Study in Canada for Indian Students: Find Top Universities, Courses, Visa, Costs, Scholarships

What makes studying in the Canada a compelling choice?

Overview
Academics
Work Opportunities
Cost of Attendance

CAD 25,000/year

Average Cost of Study

Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver

Top 3 Student Cities

CAD 15,000/year

Average Cost of Living

Fall, Spring and Summer

Intakes

IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, GRE, GMAT

Exam Required

Canada stands as a forward-looking nation, beckoning international students with its hospitable ambiance, superior living standards, and avenues for exploration. Its allure lies not only in affordable education compared to US and UK institutions, but also in substantial government funding that upholds academic excellence.

The Canadian job market, expansive and diverse, brims with potential across various sectors, though it thrives amid intense competition. While pursuing studies, students can engage in part-time work for up to 20 hours weekly, thanks to the student visa provisions. Boasting top-tier infrastructure, renowned universities, a mosaic of cultures, and promising work prospects, Canada magnetises students from around the globe.

Canada boasts a premier education system with a remarkable array of options, encompassing 223 esteemed public and private universities, as well as 213 public colleges. This diverse landscape offers over 10,000 graduate and undergraduate programs to choose from.

Within this educational tapestry, distinct types of institutions thrive. Universities grant postgraduate diplomas and certificates, while Colleges, also known as Community Colleges, Colleges of Applied Arts or Applied Technology, and Institutes of Technology or Science, specialise in applied fields of study.

Notably, 28 universities in Canada secured positions in the prestigious QS World Ranking of 2022, a testament to their excellence and achievements. Prominent institutions such as the University of Toronto, McGill University, and the University of British Columbia stand out.

The country's academic offerings align with a variety of disciplines that captivate international students. Prime courses encompass Business and Finance, Engineering, Computer Science and Information Technology, Health and Medicine, Law, Media and Journalism, Agriculture Science and Forestry, and Economics.

Top Job Opportunities - Fields of Specialization	Average Annual Salary
Management	CAD 83,000
Healthcare	CAD 101,000
Chemical Engineering	CAD 75,000
Statistics/Data Science	CAD 75,000
Electrical & Electronics Engineering	CAD 72,000

Upon finishing their studies, students are granted a 180-day window to apply for a work permit in Canada. The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) necessitates meeting certain criteria: consistent full-time study in each academic session without interruptions, successful completion of a program lasting a minimum of 8 months and resulting in a degree, diploma, or certificate.

Engaging in work and residing in Canada under this permit for a span of three years renders individuals eligible for Canadian Permanent Residence status, signifying a pathway to becoming a permanent resident of the country.

City	Average Cost Of Living per year
Toronto	CAD 22,000
Montreal	CAD 17,000
Vancouver	CAD 17,000
Ottawa	CAD 15,000
Quebec	CAD 20,000

The type of accommodation and lifestyle choices play a key role in determining the average cost of living in Canada. Students on a tight budget choose On-campus Accommodation or Shared Apartment Off-campus which costs around CAD 8,000-9,000 per year. The Average Cost Per Year for expenses other than accommodation is around CAD12,000.

Types of Visa Required for Study in Canada

Student
Startup
Canadian PR

Student Visa

Under the Canadian Visa regulations, students who have completed a 2-year course or two 1-year courses are entitled to a 3-year stay after their education. During this period, securing a Work Permit is relatively straightforward, especially for working professionals, enhancing eligibility for Permanent Residency.

To apply for a Canadian Visa, applicants typically need to provide:

Proof of acceptance from the chosen university.
Proof of identity, including a valid passport and two photographs.
Evidence of financial support, such as an active Guaranteed ...

To apply for a Canadian Visa, applicants typically need to provide:

Proof of acceptance from the chosen university.
Proof of identity, including a valid passport and two photographs.
Evidence of financial support, such as an active Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) and a four-month bank statement.

Additional requirements may include:

A letter of explanation outlining your motivation for studying in Canada.
A Québec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) if studying in Quebec.

A custodian declaration for minors. Meeting these requirements facilitates a smooth transition to Canada for education and subsequent professional opportunities.

Startup

Canada's Start-up Visa Program is designed to attract immigrant entrepreneurs who possess the skills and potential to establish businesses in Canada characterised by innovation, job creation for Canadians, and global competitiveness.

To qualify, a business must meet specific criteria, including:

Ownership Distribution: Each applicant must hold a minimum of 10% of the voting rights of all outstanding shares of the corporation at the time of commitment from a designated organisation. Up to five individuals can apply as owners.

