important

STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. It is a comprehensive approach, merging all four subjects and producing an interdisciplinary curriculum. The combination of these subjects equip students with essential skills like problem solving and critical thinking which are highly relevant for the current global job market. This learning method focuses on real world experiences by adopting problem solving methodology. Students who choose STEM courses have a high probability of getting placed in top companies.

In the current scenario, 75% of the total jobs are in need of STEM graduates. This will increase in the future too. So STEM graduates would always have a slight superiority over other job applicants.
As our society is developing with new inventions and advanced technology, the need for skilled professionals is rising.

Benefits of Studying STEM:

  • Offers students with the necessary knowledge and practical skills to meet the real world challenges.
  • Enables to work with latest technologies and create innovative ideas.
  • Hands-on approach in education so that you will be able to apply your knowledge.
  • Numerous job opportunities and high salaries.

Stem Courses in Canada for International Students

There are a wide range of STEM disciplines that can be chosen based on your interest and passion. As the STEM field is growing in Canada, plenty of opportunities are waiting.

STEM courses are offered at UG,PG and Doctorate levels. The degree courses are 2 – 3 years long. There are diploma courses too which have a duration of 1 – 3 years long.

Let’s break down each subject and explore the demanding courses from it.

Stem Courses in Canada for International Students

SCIENCE

Canada ranks in the top for its best universities and advanced research programs in science. There are numerous courses like Microbiology, Environmental Science, Physics, Biochemistry, that prepare students with the skills to meet modern scientific challenges.

Key Programs

  • Microbiology
  • Health System Management
  • Biochemistry
  • Physics
  • Genetics
  • Astronomy

Career Opportunities

Teacher/Professor, Environmental Scientist, Biotechnologist, Medical Laboratory Technologist, Microbiologist, Pharmacologist, Astronomer

TECHNOLOGY

Canada invests largely in technological innovations and a well- developed educational system. It is the perfect destination where you can pursue technology based programs like Data Science, Information Technology and many more that contribute significantly to enhance industries and everyday life. Technology is essential in modern society, facilitating automation, enhancing communication, and driving digital progress.

Key Programs

  • Data Science
  • Information Technology
  • Robotics
  • Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
  • Computer Science
  • Cybersecurity

Career Opportunities

Data Scientist, Web Developer, Software Engineer, Technical Support Specialist, IT Project Manager, AI Engineer

ENGINEERING

Engineering programs in Canada are designed to deal with the real world problems in a most advanced manner. It includes a wide range of courses, each of which is highly demanding in its own way.

Key Programs

  • Chemical Engineering
  • Aerospace Engineering
  • Civil Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Computer Engineering

Career Opportunities

Aerospace Engineer, Chemical Engineer, Computer Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, Civil Engineer

MATHEMATICS

This is a crucial part in STEM courses in Canada, forming the basis for solving problems in different fields. Pure and applied mathematics and statistics are the key aspects, offering a wide knowledge on problem solving, analyzing data and modeling new mathematical methods.

Key Programs

  • Statistics
  • Applied mathematics
  • Data Analysis
  • Mathematics

Career Opportunities

Mathematician, Statistician, Data Analyst, Actuary, Mathematical Modeler, Operations Research Analyst

Best Universities to Study STEM Courses in Canada

The answer for why Canada lies in its global reputation of having the best universities for STEM education. A variety of programs have been proposed by the Canadian government to meet its workforce needs.

Let’s take a look into some of the top ranked universities and their popular programs.

UNIVERSITY POPULAR PROGRAMS
University Of Waterloo Biostatistics, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics
McGill University Nursing, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Physical Sciences
University Of Toronto Electrical & Computer Engineering, Medical Radiation Sciences, Nursing
Western University Physics and Astronomy, Mechanical and Materials Engineering, Computer Science
University Of British Columbia Computer Science, Biomedical Engineering, Neuroscience
University Of Alberta Mathematics, Civil Engineering, Medicine, Physical Sciences
Seneca College Computer Programming and Analysis, Environmental Technology, Mechatronics Simulation
Concordia University Aerospace Engineering, Biochemistry, Industrial Engineering, Biophysics
University Of Montreal Pharmacotherapy, Audiology, Actuarial Science, Biochemistry
Ontario Tech University Automotive Engineering, Material Science, Software Engineering, Mechanical Engineering

STEM Courses in Canada Requirements

Students are required to meet certain eligibility criteria to secure admission for a STEM course.

