Courses to Study in Canada After 12th for Indians

Finished your schooling and now planning to pursue higher studies from Canada but have less information about courses? If you excelled in science subjects, consider diving into STEM courses. For those with a commerce background, business administration, finance and other relevant subjects will be best options. There are multiple course options for students with arts background.

After completing class 12th, many students choose to study abroad and Canada is a particularly popular destination for Indian students. Canadian universities offer admission to undergraduate (UG) programs only to students who meet the eligibility for studying in Canada. Engineering, Medical, and other disciplines are some of the popular courses to study in Canada after the 12th. This article will provide you with information about various courses in Canada after 12th and how to study in Canada after 12th.

Related Read: Student Guide to Study in Canada

Why Study in Canada After XII?

There are multiple reasons to choose Canada as a study destination such as the quality of education is good, high-tech resources are available, and more focus on practical learning rather than just academic knowledge.  According to QS World University Ranking 2025, the University of Toronto (#25), the University of British Columbia (#38), and McGill University (#29) have been placed in the top 50. Engineering and Technology. For Arts, Humanities, Medical, and Life Sciences courses are some of the most demanding courses in Canada. If these are not enough below are some of the reasons why you should choose to Study in Canada after 12th.

1. High-Quality Education

• Top-Ranked Institutions: In a recent poll by Times, 7 top Canadian universities found their way to Times Higher Education Top 200 universities.
• Diverse Programs: Offers a wide range of courses and programs to suit different interests and career paths. Find courses in Canada.
• Innovative Teaching: Emphasis on critical thinking, practical learning, and research. Learn about the Education System in Canada.

2. Affordable Education

• Lower Tuition Fees: Compared to other popular study destinations like the USA and the UK, Canadian universities offer quality education at a more affordable cost.
• Scholarships and Financial Aid: Numerous scholarships, grants, and bursaries are available for international students. Search for Scholarships in Canada.

3. Multicultural Environment

• Diverse Student Body: Canada welcomes students from all over the world, promoting a rich cultural exchange. Read about Student Life in Canada.
• Inclusive Society: Known for its multicultural and inclusive society, making it easier for international students to adapt. 

4. Work Opportunities

• Work While Studying: International students can work up to 24 hours per week during semesters and full-time during breaks, helping to manage living expenses. 
• Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP): Allows graduates to work in Canada for up to three years after completing their studies, providing valuable work experience.

5. Pathway to Permanent Residency

• Easy Transition: Canada's policies are favourable for international students who wish to stay and work after graduation, with pathways to permanent residency.
• Express Entry System: Graduates with Canadian work experience can apply for permanent residency through the Express Entry system.

6. Quality of Life

• Safe and Peaceful: Known for its safety, political stability, and high standard of living. Explore the quality of life in Canada.
• Healthcare: Access to one of the best healthcare systems in the world.
• Beautiful Environment: Stunning natural landscapes and clean cities provide a healthy living environment.

Education System in Canada

It is no secret that Canada is famous among international students due to its Education System, which is considered one of the best in the world. Apart from providing world-class facilities and experienced faculty in Canadian universities, Canada offers a scenic background, the opportunity to work during or after completion of the course, a friendly neighbourhood, and special health care benefits for students.

A valid study permit of Canada is enough for a student to find work after studies as no separate Canadian work permit is required. However, if you plan to stay on for a few more years, you need to apply for a work visa. As Canada experiences varied seasonal changes, there are different activity programmes for each season such as sailing activities, spring festivals, hiking, skiing, or sledging.

UG Certificate and Diploma Courses in Canada After 12th

Canada welcomes a multitude of international students for both undergraduate and diploma studies. Apart from full-time courses, Canadian universities also offer Diploma courses (1-3 years) and Certificate and Vocational training courses (1 year). Below is the range of undergraduate courses that Canada has to offer:

MBBS in Canada after 12th for Indian Students

Indian students choose to pursue MBBS in Canada due to several reasons. The duration of MBBS courses in Canada is 4 years and is called an MD (Doctor of Medicine). Students need to take the MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) and must hold a bachelor’s degree in Science or Biology to pursue this course in Canada.

The University of Toronto, the University of British Columbia, the University of Alberta, University of Sherbrooke are some of the top universities in Canada that offer MBBS.