To qualify, a business must meet specific criteria, including:

Ownership Distribution: Each applicant must hold a minimum of 10% of the voting rights of all outstanding shares of the corporation at the time of commitment from a designated organisation. Up to five individuals can apply as owners.
Collective Voting Rights: Applicants and the designated organisation together must hold over 50% of the total voting rights attached to all outstanding shares of the corporation at the time of commitment.

This program provides a pathway for entrepreneurial individuals to contribute to Canada's economic growth and innovation ecosystem while obtaining the opportunity to establish and develop their own ventures.

Canadian PR

Express Entry, Canada's dynamic immigration system, comprises three distinct programs:

Canadian Experience Class (CEC):
- Targets skilled workers with Canadian work experience.
- Requires work experience within the three years prior to application.
Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP):
- Caters to skilled workers with foreign work experience.
- Applicants must meet education and other specified criteria.
Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP): ...

Express Entry, Canada's dynamic immigration system, comprises three distinct programs:

Canadian Experience Class (CEC):
- Targets skilled workers with Canadian work experience.
- Requires work experience within the three years prior to application.
Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP):
- Caters to skilled workers with foreign work experience.
- Applicants must meet education and other specified criteria.
Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP):
- Aims at skilled workers qualified in a trade.
- Demands a valid job offer or a certificate of qualification.

For these programs, applicants must provide a range of documents, including:

A valid passport or travel document.
Language test results to demonstrate language proficiency.
Proof of funds to support settlement.
Police certificates as evidence of good conduct. Medical exam results to ensure health eligibility.
Marriage certificate (if applicable).

Through these pathways, Express Entry facilitates the selection of skilled individuals to contribute to Canada's economy and enrich its multicultural landscape.

Download Canada Visa Guide To Know More

Top Scholarships In Canada

Anne Vallee Ecological Fund Scholarship

The Anne Vallee Ecological Fund Scholarship is designed for students enrolled in Quebec or the University of British Columbia who are pursuing animal research at the master's or doctoral level. This scholarship supports field research endeavours focused on animal ecology and the influence of human activities, such as agriculture, forestry, industry, and fishing, on ecological systems....

Eligibility Criteria:

Applicants must be engaged ...

Eligibility Criteria:

Applicants must be engaged in animal science studies at the doctoral level within universities located in British Columbia or Quebec.

IDRC Research Awards

The IDRC Research Awards offer a valuable opportunity for Indian students pursuing a master's or post-doctoral degree in Canada. This scholarship is applicable to those who have gained admission to a recognized Canadian university. The scholarship, spanning a year, is facilitated by the student's affiliated university or institute.

Eligibility Criteria:

Students engaged in master's or doctoral programs, particularly ...

Eligibility Criteria:

Students engaged in master's or doctoral programs, particularly in developed countries like Canada, are eligible to apply for the IDRC Research Awards.

Ontario Graduate Scholarships (OGS)

The Ontario Graduate Scholarships (OGS) is an annual scholarship opportunity for Indian students, financially supported by the provincial government. The aim is to foster excellence in graduate studies at both master's and doctoral levels. The scholarship is divided into two parts: two-thirds of the award value is funded by the government, while the remaining one-third is provided by the university.

Eligibility Criteria: ...

Eligibility Criteria:

To be eligible for the OGS, students must have attained a minimum of 80% in each of their last two full-time academic years.

Canada ASEAN-SEED

The Canada ASEAN Scholarships and Educational Exchanges for Development (SEED) initiative offers students from member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) valuable short-term exchange opportunities for study or research at Canadian post-secondary institutions, spanning college, undergraduate, and graduate levels.

Eligibility Criteria:

This program is open to mid-career ...

Eligibility Criteria:

This program is open to mid-career professionals hailing from ASEAN countries.

Canada Memorial Scholarship

The Canada Memorial Scholarship stands as a prestigious fully-funded opportunity for Indian students aiming to pursue studies at Canadian universities. For programs exceeding one year, applicants might need to provide evidence of additional funding sources to ensure course completion.

Eligibility Criteria:

This scholarship is open to UK students seeking postgraduate studies in Canada. It encompasses various expenses ...

Eligibility Criteria:

This scholarship is open to UK students seeking postgraduate studies in Canada. It encompasses various expenses including tuition fees, airfare, and accommodation costs.

Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship

The Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship is a prestigious merit-based award intended for postdoctoral students. This fellowship provides support for a duration of 2 years. To become a fellow under this program, Indian students must secure admission to their preferred university or college in Canada. Successful applicants will hold the fellowship with the approval of the respective university's authorities.

Eligibility Criteria: ...

