Study in Canada: Colleges, Scholarships, Fees, Courses

Canada is surely a paradise for International students, which is hosting just under 1 million Foreign Students (i.e. over 800,000 foreign students as per 2022 data). With its high-quality educational system, internationally recognized qualifications, and reasonable tuition fees, study in Canada is first choice for Indian students willing to study abroad. Here are a few key factors that make Canada a popular choice for Indians:

• Best country in the world for quality of life,
• Post-study work options
• Immigration and PR pathways open via Express Entry system
• Very high Academic Standards
• Globally Recognized Degrees
• Leader in Research, etc.
• Low Tuition fees

Key Requirements to Study in Canada

As a student, you need both Canada Student Visa as well as a Study permit to study in Canada. The study visa validates your entry when you arrive at Canadian airport, whereas a study permit is a key immigration document that authenticates your stay in Canada as an International Student.

Holding a study permit assigns a responsibility to stay enrolled in relevant study program and make consistent progress towards completion of your studies as per the schedule. You can come to Canada to study if you

• are enrolled at a DLI
• prove you have enough money to pay for
  • your tuition fees
  • living expenses for yourself and any family members who come with you to Canada and
  • return transportation for yourself and any family members who come with you to Canada
• follow the law, have no criminal record and get a police certificate (if required)
• are in good health and get a medical exam (if required) and
• prove to an officer that you will leave Canada when your study permit expires

Study Permit /Visitor Visa requirements

Apart from Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada all others are considered international students and hence, need to obtain a study permit and/or a visitor visa to enter Canada. However, in case, you are attending a program of six months or less, you do not require a study permit. The cost of Canadian study permit is CAD 150.

Processing time of Canadian study permit

The processing time of Canadian study permit is 7 weeks. However, this processing time doesn’t include the time you need to provide the biometrics.

What is the Cost to study in Canada

Your tuition fees expenses are based on the type of study program and institution you choose to study. Hence, the expense may roughly range between CAD 15,000 - CAD 35,000 a year. 

• Generally, study programs in humanities, education, and arts are a little cheaper
• Medicine and engineering are likely to be more costly.
• At postgraduate level, the tuition fee is usually higher, and the expenses may vary based on the program.
• MBA programs in Canada are usually the most expensive.

The average expenditure for these programs ranges between CAD 30,000-42,000.

S.no.	Study program	Average annual fee
1	Undergraduate program	$12,000 to $30,000
2	Postgraduate master's degree	$18,000 to $25,000
3	Doctoral degree	$7,000 to $15,000
4	Masters of Business administration (MBA)	$28,000 to $57,000

Note: The fee mentioned above is subject to change periodically, hence, to get precise details visit official source or contact Student Visas Avenue Expert on Toll-Free No. 78-18-000-777 or you can drop us an e-mail at info@visasavenue.com.

You can reduce the cost to Study in Canada by applying for Canadian scholarships.

Scholarships to study in Canada

Here is the list of main government-funded scholarships available for Indian students in Canada:

S. No.	Scholarship Type	Details
1	Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute	This institute provides the fellowships at different levels from graduate to post-doctorate and from research to training fellowships
2	Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan	This plan classifies high intellect students from Commonwealth nations applying to programs of advanced study and research at Master’s/Ph.D. level
3	Ontario Graduate Scholarship Program	This scholarship is for graduate students in a wide-range of disciplines.
4	National Research Council of Canada (NRCC)	Research associateship is being provided to master’s degree holders in engineering and Ph.D. in natural science or engineering disciplines
5	Quebec Provincial Government Scholarship	It is for students studying in the province of Quebec, Canada
6	Ontario Trillium Scholarship	Announced in November 2010 for Ph.D. students from across the globe to study in Ontario
7	Partnership Grants by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada	This scholarship is for Ph.D. candidates.
8	Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships	Provided by the Canadian government to foreign students to pursue postgraduate programs within natural science, social sciences, or healthcare research.
9	Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships	Awarded by the Canadian Government to worthy students who aspire to pursue  PhD at a Canadian institution

Three Intakes/Semesters of Canada

Canadian colleges and universities provide total 3 intakes or semesters for students:

• Fall: The fall intake is the most popular intake among the students from India. It begins in the month of September every year.
• Winter: Winter intake begins in January; it’s available in case, you have missed the September intake
• Summer: This intake is open for very few programs and colleges. It every year begins around April and May.

Choose the Right Course/University to Study in Canada

If you wish to choose the best study program and university in Canada based on your academic record and profile, you may fill the free assessment form on this page to get a call back from the Student visa expert at Student Visas Avenue.

