Study in Canada

    Overview

    International students choose to study in Canada because of the country's globally recognised academic programmes and high standards. International students are drawn to Canadian institutions by their cutting-edge yet reasonably priced, high-quality education system, easy visa application process, and excellent placement prospects. Apart from this, Canada's colleges and universities consistently rank among the top universities worldwide. Overall, Canada is home to three of the top 50 universities in the world.

    Since 2013, the number of Indian students studying in Canada has increased by an astounding 260%. Forty per cent of Canada's overseas student population is Indian. The number of study permits obtained by Indian students in Canada increased from 31,925 in 2016 to 261,310 in 2022 and around 1 million in 2023. A sizable portion of the international student body attending Canadian universities comprises individuals from Asian nations, including China, Korea, and India. A peaceful environment, equality in diversity, and high living standards at a low cost of living are some of the things that draw in international students to Canada.

    If you are also planning to start your study abroad journey to Canada, then read this article till the end to get the best information.

    Key Highlights to Study in Canada

    Below is a quick overview of the important information related to study in Canada for indian students.

    Head Details
    Number of Universities in Canada 150+
    Cost of Studying in Canada (per year) 15,000 CAD to 40,000 CAD
    Cost of Living in the Canada (per year) 10,000 CAD to 25,000 CAD
    Part-time Work 20 hours per week
    Post-study Work Visa (PSW Canada or Graduate Route Visa) Up to three years (if you took a course that was at least two years long)
    Top 5 Universities (QS)
    • University of Toronto
    • McGill University
    • University of British Columbia
    • University of Alberta
    • University of Waterloo

    Study in Canada: Top Universities in Canada for International Students

    International students are admitted to Canadian universities at different academic levels. The following are a few prestigious Canadian universities that accept applications for different academic terms:

    Top Colleges QS World Ranking 2024 Average Tuition Fees in CAD
    university-of-toronto 21 60,510 (37.61 lakhs INR)
    mcgill-university 30 39,000 to 58,158.90 (32.41 to 48.33 lakhs INR)
    university-of-british-columbia 34 47,079.60 to 61,572.92 (29.26 to 38.27 lakhs INR)
    university-of-alberta 111 29,136.80 to 105,000 (18.11 to 65.27 lakhs INR)
    university-of-waterloo 112 48,000 to 71,000 (29.84 to 44.14 lakhs INR)
    western-university 114 59,655 (37.08 lakhs INR)
    university-of-montreal.webp 141 10,858.28 (6.75 lakhs INR)
    university-of-calgary 182 27,350 (17 lakhs INR)
    mcmaster-university 189 45,271.80 (28.14 lakhs INR)
    University-of-Ottawa 203 45,000 (27.97 lakhs INR)
    Queen’s-University 209 15,166.25 to 29,007.36 (9.42 to 18.03 lakhs INR)
    dalhousie-university 298 18,546 (11.53 lakhs INR)
    simon-fraser-university 301 24,801 (15.41 lakhs INR)
    university-of-victoria 322 2,692 (1.67 lakhs INR)

    Why Study in Canada?

    Following their 12th grade, Indian students opt to study in Canada at any of the English-speaking universities or colleges. Since most postgraduate courses in Canada are offered in English, international students are more likely to enrol in them. Below are the top benefits of studying in Canada for indian students, which might convince you as well!

    1. The 2019–2024 International Education Strategy of Canada : Diversifying the education system and fostering international linkages are the goals of Canada's education plan. The nation has invested 49.46 billion Canadian dollars in the postsecondary education of foreign students.

    2. Simple Visa Requirements : Canada extends a warm welcome to overseas students. Students find it easier to live overseas thanks to the welcoming immigration regulations and diverse cities.

    3. A Safe Place to be in : The top universities in Canada have an excellent system to protect students' safety, particularly international students. Many Canadian universities offer their own services, such as straight-line mobile apps where students may contact security with questions, shuttles and security attendants to drop off students at home or at the station, etc.

