Study in Canada

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With more than 6,50,000 international students pursuing Bachelor, Master, and Diploma/Certificate courses in Canada, the option of pursuing overseas education in Canada has now become prominent amongst the youth. Canada’s advanced education system, top-ranked institutions along safe and secure environment have made many pursue their dream of studying in Canada. Along with these key reasons, the one that turns many heads towards Canada is its pocket-friendly tuition fee for programs. If you have been aspiring to study in Canada but are unsure about where to begin, here is a comprehensive guide that will shed light on Canada’s major universities, admission process as well as visa procedures for international students.

Latest Study in Canada Updates 2025

  • IRCC (2024) announced that the number of study permits issued in a year is limited to 360,000. This would be divided into territories and provinces for special allocations based on their respective student population. As of now, this limit does not apply to doctoral and master’s students. Similarly, elementary and secondary level students are also not impacted.
  • The study permit cap is set to be revised in 2025 to 437,000. This will include PhD and master’s students. These changes have been made for sustainable levels of overseas students, and to ensure that adequate accommodations are available to international students. As per the new policy, IRCC will provide a portion of the study permit cap to territorial and provincial governments. They will further allocate the same to the designated learning institutions.
  • Changes have been made to the eligibility requirements for postgraduate work in Canada. The university graduates will now require an English language requirement (CLB) level 7. Aside from that, the eligibility for the PGWP will depend on the level of study.
  • On the other hand, the college graduate would require CLB level 5. Moreover, international students will not be able to change their universities without applying for a Canadian visa again.

Study in Canada Statistics

Why Study in Canada

Why Study in Canada?

Here are the major reasons why you should consider studying in Canada:

  • Canada is home to top-ranked universities that offer quality education and have top-notch facilities and faculty.
  • Canada allows international students to study and work at the same time. International students are allowed to work for 20 hours per week.
  • The Canadian education system is internationally acclaimed and the degrees offered are recognized worldwide.
  • Canada offers a wide range of scholarships for international students. These scholarships aim to help financially incapable and talented students to study in Canada.
  • Canada is well-known for being a safe destination for students across the world.

Eligibility Criteria to Study in Canada

If you are planning to study in Canada from India, here are the key requirements you need to keep in mind:

  • Transcripts or Marksheet of your previous degree or diploma
  • GMAT or GRE Scores for Masters, and MBA programs in Canada
  • Statement of Purpose (SOP) & Letters of Recommendation (LOR)
  • Acceptable English Proficiency Tests:
    • IELTS
    • C1 Advanced
    • TOEFL
      If you are applying for a French-taught program, you need to submit French Proficiency Tests Like TCF, TEF, DELF, and DALF.
  • Proof that you have sufficient funds to study in Canada.
  • An updated CV (if required)
  • If you are applying for a Master’s in Canada or a Ph.D. program, you might need to provide two letters of academic reference with previous letters of employment. If you haven’t studied in Canada before, you will also need an ECA (Educational Credential Assessment).

Study in Canada without IELTS

Top Courses in Canada 2025

The opportunities to study in Canada are endless; students can pursue an array of courses in Canada so if you are planning to study in Canada then check out the trending courses in Canada for 2023-2024:

MBACore Engineering & Engineering ManagementPhysical & Earth Sciences and Renewable EnergyBiosciences, Medicine & HealthcareArchitecture, Statistics & Maths
Computer Science & ITBusiness & FinanceAgricultural Science & ForestryMedia & JournalismPsychology & Human Resources

Courses in Canada after 12th

The top courses to study in Canada after the 12th for Indian students are:

Popular Courses to Study in Canada after 12th Commerce

  • BBA
  • BCom (Marketing/Accounting/Finance)
  • BA LLB
  • Bachelor of Journalism
  • Bachelor of Fashion Designing
  • Bachelor of Hotel Management
  • Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA)
  • Cost Accounting

Popular Courses to Study in Canada after 12th Commerce without Maths

  • Advanced Diploma in Business Administration – Marketing
  • BBA
  • Ontario College Diploma in Business Administration
  • Diploma in Business – Entrepreneurship and Management
  • Diploma in Hotel and Restaurant Management
  • Animation Courses

Popular Courses to Study in Canada After 12th Non-Medical

  • Diploma in Engineering Courses
  • Computer Courses
  • IT and Programming Courses
  • Lab Technician
  • BSc in Physics/Chemistry

Popular Courses to Study in Canada After 12th Medical

Popular Courses to Study in Canada After 12th Arts

  • Journalism
  • Fashion Design
  • Language and Linguistics
  • Human Rights
  • Music
  • Political Science
  • Filmmaking
  • Philosophy

Are you thinking about studying abroad? However, you have no idea which universities or courses are appropriate for you! Take a look at our Course Finder and find the right course for you now!