Top Study Programs/courses to study in Canada

Find below the list of top courses to study in Canada: 

• Engineering
• Health sciences
• Information Technology
• Hospitality
• Computer science
• Business
• Physiotherapy
• Animation and gaming

Top universities to study in Canada

To select best university to study at, you may explore the global ranking of the top Canadian Universities:

S.No.	Institution	QS Ranking 2023 (Globally)	QS Ranking 2022 (Globally)
1	University of Toronto	34	26
2	McGill University	31	=27
3	University of British Columbia	47	46
4	University of Montreal	116	111
5	University of Alberta	110	126
6	McMaster University	152	140
7	University of Waterloo	154	=149
8	Western University	172	170
9	University of Ottawa	237	230
10	University of Calgary	242	235

Career and Employment prospects in Canada

Canada provides encouraging job prospects for foreign students. The Canadian government identifies the value that international students bring to the maple leaf country and hence, actively boosts them to stay and contribute to the Canadian workforce after concluding their studies.  

Several institutions in Canada emphasize work-integrated education, i.e. co-op programs, internships, and apprenticeships. These prospects allow foreign students to obtain practical experience, make industry contacts, and develop their employability upon graduation.

Canada has a strong and diverse job market, with prospects available in various areas and industries. Industries such as, engineering, technology, healthcare, finance, and hospitality are chiefly in demand. Canada’s rising economy and low unemployment rate create constructive conditions for job seekers, including foreign students.

Cost of living in Canada

The cost of living in Canada for foreign students can differ based on the city /province, lifestyle picks, and individual likings. Usually, major cities such as, Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal have higher living expenses compared to smaller cities or rural areas. Find below a few of the main expenses you should consider when assessing the cost of living in Canada as an international student:

• Tuition Fees: The cost of tuition fees differs extensively based on the university, program, and level of study. Broadly, undergraduate programs in Canada can range from CAD 15,000 to CAD 35,000 a year, while graduate programs can range from CAD 10,000 to CAD 45,000 a year. However, tuition fees can be considerably higher for some professional programs such as, medicine or law.
• Accommodation: The cost of accommodation can differ based on the fact whether you wish to live on-campus or off-campus, the type of accommodation (shared, apartment, or homestay), and are or location. For on-campus residence halls you may have to pay around CAD 6,000 to CAD 10,000 per academic year, while off-campus alternatives can range from CAD 500 to CAD 2,000 per month, based on the city and the type of accommodation.
• Utilities: Monthly utility cost, comprising electricity, heating, water, and internet, can differ based on the size of the accommodation and the location. Broadly, you may expect to pay around CAD 100 to CAD 150 a month for utilities.
• Transportation: The expenses on transportation will depend on the city and your travel requirements. Big cities normally have extensive public transportation networks, including buses, subways, and light rail systems. Monthly public transportation passes can range from CAD 80 to CAD 150. If you plan to buy a car, you should also consider the costs of buying, fuelling, and vehicle insurance.
• Food: The expenses on groceries and dining out will differ depending on your eating habits and locality. Broadly, you can expect to pay roughly CAD 200 to CAD 400 per month on groceries. Eating at restaurants or cafes will cost extra, with meal bills typically ranging from CAD 10 to CAD 30.
• Health Insurance: International students are usually need to have health insurance coverage in Canada. A few provinces provide government health insurance plans for foreign students, while others need private health insurance. The cost of health insurance can differ however, usually ranges from CAD 500 to CAD 1,000 a year.

It's key to note that these are projected or rough estimations, and the real costs can differ considerably depending on individual choices and conditions. Moreover, it's recommended to have some additional funds for unanticipated expenses and individual leisure activities.

FAQs related to Study in Canada

If you still have questions in mind, the below FAQs will possibly answer them all:

How do I apply to study in Canada?

To study in Canada, you normally need to follow a few steps: Select your desired program and university, fulfil the admission requirements, collect the essential documents (such as academic transcripts, language proficiency test results, and letters of recommendation), apply directly to the university or via application portal, and pay the application fees.

What are the language proficiency requirements for studying in Canada?

Most Canadian universities and colleges need international students to prove their English or French language proficiency. The approved language tests are IELTS (International English Language Testing System) or TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) for English, and TEF (Test d'évaluation de français) for French. Pearson Tests of English (PTE) has now been approved by Canada.

Can I work while studying in Canada:

Yes, as a foreign student, you can work part-time while studying in Canada. However, it's significant to acquaint yourself with the specific work permit regulations and restrictions.

How many hours I can work off campus

During regular school terms/semesters

You can work up to 20 hours per week. You can work more than one job to make up these hours as long as you continue to meet the conditions of your study permit.

Who can work more than 20 hours per week off campus

From November 15, 2022, until December 31, 2023, you can work more than 20 hours per week off campus while class is in session if you meet certain requirements.

What are the academic exams required to study in Canada?

Find below the list of tests you may have to take in order to get admission in a Canadian institution: 

• Graduate Management Aptitude Test (GMAT)
• Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) 
• Law School Admission Test (LSAT)
• Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT)
• Medical College Admission Test (MCAT)

What is SDS for Canada?

The Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada launched Student Direct Stream (SDS) program to expedite the visa process. This program has not only enhanced the visa process but has also made it more updated and useful. SDS allows applicants to get their visas within 4-6 weeks.