Study in Canada 2024–25

International Students in Canada

International students play a very important role in Canada's education system; they contribute in huge numbers to the Canadian economy. There are students from various countries enrolled in different courses at Canadian universities. Indian students also make up a big part of the international student community in Canada. The number of Indian students studying at Canadian colleges and universities is growing with each passing year. According to the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) data published in its report in 2023, a record number of 241,767 Indian students received study visas in the year 2023 alone. This number has increased from 224,450 in 2022 and 195,000 in 2021. Actually, India has the highest number of international students in Canada; they make up more than 47% of the total international student population, as reported by Canadian government statistics.

Indian students are pursuing different courses in Canada. A large number of them are studying master's degrees like MBA or MS, followed by graduation degrees and diplomas or certificate programs. Canada is the most popular destination for Indian students because of its high-quality education and its reputation for welcoming Indian immigrants. Students from India alone contribute an estimated USD 10.2 billion to the Canadian economy every year. Canada also offers part-time work opportunities, post-study work permits, and potential citizenship. This trend of Indian students choosing Canada for higher education is expected to continue in the near future. To further fuel this growth, the Canadian government has introduced a streamlined and easy visa process for Indian students.

About Canada

Canada is the second-largest country in the world by land area; it is situated in North America. It is known for its stunning natural landscapes and friendly people. There is a federal parliamentary democracy with a constitutional monarchy in Canada. Queen Elizabeth II of Britain is the head of state, and the Prime Minister is the head of government. The country has ten provinces and three territories, each with its own government. The capital of Canada is Ottawa. It has a rich history dating back thousands of years. The first inhabitants of Canada were the Aboriginal peoples, who arrived in the country over 15,000 years ago. European explorers arrived in the 15th century, and Canada became a British colony in the 18th century. Canada gained independence from Britain in 1867.

It is a multicultural country with a population of over 38 million people. English and French are the official languages of Canada. It is a welcoming country for immigrants, and people from all over the world come to Canada to live, work, and study. The economy of Canada is also very strong, depending on natural resources, manufacturing, and services. Canada is a member of some of the most powerful international organizations, like the G7, the G8, the G20, NATO, and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

Canada is also a beautiful country, containing one of the most famous waterfalls in the world: Niagara Falls, CN Tower, Banff National Park, Parliament Hill, Butchart Gardens, etc. Overall, Canada is a great place to study, live, and work.

Why Choose Canada for Study?

Studying in Canada is like making an investment in your future. Degrees from Canadian colleges and universities are respected globally. Tuition fees in Canada is lowest among all English-speaking countries. After completing studies in Canada, International students are eligible to continue living and working in Canada. Some of the top reasons why you should choose Canada as your international education destination are:-

• Globally recognized degrees: Canadian degrees hold immense value in the global job market. International employers have continuously ranked Canada’s education system in the top 10 of the Global Employability Rankings.

• Leading colleges and universities: Canada’s higher education system is ranked 7th in the world. 46% of college and university graduates get on-campus placements, internships, and post-study work permits.

• Strong research opportunities: Canadian colleges and universities have world-class research labs and facilities. Canada ranks as the 6th-top country with the most highly cited researchers. 196 of the world’s most highly cited researchers are from Canada.

• High standard of living in Canada: Canada ranks third in the best quality of life in the world. They hold a deep regard for equality, diversity, human rights, and a stable, peaceful society.

• Multiple programs and institutions to choose from: You can choose from more than 8,000 colleges and 16,000 university programs. 7 Canadian universities are ranked among the top 200 in the world.

• Welcoming & inclusive environment: Canada is an open, safe, and culturally diverse country. It is home to people of over 250 different ethnic groups, who speak over 200 different languages, including 70 Indigenous languages.

• Affordable study option: In Canada, you can get student scholarships and, you can get part-time work opportunities during your studies to help pay for your education. Students can also get a Post-Graduation Work Permit after their studies. Tuition fees in Canada are generally lower than colleges and universities in Australia, the U.K. and the U.S.

• Future Investment: 60% of international students who are employed during their period of study or after completing their studies in Canada became landed immigrants (permanent residents) within 7 years of their first study permit.

• Create beautiful memories: There is a richness in the Canadian culture and it’s social life. You can do multiple travel adventures and enjoy four weather seasons, and spectacular landscapes.

Live and work in Canada as an international student

Most Indian students want to work while they study in Canada to support their expenses. There are various ways an Indian student can earn money while studying in Canada.