You must have a strong academic background in maths and science subjects, including calculus. You may need to submit additional standardized tests like GMAT, ACT, SAT depending upon the university.

For Bachelor’s in STEM

Eligibility Criteria
  • You must hold a higher secondary education with a score of 65 % – 70% particularly in Science and mathematics.
  • English language proficiency : A minimum of 6.5 IELTS score.
  • You may need to take tests like SAT(1000 – 2000) or ACT(20 – 30) with the given scores.
Documents Required
  • A valid higher secondary certificate with a good CGPA
  • Letter of recommendation
  • Standardized tests like ACT or SAT

For Master’s In STEM

Eligibility Criteria
  • Bachelor’s degree in the related field with a GPA of 70% – 80%
  • English proficiency test like IELTS score of 6.5 – 7.5 or TOEFL.
  • Need to clear GMAT(500 – 700) or GRE(300 – 400)
Documents Required
  • Bachelor’s degree certificate
  • Letter of recommendation

STEM Courses in Canada Fees

Tuition fees for STEM courses vary depending on the university and the program level you choose in Canada. An average of CAD 35000 – 50000 per year is expected to be paid by the international students in Canada which is affordable compared to other countries.

Here is a list of tuition fees at some top universities in Canada for international students aiming for STEM courses.

For UG Courses

UNIVERSITY ANNUAL TUITION FEE (INR)
University Of British Columbia 4 – 23 lakhs
University Of Alberta 5 – 11 lakhs
University Of Toronto 12 – 31 lakhs
McGill University 8 – 25 lakhs

For PG Courses

UNIVERSITY ANNUAL TUITION FEE
University Of Waterloo INR 11 – 19 lakhs
McMaster University INR 10 – 30 lakhs
University Of Calgary INR 6 – 18 lakhs

STEM Scholarships for International Students in Canada

Universities and colleges that offer STEM courses have numerous scholarships for undergraduate, postgraduate and doctorate level programs.

SCHOLARSHIP AWARD
York University International Student Scholarship Program CAD 88,219 – CAD 147,005
Amber Scholar Scholarship CAD 22,054
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships CAD 50,000
Ontario Graduate Scholarship CAD 15,000
Ellen Nilsen Memorial Graduate Scholarship Up to CAD 1,500
Rotary Foundation Global Scholarship Grants for Development CAD 44,109

Frequently Asked Questions

What are stem courses?
STEM degrees are an interdisciplinary, hands-on educational approach that prepares students to develop skills like problem – solving, research , analysis and critical thinking, necessary to meet the real – world challenges.
Who is eligible for STEM in Canada?
Individuals with a degree or work experience in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics are considered eligible in Canada. To pursue STEM education in Canada, you must hold a higher secondary with a good GPA or a bachelor’s in any of related fields.
What is STEM in Express Entry?
It’s a potential advantage for those seeking a permanent residency in canada. In Canada’s express entry, STEM is the category for the ones specialized in the field of Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics, helping them to be considered in immigration draws.
Is STEM in demand in Canada?
Yes, Canada has a strong and growing economy with the rise in STEM fields due to its emphasis on technology and innovation. Canada is highly prioritizing STEM education and ample job opportunities are waiting for you.
Which is the best STEM school in Canada?
Canada has many universities with STEM programs and among them University of Toronto, University of Waterloo and University Of British Columbia stands out the best.

Canada’s New Category-Based Occupations List – Discover to Know your Eligibility!

The IRCC launched the concept of category-based draws to bring in skilled professionals to become permanent residents and fulfill labor shortages in domains such as STEM, healthcare, agriculture, trade, and other occupations. In invitation rounds for category-based occupations, Canada extends invitations to applicants in the Express Entry pool. These invitations are issued to candidates who fit into a particular category for the Canada skilled occupations list that the Minister has created to achieve a particular economic objective. 

