Are you considering studying in Canada? With nearly half a million international students, Canada emerges as a premier destination renowned for its world-class education, affordable tuition fees, and streamlined visa application processes. It boasts a superior standard of living, diverse learning environments, quality education, and abundant career opportunities. Over the past decade, Canada's international student population has tripled, with many prestigious institutions consistently securing top positions in global rankings
In recent years, Indian student enrolment in Canada has seen a remarkable increase of 260%, reaching 800,000 students in 2022. Indians now constitute over 28% of Canada's international student community.
In 2023, approximately 753,000 students obtained a Canada student visa. According to the U.S. News & World Report 2022, Canada ranks 3rd globally for quality of life and is home to numerous top-ranked universities. Among the Times Higher Education rankings for 2023, seven Canadian universities are positioned within the top 200 worldwide. Notably, students from Asian countries such as India, China, and Korea significantly contribute to Canada's international student community, drawn by its welcoming, safe, and friendly environment.
Canada is a sought-after destination for international students seeking quality education at affordable rates, recognized degrees, and excellent opportunities for work and immigration. With its exceptional education system, straightforward student visa process, and promising job market, Canada attracts students from around the globe, including India. According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) data for 2022, the country welcomed 551,405 international students from 184 nations, with a significant portion, 226,450 students, hailing from India. Situated in North America, Canada is the second-largest country, boasting vibrant cities like Toronto and Vancouver known for their breathtaking landscapes, diverse culture, and top-tier educational institutions.
Canada provides a wide array of higher education options for international students, with 15 research institutions, 100 public universities, and 86 private colleges contributing to academic growth. Community colleges offer diploma programs for those seeking alternative paths. Universities in Canada offer full-time and part-time courses such as post-secondary diplomas, certificates, post-graduate programs (online/hybrid/offline), short-term training, skills trade training, professional license exam preparation, bachelor's degree programs, English as a Second Language Training, and French Language Training. Indian students have the opportunity to pursue studies in Canada after completing their 12th grade, with various institutions offering education in English. The benefits of studying in Canada include:
Cost of study | CAD 15 - 40k Per Year Depending on Program/ Institution |
Sources of funding | Parental Support, Education Loan, Scholarships, Student Loans, and Part-time Jobs. |
Exams Required | IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, CAEL GRE and GMAT. |
Level of education and Duration | Certificate (1 Year), Diploma (2 year), Bachelor (3-4 Year), PG Certificate (1 Year), PG Diploma (2 year), Masters (2 year) and Doctorate (PhD). |
Intakes | Fall (September), Winter (Jan), and Summer (May) Intakes. |
Visa | Canada Student Visa - SDS |
Best Student Cities | Calgary, Edmonton, New Brunswick, Halifax, Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver, Ottawa, Quebec, Surrey, Winnipeg and Windsor. |
Top Universities | University of Toronto, McGill University, University of British Columbia, University of Montreal, and University of Alberta |
Cost of Living | CAD $800 - 1200 per month. |
The data presented in the table above highlights the requirements for international students intending to pursue studies in Canada. These requirements include obtaining a student visa and submitting English language proficiency test scores such as IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE, as well as standardized test scores like GRE, SAT, or GMAT, depending on the program level for which you are admitted. Indian students opt to study in Canada over other English-speaking countries due to its exceptional education system, high standard of living, diverse environment, affordable education, and promising long-term returns on investment. Canadian educational institutions consistently rank among the world's best, with three of the top 50 universities globally situated in Canada. Renowned for their excellence in academics, innovative research, and dedication to providing quality education, Canadian universities and colleges offer a diverse array of programs spanning engineering, arts, business, and various other fields, catering to students' interests and career aspirations.
Canada's education system is renowned for its affordability and quality, drawing numerous international students. The country has seen a staggering 400% increase in international student enrolment. Education in Canada is structured into three tiers: Elementary, Secondary, and Post-secondary. Upon completing their elementary and secondary education around the ages of 16-18, students can progress to Post-secondary Education. Each province in Canada is responsible for managing its education system, leading to some variation in academic levels across regions. However, Canada's education remains globally recognized for its affordability and quality. Refer to the table below for a breakdown of the education system in Canada.
