Canada is a country that is sure to appeal to students of all ages. Canada has something for everyone, from its beautiful landscapes to its diverse cultures.
As per information shared by Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh in Rajya Sabha, over 13 Lakh Indian students are pursuing higher education abroad; Canada is the top choice, with an impressive enrollment of 4.27 lakh students (source).
Additionally, deciding to study abroad in Canada is an excellent idea because of its affordable tuition and diverse study opportunities. The top-rated universities and colleges are only one part of a great deal; Canada also has an ever-growing job market, making this country even more appealing to aspiring students.
So, if you want to journey in the fall or to stay on track for a career in the future, Canada is the perfect place to be, and this guide has got you covered! Read more about the application process, the best universities, and the top courses to kickstart your career.
Highlights
| Intakes | Fall, Winter, and Summer |
| Cost of Study | Undergraduate Degree: CAD 17, 000 to CAD 30,000 Postgraduate Degree: CAD 18,000- CAD 40,000 |
| Required Exams | IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, GRE, and GMAT |
| Degrees Offered | Diploma, Undergraduate, Postgraduate, and Doctorate |
| Cost of Living | CAD 600 – 800 per month |
| Top Funding Sources | Scholarships, Part-time Jobs, and Student Loans |
| Languages Spoken | English and French |
| Best Student Cities | Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver, Ottawa, Quebec, and Edmonton |
Why Study in Canada?
There are plenty of reasons to study in Canada, and some of the top ones include:
- Great place to live: Canada ranks third globally for the best quality of life (source). You get the same rights as Canadians.
- Lower costs: Tuition fees in Canada are generally lower than in Australia, the U.K. and the U.S. (source).
- Good job prospects: Many international students who study in Canada get jobs and even permanent residency.
- Work while studying: You can often work part-time while studying and full-time after graduating.
- Strong alumni network: Canadian business schools maintain active alumni networks that provide mentorship, job referrals, and networking opportunities.
- Global recognition: Degrees from Canada are respected worldwide, leading to good job opportunities.
- Practical learning: Many Canadian programs offer hands-on experience through internships and projects.
Top courses to study in Canada
Here are some of the top courses in Canada that you might want to consider:
| Course | Average Tuition Fees (Annually) | Average Salary |
| Computer Science | CAD 25,000 to CAD 45,000 | CA$7,769 – CA$41,305 |
| Business | CAD 5,500 to CAD 30,000 | CAD $79,771-$147,337 |
| Engineering | CAD 20,000 to CAD 45,000 | $3,223 – $14,975 |
| Health Sciences | CAD 35,000 to CAD 60,000 | $65,000-$129,196 |
| Media & Journalism | CAD 5,000 to CAD 30,000 | $50,000-$80,700 |
| Animation and Gaming | CAD 20,000 to CAD 60,000 | $54,114-$116,490 |
Best Universities for Study Abroad Canada
There are several great Canadian universities that students can explore while they’re in college. Some of the best universities in Canada are listed below:
| University Name | QS Ranking Canada | QS World University Rankings 2025 |
| University of Toronto | 1 | 25 |
| McGill University | 2 | 29 |
| University of British Columbia | 3 | 38 |
| University of Alberta | 4 | 96 |
| University of Waterloo | 5 | 115 |
| Western University | 6 | 120 |
| Université de Montréal | 7 | 159 |
| McMaster University | 8 | 176 |
| University of Ottawa | 9 | 189 |
| Queen’s University at Kingston | 10 | 193 |
Top Colleges to Study in Canada
- Centennial College
- Conestoga College
- Fanshawe College
- George Brown College
- Humber College
- Lambton College
- Seneca College
- Douglas College
- Sheridan College
- Algonquin College
But how do you select? How can you proceed? How many marks are needed for these universities? Many other queries related to universities in Canada can come to your mind. For this, you can connect with our study in Canada consultants. We provide free quality consultancy to help you make career decisions.
Best Places to Study in Canada
Listed below are some of the best places to study in Canada for Indian students:
| City | Canada Rank | QS Best Student Cities 2025 | Avg. Cost of Living |
| Montreal | 1 | 10 | C$3,114 (excluding rent) |
| Toronto | 2 | 11 | CAD 3,539 (without rent) |
| Vancouver | 3 | 19 | CAD 1,538 (without rent) |
| Ottawa | 4 | 57 | $1,107.50 (without rent) |
| Quebec | 5 | 128 | 1,412.5C$ (without rent) |
Other great cities to consider for studying abroad in Canada include Calgary, Edmonton, and Waterloo. These cities all have excellent universities and offer a variety of things to see and do.
