Study in Canada
Study in Canada for top-ranked universities, affordable tuition fee, post-study work right, and a multicultural environment ideal for international students seeking global careers.
Study Abroad in Canada: Guide for Global Students
Studying in Canada sounds exciting, yeah but figuring out where to start can feel like too much at first. Don’t worry, most students feel the same when they begin. You look at websites, rankings, and deadlines and honestly, it gets a bit overwhelming.
If you’re planning to study abroad in Canada, you’re definitely not alone. Canada’s pretty solid when it comes to education. Over 8 lac international students chose Canada last year alone and that number keeps going up.
Tuition fees? Depends on the course, but for undergrad, it can be anywhere from 20,000 to 25,000 CAD per year. Master’s programs usually cost less, around 40,000 to 45,000 CAD.
The cool part? You can work part-time while studying and apply for a post-study work permit too. Universities like Toronto and McGill are big names, but there are plenty of affordable and welcoming options as well, especially if you’re looking to study in Canada for Indian students or students from Southeast Asia.
As per QS ranking report, top Canadian universities are listed in the 200 top list. With a high-level education system and affordable tuition fees, study in Canada for international students is becoming a smart and popular choice for those who want to pursue higher education.
Why Should You Study in Canada as an International Student?
There’s something about Canada that just feels right for students. Maybe it is the mix of top-ranked universities and that friendly vibe you hear about. Or the fact that it’s one of the few countries where you can actually work while studying and even after your course ends. That’s a big deal when you’re investing so much.
Around 8 lac international students picked Canada last year. Not just because of education, but because life there’s actually liveable. You have got clean cities, decent healthcare, and people who mostly mind their own business but still help if you ask.
Plus, Canadian degrees are recognised almost everywhere. Whether you’re into tech, business, healthcare or design, there’s a place for you. It’s not always cheap, sure, but compared to the US or UK, it’s still more doable. And honestly? You grow here. Not just in class, but as a person. That’s what makes it worth it.
Quick Facts About Canada
Feature | Details |
Capital | Ottawa |
Top Student Cities | Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Calgary, Ottawa |
Language of Instruction | English & French |
Number of Universities | 100+ public and private institutions |
Top Universities | University of Toronto, McGill University, UBC, University of Alberta |
Popular Courses | Engineering, Business, Computer Science, Healthcare, Data Science |
Tuition Fees | CAD 20,000 – 45,000/year (varies by program) |
Cost of Living | CAD 800 – 1,800/month depending on city and lifestyle |
Intakes | Fall (Sept), Winter (Jan), Summer (May) |
Post-Study Work Visa | Up to 3 years (based on course length) |
Scholarships Available | Vanier, OGS, UBC IMES, Schulich Leader, university-specific awards |
What Is the Education System Like in Canada?
Canada’s education system is pretty straightforward once you get the understanding of it. It’s split between college and university. Colleges are more hands-on, think diplomas, certificates, stuff that’s job-ready. Universities are where you go for bachelor’s, master’s or PhDs, and the vibe is more academic and research-heavy.
Most undergrad programs run for three to four years. Postgrad stuff? Usually one to two. Some schools even let you mix work and study through co-op programs, which is great if you don’t want to wait till graduation to get real experience.
There’s no central system for everything, each province kinda does its own thing. But don’t stress, the quality stays solid across the board. Classes are small, professors are usually chill, and international support is a real thing, not just something they write in brochures.
It’s not perfect, but for most students, it works, and it works well.
What Are the Top Courses to Study in Canada?
If you’re wondering what to study in Canada, the options are honestly solid. Tech and computer science are huge right now, no surprise there, with all the startups and global companies hiring like crazy. Business and management are still going strong too, especially if you’re aiming for an MBA or something finance-related.
Health and nursing programs are getting a lot of attention. Engineering’s always been a go-to, whether it’s civil, mechanical or software. And if you’re the creative type, design, media, and animation courses are picking up fast, mostly because Canada actually needs skilled workers in that space..