Certificate | 1-year |
Diploma | 1 - 2 years |
Advanced Diploma | 2 to 3 years |
Bachelor’s Degree | 3/ 4 years |
Post-Graduate Certificate. | 1 year |
Post-Graduate Diploma | 2 year |
Master’s Degree | 2 years |
Doctorate or Ph.D. | 4 to 7 years |
Post-doctoral program | No limit |
International students studying in Canada have various opportunities to work part-time while pursuing their studies. Some of the work opportunities available to international students in Canada include:
It's important for international students to familiarize themselves with the regulations and requirements related to working in Canada, including obtaining the necessary permits and adhering to any restrictions on hours of work. Additionally, students should prioritize their studies and ensure that employment does not interfere with academic commitments.
After completing their studies in Canada, international students may have various opportunities to work and gain valuable professional experience. Some of the post-study work opportunities available to international graduates in Canada include:
Certificate | 1-year | 1-year |
Diploma | 2 years | 3 years |
Advanced Diploma | 3 years | 3 years |
Bachelor’s Degree | 3/ 4 years | 3 years |
Post-Graduate Certificate. | 1 year | 1 year |
Post-Graduate Diploma | 2 year | 3 year |
Master’s Degree | 2 years | 3 years |
Doctorate or Ph.D. | 4 to 7 years | 3 years |
Overall, Canada offers numerous post-study work opportunities for international graduates, providing them with pathways to gain valuable work experience and potentially transition to permanent residency in the country. It's essential for graduates to research their options and consult with immigration professionals to determine the best pathway for their individual circumstances.
Canada is celebrated for its outstanding education system, offering a diverse range of programs spanning undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate levels. Alongside traditional degrees, Canadian universities also provide certificate and diploma courses. Undergraduates have the option to pursue Bachelor's or Associate's degrees, typically completed within 3 to 4 years. At the graduate level, Master's and Doctoral programs extend from 2 to 6 years, while post-graduate diploma courses typically span 1 to 2 years. Emphasizing experiential learning, these programs enable students to engage with practical applications, acquire hands-on knowledge, and cultivate valuable academic expertise in their respective fields. Among the most sought-after courses in Canada are:
International Business Management | CAD 15,000 - 25,000 | INR 850,000 - 1,415,000 |
Master of Business Administration | CAD 30,000 - 40,000 | INR 1,700,000 - 2,260,000 |
IT & Computer Science | CAD 20,000 - 40,000 | INR 1,130,000 - 2,260,000 |
Engineering | CAD 30,000 - 50,000 | INR 1,700,000 - 2,830,000 |
Health, Biosciences & Pharmacy | CAD 30,000 - 50,000 | INR 1,700,000 - 2,830,000/td> |
Media & Journalism | CAD 20,000 - 30,000 | INR 1,130,000 - 1,695,000 |
Hospitality / Tourism / Catering | CAD 15,000 - 25,000 | INR 850,000 - 1,415,000 |
The most favoured universities to study in Canada vary depending on individual preferences, academic interests, and career goals. However, some of the highly regarded and popular universities among students in Canada include:
These universities are known for their academic excellence, research opportunities, diverse student communities, and supportive learning environments, making them attractive choices for domestic and international students alike.
The top universities to study in Canada are:
University of Toronto | Top research-intense university, innovation-driven | 21 | 18 | 40,000 | 24.51 lakhs |
McGill University | Renowned for Engineering courses | 30 | 46 | 27,000 | 16.54 lakhs |
University of British Columbia | Strong in teaching, research, consistent ranking | 34 | 40 | 34,000 | 20.83 lakhs |
University of Montreal | Largest university complex, prominent research | 141 | 111 | 17,000 | 10.41 lakhs |
University of Alberta | Top in Engineering, Humanities, Health Sciences, Business | 111 | 118 | 21,000 | 12.87 lakhs |
University of Waterloo | Leading in Computer Science, Engineering, Science, Math | 112 | 201-250 | 40,000 | 24.51 lakhs |
Western | Excellence in | 114 | 201-250 | 23,000 | 14.09 lakhs |
University | education, research, healthcare | ||||
University of Calgary | Strong research, diverse university culture | 182 | 201-250 | 37,000 | 22.67 lakhs |
McMaster University | Research-intense, notable for nuclear reactor | 189 | 80 | 45,000 | 27.57 lakhs |
University of Ottawa | Thrives on Excellence, Relevance, and Impact | 203 | 137 | 30,000 | 18.38 lakhs |
These universities offer various programs and degrees at relatively lower tuition costs, making them accessible to students seeking affordable higher education options in Canada.