Work while you study in Canada: As an international student in Canada, you can work part-time to gain experience and earn some money. The minimum wage varies depending on where you are studying in Canada (province or territory). It can range from Canadian dollars ($14 to $16) per hour. While studying, you can work on campus at your university or college, or venture "off campus" and find work in the surrounding town or city. Working legally requires a unique 9-digit Social Insurance Number (SIN). Students can typically work off-campus for up to 20 hours per week. During official breaks like winter, summer, or spring, you can work full-time if you want to maximize your earnings.

Co-op programs: A co-op program is different from a regular degree. It integrates work placements and jobs as a part of your degree. For example: Let's say you're in a "co-op degree program in environmental studies." Unlike a standard program, you'll spend chunks of time (3-4 months or more) each year working in environmental fields. These co-op placements are fantastic opportunities to put your classroom knowledge to work in real-world settings, gaining valuable hands-on experience. Students also get an understanding of Canadian work culture and professional environments. Co-op work is 50% or less of the total duration of study.

Internships: Students can also work as interns, at any workplace or Canadian company. By working as an intern, you gain knowledge and skills to help you succeed in a trade or profession.

Work in Canada after Studies: Path to Permanent Residency

International students who complete their degree from a Canadian college or university are eligible to live and work in Canada. Once you get Canadian experience, you are eligible for permanent residency. Permanent Residency (PR) allows a foreign national, including Indian students, to live and work there indefinitely. It's like a stepping stone to becoming a Canadian citizen. With PR, you get access to many benefits similar to Canadian citizens, like healthcare, education, and social services. Canada uses a point system to assess applicants under the federal skilled worker program. This system considers factors like your work experience, education, and language skills to see if you'd be successful in Canada.

Canada prioritizes skilled workers whose professions are in demand. Having work experience that allows you to work off-campus while studying is crucial. For Indian students aiming for PR through the Skilled Worker program, having at least one year of continuous full-time work experience is required. Off-campus work experience helps you meet this requirement. Various programs for Canadian PR include:

Post-graduation work permit: PGWP allows international students who graduate from a Canadian college or university to gain valuable work experience in Canada after finishing their studies. It is a temporary work permit. For PGWP, students must have completed a master’s program of 2 years long but of at least 8 months to qualify for this. Postgraduate work permit is for a whole 3 years! Even if your PGWP expires, you are eligible for an additional extension of your work permit for up to 18 months.

Express Entry - International students who have Canadian work experience are able to settle in Canada permanently by applying for the Express Entry program. This is a score-based program you get scores on your education, skills, work experience and English language abilities, and those who score high enough are invited to apply for permanent residency.

Provincial Nominee Program - Graduates may be able to settle in Canada permanently by applying for the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). Each province and territory has its own programs and requirements. Each Canadian province and territory has its own program to nominate foreign workers and graduates for permanent residency based on their skills. If you want to live in a particular province or territory, you may be eligible for their programs based on your education, skills, and work experience.

Family Sponsorship - Canadian citizens and already permanent residents can sponsor their spouse, partner, dependent children, parents, and grandparents for permanent residency.

Scholarships for Indian Students in Canada

• Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan: This scholarship is offered to students from Commonwealth countries, including India, who wish to pursue a Master's or PhD degree in Canada. The scholarship covers tuition fees, travel costs, and living expenses.

• Canada-India Research Centre of Excellence (IC-IMPACTS) Scholarships: This scholarship is offered to Indian students who wish to pursue research in areas such as infrastructure, water management, and public health. The scholarship provides funding for travel, accommodation, and research expenses.

• Mitacs Globalink Research Award: This scholarship is offered to Indian undergraduate and graduate students who wish to pursue research in Canada. The scholarship provides funding for travel, accommodation, and research expenses.

• Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS): This scholarship is offered to international students, including Indian students, who wish to pursue a Master's or PhD degree in Ontario. The scholarship covers tuition fees and living expenses.

• Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship: This scholarship is offered to international students, including Indian students, who wish to pursue a PhD degree in Canada. The scholarship provides funding for tuition fees, living expenses, and research expenses.

• University of Calgary International Entrance Scholarship: This scholarship is offered to international students, including Indian students, who are applying for an undergraduate degree at the University of Calgary. The scholarship provides funding for tuition fees and living expenses.

• Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFCP): The Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFCP) is a program that provides scholarships and fellowships to students from Commonwealth countries. The Canadian government provides funding, and Canadian universities are in charge of running the program.. The value of the scholarship varies depending on the program and the university, but it typically covers tuition fees, living expenses, and airfare.

• University of Toronto Lester B. Pearson International Scholarships: The University of Toronto Lester B. Pearson International Scholarships are offered to outstanding international students from around the world. The scholarship covers full tuition fees, residence fees, and a meal plan for four undergraduate years.

• University of British Columbia International Leader of Tomorrow Award: The University of British Columbia International Leader of Tomorrow Award is a scholarship program that is open to outstanding international students who are applying to a master's or doctoral program at UBC. The scholarship covers full tuition fees and a living stipend for two years.