Top Universities in Canada 2025

While making your plans to study in Canada, it is important to research thoroughly the top academic institutions and their prospective offerings in your chosen field of interest. Take a look at the following table in which we have compiled the rankings of the top universities in Canada:

Name of the UniversityQS World University Rankings 2023THE World University Rankings 2022
University of Toronto2418
McGill University3140
The University of British Columbia4734
University of Montreal11673
University of Alberta110131
McMaster University15269
University of Ottawa237145
University of Calgary242200
University of Waterloo154201-250
Western University172201-250
Dalhousie University308251-300
University Laval433
Queen’s University240251-300
Simon Fraser University328251-300
University of Manitoba651-700351-400

Top Universities to Study in Canada without IELTS

Students aspiring to study in Canada can easily opt for alternatives to English tests like TOEFL, Duolingo English Test, and PTE. Some Canadian universities allow students to submit proof like an English certificate for school or opt for an English language course as well. Students from English-speaking countries are exempted from submitting IELTS scores. Here is a list of popular universities to study without IELTS in Canada

Affordable Universities in Canada

Many affordable universities in Canada offer education programs for international students. Here are the top universities in Canada with lower tuition fees.

  • Brandon University
  • University of Guelph
  • Memorial University of Newfoundland
  • Canadian Mennonite University
  • University of St. Boniface
  • McGill University
  • Humber College
  • University of Calgary
  • University of Northern British Columbia
  • Centennial College 

Grading System in Canada

GradePercentage (%)
A86-100
B73-85
C+67-72
C60-66
C-50-59
F0-49

To study in Canada, universities offer three popular entry points or intakes for admissions. These are Fall, Winter, and Summer. The fall intake is the most popular in the country followed by Winter and Summer. Summer intake is the least popular intake because of the limited courses and students applying to universities.

IntakesApplications BeginStarting Month
FallJuneSeptember
WinterNovemberJanuary
SummerFebruaryApril- May

When to Apply?

Before applying to any university in Canada, you should first check the course availability based on the intakes. Here are the key admission intakes in Canadian Universities:

CoursesIntake PeriodDeadlines
Undergraduate/ Postgraduate Courses [Universities]Fall Intake – September

Winter Intake – January
December – March

September – November
CollegesJanuary

May

September
August – September

January – February

February – April

Canadian universities are open for admissions for international students who wish to study in Canada for the upcoming September and May-June intakes of 2023

Study in Canada Admission Process

To begin with the admission process, one needs to follow a certain step-by-step procedure to ensure that you don’t miss anything while sending your application. The following pointers elaborate upon the major steps you should keep in mind while planning to study in Canada.

  • Find a Suitable Course and University
    Thoroughly research the available diploma and degree programs in your field of interest as well as the universities offering them. Canada is globally famous for its prospective courses in varied specializations, be it Science, Technology, Humanities, or Commerce.
  • Get the Paperwork Ready
    Applying to study in Canada can be a lengthy procedure and it’s important to start your application as early as possible. Some of the basic application essentials include transcripts and mark sheets for your academic records, language proficiency scores (IELTS Score for Canada), letters of motivation, letters of recommendation (LOR), and statements of Purpose (SOP), amongst others. We have also given a rundown of the different documents you need in the next section.
  • Familiarize yourself with Admission Requirements
    Once you have selected the right course, check its admission requirements on the university’s official website. Some of the prominent things you need to ensure are academic-related specifications, criteria related to work experience, information about the intake, etc. 
  • Filling out the Application Form & Submission
    Major universities in Canada conduct the application procedure through an online medium where the candidates need to fill in their personal and academic details, submit the necessary documents as well as the required application fee. Make sure that you carefully add all your details and go through them once again before the final submission. 
  • Gear Up for Visa Application
    Once your candidature has been successfully accepted by the university, you can start preparing your visa application. It generally needs around 60 days as well as demands many documents, so it becomes important that you commence your visa application as early as you can.

