Best Places to Study in Canada

If you're planning to study at your dream university, it’s equally important to consider the city you’ll live in. Canada is home to some of the world’s best most student-friendly cities. According to the QS Best Student Cities Rankings 2024, the top Canadian cities for international students include Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Ottawa, and Quebec City. Get to know the popular cities of Canada in brief.

• Toronto: Toronto, situated in the province of Ontario has Canada's most esteemed university, the University of Toronto. It's not only the largest city in Canada but also renowned for its multicultural environment. It is known as the financial center of Canada as it's home to five of the country's largest banks.
• Montreal: As Canada's second-largest city, Montreal stands out with a high concentration of post-secondary students. Montreal offers a thriving academic environment, home to universities like McGill, Université de Montréal, and Concordia University.
• Vancouver: This vibrant Canadian city is the third-largest metropolis and is considered one of the world's most livable cities. With universities like the University of British Columbia, Simon Fraser University, and the University of Victoria, Vancouver is a great choice for students who want both city life and easy access to the outdoors.
• Ottawa: Ottawa has great universities that welcome foreign students from various fields and offer top-notch teaching and research. The city provides easy transportation, affordable housing, jobs, and scholarships, making it a fantastic place to study in Canada.
• Quebec: Quebec city is known for its friendly locals and holds the lowest unemployment rate among all cities in Canada. It is a French-speaking city, but many universities primarily use English as the medium of instruction. These universities offer outstanding education at affordable rates and also offer plenty of career prospects.

How to Study in Canada?

International students planning to study in Canada need to consider the following five steps to get started. Find the infographic below to know the process.

Intakes to Study in Canada

Unlike Indian institutions, Canadian colleges and universities offer three academic intakes throughout the year, making the application process more flexible for international students. se intakes—Fall (September), Winter (January), and Summer (May)—epresent the periods during which institutions accept new students. The Fall intake is the most popular, offering the widest range of programs, while the Winter intake serves as a great alternative for those who miss the Fall deadlines. The Summer intake, though limited in program options, is ideal for short-term courses and diplomas. Understanding these intakes is essential for planning your study abroad journey effectively and aligning your application timeline with university schedules.

• Fall Intake: Fall intake begins in September. It is the most popular choice among Indian students with a wide range of courses and scholarship availability. In this intake, Canadian universities receive the highest number of applications. Fall intake is also known as September intake and Autumn intake.
• Winter Intake: Winter intake is usually a secondary option that starts in January, suitable for those who missed the Fall deadline. While the course selection may be limited compared to the September intake, students can still expect similar prospects in terms of career opportunities, internships, and scholarships. Winter intake is also known as the January intake.
• Summer Intake: Summer intake, which commences around April and May, is the last option and is offered by only a few universities. It offers diploma and vocational programs. Summer intake is also known as the Spring intake or May intake.

Canada Student Visa Requirements for International Students

International students planning to study in Canada must obtain a study permit, which is an essential immigration document authorizing their stay in the country for academic purposes. This permit must be accompanied by a valid visitor visa or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to legally enter Canada. For Indian students, the study permit is especially important, as it grants permission to study at Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs)

Please note that a study permit is not the same as a visa. While the study permit allows you to stay and study in Canada, a student visa (or visitor visa/eTA) is required to enter the country. To apply for a Canadian Student Visa, t’s recommended to begin the process 4 to 6 months before your course begins, and only after receiving an admission offer from a Canadian Designated Learning Institution (DLI). You can submit your application online through the Government of Canada’s GCKey portal, at a Visa Application Centre (VAC), or directly at a port of entry, depending on your eligibility. The application fee is $150 CAD, with an additional $85 CAD biometrics fee and a $45 CAD service fee.

The processing time for a Canadian study visa is usually 4 to 8 weeks. If you need faster approval, the Student Direct Stream (SDS) can process your application in just 20 days. Indian students are eligible for SDS by submitting the required documents for their visa application.

What are the documents required to apply for a Canadian study visa?

• Letter of acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
• Valid passport or travel document
• Identity proof authorized by the resident’s government
• Financial statement demonstrating the ability to cover living costs, return air tickets, and fees
• Medical information
• Statement of intent and how you contribute to the resources
• No criminal record certificate
• Canadian bank account
• Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC)
• Student or education loan proof
• Bank draft in Canadian dollars
• Proof of payment of Tuition and Housing Fees
• Letter from sponsoring school or individual
• Proof of scholarship
• Attestation of issuance of Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ)
• Letter of explanation/SOP

Documents Required for Studying in Canada for Indian Students

The documents you need to submit while applying for admission to Canadian universities/colleges are:

1. English language proficiency test scores: TOEFL / IELTS / PTE / Duolingo / CAEL
2. Standardized test scores - SAT / GRE / GMAT / LSAT
3. Letter of Recommendation (LOR)
4. Work experience certificate, if any.
5. Academic transcripts (school/bachelor’s/master’s degree certificates)
6. Statement of Purpose (SOP)
7. CV/Resume
8. Essay
9. Copy of your valid passport
10. Proof of finances

Cost of Studying in Canada

The cost of studying in Canada ranges from CAD 13,000 to CAD 35,000 per year, depending on the degree type and institution. Programs in humanities, education, and arts are generally more affordable, while engineering and medicine tend to be more expensive. According to Statistics Canada (2022), the average undergraduate tuition is CAD 6,800 (₹4,16,582) per year, while master’s programs start around CAD 21,100 annually. Postgraduate programs, especially MBAs, are the costliest, ranging between CAD 30,000 and CAD 42,000. Despite this, Canada remains more affordable than many other developed nations and offers various funding options such as scholarships, loans, bursaries, and assistantships for international students.

