Study in Canada: Study in Canada Requirements, Best Universities, Fees, Visa

International students wanting to study in Canada can benefit from the country’s world-class education and multicultural environment. Home to over 100,000 international students every year, Canada offers prestigious universities and affordable tuition fees as compared to other countries. According to the IRCC, there were about 1,028,850 international students from 184 countries studying in Canada in 2023. The country also offers great work opportunities for students, both during and after their studies. So if you are looking for a country that provides great ROI, Canada can be your one-stop solution. In this blog, you will read all about how to study in Canada, eligibility requirements, best universities for international students, and more. Let’s begin.

Particulars About Studying in Canada	Details
Top courses to study in Canada	Engineering, Management, Human Resources, Agriculture, IT, Healthcare, Accounting, Data Science, Hospitality, Nursing, Economics, Architecture
Canada Universities for International Students	University of Toronto University of British Columbia McGill University McMaster University University of Alberta
Average Tuition Fee to Study in Canada	Undergraduate: CAD 7,000 to 29,000 per year Graduate: CAD 7,000 to 30,000 per year
Scholarships for International Students to Study in Canada	Carleton University Awards for International Students Concordia University International Undergraduate Awards Dalhousie University Scholarships

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?

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. 2 of its universities including the University of Toronto and the McGill University are included in the top 30 QS WUR Rankings 2025.
• 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.

Top Canada Universities for International Students

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 University	QS World University Rankings 2025
University of Toronto	25
McGill University	29
The University of British Columbia	38
University of Montreal	159
University of Alberta	96
McMaster University	176
University of Ottawa	189
University of Calgary	198
University of Waterloo	115
Western University	120
Dalhousie University	NA
University Laval	423
Queen’s University	193
Simon Fraser University	319
University of Manitoba	661-670

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 

(BONUS) 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

• University of Winnipeg
• Brock University
• University of Saskatchewan
• Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador
• Cambrian University
• Okanagan College 
• Concordia University
• Seneca College
• Carleton University

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:

MBA	Core Engineering & Engineering Management	Physical & Earth Sciences and Renewable Energy	Biosciences, Medicine & Healthcare	Architecture, Statistics & Maths
Computer Science & IT	Business & Finance	Agricultural Science & Forestry	Media & Journalism	Psychology & Human Resources

Courses in Canada After 12th

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

• Bachelor of Business Administration
• BCom
• Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Legislative Law
• BSc (Information Technology/Software Engineering)
• BSc in Nursing
• BTech
• Bachelor of Hotel Management
• Bachelor of Interior Design
• Diploma in Business Administration (HR)
• Diploma in Office Administration

Popular Courses in Canada

• Hotel Management Course in Canada
• PG Diploma in Canada
• PGDM in Canada
• MBA in Canada
• MBBS in Canada
• MSc Nursing in Canada
• Masters in Digital Marketing in Canada

• 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

• 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

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

• Nursing
• MBBS/MD
• Dental Courses
• Psychology
• Pharmacology
• Physiology

• 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!

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:

• For UG courses, you need the completion of higher secondary education (12th grade) with relevant subjects.
• For PG courses, you need a bachelor’s degree with a strong GPA (usually 3.0 or above on a 4.0 scale).
• International students must also demonstrate English Language Proficiency through tests like IELTS and TOEFL.
• You also need GMAT or GRE Scores for Masters and MBA programs in Canada.
• 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.
• 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 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)
• Statement of Purpose (SOP) & Letters of Recommendation (LOR)

Grading System in Canada

The grading system in Canada varies slightly across provinces and universities, but it generally follows a percentage-based format.

Grade	Percentage (%)
A	86-100
B	73-85
C+	67-72
C	60-66
C-	50-59
F	0-49

Popular Intakes in Canada 2025

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.

Intakes	Applications Begin	Starting Month
Fall	June	September
Winter	November	January
Summer	February	April- May

When to Apply to Study in Canada?

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:

Courses	Intake Period	Deadlines
Undergraduate/ Postgraduate Courses [Universities]	Fall Intake – September Winter Intake – January	December – March September – November
Colleges	January May September	August – September January – February February – April

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 program	Average annual fee (CAD*)(Per Year)	Average annual fee (INR*)(Per Year)
Undergraduate Program	13,000 to 20,000	7-12 Lakh
Postgraduate master’s degree	17,000 to 25,000	10-15 Lakh
Doctoral Degree	7,000 to 15,000	4-9 Lakh
MBA	30,000 to 40,000	18-24 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.

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:

• York University International Student Scholarships
• The University of Waterloo Graduate Scholarships
• Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship Program at the University of Toronto 
• The University of Calgary International Entrance Scholarship
• Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship 
• Ontario Graduate Scholarship
• Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute Scholarship 
• Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan 
• National Research Council of Canada Scholarship 
• Ontario Trillium Scholarship
• Quebec Provincial Government Scholarship
• Partnership Grams by Social Science and Humanities Research Council for Canada 
• University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowship
• Hani Zeini Scholarships 
• Ritchie- Jennings Memorial Scholarship 
• Erasmus Scholarship 

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.

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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
• Student Direct Stream

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. 

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

This blog was all about how to study in Canada, its eligibility requirements, top universities, scholarships, and more details. Are you still facing uncertainty or doubts about studying abroad? Don’t worry. Let Leverage Edu be your study abroad expert. Get in touch with us today and benefit from end-to-end assistance. From finding the right course and university to obtaining a scholarship and more, Leverage Edu can make your dream become a reality!