Study Agriculture In Canada – Eligibility, Fees & Process

Agriculture is an important industry for the thriving of a country. Canada is known for its diverse Agriculture and farmland, which is a major contributor to the Canadian economy. Agriculture In Canada has been evolving and thriving since the 20th century. About 270,000 Canadians are involved in farming. Canadian farmers rely on modern as well as traditional practices. There is also a heavy emphasis on crop protection and soil conservation. The sector is diverse, and multiple opportunities are available for interested graduates. Canada is also a leading exporter of agricultural goods like pulses and canola in the world. The world’s largest exporter of pulses is Canada. According to the government of Canada census of Agriculture, the average farm size in Canada is 608 acres. With the latest scientific farming methods and technologies being used along with traditional practices, Canada is a perfect location for learning about Agriculture. Hence it is not unsurprising that Agriculture education in Canada is an enriching experience. The entry-level salary for agricultural roles in Canada is around $50,000.

Agriculture Courses Available in Canada

Canada offers the latest and in-demand courses on Agriculture with an emphasis on the latest agricultural technology. Students studying the Course in Canada can pursue fulfilling careers in areas like agricultural research and farming operations as surveyors, farmers, scientists, experts, agronomists, and product developers. Canada offers three major degrees in Agriculture. These include-

Bachelor’s in Agriculture

Canada offers multiple degrees for students at the bachelor’s level in Agriculture. Some of the major degrees are-

1. B.A. in Sustainable Agriculture and food system
2. B.Sc. in agricultural studies
3. B.Sc. in agribusiness
4. B.Sc. in agricultural economics
5. B.Sc. in food science

The bachelor courses are intensive, evidence-based, research-oriented, and use applied theoretical learning. Admission for Agricultural courses begins in September. These courses usually span three semesters.

Masters in Agriculture

Canada offers an in-depth and world-class education in Agriculture at the master’s level. Some courses offered in Agriculture by Canada are-

1. M.Sc. in agricultural economics
2. M.Sc. in food science and agricultural chemistry
3. M.Sc. in integrated land and food systems

Over 12 Universities and colleges in Canada offer Masters in Agriculture. The specialisations offered in the Master’s program in Agriculture include-

1. Agriculture Economics
2. Agricultural sciences
3. Food production
4. Aquaculture
5. Agricultural chemistry
6. Agricultural business
7. Food safety and food science
8. Agriculture and nutrition
9. Sustainable Agriculture
10. Farming methods
11. Pesticide
12. Poultry Science
13. Irrigation science

Doctoral Degrees

Canada offers multiple degrees in agricultural science, food science, and related fields. To get admitted into a PhD program, one needs all the relevant research work, work experience, a Master’s Degree in Agriculture, and equivalent field and publications. Subjects offered are biology, botany, nutrition science, poultry, biodiversity, fertiliser, mapping soil conditions, water resources, precipitation, and soil conservation. Canada also offers numerous certificate and Diploma Programs in Agriculture, food safety, operations leadership in food manufacturing, and aquaculture.

Scope of Studying Agriculture In Canada

Agriculture forms a major contributor to the economy of Canada. The Canadian Agriculture industry is highly organised and utilises the latest technology for all the growing, manufacturing and storage procedures. Here are several reasons why you should pursue the Course in Canada:

• Canadian agricultural education is of the highest quality. The latest sciences and technology are well integrated into the course.
• Canada also offers good flexibility and students. International students get a good return on investment.
• Canada has a motivating and experienced-oriented environment that equips the students with the necessary skills.

Eligibility Criteria for Agriculture Courses in Canada

For admission in a Bachelor’s course in Canada-

• Grade 12 education with biology, chemistry, and equivalent subjects
• A minimum of 65 percentage
• Language proficiency test scores IELTS-band 6.5 and above

For admission to a Master’s course in Agriculture In Canada, the requirements are-

• A bachelor’s degree in Agriculture and related fields like food science, food manufacturing, and nutrition
• A score of 70 per cent or more at the undergraduate level
• English proficiency exam results such as IELTS or TOEFL

Documents Required

For applying for a Bachelor’s Programme in Agriculture In Canada, a few requirements are-

• Original transcripts
• All mark sheets
• Statement of purpose
• Letter of recommendation
• English proficiency score

The following are essential documents needed for admission-

• Statement of purpose
• Letter of recommendation
• English Language proficiency scores
• Resume and personal statements
• Original transcripts
• Details of undergraduate research or projects
• Work experience or research experience in Agriculture, if applicable

Top Colleges for Agriculture courses in Canada

Several colleges across Canada offer programs in Agriculture. These are at bachelor’s, master’s, certificate, and diploma levels-

• University of Guelph, Ontario
• University of British Columbia, Vancouver
• McGill University, Montreal, Quebec.
• University of Alberta, Edmonton Alberta
• University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon
• University of Toronto, Toronto
• University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba
• Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia
• University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, Canada

Some scholarships available for Canadian students when applying for a master’s in Agriculture are the Ontario graduate scholarship, McGill financial aid, Dean Scholarship, and scholarship in Agriculture.

Apply for Agriculture Courses in Canada

To apply for agricultural courses in Canada, you need proper research and planning.

• The first step to applying for agricultural courses in Canada is to conduct proper research into universities offering courses
• Find out about the subjects and specialisations you are interested in and shortlist the universities offering them
• Next, understand the application procedure, deadlines, and eligibility
• Deadlines are critical to stick to ensure no delay in your admission
• Keep your documents ready. Once you get accepted, figure out the tuition fees and how you plan to fund your study
• Look for aid, financial study abroad loans, and scholarships
• Figure out living expenses in Canada for students studying Agriculture

Job Prospects

Agriculture Universities in Canada can offer an upward trajectory to your Agriculture career. The diverse roles and lucrative salaries make it a gratifying career. Some opportunities for jobs for Agriculture and related graduates, which have grown in recent years, are-

1. Agronomist
2. Farm manager
3. Food product manager
4. Agricultural scientist
5. Agricultural researcher
6. Sales manager
7. Microbiology
8. Analyst
9. Product innovator
10. Farming operation head

A graduate at entry level can earn about $40,000-$60,000. The industry constantly needs innovative, skilled talent to improve agricultural processes and management.

Conclusion

Agriculture is an evolving sector highly in demand because of the needs it fulfils. Canada is a hotspot for studying Agriculture. It is one of the ten countries in the world with the highest agricultural products exports. Agricultural education in Canada employs about 2.3 million people each year. Internationally skilled workers in Agriculture are in demand in organic farming and crop rotation sub-industries, and this is especially rewarding for international students. With the latest evidence-based and research-based education, Canada is the perfect destination for studying Agriculture.