Britannica Team Updated on - Mar 29, 2024

Canada is a student friendly country that welcomes international students to study in Canada from all over the globe. Canada is the home to the World’s Best Top Universities offering state of the art programs with practical learning within the affordable cost. High on academic quality but affordable tuition fees – Studying in Canada is one of the best study destinations for Indian students. Until August 2019, Canada experienced almost 70,000 international students studying at all levels in the country; which explains its very popularity across the world.

Canada's high standard of living, commitment to diversity and equality, and peaceful societal environment make it a magnet for international students. Among them, students from Asian countries such as India, China, and Korea form a significant portion of the international student population pursuing higher education in Canada. At present, approximately 753,000 students hold a Canada student visa, with Indian students accounting for a considerable number. In 2022, Indian students secured 226,450 study permits, a substantial increase from the 52,645 study permits obtained in 2016.

Tuition Fees for International Students: Study in Canada

When considering studying abroad, thoughts about tuition expenses and budgeting typically come to mind first. However, when it comes to studying in Canada, you can breathe a sigh of relief. The country stands out as a top choice for students due to its reasonably priced study options. The combined costs of education and living in Canada usually range from 38,000 to 39,000 CAD per year for international students. Undergraduate tuition fees vary between 1,800 and 20,000 CAD (equivalent to 1.07 to 11.95 lakhs INR) annually. Additional expenses like housing, meals, educational materials, and transportation will factor into your overall budget. On average, you can anticipate an annual expenditure of around 12,000 CAD (equivalent to 7.17 lakhs INR).

*Please note all fee figures are indicative

Study in Canada: Top Colleges for International Students

Some of the leading universities in Canada for masters, bachelors, and other programs, offering admission to international students across various academic terms are as follows.

The most popular study courses in Canada offered in the universities of Canada are related to business and engineering. Among these study programs MBA in Canada is the most popular course. The other courses taken by the international students are Aeronautical engineering, Chemical engineering, Civil engineering, Computer science, Electrical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering. The study fields in which the Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Canada are available are as:

Explore the Best Universities in Canada for Your Academic Journey: A Comprehensive List for Aspiring Students.

For Study in Canada, there are the top universities in Canada that are offering the various study programs which are considered to be the best universities in the world.

Why Choose Canada for Your International Student Experience

Canada is regularly ranked among the most prestigious countries around the globe and is the most desirable nation on earth for living standards. What are the advantages of studying at a university in Canada instead of India is thought to be an ideal option since the academic standards at top universities are comparable to. Based on a recent survey.

• Easy visa policy: Canada warmly embraces international students, offering them a hospitable environment. With its immigration-friendly policies and culturally diverse cities, students find it comfortable to live and study abroad.
• Cost-effective quality education: Regarded as a superior study destination when compared to the USA, Canada guarantees a high-quality education at reasonable costs. The expenses associated with studying in Canada are notably more affordable, and there are abundant scholarship opportunities available to students.
• Plenty of similar job opportunities for natives and immigrants: Canada's job market provides an array of opportunities for both native residents and newcomers.
• Declining international acceptance rates in the US: The decreasing acceptance rate of the US F1 visa has paved the way for Canada to emerge as the next sought-after study destination. 
• Canada’s International Education Strategy (2019-2024) is aiming to promote global ties and diversify the education sector.

QS World University Rankings 2019 includes the colleges of Canada in 26 in addition to THE World University Rankings 2019 has ranked 27 of them. The most compelling reason Canadian education is exceptional is due to its strong emphasis on research and development. If you’re an examiner there isn’t a nation more suited to your needs than Canada. The federal government of Canada can provide great help to research the areas that include telecoms, medical agribusiness ecology science, and the future of innovation.

Discover the Best Courses for International Students in Canada

Popular Programs and Courses in Canada: International students predominantly choose courses in Business and Finance, Engineering, Computer Science and IT, Humanities, Health & Medicine, Life Sciences, and Media & Journalism. A plethora of esteemed universities in Canada currently offer one-year master's programs. Here are additional enticing programs to anticipate when considering studying in Canada

What to Study in Canada? Discover Diverse Programs and Opportunities for Your Academic Journey.