Many Canadian universities and colleges also offer a limited number of scholarships or other types of financial aid to Indian students. These differ from institution to institution, and many are only available to incoming international students.

Requirements for Admission in Canada

• Academic requirements: For bachelor's degrees, Indian students are basically required to have completed 12th class. For postgraduate programs (Master's, PhD), you need a bachelor's degree in a relevant field from a recognized university or college in India. You are required to provide academic transcripts from your previous educational institutions.

• Language proficiency: Most universities require proof of English or French language proficiency. This is usually demonstrated through standardized tests like TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System) for English, Pearson Test of English (PTE), and TEF (Test d'Évaluation de Français) for French. Minimum score requirements will vary by program and university.

• Standardized test scores: Some management programs require international students to provide standardized test scores such as SAT, ACT, GRE, or GMAT.

• Statement of Purpose (SOP): This is a written essay explaining your academic goals and why you're interested in the specific program.

• Letters of Recommendation: One or two letters of recommendation from teachers, professors, or employers can strengthen your application.

• Financial Resources: You are required to provide proof of financial support demonstrating you can cover tuition fees and living expenses during your studies in Canada.

• Passport and Visa: A valid passport and a Canadian study visa is required for international students.

Admission INTAKES in Canada

Canadian universities typically offer three major admission intakes for international students:

• Fall Intake (September): This is the most popular intake for admission in Canada, with the widest range of programs available. It is the start of the academic year in Canada. Most international student’s scholarships are offered in this intake. Easily adaptable to weather conditions. It is also the most competitive intake due to a high number of applicants.

• Winter Intake (January): This intake provides a second chance for students who miss the fall admission deadline or prefer to begin their studies in the winter. However, fewer programs are offered in this intake compared to the fall intake. There is too much cold in Canada during this intake.

• Summer Intake (May/June): This intake is the least common and has limited program options. It can be a good choice for students who want to accelerate their studies or catch up on missed credits.

Courses and Cost

Popular Courses

• Business Administration

• Accounting and Finance

• Marketing

• Human Resources Management

• Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Civil, Software)

• Computer Science and Information Technology

• Data Science

• Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

• Robotics and Automation

• Health Sciences (Nursing, Medicine, Pharmacy, Dentistry)

• Biotechnology and Bioinformatics

• Graphic Design and Visual Arts

• Game Design and Development

Education Cost in Canada for Indian Students

The cost of a bachelor's or master's degree in Canada for Indian students is different depending on the institution, program of study, and location.

1. Tuition Fees: Tuition fees for universities or colleges in Canada vary depending on the program and school you choose. On average, in Canada, university tuition costs around $36,100 per year for international undergraduate (bachelor’s) students and $21,100 per year for international graduate (master’s) students. Some courses such as medicine and law can have higher tuition fees.

2. Living Expenses in Canada: On average, living costs are around $10,000 per year for university students, Hostel and Accommodation costs 500$ to 2000$ per month, Food and Groceries 240$ to 480$ per month, Utilities & cable 100$ per month, Internet & Phone 100$ per month and Health Insurance is 100$ per month.

Top Universities in Canada for Indian Students

• University of Toronto

• University of British Columbia

• McGill University

• McMaster University

• University of Waterloo

• University of Alberta

• Western University

• University of Calgary

• Queen's University

• University of Ottawa

• University of Saskatchewan

• York University

• Simon Fraser University

• University of Manitoba

• Dalhousie University

• University of Victoria

• University of Guelph

• Carleton University

• University of Windsor

• Memorial University of Newfoundland

• Concordia University

• Ryerson University

• University of Lethbridge

• University of Regina

• University of New Brunswick

• University of Prince Edward Island

• University of Northern British Columbia

• Brock University

• Mount Allison University

• Trent University

• University of Winnipeg

• Wilfrid Laurier University

• University of Ontario Institute of Technology

• Thompson Rivers University

• Humber College

• Sheridan College

• Centennial College

• George Brown College

• Seneca College

• Algonquin College

• Fanshawe College

• Conestoga College

• Fleming College

• Durham College

• Mohawk College

• Niagara College

• Georgian College

• St. Clair College

• Cambrian College

• Sault College

Documents Checklist for Canada Study Visa

• A valid passport

• Proof of acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada

• A completed application form

• A statement of purpose or letter of intent explaining why you want to study in Canada

• Academic transcripts and degrees/diplomas from previous educational institutions

• Proof of English language proficiency (if required)

• Proof of financial support, such as bank statements, to cover tuition fees and living expenses in Canada

• A medical exam report

• A police certificate or clearance certificate (if required)

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