8 Best Student Cities in Canada for Indian Students

If you are planning to study in Canadian universities, then undoubtedly you want to live in the best student cities in Canada. In these cities, you will not only get the reputed universities and colleges but also the support of a multicultural student community. Check out the list of the best cities in Canada for international students.

Which are the famous student cities in Canada? If you are planning to study in Canada, it is advisable to live in one of the best student cities in Canada. Canada is the home of some of the top universities in the world declared by many global ranking partners. These universities are located in some of the popular Canadian cities like Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver, Ottawa, etc. There are many big and small cities for students to study in Canada.

The population of Canada is 40.00 million. The lifestyle of these cities is not much different from cities of USA. Canadian multiculturalism is based on the belief that all citizens are equal. But how do you decide the best city in Canada for students? In this article, we will compare different factors to decide the best student cities in Canada. This should serve as a rough introduction to how city life will suit your needs.

QS Best Student Cities 2026 for International Students

Check the QS best student cities in Canada 2026 for international students from the table given below: 

Popular Student Cities of Canada

The following section focuses on some of the best student cities in Canada and why international students should study here. If you plan to study in Canada as an Indian student, these cities have reputed educational institutions, job opportunities, and a quality of life.

1) Lower Mainland, BC

Vancouver is the eighth-largest city in Canada, with more than 603,000 residents. Residents enjoy a temperate climate that allows them to participate in more outdoor activities throughout the year. Transportation, housing, food, household goods, clothing, and entertainment costs account for Vancouver among the three most expensive cities in North America.

2) The Interior, BC

This region includes cities like Nelson, Kelowna, Kamloops, and Penticton. Coal and ores have been the primary economic industries for generations in the Kootenay region, while forestry reigns in the Thompson Okanagan region. Compared to Vancouver, the cost of living is lower, especially regarding housing.

3) Calgary, Alberta

Calgary is the largest city in the western Canadian province of Alberta. The city offers the best platform for students to study in Canada. With open spaces, rivers, mountains, and more sunshine than any other Canadian metropolis, Calgary is a beautiful place to stay. The cost of living in Calgary becomes even more manageable when Alberta’s low provincial taxes are taken into consideration.

4) Edmonton, Alberta

Edmonton is the capital city of the Canadian province of Alberta. People can own a home in Edmonton at a younger age because of lower property prices than in other Canadian cities. Edmonton offers the highest average household income in Canada and an affordable cost of living. Taxes are lower than anywhere else in Canada.

5) Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

Saskatoon is the largest city in the province and the 17th largest Census Metropolitan Area in Canada. The Saskatoon region has more opportunities for business and individuals because of infrastructure, research and development facilities, natural resources, and an educated workforce. Wages in Saskatoon are competitive when compared with the province and the country.

6) Winnipeg, Manitoba

Home to more than 740,000 people, Winnipeg is a culturally diverse city. Winnipeg is the capital and largest city of the province of Manitoba in Canada. Employment in Manitoba has increased recently with at least 2000 new jobs. Homes, electricity, auto insurance, and tuition are all available at the lowest prices in Canada.

7) Montreal, Quebec

Montreal is Canada’s second-largest city in Canada with a population of 3.6 million people and the most populous city in the Canadian province of Quebec. Knowing French is important if you choose to study or live anywhere in Quebec. Costs in Montreal are far less than in other major cities, whether for food, housing, education, clothing, or medical care.

8) Ottawa, Ontario

Ottawa is the capital city of Canada. Quality of living is determined by many factors like safety and security, health, transport, consumer goods, and education opportunities. Over the last few years, home prices rose considerably in Ottawa. Ottawa’s living cost is very affordable compared to Canada’s bigger cities.

Related Blog: Best Colleges in Canada for Indian Students

Top Universities in Canada

The table given below provides some popular universities in Canada based on famous student cities/provinces in Canada. Please note that this is not an exhaustive list of universities and colleges and students can explore other universities and colleges in Canada.

How to Decide Among the Best Student Cities in Canada

To decide among the Canada famous cities for international students, students must consider the following factors:

• University Courses: The first and foremost factor that students need to consider is the academic programmes offered by the universities present in a certain Canadian city.
• Location and Reach: Ease of commuting, availability of healthcare, groceries, daily needs stores, major attractions, etc., are some of the important aspects that a student must consider.
• Living Expenses: The Cost of living in Canada for international students is an extremely important factor that influences their decision to choose a particular city. Students must look at the cost of accommodation, utilities, transportation, food and groceries, weather-appropriate clothing, etc., while making a decision.
• Jobs & Internships: This is why international students go to Canada. It is essential to research the local economy, the presence of top companies, networking opportunities, part-time work jobs in Canada, etc.
• Indian Community: Indian students must also look for the presence of their community in a particular city. In addition, they must also look at the extracurricular activities that are available there.
• Safety: This factor is extremely important for the parents who send their children to study in Canada. It is vital to check the crime rate, availability of emergency services, and other important details.

Now that you are aware of the top student cities in Canada, it is advised that you consider all the above factors and conduct your own research before making a decision. For help with university applications, students seeking to study abroad can contact our Shiksha Study Abroad Counsellors. The comments section below allows candidates to contact us as well.