Read More: Upcoming Intakes in Canada for International Students
Admission requirements for Canada
Admission requirements to study in Canada vary depending on the level of study (undergraduate, postgraduate), the specific program, and the university. However, there are some general requirements that apply to most cases.
Academic Records:
- High school transcripts for undergraduate programs.
- Bachelor’s degree transcripts for postgraduate programs.
- Good academic standing with a minimum GPA requirement.
English Proficiency:
- Proof of English language proficiency through tests like IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE Academic.
- The required score depends on the program and university.
Document Checklist
The specific documents required for your study permit application can vary depending on your chosen program, and personal circumstances. However, here’s a general checklist to get you started:
- Language Proficiency Test Scores: If required by your program (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL, PTE).
- Statement of Purpose: Outlining your academic goals and reasons for choosing Canada.
- Letter of Recommendation: If required
- Academic Transcripts: From previous institutions.
- Work Experience Certificates: If applicable.
- Proof of acceptance: Your school must provide you with a letter of acceptance (LOA). Include the original or electronic copy of your letter with your study permit application.
- Provincial attestation letter or territorial attestation letter
- Proof of identity: a valid passport or travel document
- Proof of financial support: You must prove that you can support yourself while you are in Canada.
Cost of Studying in Canada
Tuition Fees
- Diploma: 9 Lacs – 17 Lacs a year, depending on the course and institution.
- Degree: 10 Lacs – 19 Lacs yearly, depending on the course and institution.
For post-graduate programs::
- Diploma: 10 Lacs – 15 Lacs yearly, depending on the course and institution.
- Degree: 11 Lacs – 24 Lacs yearly, depending on the course and institution.
Note: These are averages, and actual costs can be higher or lower.
Living Cost in Canada:
| Sr. No. | Expenses | Average Cost Per Month | Average Cost Per Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | On-Campus Rental | $600 | $7200 |
| 2 | Mobile Phone (Basic Package) | $30 | $360 |
| 3 | Public Transit Pass | $40 | $480 |
| 4 | Groceries/Food | $300 | $3600 |
Read More: Highest Paying Part Time Jobs in Canada
Scholarships for Indian Students in Canada
Various scholarships are available to students who want to study abroad in Canada. Here are just a few of the most popular options:
Government Scholarships in Canada for Indian Students
- Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
- Global Affairs Canada (GAC)
- Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships
- Canada Graduate Scholarships – Master’s Program
- Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute (SICI) Scholarships
University-specific scholarships for Indian Students in Canada
- Simon Fraser University (SFU)
- Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU)
- Royal Roads University (RRU)
- Lakehead University
- Thompson Rivers University (TRU)
Other Scholarships to Study in Canada
- Commonwealth Scholarships for Developing Commonwealth Countries
- Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships
In addition, if you are a student who always scores good marks or has some other exceptional talent, you can get a merit-based scholarship.
If you want to know more about scholarships in Canada, you can read this article: Scholarships for Indian Students in Canada. Or, you can avail of our counselling from Transglobal Overseas to understand each scholarship’s eligibility, process, Etc.
Career Opportunities in Canada
Sure, here are some of the most in-demand career opportunities in Canada after studying there:
| Career Opportunities | Salary Package Annually (INR) |
|---|---|
| Software Development | 48.35 lakhs |
| Engineering | 50.12 lakhs |
| Healthcare | 43.85 lakhs |
| Education | 43.30 lakhs |
| Business Analyst | 42.08 lakhs |
| Data Scientist | 51.54 lakhs |
| Marketing Manager | 45.39 lakhs |
These are some great career opportunities available in Canada after studying there.[2] With a degree from a Canadian university, you will be well-positioned to find a job in your field and start your career in Canada.
Requirement for student visa
You can come to Canada to study if you
- are enrolled at a DLI
- prove you have enough money to pay for
- your tuition fees
- living expenses for yourself to Canada and
- return transportation for yourself to Canada
- obey the law, have no criminal record and get a police certificate (if required)
- are in good health and get a medical exam (if required) and
- prove to an officer that you will leave Canada when your study permit expires
Read more in detail: Canada student visa requirements
Post-graduation work permit (PGWP)
You may be eligible for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) if you graduated from a designated learning institution (DLI) and want to stay in Canada temporarily to work.