List of the most demanding courses in Canada that remain in high demand.
- Engineering
- Healthcare & Medicine (MBBS)
- Computer Science and Information Technology
- Business Management
- Law
- Human Resource Management
- Architecture
- Project Management
- Data Science
- Accounting and Finance
What Are the Admission Requirements to Study in Canada?
The admission process in Canada is not difficult, but yeah, you do need to have your documents sorted. As per the courses and universities, they usually ask for your 10th and 12th marksheets. Some universities want a minimum percentage, like 70 percent or more, but it really depends on where you apply.
For master’s, your bachelor’s degree has to match the course you’re applying to. Most unis ask for a decent GPA, like 3.0 out of 4, but again, it varies. English tests document.
List of documents:
- Academic transcripts
- Standardized test scores – SAT
- Standardized test scores – GMAT / GRE / LSAT
- English language proficiency test scores: TOEFL / IELTS / PTE / Duolingo / CAEL
- Statement of Purpose
- Essay
- Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL)
- Letter of Recommendation
- Copy of your valid passport
- Proof of finances (Guaranteed Investment Certificate)
What Are the Student Visa Requirements for Studying in Canada?
Once you get your offer letter, the next big step is getting that study permit, basically Canada’s version of a student visa. The first thing you will need is your Letter of Acceptance from a recognized college or university. No offer, no visa, simple as that.
You will also need to show proof of funds. That means showing you’ve got enough money to cover tuition and living costs. As of now, it’s around 20635 CAD for living expenses, plus your first-year tuition.
Document List:
- Valid Passport
- Proof of Acceptance by a Designated Learning Institution
- Proof of Funds
- + 4 more documents
How Much Does It Cost to Study in Canada?
Studying in Canada is more affordable than in the US or UK, but costs still add up. Here’s a simple breakdown you can count on:
Tuition fees:
- Undergraduate degrees: around CAD 35,000 per year, depending on the university and course
- Postgraduate courses: around CAD 20,000–25,000 annually
What Is the Cost of Living in Canada for Students?
Living in Canada as a student can be comfortable without taking extra burden, but it depends on where you stay. On average, you’ll need around CAD 20,600 a year to cover rent, food, transit, utilities, and random expenses. That’s what most schools suggest when you apply for a study permit.
In smaller cities or towns, rent for a shared apartment could be CAD 600–900 per month. In big cities like Toronto or Vancouver, expect CAD 1,200–1,800 monthly just for your room.
Which Are the Best Universities in Canada for International Students?
So, thinking of studying in Canada? You’re definitely not the only one. In fact, over 800,000 international students landed in Canada last year, and the number just keeps going up. It’s not hard to see why. The universities here aren’t just well-ranked, they actually care about real-world learning. And yeah, the quality of life? Pretty solid.
Whether you’re into business, engineering, or health sciences, there’s a program that’ll probably suit you. Schools like Toronto, UBC, and McGill don’t just look good on paper, they’ve got the resources, the faculty, and the vibe to help you grow. And while tuition can be high at some unis, it’s still way more affordable than studying in the US or UK.
Also, Canada’s pretty chill when it comes to diversity. You’ll bump into students from literally everywhere, India, China, Nigeria, Brazil, and that makes it easier to settle in. Honestly, the support systems for international students here? They’re pretty solid too.
Anyway, if you’re looking for top Canadian universities, check the table below, it’s got everything from rankings to average tuition fees. Real quick and easy.
Top Canadian Universities for International Students
QS World Rank 2025 | University | Location | Avg. International Tuition (CAD/year) |
25 | University of Toronto | Toronto, Ontario | C$45,000 – 60,000 |
29 | McGill University | Montreal, Quebec | C$32,000–50,000 |
34 | University of British Columbia (UBC) | Vancouver, British Columbia | C$30,000–45,000 |
65 | Edmonton, Alberta | C$25,000–35,000 | |
90 | Hamilton, Ontario | C$25,000–35,000 | |
116 | Montreal, Quebec | C$20,000–30,000 | |
152 | Burnaby/Vancouver, BC | C$25,000–35,000 | |
172 | Waterloo, Ontario | C$30,000–45,000 | |
237 | Ottawa, Ontario | C$25,000–35,000 | |
243 | Calgary, Alberta | C$25,000–35,000 |
What Scholarships Are Available to Study in Canada?