The Express Entry draw in Canada has targeted six categories this year:

?French Proficiency

?Healthcare Occupations

?STEM Occupations

?Trade Occupations

?Transport Occupations

?Agriculture and Agri-food Occupations

Category-based Selection – Requirements

Canada invites you to apply for permanent residence if you:

?Possess the ability to communicate in an official language (English/French).

?Have a work experience in the occupation specified under the occupations list.

?Meet the educational requirements.

To be eligible for permanent residency in Canada, you must meet the requirements set by the IRCC for category-based selection. While the IRCC holds these draws, candidates who meet the category requirements for the Canada skilled occupations list are ranked in the Express Entry pool, and the top-ranking candidates are invited to become PR in Canada.

Eligibility Criteria for Canada Skilled Occupations List in 2024

The Canada Express Entry Program uses the points-based system to assess applications. Finding applicants who have the best possibility of prospering after migrating to Canada is the primary goal of this method. The points scale rates you according to the following criteria and has a maximum score of 1200.

?Age 

If you are between the ages of 18 and 35, you can get the most points. People who are older will receive fewer points.

?Education

Your minimum educational requirement must match Canada’s higher secondary education level. More points are awarded for higher educational qualifications.

?Work Experience

You must have worked for a minimum of a year to receive the required number of points. You will receive more points if you have worked for a longer period.

?Language Proficiency

To be qualified to apply and earn the required minimum points, you must have at least 6 bands on your IELTS score, which is equivalent to a CLB 7. More points are awarded for higher scores.

?Adaptability

If you have close relatives or family who now reside in Canada and can help you once you relocate, you can receive 10 points on the adaptability element. If your legal partner or spouse is prepared to go to Canada with you, you can also earn points in that regard.

?Arranged Employment

You are eligible for ten points if you have a legitimate job offer from a Canadian employer.

The eligibility requirement for the Express Entry program is 67 points out of 100. You will need to score at least 67 points under various eligibility criteria to apply for your PR visa. The following has the lowest Express Entry CRS score for various categories:

Categories CRS Score
French Proficiency  375
Healthcare Occupations 431
STEM Occupations 481
Trade Occupations 388
Transport Occupations 435
Agriculture and Agri-food Occupations 354

 

Canada Skilled Occupations List in 2024

1️⃣Healthcare Occupations

For healthcare workers, immigration is a major source of supply. According to Statistics Canada’s most recent data on job openings, there were 153,000 open positions in the social assistance and healthcare sectors in April 2023. Out of all the employment sectors, this has the biggest number of open positions.

Healthcare Occupations

Job Title  NOC Codes
Specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine 31100
Specialists in Surgery 31101
General Practitioners and Family Physicians 31102
Veterinarians 31103
Dentists 31110
Optometrists 31111
Audiologists and Speech-language Pathologists 31112
Dietitians and Nutritionists 31121
Psychologists 31200
Chiropractors 31201
Physiotherapists 31202
Occupational Therapists  31203
Kinesiologists and other Professional Occupations in Therapy and Assessment 31204
Other Professional Occupations in Health Diagnosing and Treating 31209
Nursing Coordinators and Supervisors 31300
Registered Nurses and Registered Psychiatric Nurses 31301
Nurse Practitioners 31302
Physician Assistants, Midwives, and Allied Health Professionals 31303
Licensed Practical Nurses 32101
Paramedical Occupations 32102
Respiratory Therapists, Clinical Perfusionists, and Cardiopulmonary Technologists 32103
Other Technical Occupations in Therapy and Assessment 32109
Medical Laboratory Technologists 32120
Medical Radiation Technologists 32121
Medical Sonographers 32122
Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists 32200
Massage Therapists 32201
Other Practitioners of Natural Healing 32209
Medical Laboratory Assistants and Related Technical Occupations 33101
Nurse Aides, Orderlies, and Patient Service Associates 33102
Pharmacy Technical Assistants and Pharmacy Assistants 33103
Other Assisting Occupations in Support of Health Services 33109
Therapists in Counseling and Related Specialized Therapies 41301
Educational Counsellors 41320
Instructors of Persons with Disabilities 42203

2️⃣STEM Occupations

The foundation of Canada’s developing economy is the STEM fields. There were an astounding 56,915 job openings in the Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services category alone in the fourth quarter of 2022. Leading the way in meeting this demand are British Columbia, Ontario, and Quebec, which highlight their innovative and progressive sectors.