If you're considering studying in your preferred university, you must also explore best student cities in Canada. According to the QS Best Student Cities Rankings 2023, the Top Study Destinations in Canada When considering where to pursue your education in Canada, exploring the best student cities is crucial. According to the QS Best Student Cities Rankings 2023, notable cities include Toronto, Montreal,
Canadian colleges and universities stand apart from Indian institutions with their three intakes, which are also known as semesters. Understanding the intakes in Canada is crucial for those aspiring to study abroad, as it defines the periods during which universities globally accept applications. Canadian universities offer three intakes namely Fall, Winter, and Summer. These intakes signify the period when students from around the world can apply to Canadian educational institutions.
September or Fall | June |
January or Winter | September |
May or Summer or Spring | January |
International students who want to study in Canada need a study permit. It is a necessary immigration document that validates their stay in Canada and accompanies a visitor visa or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). Alongside the study permit, you need a visitor visa or eTA to enter legally. This permit is essential for Indian students which grants permission to study at Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) in Canada. Please note that a study permit is not a visa. A student visa will authorize your entry to Canada. To apply for a Canadian Student Visa, it's best to start the process 4 to 6 months before your classes begin and after you've received an Admission Offer from a Canadian Designated Learning Institute. You can apply online using the Government of Canada Key (GCKey) portal or at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) or directly at the entry port if you prefer. The fee for applying for a Canadian Student Visa is $150 CAD, and it also covers a $85 CAD biometrics fee and a $45 CAD service fee. The study visa processing time will be around 4 to 8 weeks. If you're in a hurry, the Student Direct Stream (SDS) option processes it in just 20 days. Indian students are eligible for the SDS category and can apply by submitting the necessary documents for their student visa.
Scholarships are essentially monetary rewards granted to eligible students based on academic excellence, and they don't require repayment. Meritorious students with strong academic and extracurricular records can apply for these scholarships. These scholarships, provided by both the Canadian government and external organizations, aim to ease the cost of education abroad. Need-based scholarships are also accessible.
Find the list of popular scholarships in Canada for Indian students from the table below.
1 | Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships | Postgraduate scholarships in science and healthcare | $54,219/year (taxable) |
2 | Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships | Scholarships for doctoral study | $50,000/year |
3 | Queen’s University International Scholarships | Scholarships for international students with high grades | $6,969 |
4 | University of Calgary International Entrance Scholarship | Scholarship for international UG applicants | Up to CAD 15,000 |
5 | Canada-ASEAN Scholarships and Educational Exchanges for Development 2021 | Scholarships for Bachelor's and Master's | Up to CAD 15,900 |
6 | CGSP Postdoctoral Fellowships 2017 | Scholarships for postdoctoral study | $45,000/year |
7 | Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute | Fellowships at various levels for research and training | Varies |
8 | Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan | Scholarships for advanced study and research | Varies |
9 | Ontario Graduate Scholarship Program | Scholarships for graduate students | Varies |
10 | National Research Council of Canada (NRCC) | Research associateship for Master's and Ph.D. holders | Varies |
The total expenses for studying in Canada are influenced by factors like the chosen program, university, course duration, and living costs. To assist students who struggle to afford to study and live in Canada, various banks and financial institutions extend education loans for Canada. Before applying for an educational loan, reviewing the eligibility criteria is important to ensure loan approval. Since different loan schemes cover different expenses, it's advisable to consult the banks to understand the specific expenses and loan schemes that are applicable. Educational loans typically cover various expenses, including.
Crossland Education & Careers
SCO 85, Near Mangaldeep, Sector 17C,
Chandigarh, 160017
Call: 090717 75577