Education in Canada is not only affordable but also holds global recognition. The flexibility and diverse range of programs provided by the Canadian education system stand out as the primary factors driving a nearly 400% increase in the number of international students studying in Canada over the past decade. The Canadian education system is structured into three distinct levels:

• Elementary Education
• Secondary Education
• Post-secondary Education

Language Requirements:Proficiency in at least one of Canada's two official languages, namely English and French, is a compulsory requirement for students. Additionally, some Canadian universities provide the option to enroll in language courses for those looking to further develop their language skills.

Where to Study in Canada?

According to the QS World rankings, the best student friendly cities in Canada are where the education is excellent and apt for the living including the cost of living, transportation, safety and the employment opportunities are:

• Toronto: Located in the province of Ontario, Toronto is home to Canada’s most reputable university, University of Toronto. It is also the largest city in Canada and boasts of being one of the world’s most multicultural cities. The city is known as the financial center of Canada, with 5 of the largest banks in the country. 
• Vancouver: This young city in Canada, is the third-largest metropolis in the country. It makes it to the most liveable cities in the world. Home to universities like the University of British Columbia, Simon Fraser University, University of Victoria, and more, it is best for students who wish to combine city-living with laid-back outdoors within easy reach.
• Montreal: Canada’s second-largest city is the highest in a concentration of post-secondary students. It also features in Best Student Cities as per QS. It is home to universities like McGill, University de Montreal, and Concordia University.
• Edmonton: The capital of province Alberta, Edmonton is also popularly called the Festival City. It is home to UAlberta and offers students relatively decent weather to survive in Canada.  

Admission Requirements For Study In Canada

An Admission process 2024 for study in Canada differs from the province to province. Generally, the simple steps to follow for the admission for study in Canada are:

1. Choose the study program in Canada and the level of study in Canada.
2. Decide in which level to study in Canada and in which province the student wants to take class.
3. Check with the deadlines of universities in Canada in all the selected preferences. Fill the application form of the university you want to apply.
4. Choose the intake in which you want to enrol for study in Canada.
5. Upload the academic transcripts and language assessment certificates.
6. In case you meet the scholarship eligibility in Canada apply for the scholarship programs available in the study course.
7. After getting the Letter of Acceptance from the university, the student can pay a fee to book his or seat in the university.
8. Apply for the Study Visa in Canada.( for which the Letter of Acceptance is mandatory).

Application timeline of pursuing higher education in Canada is as follows:

Study in Canada : Admission Requirements

Documents required to study in the top universities in Canada are listed below:

• Scanned copy of passport
• Academic transcripts from your previous institution, that is
  • School-leaving certificate, if applying for a Bachelors course
  • Bachelor's degree certificate, if applying to a Masters course
  • Any other relevant certificates of merit
• Letter of recommendation, if needed
• Proof of English language proficiency (Average scores):
  • IELTS: 6.5
  • TOEFL iBT: 80
  • PTE: 60 or equivalent test scores
• Statement of purpose for Canada
• Resume or CV, if needed

Study in Canada: Achieve Your Academic Goals with IELTS Qualification

1. The other requirements include the language tests such as IELTS /TOEFL or PTE. The minimum requirement in IELTS is a 6.5 band score whereas in TOEFL it is 100 and in PTE it is 65.
2. For studying MBA in Canada, the minimum acceptable score in GMAT is 660.
3. For studying MBBS in Canada, the minimum acceptable score in MCAT is 490- 500.

The minimum IELTS score requirements to study in some of the top Canadian universities are listed below

Navigate the Process: Canada Student Visa Guide for International Students

You need to have information before applying for the student visa for Canada. If the student is applying for a Study Visa for Canada, then the student may apply online. Canada allows international students to study in Canada on study permit in Canada which is valid for the same period as the study program plus one year. But along with the study permit, a visitor visa is required to enter Canada.