    4. 4 Affordable Tuition Fee and Cost of Living : The low tuition cost in Canada, compared to other nations, is an advantage for international students. Since not every student can afford an expensive course fee, it is the primary justification for studying in Canada. Every province in Canada has a different cost of living. A student's expenses could range from CAD 800 (INR 48,290) to CAD 2000 (INR 120,740) per month, depending on costs for lodging, entertainment, food, transportation, and other expenses.

    5. Abundance of Employment Opportunities : The Canadian labour market provides a wealth of well-paying employment prospects for citizens and foreign workers. Foreign students receive salaries that are comparable to those of native workers in a variety of industries. Moreover, After graduating, students are permitted to remain and work in Canada for a maximum of three years under the Post-Graduation Work Permit Programme (PWPP). Also, working there for a while and then seeking permanent residency in Canada is possible.

    6. Falling International Acceptance Rates in the USA : There has been a drop in the acceptance of US F1 visas abroad. This makes Canada an attractive option for those looking to study abroad.

    7. Possibility of Working in Canada While Studying : The fact that international students are permitted to work 20 hours per week during their semester is one of the main benefits of studying in Canada. Students only need their study permit to help them find a part-time job in Canada. Therefore, they won't need any additional work permits if they want to work on campus or as interns in any kind of business.

    How to Study in Canada: Application Process

    Do you want to study in Canada but need help figuring out where to start? These are five simple measures you may take to make your application to Canadian universities. The detailed application process is elaborated below:

    Step 1 : The first and foremost step is to find a university or college where your preferred course is available. Consider where you want to live while you study before selecting a school. Which would you rather have—big, bustling cities or cosy, rural towns? Or maybe a middle ground? Once you've decided which programmes or institutions interest you, get in touch with each one to learn more about their offerings and admissions policies.

    Step 2 : Checking the eligibility requirements comes next after you've chosen the course and made a shortlist of universities. Verify your eligibility for the specific course and any required documentation while completing the application. Supporting materials include LOR , SOP , bank statements, essays, current resumes, and official transcripts of prior academic degrees. Begin gathering the necessary documents to move forward with the application process.

    Step 3 : In order to be eligible for the course, you might need to take some required examinations during the application process. It is necessary to administer tests such as the GMAT , GRE , IELTS , PTE , or TOEFL if the university requires them. One of the essential documents for the application procedure is a copy of the test results for these proficiency scores.

    Step 4 : Create a budget and determine how you will pay for your education. These expenses will change depending on where you decide to study in canada. Apart from this, you can also research for scholarships, fellowships, or any allowances if available.

    Step 5 : Once you have gathered all necessary paperwork, completed English language competency exams, and verified your financial situation, you are prepared to complete the application. Verify the deadlines for applications at each university. Ensure you complete the forms for your professional and personal credentials. Submit your saved application form to the university before the deadline.

    Step 6 : Universities need a few weeks to process your application after you submit it. You will receive an email if you are accepted or rejected. You must select one offer if you get an offer from more than one university or college and determine whether or not to enrol in that university. You'll either receive an unconditional offer, indicating the student's acceptance into the specific course, or a conditional offer, indicating that admission will only be confirmed subject to the student meeting specific requirements; typically, test results would be the response. In order to accept the offer, you must adhere to the guidelines in the letter.

    Step 7 : You would have to deposit a particular amount of your tuition fee before a university's deadline after being accepted. Additionally, since accommodations fill up quickly, you must apply for them as soon as possible.

    Step 8 : Once you've accepted the offer and paid the required amount, apply for a student visa to enter Canada. Compile the necessary paperwork and submit your study permit application. This would be the last stage of the admissions process.

    Before applying for a visa, we need to take a Medical test; please include that Medical test. Another requirement to apply for a visa is GIC. We need to add these two things before filling out the visa.

    Step 9 : You've completed most of the work now, so get packing! Here is a checklist to assist you in getting ready for your trip:

    • Verify travel details regarding Canada admission.
    • Purchase a plane ticket to your intended destination in Canada.
    • Verify the number of luggage you are permitted to bring and the customs regulations.
    • Determine the type of health and travel insurance you require.
    • Make copies of your key documents to leave at home, scan them to transmit to your email address, and bring the originals when needed. This comprises the acceptance letter from your school, any other paperwork requested by your institution, and your vaccination and medical records.