Documents Required

Here is a checklist of the documents required for completing the admission process for studying in Canada:

  • Letter of Acceptance
  • A Valid Passport
  • Transcripts/Marksheets
  • School Leaving Certificate
  • Evidence of GIC Purchase
  • Scholarship/Funding Details [If Applicable]
  • Proof of your English or French Proficiency Test
  • Student Questionnaire
  • Medical Test for Canada Student Visa
  • Family Information Form
  • IT Records of your parents [Last 2 years]
  • Use Representative Form (IMM 5476)

Do You Know: The Council of Ministers of Education (CMEC) has also curated an online tool where prospective aspirants can estimate the tuition costs as well as living expenses as per their chosen academic institutions.

Cost of Studying in Canada 2025

The total cost of studying in Canada is mainly constituted of different factors such as the chosen course, the city of study, accommodation, etc.

Study programAverage annual fee (CAD*)(Per Year)Average annual fee (INR*)(Per Year)
Undergraduate Program13,000 to 20,000 7-12 Lakh
Postgraduate master’s degree17,000 to 25,00010-15 Lakh
Doctoral Degree7,000 to 15,000 4-9 Lakh
MBA30,000 to 40,00018-24 Lakh

Cost of Living in Canada

  • On-Campus: Varies from one university to another
  • Off-Campus: CAD 400 – CAD 3,000 per month(INR 24K-1 lakh)
  • Travel Costs: CAD 80 – CAD 110 per month (INR 4K-6K)

Note: These are approximate costs and can vary based on the city you live in and the CAD to INR conversion rates.

Here’s how you can Study in Canada After the 10th!

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Scholarships in Canada 2025

Be it for undergraduate programs or scholarships in Canada for masters, those wanting to study in Canada will find plenty of opportunities to fund their education. Here is the complete list of scholarships in Canada:

Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship
167 scholarships
An amount of CAD50,000 (INR 30 Lakh) will be allotted during the three years course. This scheme is only applicable to the students willing to pursue Masters and Ph.D. courses and they must be nominated by a Canadian institution.

Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan
Only the students willing to pursue Master’s as well as doctoral degrees in Canada can apply for the scholarship. It is necessary for a candidate to be a citizen of India and must have completed their tertiary education in English. The candidate must be less than 40 years of age. 
Award: The entire tuition fee, travel expenses along maintenance allowances will be granted through the scholarship scheme.

Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute Scholarship
For bachelor, master, and MPhil in Canada
The applicant must be a member of the institution of Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute or any of the constituent colleges that fall under the Shastri network. Candidates must have obtained at least 65% marks and shall not be enrolled in any other degree or diploma program. 
Award: 500- 1000 CAD (INR 30-60K) will be awarded to the applicants along with reimbursement for online meeting software, telephone bills, internet connection, affiliation fee, and access to lab facilities or library.

Ontario Graduate Scholarship
Students who have secured at least 75 to 80% in their UG courses can apply.
Award: The value of the OGS is CA$ 5,000 (INR 3 Lakh) per semester.

Leverage Edu Study Abroad Scholarship

The Leverage Edu scholarship is your golden opportunity to study stress-free at your dream university abroad! The scholarship is open to all students applying to study in countries like the UK, Canada, and the US with a Leverage Edu expert. By applying for the scholarship, you can get access to awards worth ₹20,000 to ₹3,00,000 to help reduce your tuition fee and on-campus expenses. The scholarship is open to students irrespective of course preferences. India’s Largest Study Abroad scholarship is a sure-shot opportunity to unlock your potential and transform your life.

Looking for Study in Canada Consultants in Delhi?
Our Leverage Edu counselors
are here to help you find the right course and university and our mentors and head coaches will further guide you throughout the admission process, selecting scholarships, and more!
Click Here for a Free Session Now!

Canada Study Visa

To obtain a Canada Study visa for Indians, one needs to apply to the Citizen and Immigration (CIC) which is the main concerned authority for obtaining student permits for international students.