Eligibility Criteria:

Applicants must be enrolled in a postgraduate program in fields related to environmental and social sciences or health studies.

Tests Required To Study In Canada

IELTS (International English Language Testing System)

Crafted to facilitate your endeavours of working, studying, or immigrating to English-native countries like Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK, and USA, the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a comprehensive assessment.
The evaluation encompasses your English language proficiency across listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills. The IELTS score is assigned on a scale ranging from 1 to 9.
This standardised testing framework is a collaborative effort, jointly owned by the British Council, IDP IELTS, and Cambridge University Press & Assessment. Its purpose is to ascertain your aptitude in the English language, aiding your pursuits in diverse English-speaking realms.
Your proficiency in IELTS holds a direct correlation with your English comprehension and communication prowess. Achieving a higher score signifies an enhanced mastery of the language. Notably, various entities such as immigration authorities, universities, workplaces, and institutions have distinct IELTS score prerequisites.
The required score hinges on your intended purpose within the country, whether it's for work or study. Your IELTS score acts as a gateway, tailoring your eligibility to seamlessly engage in your desired activities within the country.

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)

The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is an assessment designed to evaluate your English language proficiency for academic or professional purposes. It's widely accepted by universities, employers, and immigration authorities in English-speaking countries.
The TOEFL exam assesses your skills in reading, listening, speaking, and writing in English. The total score ranges from 0 to 120, with each section scored from 0 to 30. The higher your TOEFL score, the stronger your command over the English language.
The TOEFL test is recognized by over 11,000 universities, colleges, and institutions in more than 150 countries, making it a trusted assessment for academic admissions and English-language proficiency evaluations.
TOEFL evaluates your English skills across four essential areas: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. Each section is designed to measure your ability to understand, communicate, and respond effectively in real-world scenarios.
The TOEFL test caters to a diverse audience, including students, professionals, and immigrants, offering an objective evaluation of English language skills for various purposes, including education, employment, and immigration.

Get Free IELTS Prep With Mastersbuddy

Popular Universities to Study in Canada

University Of Manitoba

Best known for the region's largest and only research intensive university
QS Ranking : 671
Established in 1877
100+ Programs

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Carleton University

Best known for journalism, public affairs, international affairs, architecture and technology.
QS Ranking : 521
Established in 1974
200+ Programs

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University Of Alberta

Best known for humanities, sciences, creative arts, business, engineering and health sciences.
QS Ranking : 110
Established in 1908
250+ Programs

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Lakehead University

Best known for Accounting, Finance, Science
QS Ranking : 1291
Established in 1965
75+ Programs

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Concordia University

Best known for art and design, education, communication and media studies, accounting and finance, and psychology
QS Ranking : 387
Established in 1974
500+ Programs

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University Of Northern British Columbia

Best known for Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Social Sciences
QS Ranking : 781
Established in 1990
150+ Programs

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Popular Programs To Study In Canada