    If you are seeking guidance concerning admission and selection of Canadian universities, you can reach out to study in Canada consultants.

    Admission Requirements to Study in Canada

    It is quite important to know what documents one must have in order to apply for top universities in Canada. Therefore, below have provided the list of important documents required to study in Canada.

    Application Fee Around 50 CAD to 250 CAD
    Basic Requirements Academic transcripts from your previous education institution, including 10th, 12th, and bachelor’s (if applying for master’s), SOP (Statement of Purpose)
    Additional Requirements Valid Visa, 2-3 LOR (Letter of Recommendations), Updated CV or Resume, A scanned copy of a valid passport (must be valid till the date of your course completion)
    English Language Requirements
    IELTS: 6.0-6.5 for UG, 6.5 to 7.0 for PG
    TOEFL: 80
    PTE: 60-70
    Scores of Standardise Admission Tests like GMAT and GRE (if required for your course by your chosen university)

    Tests Required to Study in Canada

    Basically, in order to study in Canada, international students might required to appear for two types of tests, which are

    tests-required-to-study-in-canada

    When to Study in Canada?

    Mainly, there are three intakes in Canada available for international students, which are mentioned below:

    • Fall Intake : It is also known as September intake. The application for this intake generally opens between August to October of the previous year. Compared to the other two intakes, this intake has the greatest number of institutes offering the most significant number of seats across all programmes.
    • Winter Intake : It is also known as spring intake or January intake in Canada. It is an alternative option for international students who have missed the fall intake or wish to start their studies at a different time. Typically, the session begins in January or February and lasts till April-May. The number of courses offering winter intake is relatively low compared to the September intake.
    • Summer Intake : The summer intake in Canada provides international students with a unique opportunity to pursue their academic aspirations during the summer months. It is also known as May intake in Canada. The sessions for this intake start around May or June and last till August. There aren't many candidates because a very small number of institutions offer this intake. However, since you have a higher possibility of getting an offer letter, it might be advantageous.
    intakes-in-canada

    Study in Canada Cost

    The first things that come to mind while making plans to study abroad are the cost of tuition and creating a budget. The expense of your Canada Study is not a major concern. Because of its inexpensive study alternatives, it stands out as the nation that is most welcoming to students, among others. For an international student, living and studying in Canada might cost anywhere from 35,000 CAD to 55,000 CAD annually. However, your cost may increase due to the cost of lodging, meals, supplies, books, and transportation.

    Cost of Studying in Canada: Tuition Fees

    Tuition fees for undergraduate degrees in Canada cost between 1,800 and 20,000 CAD (1.11 and 12.43 lakhs INR) each year. On the other hand, pursuing graduate courses would cost you somewhere between 15,000 CAD and 40,000 CAD per year.

    Courses Total Fees in CAD Equivalent Fees in INR
    MBA in Canada 80,000 to 112,400 49.73 to 69.85 lakhs
    Masters in Canada 9,000 to 70,000 5.59 to 43.51 lakhs
    Masters in Data Science in Canada 40,000 24.86 lakhs
    Masters in Business Analytics in Canada 20,000 to 50,000 12.43 to 31.08 lakhs
    Masters in Computer Science in Canada 6,198 to 36,627 3.85 to 22.76 lakhs
    BTech in Canada 42,000 to 71,000 26.10 to 44.13 lakhs
    PG Diploma in Canada 8,000 to 20,000 4.97 to 12.43 lakhs
    Masters in International Business in Canada 35,000 to 70,000 21.75 to 43.51 lakhs
    Masters in Mechanical Engineering in Canada 11,000 to 50,000 6.83 to 31.07 lakhs
    Bachelors in Computer Science in Canada 33,000 to 61,000 20.51 to 37.91 lakhs

    Cost of Living in Canada

    For Indian and other international students studying in Canada, the cost of living varies by city across all provinces. Some of the most well-known big cities in Canada are surrounded by lush nature and natural beauty. Below is a detailed discussion of the typical cost of living in Canada for international students in different cities.