There are two ways to apply for Student Permit in Canada or Canada Study Visa:

Regular Study Permit Application Procedure
For Indian students, the best way is to apply through the student direct stream in which one needs to register online at the official website of the CIC, submit biometrics (fingerprints and photo), and then wait for at least 20 days for the verification and result.

Student Direct Stream 
On the other hand, the regular study permit application procedure is a traditional method in which one can either apply online or on paper. The eligibility criteria are similar to the student direct stream, however, it can take a little longer for the screening of applications.

The application fee for Student Visa in Canada is CAD 150 [Rs 8,000 approximately].

Post-Graduation Work Permit in Canada

Students studying in Canada are eligible to stay back in the country and apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit. Students have a window of 180 days to apply for the permit after receiving their final marks and working in the country for up to 3 years on the permit. Documents required are an official letter from your school and an official transcript or copy to confirm that you have studied at the university. To work in the country, the candidates must have completed at least one year of education from DIL registered university. 

Must Read: University of Toronto Acceptance Rate

Jobs for International Students in Canada

Do you know international students can avail themselves of the chance to work either on-campus or off-campus while studying in Canada?

The Canadian government has allowed international students to work for 20 hours a week while pursuing their education in the country. Further, one can choose from on-campus or off-campus jobs, and if you are an international student, your study permit must indicate that you are allowed to work.

On-Campus Jobs in Canada

In this type of job, you’re allowed to work for your school, a faculty member, your own business, and a student organization without a work permit. But as a post-secondary international student, you’re only permitted to work if you have:

  • A full-time post-secondary student at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
  • A valid study permit
  • A Social Insurance Number

Off-Campus Jobs in Canada

In such a job, you’re allowed to work outside your school. So explore part-time opportunities like a tutor, waiter, or in any other temporary positions, but you’re allowed to work only when you have:

  • A valid study permit that indicates you’re allowed to work off-campus,
  • Enrolled at a DLI (Designated Learning Institute),
  • Studying a 6-month program that leads to a degree, certificate, or diploma.
  • Social Insurance Number (SIN)

Top Jobs in Canada for International Students

Check out the most in-demand jobs in Canada for international students:

  • Software Engineer
  • Lawyer
  • Marketing Manager
  • Human Resource
  • Doctor
  • Pilot
  • Psychiatrist

Student Life in Canada

Canada invests a huge amount of money in education and its facilities. This makes the country among the most caught-after study abroad destinations. Let’s briefly go through the dynamic student life in Canada.

  • Canada is known to have a multicultural environment that gives students a global perspective and also helps them build a stronger network. 
  • The country is also known for welcoming the majority of immigrants which contributes to the progressive nature of the people.
  • Students can explore endless leisure activities in  Canada. Being home to many world heritage sites and lively festivals, students can engage in various activities.
  • Canada is also known to have the lowest crime rates in the world. Canadians experience fewer violent crimes, and fewer break-ins, and police officers follow strict ethics which makes it safe for students. 

Best Cities to Study in Canada

Canada is one of the most diverse, inclusive, and beautiful countries in the world. The country values essential services like education and healthcare which is why you can find a college in every city in Canada. Here is a list of the best cities in Canada, you should consider for the future!

  • Toronto
  • Montreal
  • Vancouver 
  • Ottawa 
  • Quebec
  • Edmonton

PR After Study in Canada

After earning a degree from a prominent Canadian university, obtaining permanent residency and immigration becomes simple. The government offers a variety of options to help international students become permanent residents. The Post-Graduate Job Permit (PGWP) is an alternative for fresh graduates who want to obtain work experience in the business.

International students can also apply for Permanent Residency in Canada through the following avenues:

  • Students must have completed two years of study and one year of work experience following graduation to be eligible for this class.
  • Students must have a working knowledge of the French language and have completed a CEGEP program at a Quebec-based university.
  • Students who participate in the Provincial Nomination Program can obtain PR more quickly.

Canada boasts a diverse cultural landscape, as well as a vibrant social scene. In terms of ethnic diversity, the country represents a wide range of ethnic groupings. These organizations present fresh insights into everything from gastronomic delights to thrilling leisure pursuits. There’s a chance you’ll run into folks from your home country or neighbourhood.

