Canada is a top destination for nearly half a million international students, known for its high-quality, affordable education and globally recognized degrees. Canadian universities offer excellent value for money and consistently rank high in global quality-of-life indices, making them particularly attractive to students worldwide—including a significant number from India.

In addition to academic excellence, Canada offers up to three years of post-study work rights and immigration-friendly policies that create clear pathways to permanent residency. This unique blend of world-class education, economic opportunity, and exceptional living standards firmly establishes Canada as a leading choice for higher education.

Why Choose Canada for Higher Education?

Top Student Destination:

Canada is celebrated for its student-friendly atmosphere and exceptional quality of life. In 2025, three Canadian cities were ranked among the top 50 in the QS Best Student Cities list, highlighting the country's appeal to international students.

💼 Extended Work Opportunities:

Graduates can benefit from up to three years of post-study work rights, giving them valuable international work experience and a strong edge in the global job market.

🎓 World-Class Education:

Canadian universities are globally recognized for academic excellence and affordability. According to the QS World University Rankings 2025, three Canadian institutions rank in the global top 50, with a total of 30 universities featured overall.

🌍 Cultural Diversity:

Canada’s rich multicultural environment embraces students from across the globe, fostering inclusive communities and meaningful cross-cultural experiences.

Cost to study in Canada

Your expenditure on tuition fees depends on the type of qualification and institution you opt for. To cover this, you will need approximately between CAD 13,000 - CAD 35,000 a year.

Most commonly, courses in humanities, education, and arts are a little cheaper, while subjects such as medicine and engineering are likely to be more expensive. If you wish to study at a postgraduate level, the tuition fee is typically higher, and the costs vary depending on the program. As with most other countries, MBA programs are often the most expensive. The average cost for these programs ranges between CAD 30,000-42,000.

S.no.	Study program	Average annual fee
1	UG Program	$13,000 to $20,000
2	Postgraduate master's degree	$17,000 to $25,000
3	Doctoral Degree	$7,000 to $15,000
4	Master of Business Administration (MBA)	$30,000 to $40,000

*Please note all fee figures are indicative

 

Student visa requirements for Canada

Study Permit for Canada

To study in Canada, international students are required to obtain a study permit, which serves as official authorization to live and study in the country for the duration of their program.

In addition to the study permit, you will also be issued one of the following to enter Canada:

Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa), or

Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)

These entry documents depend on your country of citizenship and are automatically issued once your study permit is approved.

Important Note:

While on a study permit, you must:

• Remain enrolled at a designated learning institution (DLI)
• Make reasonable progress toward completing your program
• Comply with the conditions of your permit to maintain your legal student status in Canada

What is PAL?

PAL is a letter written and signed by a provincial or territorial government of Canada confirming that an international applicant has a space within the provincial or territorial allocation for study permit applications and must include the following information of the foreign national: full name, date of birth, and address (of home country).

Intakes in Canada

Unlike Indian universities that typically follow a single annual intake, Canadian institutions offer three distinct intakes throughout the year. These intakes provide flexibility and multiple opportunities for international students to begin their studies.

🍁 Fall Intake (September)

The most popular intake among international students, especially from India.

Offers the widest range of courses and programs.

Ideal for those applying to major universities and planning well in advance.

❄️ Winter Intake (January)

A great option for students who missed the Fall intake.

Fewer programs are available compared to Fall, but it’s still widely accepted by many institutions.

☀️ Summer Intake (April/May)

Offered by a limited number of colleges and programs.

Mostly includes short-term or diploma courses.

Best suited for those pursuing specialized programs.

Top courses to study in Canada

Here are the popular study abroad courses that you can choose for studying in Canada:

• Computer science
• Business
• Engineering
• Health sciences
• Physiotherapy
• Information technology
• Animation and gaming
• Hospitality

Top universities to study in Canada

When deciding which university to study at, it is crucial that you also look at the world university rankings.

S.No.	Institution	QS Ranking 2025 (Globally)
1	University of Toronto	25
2	McGill University	29
3	University of British Columbia	38
4	University of Alberta	96
5	University of Waterloo	115
6	Western University	120
7	Université de Montréal	159
8	McMaster University	176
9	University of Ottawa	189
10	Queen's University at Kingston	193

 

 

 

Cost of Living in Canada:

Studying in Canada is a rewarding investment, offering excellent education and quality of life. Here's a breakdown of the major living expenses you should plan for:

🏡 1. Accommodation Costs

Most Canadian institutions offer on-campus housing, typically costing CAD 8,000 to CAD 10,000 per year. Alternatively, many students opt for off-campus shared apartments, with monthly rent ranging between CAD 400 and CAD 700, depending on the city and season.

Another option is a homestay, where you live with a Canadian host family. Costs include a one-time placement fee of CAD 200 and monthly charges between CAD 750 and CAD 950, which usually cover meals and a private room. Homestays also offer an enriching cultural experience.

🧾 2. Living Costs

The cost of living in Canada varies by location. Cities like Quebec are known for being more affordable, while places like Toronto or Vancouver may be costlier.

While budgeting, don’t forget the following:

📱 Communication: Mobile and internet bills may cost CAD 20 per month. Look for student-friendly plans.

📚 Books & Supplies: Engineering textbooks can cost between CAD 250–350, with higher costs for courses like medicine or law. Save by purchasing used books, e-books, or using the campus library.

🧼 Personal Expenses: Include costs for laundry, toiletries, clothing, dining out, etc., based on your lifestyle choices.

💡 While applying for your study permit, you must show proof of sufficient funds to support your stay in Canada.

🚍 3. Transportation Costs

Canada offers a robust public transportation system. Depending on where you live, options may include:

Toronto: TTC (bus and subway system)

Montreal: STM (four-line metro network)

Vancouver: SkyTrain (automated rail; a day pass costs approx. CAD 9 for unlimited 24-hour travel)

Walking or cycling is also safe and economical in most cities.

 

🩺 4. Health Insurance

Health insurance is mandatory for international students:

Covered by province: Quebec, Manitoba, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Newfoundland and Labrador

Private insurance required: All other provinces (coverage must be arranged separately)

Your coverage depends on the province and duration of stay.

 

🧠 Smart Budgeting Tip: Work While You Study

Canada allows international students to work part-time while studying. This helps cover expenses, builds independence, and enhances your professional skills.

💼 Job Prospects in Canada for International Students

Canada continues to attract international students not only for its world-class education but also for its promising career opportunities—both during and after graduation.

🌎 A Global Leader in Business & Employability

Canada consistently ranks among the top countries globally for business and employability:

According to Forbes and U.S. News, Canada stands out among G20 nations for its business-friendly environment.

The Economist Intelligence Unit forecasts Canada to remain in the top 3 G7 countries for ease of doing business in the coming years.

This reflects the country's stable economy, transparent policies, and support for innovation—making it an ideal place for international talent.

🎓 Work Opportunities During Studies

International students are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during academic sessions and full-time during scheduled breaks.

Part-time jobs on or off-campus help students gain local experience and manage living costs.

🎯 Post-Graduation Job Prospects

Upon graduation, students can apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) of up to 3 years, based on the length of their study program.

Sectors like IT, healthcare, finance, engineering, and skilled trades are especially strong, offering a wide range of opportunities for qualified graduates.

 

 

🌟 Pathway to Permanent Residency

Canada's immigration-friendly policies make it easier for international graduates to transition to permanent residency through programs like:

• Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
• Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
• Express Entry System