    City Average Cost of Living Per Year
    Toronto 20,000 CAD - 25,000 CAD
    Montreal 13,000 CAD - 18,000 CAD
    Vancouver 15,000 CAD - 20,000 CAD
    Ottawa 13,000 CAD - 18,000 CAD
    Quebec 15,000 CAD - 20,000 CAD
    Calgary 23,000 CAD - 28,000 CAD

    Top Cities Preferred by Students

    A high standard of living is available in all of Canada's best cities. Living in one of Canada's top cities can help international students connect with local student resources and support systems. Below we have mentioned some of the top cities in Canada for international students.

    • Montreal
      montreal-city
      QS Rank 14
    • Toronto
      toronta-city
      QS Rank 15
    • Vancouver
      vancouver-city
      QS Rank 20
    • Ottawa
      ottwa-city
      QS Rank 53
    • Quebec City
      quebic-city
      QS Rank 106
    • Calgary
      calgary-city
      QS Rank 242
    Cities Location Top Universities
    Montreal East of the national capital city of Ottawa and south-west of the provincial capital, Quebec City
    • McGill University
    • Universite de Montreal
    • Concordia University
    • Polytechnique Montreal
    • HEC Montreal
    Toronto Province of Ontario
    • University of Toronto
    • Ryerson University
    • Humber college
    • York University
    • Trent university
    • Centennial College
    Vancouver West Coast Seaport is located in the Lower Mainland region of British Columbia, just 50 Km north of the U.S. border.
    • University of British Columbia
    • Simon Fraser University
    • University Canada West
    • Vancouver Island University
    • Columbia College
    • Langara College
    Ottawa East of southern Ontario, near Montréal and the U.S. border. Sitting on the Ottawa River. It is about 400 Km from Toronto and 200 Km from Montreal.
    • University of Ottawa
    • Carleton University
    • Algonquin College
    • St. paul University
    • Dominican university college
    • Augustine College
    Quebec City It is located on the north bank of the Saint Lawrence River, where it narrows and meets the mouth of the Saint-Charles River.
    • Laval University
    • Bishop’s university
    Calgary Located in the western Canadian province of Alberta.
    • University of Calgary
    • St. Mary's University College
    • Simon Fraser University
    • Bow Valley University
    • Mount Royal University
    • The Southern Alberta Institute of Technology

    Student Visa in Canada

    It is imperative that you apply for a study visa if your goal is to study in Canada for longer than six months. The ideal time to apply for a study visa is four months or more before the commencement of your classes.

    Documents such as a letter of acceptance from your designated learning institution, a current passport, identification documentation, a financial statement, medical records, and SOP are required to apply for the visa. Moreover, if you are applying for a university, which is Qubec, then you must require a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ).

    Applying for a study permit can be done offline at the closest Visa Application Centre or online at https://www.cic.gc.ca/. Make sure that all of the papers you uploaded are included in your application. We advise you to take the time to create your SOP because a vague SOP could result in the study permission being denied.

    Scholarships to Study in Canada

    In order to lessen the financial load, prospective students can apply for Canadian scholarships for international students, which are organised by the Canadian government and other institutions.

    Scholarships for International Students in Canada

    Below we have mentioned some of the best scholarships for indian students in Canada at different levels.

    Scholarship Eligibility Award Value Application
    Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships Canadian and Foreign citizens 54,219 CAD per year (taxable) Registration at Canadian Common CV and ResearchNet Account
    Canada-CARICOM Leadership Scholarships Program Students from Caribbean Countries pursuing undergraduate and graduate programs 4 months: 5,576 CAD | 5-6 months: 7,513 CAD | 8 months: 11,386 CAD Canadian institutes register at ‘International Scholarships Canada Application Tool for eligible students
    Canada-ASEAN Scholarships and Educational Exchanges for Development (SEED) Students from ASEAN countries 5-6 months: 8,675 CAD | 8 months: 11,153 CAD Scholarships Canada Application Tool’ for Eligible Students
    Queen’s University International Scholarship India Indian applicants with 80% or more 15,314 CAD No application required
    Queen’s University International Scholarships For international students with higher academic grades 6,969 CAD No application required
    UBC International Major Entrance Scholarship UG applicant for UBC with high academic grades Variable No application required