Software Engineering

Program: Computer Science

Tuition Fees (Avg.): $15,000 - $35,000

Average Salary Range: $80,000 - $120,000

Civil/Mechanical/Electrical

Program: Engineering

Tuition Fees (Avg.): $20,000 - $40,000

Average Salary Range: $75,000 - $110,000

MBA

Program: Business Administration

Tuition Fees (Avg.): $20,000 - $40,000

Average Salary Range: $90,000 - $130,000

Registered Nurse

Program: Nursing

Tuition Fees (Avg.): $15,000 - $30,000

Average Salary Range: $70,000 - $100,000

Doctor

Program: Medicine

Tuition Fees (Avg.): $25,000 - $50,000

Average Salary Range: $150,000 - $300,000

Data Analysis

Program: Data Science

Tuition Fees (Avg.): $15,000 - $35,000

Average Salary Range: $70,000 - $110,000

Environmental Consultant

Program: Environmental Science

Tuition Fees (Avg.): $20,000 - $40,000

Average Salary Range: $65,000 - $95,000

Financial Analyst

Program: Finance

Tuition Fees (Avg.): $20,000 - $40,000

Average Salary Range: $70,000 - $110,000

Clinical Psychologist

Program: Psychology

Tuition Fees (Avg.): $15,000 - $30,000

Average Salary Range: $70,000 - $100,000

Marketing Manager

Program: Marketing

Tuition Fees (Avg.): $15,000 - $35,000

Average Salary Range: $70,000 - $110,000

High School Teacher

Program: Education

Tuition Fees (Avg.): $15,000 - $30,000

Average Salary Range: $60,000 - $90,000

Pharmacist

Program: Pharmacy

Tuition Fees (Avg.): $25,000 - $50,000

Average Salary Range: $90,000 - $130,000

Biomedical Scientist

Program: Biotechnology

Tuition Fees (Avg.): $20,000 - $40,000

Average Salary Range: $70,000 - $110,000

Lawyer

Program: Law

Tuition Fees (Avg.): $25,000 - $50,000

Average Salary Range: $80,000 - $120,000

Architect

Program: Architecture

Tuition Fees (Avg.): $20,000 - $40,000

Average Salary Range: $70,000 - $100,000

Foreign Service Officer

Program: International Relations

Tuition Fees (Avg.): $15,000 - $35,000

Average Salary Range: $70,000 - $100,000

Public Health Specialist

Program: Public Health

Tuition Fees (Avg.): $20,000 - $40,000

Average Salary Range: $70,000 - $100,000

Environmental Engineer

Program: Environmental Engineering

Tuition Fees (Avg.): $20,000 - $40,000

Average Salary Range: $70,000 - $110,000

Music Composer

Program: Music

Tuition Fees (Avg.): $15,000 - $35,000

Average Salary Range: $50,000 - $90,000

Graphic Designer

Program: Graphic Design

Tuition Fees (Avg.): $15,000 - $35,000

Average Salary Range: $50,000 - $80,000

FAQs On Studying In Canada

How many work hours are permitted on a student visa in Canada?

Up to 20 hours per week during the semester period and full-time during breaks are permitted on a student visa in Canada, considering certain considerations when working.

How much proof of funds is sufficient for a Canadian study visa application?

Generally, you need to show tuition fees plus $10,000 for 12 months (or $833 per month) for a single student, except in Quebec where the amount varies based on age.

What documentation is required for a Canadian study permit?

The required documents include a valid passport, visa application form, fee payment, acceptance letter from the university, proof of funding, and biometric fees.

What is the cost of living and education in Canada?

The average yearly cost of living is approximately CAD 7,200 to CAD 9,600, and tuition fees range from CAD 10,000 to CAD 25,000.

Is it relatively easy to obtain a Canada Visa?

Canada's open and liberal immigration policies make it comparatively easier to obtain a visa. Though there's no face-to-face interview, the overall documentation process remains important.

What fees are involved in the admission process for studying in Canada?

Apart from shipping costs, expenses include score reporting fees for entrance tests, application fees, first-year tuition, GIC purchase, and visa processing fees.

Do Canadian universities recognize the Indian education system of 10+2+3?

While most universities require 10+2+4 for Masters, some may accept 10+2+3 for specific programs or postgraduate diplomas.

What options are available if I've completed 15 years of education but most Master's programs require 16 years?

Options include completing a Master's degree in India before applying, pursuing a PhD in Canada, enrolling in a PG Diploma or Pre-MBA course, transferring credits to a Canadian University, or exploring specific university policies, like York University's consideration of 3-year Bachelor's degrees.

Can international students work off-campus in Canada?

Yes, international students with a valid study permit can work off-campus for up to 20 hours per week during the semester and full-time during breaks.

Are scholarships available for international students in Canada?

Yes, many Canadian institutions offer scholarships and financial aid to international students based on academic merit, leadership, and other criteria.

What is the process for obtaining a study permit for Canada?

To obtain a study permit, you need an acceptance letter from a designated learning institution, proof of funds, and a clear plan to leave Canada after your studies. You'll apply online or at a Visa Application Centre.

Can students apply for a post-graduation work permit after completing their studies?

Yes, students who have completed a program of study at a designated learning institution may be eligible for a post-graduation work permit, allowing them to work in Canada for up to three years after graduation.

Are English language proficiency tests like IELTS or TOEFL required for studying in Canada?

Yes, most Canadian universities and colleges require proof of English language proficiency through tests like IELTS, TOEFL, or other accepted equivalents.

Can international students access healthcare services in Canada?

Yes, many provinces provide basic healthcare coverage to international students through provincial health insurance plans.

Is it possible to bring family members to Canada while studying?

Yes, students can apply for a study permit that allows them to bring their spouse or common-law partner, as well as dependent children, to Canada.

Can international students work on-campus in Canada?

Yes, international students with a valid study permit can work on-campus without a separate work permit.

How does the Canadian education system rank globally?

Canadian universities consistently rank among the top in global university rankings due to their high-quality education, research opportunities, and innovative programs.

Can international students apply for permanent residency in Canada after their studies?

Yes, international students who meet certain criteria, such as work experience and language proficiency, can apply for permanent residency through programs like the Express Entry system or Provincial Nominee Programs.

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