Graduation from a DLI doesn’t automatically make you eligible for a PGWP. Check the DLI list to find out which schools have eligible programs.
You have up to 180 days after you graduate to apply for a PGWP. When you apply, you must confirm the following:
- that you attended and completed your program
- the name of your program
- the length of your program
You can confirm these by submitting any of the following:
- your degree or diploma
- your transcript or
- an official letter from your school
How to Study in Canada?: Step by Step Guide
Here’s a basic outline of the steps involved:
Choose a Program and University:
- Explore different universities, programs, and fields of study that align with your interests and career goals.
Prepare for Admission:
- Check the specific admission requirements for your chosen program, including academic qualifications, language proficiency, and any standardized test scores.
Apply to Universities:
- Application Process: Follow the specific application procedures of each university.
- Application Fee: Pay the required application fees.
- Documents: Submit all necessary documents, including academic transcripts, language test scores, and financial statements.
Obtain a Letter of Acceptance:
- If accepted, you’ll receive a Letter of Acceptance from the university.
Apply for a Study Permit:
- Submit your study permit application online through the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.
Prepare for Your Journey:
- Arrange accommodation (on-campus housing, off-campus rental, or homestay).
- Book flights and arrange transportation to your destination.
- Obtain health insurance coverage.
- Prepare for your move to Canada.
FAQs Regarding Study in Canada:
What are the requirements to study in Canada after 12th?
While specific requirements can vary based on the university and program you choose, here are the general guidelines:
- Academic Performance: Most universities require a minimum percentage of 65-70% in your 12th board exams.
- English Proficiency: Demonstrating English language proficiency through tests like IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE Academic is essential.
- Course-Specific Requirements: Some programs may have additional requirements like entrance exams (SAT, ACT) or specific subjects in your 12th grade.
Read more in Detail:
What type of accommodation will be available for students?
On-Campus Accommodation
- Dormitories (Dorms): Large buildings housing many students, often with shared bathrooms and common areas.
- Residence Halls: Similar to dorms but often with more amenities and private bathrooms.
- Townhouses: Detached housing typically accommodating 3-6 students with shared common areas.
- Apartments: Individual units within a larger building, offering more privacy.
Off-Campus Accommodation
- Shared Apartments or Condominiums: Renting a single room in an apartment with other roommates.
- Host Family/Homestay: Living with a Canadian family, offering cultural immersion.
- Furnished or Unfurnished Apartments: Renting an entire apartment, suitable for students sharing costs.
Are there any internship opportunities in Canada?
Absolutely! Canada offers a plethora of internship opportunities across various industries and cities. Its thriving economy, multicultural environment, and high quality of life make it an attractive destination for interns from around the world.
What is a DLI for Canada study permit?
DLI stands for Designated Learning Institution. It’s essentially a school approved by a provincial or territorial government in Canada to host international students.
What is the minimum IELTS score required for a student visa in Canada?
Generally, the minimum IELTS score required for a student visa in Canada is 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each band (Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking).
How is the education system in Canada?
Canada is widely recognized for its high-quality education system. It’s a cornerstone of Canadian society, with a strong emphasis on inclusivity, accessibility, and student success.
Structure of the Education System:
- Kindergarten: Typically optional, but widely available for children aged 4-5.
- Primary Education: Compulsory from age 6 to around 8, focusing on foundational skills.
- Secondary Education: Continues until around age 18, with a broader curriculum.
- Post-Secondary Education: Includes universities, colleges, and trade schools offering various programs and degrees.
Can I get a student loan to study in Canada?
Yes, you can get a student loan to study in Canada.
However, the options available to you will depend on your citizenship and residency status.
How much can an international student earn part-time in Canada?
The earnings of an international student working part-time in Canada can vary significantly based on:
- Province: Minimum wage and average salaries differ between provinces.
- City: Larger cities often have higher wages compared to smaller towns.
- Job type: Skilled jobs typically pay more than entry-level positions.
- Experience and qualifications: Your skills and education level influence your earning potential.
That being said, here’s a general estimate:
- Hourly wage: Typically ranges from $13 to $25 per hour.
- Potential for higher earnings: In certain fields (like tech or finance), you could earn significantly more.