Also Read: Top 5 UG courses in Canada

Documents Required to Study in Canada After 12th

For any university admission, you require certain documents for the application process. For undergraduate courses in Canada, you will need the following documents ready at the time of your admission once you receive your offer letter:

• Transcripts, passport, and test scores (TOEFL, IELTS, SAT) documents
• Gap letter/experience letter if there is any gap in academics
• Resume, Letters of recommendation (LoRs), Statement of Purpose, or Essays as asked by the college
• Transfer certificate etc., as required by the college
• Loan/financial documents as requested by the university
• Visa documents

Eligibility for Studying in Canada After 12th

Although each university and department will have its specific eligibility requirement for their respective programmes and courses, given below is the minimum eligibility required to study in Canadian Universities:

Tuition Fees for Courses in Canada After 12th

As compared to other US and UK universities, tuition fees in Canadian colleges are relatively affordable. You can expect an average expense of C$20,000–C$30,000 (Canadian dollars) annually, for tuition fees. Depending on the university and programme, the tuition fee can vary. Here is an estimated calculation of tuition fees per annum for their respective field of study, irrespective of the college:

*measured in Canadian Dollars (C$)

Cost of Living in Canada

Living expenses in any country depend solely on one’s personal choices and needs. Living in Canada can cost you anywhere from C$400 to C$800 per month. Someone with lavish choices may end up spending more than this amount, while someone thrifty enough can live off well within this estimate. However, here is an overview of some of the unavoidable expenses:

• Accommodation in Canada: CAD 4800–7200 annually
• Food: CAD 250–3000 per month
• Miscellaneous: CAD 215–2820 per month

Accommodation Expenses in Canada

Finding suitable student accommodation is the next step after you land in Canada. Although a majority of Canadian universities provide on-campus residences for students (both national and international), yet, getting admission does not guarantee you a room on campus. Students need to apply separately for on-campus accommodation, which is separately chargeable. This cost varies from university to university and depends on the type of room, the inclusion of meals, and other such amenities.

While there are special reserved rooms for international students, one needs to apply in advance to beat the rush. The next option for international students is to live off-campus by either renting an apartment or sharing a flat, or an entire house with other students. Generally, a two-bedroom apartment can cost you anywhere between 600–1,600 C$ per month, depending on the city and neighbourhood, and the type of apartment. Along with rent, you would also need to bear the utilities costs such as electricity, cable, phone, internet, laundry, personal expenses, and as well as renter’s insurance. Students looking for a cheaper option can always share an apartment or entire house with fellow students, where they are expected to pay for the kitchen supplies as well, in addition to the rent and other utilities.

Travelling and Transportation Expenses in Canada

Subject to the distance between your college and house, you can opt to simply walk or bike to campus. The majority of students, especially those staying in larger cities, opt for public transport like buses, subways, commuter trains, or ferries to commute to campuses. Student discounts are available to make student passes for any such public transport, and would generally cost around 80–110 C$ per month.

Student Health Insurance in Canada

Varying from state to state, all international students need to invest in health insurance for their medical coverage. Provinces like Alberta, British Columbia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland, and Labrador, cover the medical care of international students under their provincial health care plans. Here, however, the coverage depends on the length of a student’s stay.

Visa Procedure and Requirements for Canada

The application process can take up to seven weeks as it involves the processing of many documents. Thus, you need to apply for a visa accordingly. You would be required to apply for a student visa and impress the immigration officer during the interview, while not giving the impression of a potential immigrant. For this procedure, you need to be ready with the following documents and proofs:

• A valid letter of acceptance/ admission from the university/ college you are going to
• Adequate funds to facilitate your education (tuition and living expenses)
• Medical certificate showcasing a healthy state of mind and body
• No previous record of any unlawful or criminal activity
• Should not be a risk to the security of Canada

It is also advised that the student should check with the university as well as the state/ territories for any additional requirements in terms of documents and proofs. A missing form or proof could delay the application and create unnecessary hindrances during the application procedure, creating a setback for the whole process.

The most advantageous point about studying in Canada is that it allows you to work in North America while you become a graduate. Once you complete one year of your programme (two semesters), you are eligible for one year of post-graduate work permit in both Canada and North America. On the other hand, while you are completing your course of two or more years, (at least four semesters) in Canada, you are eligible for a three-year work permit. Apart from this, you can also work here part-time while studying to give a boost to your CV and earn some extra money.

Thus, Canada appears as one of the topmost favoured countries for undergraduate aspirants for further studies. With a varied number of courses, excellent quality of education, and high living standards, Canada, and Canadian universities see a rise in admission applications from international students with each passing year.

This is all about the topic, we hope that you have got the information you are looking for. 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.