STEM Occupations

Job Title  NOC Codes
Architects 21200
Architecture and Science Managers 20011
Business System Specialists 21221
Civil Engineers 21300
Computer and Information Systems Managers 20012
Computer Engineers (except software Engineers and Designers) 21311
Computer Systems Developers and Programmers 21230
Cybersecurity Specialists 21220
Data Scientists 21211
Database Analysts and Data Administrators 21223
Electrical and Electronics Engineers 21310
Engineering Managers 20010
Industrial and Manufacturing Engineers 21321
Information Systems Specialists 21222
Land Surveyors 21203
Landscape Architects 21201
Mathematicians, Statisticians, and Actuaries 21210
Metallurgical an Materials Engineers 21322
Natural and Applied Science Policy Researchers, Consultants, and Program Officers 41400
Software Developers and Programmers 21232
Software Engineers and Designers 21231
Urban and Land Use Planners 21202
Web Designers 21233
Web Developers and Programmers 21234

3️⃣Agriculture and Agri-food Occupations

The percentage of unfilled positions in the Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing, and Hunting category at the end of 2022 was 10,535, or 3.9%.

Agriculture and Agri-food Occupations

Job Title  2021 NOC Code 2021 TEER Category
Contractors and Supervisors, Landscaping, grounds maintenance and horticulture services 82031 2
Agricultural Service Contractors and Farm Supervisors 82030 2
Butchers – Retail and Wholesale 632013 3

4️⃣Transport Occupations

Collectively, a survey suggests that, from now until 2025, Canada would need to hire about 17,000 extra truck drivers yearly to keep up with the labor market shortages, despite reported predictions and statistics varying among sources. 

Transport Occupations

Job Title 2021 NOC Code 2021 TEER Category 
Aircraft Assemblers and Aircraft Assembly Inspectors 93200 3
Transport Truck Drivers 73300 3
Railway Traffic Controllers and Marine Traffic Regulators 72604 2
Engineer Officers, Water Transport 72603 2
Deck Officers, Water Transport 72602 2
Air Traffic Controllers and Related Occupations 72601 2
Air Pilots, Flight Engineers, and Flying Instructors 72600 2
Aircraft Mechanics and Aircraft Inspectors 72404 2
Railway Carmen/Women 72403 2
Managers in Transportation 70020 0

5️⃣Trade Occupations

Trade occupations are still in high demand in Canada because they are essential to so many different sectors of the national economy. Buildings, infrastructure, and residences all require skilled craftspeople like plumbers, electricians, and carpenters. These trades will always be in demand due to population growth and ongoing development projects.

Trade Occupations

Job Title NOC Codes
Residential and Commercial Installers and Servicers 73200
Elevator Constructors and Mechanics 72406
Machine Fitters 72405
Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Mechanics 72402
Construction Millwrights and Industrial Mechanics 72400
Carpenters 72310
Plumbers 72300
Electricians (Except Industrial and Power Systems) 72200
Welders and Related Machine Operators 72016
Contractors and Supervisors, Other Construction Trades, Installers, Repairers and Servicers 72014

Wrap-Up

IRCC states that these new categories were chosen based on labor market information. It also includes projections and input from stakeholders across the country. These categories aim at supporting and developing economic concerns in Canada. If you’re one of these occupations, you have a sea of opportunities that awaits you in Canada. Begin your abroad journey by getting in touch with our Canada immigration consultants at CanApprove! We’d love to hear from you!

 

FAQs

  • What occupations are in shortage in Canada?

Jobe’s roles in the Healthcare sector remain in demand across provinces in Canada. Labor markets particularly lack nursing occupations in Canada.

 

  • Which job is booming in Canada?

In prominent areas including sales, health care, and community services, jobs such as assistant nurse, customer service representative, project manager, pharmacy technician, and data analyst are in high demand in Canada. Our lives advancement is determined by our careers.

 

  • What is the minimum score for Canada Express Entry?

You can be eligible for the Federal Skilled Worker Program if your score is 67 or above. You can then add a profile to the Express Entry database. If you score lower than 67 points, you won’t qualify for the program.