Demystifying Entry: Essential Student Visa Requirements to Study in Canada

Because of the limitations of Covid International students are able to travel to Canada when they have been completely vaccine-free. The full dosage in Covid vaccination is necessary in order to be able to enter Canada. Due to Covid travel limitations, it could take months before you hear the outcome of your application.

A student visa in Canada is your key to start studying in the best universities in Canada. Below we mentioned the requirements for the study abroad Canada permit, to obtain a Canada student visa. The Canada student visa fees for the application costs around $150 and the Canada student visa process may take up to 90 days.

The Canada student visa requirements and process to study in Canada as below

• An acceptance letter from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
• Give proof that you can support yourself while in Canada.
• Meet the India visa office requirements.
• Must provide a valid passport or travel document
• You must apply for the study permit before you come to Canada.

Steps For Student Permit For Canada

1. Firstly, you need the Letter of Acceptance from the Designated Learning Institute in Canada.
2. Then apply for a student visa to enter Canada.
3. The student may submit an online application for the student visa along with the application fee of $ 150.
4. For the Student permit in Canada, the student has to submit three important documents as:
   • Covid Vaccine Certificate.
   • Valid Passport or Travel document.
   • Proof of Financial support( bank statement for 4 months or GIC, or bank draft, or proof of paid tuition or housing fees or scholarship).
   • In some cases, the student may need the Letter of Explanation telling about your responsibilities as a student and the explanation why you want to study in Canada.
5. Get all the documents ready and apply online.

What documents are required to apply for the student permit?

• A letter of acceptance from the designated learning institution (DLI) is mandatory to apply for a student visa.
• Valid passport or travel document
• Identity proof, authorized by the resident’s government.
• A financial statement in support of the candidate’s eligibility to meet living costs and fees is also required.
• Medical information
• A letter defining your statement of intent and how will you add to the pool of resources there.

Plan Your Education: Tuition Fees for Popular Courses When Studying in Canada

Some of the most popular courses in Canada for international students are listed below.

Comparing Costs: Tuition Fees in Canada vs USA and UK

A close comparison of the average expenses of studying in Canada, USA and UK is tabulated below.

Budgeting Your Education: How Much Does It Cost to Study in Canada?

The costs vary depending on the university of choice or level of study. Explore Tuition, Living Expenses, and Financial Planning. However, the basic costs for certain programs and at a certain levels of study are:

• Undergraduate programs- 7,700 - 23,200 CAD (annual)
• Some of the popular bachelor’s programs costs in Canada:
  • Btech in Canada: 158,000 to 323,000 CAD (total)
• Postgraduate Programs-  11,600 - 27,000 CAD (annual)
• Some of the popular masters programs to study in Canada:
  • Masters in Canada: 20,000 to 30,000 CAD (annual)
  • MBA in Canada: 21,000 to 105,000 CAD (overall costs).
  • Masters in Data Science in Canada: 22,000 to 44,000 CAD (overall costs).
  • Masters in Business Analytics in Canada: 26,000 to 56,000 CAD (overall costs).

Candian Student Visa

• Eligibility: Register to DLI, show minimum funds, obtain a medical certificate, proof that you will leave Canada after completion of studies. 
• Application Fees: 150 CAD (8,995 INR)
• Minimum Funds Required: 10,000-11,000 CAD (5.99 to 6.59 lakhs INR) for the applicant.

Explore a List of Canadian Universities Offering Scholarships for International Students

To reduce the financial burden, prospective students can apply for scholarships in Canada for international students initiated by the Government of Canada and external organizations.

Work Opportunities During Study In Canada:

Work On campus: The international student who is pursuing his study in Canada can work on the campus of the university for a fixed number of hours and only if you have a valid study permit.

Work Off Campus: Being an international student you can work off campus in case you are a full time student in the Designated Learning Institute and your study program is at least 6 months long and leads to a degree or diploma or a certificate.