You could argue that a career in technology has never been more of an exciting prospect.
Of course, there was the tech revolution and the dot-com boom in years gone by, but right now, innovations are being made that benefit every aspect of our lives.
The use of smart tech and automation in many industries, from medical and pharmaceutical to logistics and retail, will create a safer, cleaner world in which we can access products and services quicker and more easily.
The rise of 5G will also make communications faster and safer, ensuring that our working and personal lives are enhanced.
The application of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) in gaming is an area of tech that we are only just starting to understand.
Pokémon GO enabled players to interact with the environment around them, and it’s not too hard to believe that soon we will be able to have a soccer field, a bar, or even a casino in our homes, thanks to AR – maybe the days of playing FIFA and Madden on our consoles or online casino games on our smartphones will become a thing of the past?
Whether improving the health and wellbeing of mankind or ensuring fun and frivolity in our spare time, it does feel as though we are on the brink of another tech revolution that will take us into a whole new realm of possibility.
Unsurprisingly, a career in tech is very appealing to students all over the world – being able to solve problems and create exciting new innovations is often just as satisfying as the salary that may accompany the role.
One of the emerging centres for innovation in technology is Canada, with hubs such as Toronto and Montreal offering fantastic opportunities for those wishing to study in the country and, further down the line, pick up jobs in the sector.
If you’re a tech wizard considering studying abroad, here are just some of the universities and colleges that you can think about applying to.
University of Toronto
Despite being one of the largest further education providers in Canada, you won’t feel lost in the crowd at the University of Toronto, especially if you’re part of its famed technology department.
The Department of Computer Science at Toronto is one of the most respected on the planet, with the university having invested significantly in its information and communication technology hubs.
The University of Toronto has its own Innovation Lab, helping tech-focused entrepreneurs bring their ideas to life, and the Banting & Best Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship is a fantastic place for developing your projects.
As if that wasn’t enough, the University of Toronto has the country’s largest undergraduate paid internship program, helping you to get your foot in the door of some major players in the tech sector.
University of British Columbia
Based on some of the various university rankings, the University of British Columbia is widely regarded as one of the best options for tech-minded students.
Its computer science course is considered one of the finest in North America and Canada, and there are more than 100 different courses that fall under the ‘technology’ umbrella – from web design and programming to robotics, e-commerce and even medicine.
Happily, the University of British Columbia is well-respected for the manner in which it treats its international students, with guaranteed housing for first-year undergraduates and a priority listing for second-year learners.
McGill University
Although slightly less well-known outside of Canada, McGill University actually ranks inside the top 50 in the Times Higher Education rankings.
It’s also popular among international students, with more than 150 countries represented at the university each year.
There are a number of feathers in McGill’s cap as far as technological advancement is concerned, and amazingly it was here that the world’s first-ever internet search engine was programmed – you would certainly be part of a rich heritage of innovation.
The university has invested heavily in the latest technology to ensure that learners are at the cutting edge, and that’s one of the reasons why McGill has such an outstanding employment rate for graduates in all fields.
The unique Innovation + Partnerships platform will put you in touch with entrepreneurs and investors to make sure that your tech ideas are given the best possible chance of lift-off.
University of Waterloo
One of the most intriguing things about the University of Waterloo is that it has partnered with a number of global institutions – such as the University of Warwick in England, the National Chiao Tung University in Taiwan and Tsinghua University in China – to offer joint degree programs.
If international study is your goal, then the University of Waterloo might just be for you – especially as there are many scholarship opportunities available.
The good news is that you will get plenty out of your studies. The computer science course is highly rated, and there are opportunities to expand your learning in areas such as digital media, information technology and e-commerce.
Combined, its professors and graduates have collaborated on more than 300 incubator projects and start-ups, so you can enjoy a hands-on experience as well as traditional learning.
University of Montreal
Given that it is such a fantastic city to live in, it’s little wonder that the University of Montreal is so popular with international students.
However, some of the teaching at Montreal is delivered in French, which is clearly an important factor to note.
If you’re multi-lingual though, you will find the technology offerings at the University of Montreal to be first class, with a wide range of courses available and some of the latest software and tech to explore.
If you are looking for a culturally enriching international study program that still looks outstanding on your résumé, then Montreal could be the smart choice.