    Job Opportunities in Canada

    All levels of students, graduates, and professionals can find work in Canada. International students can choose from a variety of work-study programmes in Canada. You have the option to work as an intern or as a co-op student, both on and off campus. After graduating, you also have the choice to remain and find employment in Canada. To work in Canada, you will require a work permit (PGWP). It costs around 255 CAD to apply for a post-graduation work permit after studying in canada.

    In Canada, the average yearly wage is $120,000 CAD (around 74.56 lakhs INR). These are the high-demanding fields in Canada that offer graduates job chances together with their corresponding mid-career salaries:

    Profession Average Salary
    Pilot 2,05,000 CAD per year
    Manager 1,78,000 CAD per year
    Business Analyst 1,54,000 CAD per year
    Architect 1,47,000 CAD per year
    Engineer 1,09,000 CAD per year
    Lecturer 93,000 CAD per year
    Accountant 81,000 CAD per year
    Graphic Designer/ UI/UX Designer 76,000 CAD per year
    Chef 72,500 CAD per year
    IT Project Manager 1,06,000 CAD per year
    Data Scientists 1,01,000 CAD per year
    Developers 1,02,000 CAD per year
    Security Professionals 81,000 CAD per year

    FAQs

    Ans. According to various world-ranking organisations, the University of Toronto is considered the best university for international students in Canada. However, various other popular universities are highly ranked, such as the University of British Columbia, McGill University, McMaster University, and the University of Alberta.

    Ans. Canada is one of international students' most popular study-abroad destinations. Students can easily get a high-quality education at affordable tuition fees in Canada. It is considered to be cheaper than various destinations like the UK, the US, and Australia.

    Ans. Canada is a friendly nation with a rather selective immigration process. In Canada, the finest universities have an admittance rate between 40 and 60 per cent.

    Ans. You need to provide a letter of acceptance from a Canadian higher education institution in order to obtain a student visa. Students also need to provide documentation of their identity, financial capacity, health status, police clearance, and plan to leave Canada after completing their studies.

    Ans. Three intakes of international students are accepted by Canadian universities: Fall (September), winter (January) and summer (May). Summer is the least popular intake, while fall is the most popular, with admissions opening for the greatest number of programmes.

    Ans. When compared to other well-known study-abroad countries, studying in Canada is reasonably priced. Depending on the course and city, a student needs between 30,000 CAD and 50,000 CAD per year to fund his tuition. Aside from this, living expenses such as food will come to about 18,000 CAD annually. When you compare this to other well-known study-abroad countries, it's really reasonable. As a part of their living expenses in Canada, students should consider their costs of housing, food, transportation, and medical care.

    Ans. For international students, autumn intake is the most popular entrance period in Canada. The maximum number of students is admitted by Canadian universities in the autumn semester. Furthermore, students who enrol in fall courses have ample time to adjust to Canadian winters and academic schedules. After autumn, winter admissions are the second most popular intake in Canada.

    Ans. The primary prerequisite for international applicants wishing to pursue a PhD in Canada is a master's degree in a relevant discipline. Excellent academic scores and a competitive GRE or GMAT score are requirements for admission. Moreover, to study in Canada, students must also have the ability to study, high levels of motivation, and satisfactory test results in English.

    Ans. In addition to the sum required for tuition, individual students will now need to demonstrate that they have 20,635 CAD in available finances, excluding any fees for additional family members travelling with them to Canada. This is more than twice as much as the current minimum amount of savings needed by students (about 10,000 CAD).

    Ans. Depending on the career objectives and lifestyle of the student, Canadian B-schools offer multiple MBA options. One of the top paid degrees available to international students in Canada is the MBA. In Canada, the base pay for MBA graduates is 83,000 CAD on average. about time, Canadian MBA students make about 250,000 CAD annually.

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