Check the following table to know the program level and the estimated tuition fee.

Scholarships to Study in Canadian Universities

Scholarships are financial awards granted to eligible students, primarily based on academic excellence, and they do not require repayment. Students with outstanding academic performance and strong extracurricular achievements can apply for these opportunities. Offered by both the Canadian government and external organizations, scholarships help ease the financial burden of studying abroad. In addition to merit-based scholarships, need-based financial aid is also available to support students from diverse backgrounds.

Find the list of popular scholarships in Canada for Indian students from the table below.

Education Loan for Studying in Canada

The total cost of studying in Canada depends on factors such as the program, university, course duration, and living expenses. To support students facing financial challenges, several banks and financial institutions offer education loans for Canada. Before applying, it’s crucial to check the eligibility criteria to improve your chances of approval. As different loan schemes cover different costs, it’s recommended to consult with banks to understand which expenses are included. Typically, education loans help cover a wide range of costs, including:

• Admission fees
• Tuition fees
• Transportation charges
• Books, stationery, and other study materials
• Laboratory fees
• Hostel fees including food
• Purchase of a laptop with the necessary configuration (If required for the course)
• Expenses for project work or study tours

Cost of Living in Canada

The cost of living in Canada typically ranges from CAD 15,000 to CAD 20,000 per year,depending on location and lifestyle. This can vary significantly compared to one’s home country, making it important for international students to understand and plan for Canadian living expenses. Among Canadian cities, Quebec is known for being more affordable, offering relatively lower living costs. Key expenses include housing, food, clothing, transportation, books, and recreational activities, with the average annual cost estimated at CAD 19,000 (INR 11,62,173). Additionally, Canadian residents benefit from free healthcare, a service also extended to permanent residents.

Post-Study Work Opportunities in Canada

Canada provides a wide range of employment opportunities for students, recent graduates, and professionals. Each year, the country issues approximately 300,000 work permits to foreign students, making it a favorable destination for international learners. Students can engage in various work-study options, including on-campus jobs, off-campus roles, co-op programs, and internships, allowing them to gain valuable experience while studying. After graduation, students can apply for. A post-graduation work permit in Canada which costs CAD 255. This permit allows graduates to work in Canada for a period equivalent to the length of their study program, up to a maximum of 3 years. The PGWP not only helps students gain Canadian work experience but also serves as a pathway to Permanent Residency (PR) through Canada's Express Entry system.

To be eligible for Canada’s Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), having a valid job offer can significantly enhance your opportunities. With a job offer, international graduates gain access to numerous benefits, including the ability to work without restrictions, earn in Canadian dollars, and travel freely within Canada. They may also sponsor family members under a Dependent Visa, and after gaining one year of Canadian work experience, they can apply for Permanent Residency (PR) through programs like Express Entry. Students with a valid job offer can apply for an Open Work Permit, which allows them to work for any employer in Canada for up to three years, with the flexibility to change jobs if desired. This pathway also offers valuable exposure to top-tier Canadian companies and professional work culture, further enhancing long-term career prospects.

The documents required to apply for the open work permit are:

• Proof of identity
• Proof of employment
• Proof of relationship
• Valid visa with a six-month duration
• Letter from your Designated Learning Institution (DLI) confirming study completion
• Certificate of degree completion
• Recent passport-size photographs (2)
• Academic transcripts
• Medical certificate

Job Prospects in Canada

In recent years, Canada has become a preferred destination for international students, not only for its world-class education but also for the abundant work opportunities available during and after studies. Renowned publications like Forbes and U.S. News have ranked Canada as the top G20 country for business operations, while the Economist Intelligence Unit projected Canada to be the 3rd best G7 country for business between 2018 and 2022. According to Statistics Canada (2021), approximately 60% of international students who worked during or after their studies became landed immigrants within 10 years of receiving their first study permit. This reflects Canada’s strong support for international talent and the promising pathway to permanent residency (PR) through education and employment.

With a Canadian student visa, students can work up to 20 hours per week in paid jobs while studying. Part-time jobs in Canada are typically paid by the hour, averaging around $13-16. As per a recent update, international students with off-campus work authorization on their study permit aren't limited to 20 hours per week; they can work full-time during school breaks.

Get to know the highest paying jobs in Canada. The average salary of graduates in Canada is $74,819 per year or $38.37 per hour. Find the job roles and their average annual salary from the table below.