Canada is a technological powerhouse with a myriad of job prospects. The industrial realm is primarily concerned with technology and innovation. As a result, those with a penchant for creative thinking can pursue a career in this country.

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FAQs

Which are the most in-demand courses to study in Canada? 

Some of the in-demand courses in Canada that are based on the most in-demand jobs are:
1. Vocational or College Instructor
2. Licensed Practical Nurse  
3. Business Management Consultant
4. Software Engineer/ Designer
5. Industrial Electrician
6. Aerospace Engineer
7. Pharmacist
8. Aircraft Pilot
9. Psychologist
10. Construction Estimator 
11. Registered Nurse

Is it easier for international students to get a job after studying in Canada?

With friendly immigration rules and regulations, finding a job after completing your studies in Canada is an easy task as compared to other countries. Those who graduate from one of the designated learning institutions are eligible to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit, i.e. PGWP. Here is our blog which lists down the jobs in Canada with Work Permit for you to consider.

What is the minimum account balance required for a Canadian Student Visa?

To study in Canada, you have to give proof of funds. Currently, the minimum bank balance which you need to have is CAD 10,000 [Rs 5,40,000]. Furthermore, to study in Quebec, you need to have a minimum of CAD 11,000 [Rs 5,96,000]

What is the minimum IELTS score required to study in Canada? 

In case you are applying for a student visa, you need to score a minimum aggregate of 6 and a minimum of 5.5 in each section of the IELTS paper, for all the undergraduate degrees offered to study in Canada. For postgraduate degrees, you need to score a minimum of 6 in all four sections and a minimum aggregate of 6.5. 

Are medical examinations required to study in Canada? 

A medical examination is necessary for those planning to join public service courses or job opportunities. A medical examination might be compulsory in case you are planning to pursue certain kinds of courses in which case the university will specify the same or plan to take up a job that requires a medical examination. In this scenario, the medical examination will be conducted before issuing a visa for Canada. Courses that last 6 months or less, do not require a medical examination of any kind.

Which exams are necessary to study in Canada? 

The basic admission examinations such as the SAT, GRE, or GMAT are technical examinations and basic determinants for the course pathway to study in Canada. Language proficiency exams like IELTS and TOEFL are also necessary to help the university understand whether you can survive in a predominantly English-speaking country like Canada. However, individual course admission requirements may differ based on the college or university. 

Canada being a welcoming and economical study destination for international students is certainly the current favorite study-abroad option for many students around the globe. To ensure you get selected for one of the top universities to study in Canada, it’s highly imperative to have your application stand out. Call Leverage Edu today and take the first step towards successfully studying in Canada.

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21 comments
  1. Hi, Study abroad is Dream for Many Students, Canada is one of the finest places to study for Indian Students, this pandemic has affected them, i hope everything will get cleared soon Global Tree.
    Thax for sharing the valuable info.

  2. “Hey,
    That’s awesome! What you have written about studying in Canada is very well written, and all the points are beneficial for everyone.

    1. Hello Rohit,
      We are glad and delighted to know that you have found our content in this blog helpful and beneficial. Here are some more interesting reads based on Canada thay you can use for further knowledge:
      https://leverageedu.com/blog/cost-of-studying-in-canada/
      https://leverageedu.com/blog/mba-courses-in-canada/
      https://leverageedu.com/blog/best-course-in-canada/
      https://leverageedu.com/blog/culture-shocks-in-canada/
      https://leverageedu.com/blog/student-life-in-canada/

    2. Hello Rohit,
      We are glad and delighted to know that you have found our content in this blog helpful and beneficial. Here are some more interesting reads based on Canada thay you can use for further knowledge and information:
      https://leverageedu.com/blog/cost-of-studying-in-canada/
      https://leverageedu.com/blog/mba-courses-in-canada/
      https://leverageedu.com/blog/best-course-in-canada/
      https://leverageedu.com/blog/culture-shocks-in-canada/
      https://leverageedu.com/blog/student-life-in-canada/

    1. Hi Sherly,
      We understand the entire application process to a foreign university can get pretty complicated sometimes. In relation to your query, please go through our Study in Canada blog which may help you find all the required information.
      If you need help with the application process, then feel free to call us on 1800 572 000 for a free consultancy session!