Got to be real! Scholarships aren’t easy to get, but Canada’s got some good ones worth trying. First off, there’s the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship, awesome for PhD students, gives you 50 K CAD per year for three years. Then in Ontario, the OGS is around 5 K CAD per term, but you need top grades.
Undergrads at UBC can get the IMES or OIS awards, that’s 10‑20 KCAD per year. Engineering or STEM students could land the Schulich Leader Scholarship up to 120 KCAD.
When Are the Intakes to Study in Canada?
Most Canadian universities run on a couple of main intakes: October and January, and some also have a May or September intake. Here’s how it usually pans out at most places:
- Fall intake (October) is the biggest one. That’s when most courses start, and it’s usually the easiest to find options and housing.
- Winter intake (January) is smaller but still popular. Classes start then, and applications usually open around September.
- Summer intake (May/September) isn’t as common. It depends on the school and the program, more for diploma or certificate courses.
Cost of Living in Canada
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Frequently Asked Questions
Canada hosts over 1 million international students as of end-2023, ranking third globally. It offers world-class education, welcoming communities, and post-study work and PR pathways—making it a top study abroad destination.
In 2025, around 137,600 Indian students are in Canada, the largest international group there.
Undergraduate tuition fees ranges from CAD 20,000–25,000/year, while master’s may go up to CAD 40,000–45,000/year.
Expect to spend around CAD 20,600/year (~CAD 1,200–1,800/month in big cities) for rent, food, transport, and utilities.
The main intake is Fall (September/October), with additional Winter (January) and occasional Summer (May) sessions, especially for diplomas.
Yes. Full-time students can work up to 24 hrs/week off-campus during sessions (updated Nov 8, 2024), and full-time during breaks.
If your program includes a co‑op or internship, you’ll need an additional co-op work permit, which allows full-time work as part of the curriculum.
After graduating from a qualifying program (≥2 yrs), you can apply for a PGWP up to 3 years, enabling full-time work and a path toward residency.
Currently, full-time students can work off-campus up to 24 hours/week during academic terms. Exceeding this risks your study permit.
World-renowned universities include Toronto (#25), McGill (#29), UBC (#34), Alberta (#65), and others—all ranking in QS 2025.
Popular fields for international students include Engineering, Computer Science, Business, Healthcare, Data Science, Nursing, Architecture, and Law.
You need academic transcripts (10th & 12th or UG grades), standardized test scores (SAT/GMAT/GRE), English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL/PTE), SOP, LORs, passport, and proof of finances.
A Study Permit is required for programs over 6 months. You’ll need an offer letter, proof of CAD 20,635+ for living costs, and must apply before your course starts.
Processing typically takes 60 days, though timelines vary by country; apply early.
Yes. With a valid study permit, you may work full-time during scheduled breaks like summer and winter holidays.
Rent varies by city. Shared apartments in small cities cost CAD 600–900/month, while in Toronto or Vancouver, expect CAD 1,200–1,800/month.
You can apply for:
- Vanier CGS (PhD) – CAD 50,000/year
- Ontario Graduate Scholarship – ~CAD 5,000/term
- UBC IMES (scholarships up to 20K/yr)
- Schulich Leader (STEM) – up to CAD 120,000
Yes, many PGWP holders apply for PR through Express Entry, Canadian Experience Class, or Provincial Nominee Programs, depending on work experience.
Yes; Canada is a welcoming country with strong student support services. However, regional tensions (e.g., Punjab-Canada) may affect some communities.