Study in Canada

Want to study in Canada? It starts with researching the university and desired course, and ends with reaching the college campus. One of the most important parts of the application process is getting a Canadian student visa, especially after the recent changes announced by the Canadian government.

Now let us talk about money. Total cost to study in Canada for Indian students varies. For UG courses, you might pay between CAD 15,700 and CAD 53,500. For PG degrees, it is often between CAD 9,364 and CAD 45,800. In short, you need to keep INR 10 lakhs to 35 lakhs for budget. These are the fees for just one year. You should check the exact fee for your course.

Why do Indian students choose to study in Canada? It is a great place to live. The country is safe and clean. You will meet students globally. This is why thousands of Indian students go there every year. They know it is a smart choice for their career.

Top Reasons to Study in Canada

Some of the benefits of studying in Canada for international students include:

• Affordable education: Compared to the US and UK, the tuition fee in Canada is fairly cheaper. If we consider the return on investment, Canada is quite a viable option for Indian students. One can also apply for a range of Canadian scholarships to cut down the educational expenses.
• Cultural diversity: There are very welcoming and warm people who come from varied ethnic groups with different cultures and lifestyles. This multicultural environment in Canada is one of the noteworthy factors that attract international students as it promotes friendliness and peaceful living like no other country. In Canada, there are more than 250 ethnic origins along with 200 languages from around the world and 70 indigenous languages spoken.
• World-class universities:  Canadian universities are ranked among the top universities in the world. In the QS World University Rankings 2026, a total of 9 Canadian universities are within the first 200 ranks.
• Lively and vibrant campus life: At Canadian universities, students can expect fests, events, and activities to be conducted throughout the year. This creates a lively and happy environment for all the students as it helps in making a network and meeting new people, whilst keeping the homesickness away.
• Immigration opportunities: The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP Canada) in Canada shall allow students to stay there and get some work experience after the completion of graduation. The maximum length of a PGWP is three years.

Education System in Canada

As mentioned above, Canada is recognized for providing affordable education. The education system in Canada is managed by the provincial governments. The study levels and educational stages may vary across different clusters. Check the details for the same given below.

Qualification	Duration
Certificates and Diplomas	1-2 years
Associate Degree	2 years
Bachelor’s degree	3-4 years
Post-graduate diploma	1-2 years
Master’s degree	1-2 years
PhD or Doctorate	4-7 years
Post-doctoral program	No time limit

Admission Requirements to Study in Canada

The eligibility requirements to study in Canada will vary from course to course and from university to university. For admission to undergraduate courses, students need to have a high school diploma or equivalent degree and proof of English proficiency. For instance, for MS studies, you need to present a GRE score.

 Some of the basic eligibility requirements are given below.

• Academic transcripts
• Standardized test scores - SAT
• Standardized test scores - GMAT / GRE / LSAT
• English language proficiency test scores: TOEFL / IELTS / PTE / Duolingo / CAEL
• Statement of Purpose
• Essay
• Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL)
• Letter of Recommendation
• Copy of your valid passport
• Proof of finances (Guaranteed Investment Certificate)

Documents Required to Study in Canada

Here is the list of documents required for pursuing higher studies in Canadian universities:

• Academic Transcripts
• Proof of English Proficiency
• Statement of Purpose (SOP)
• Letters of Recommendation
• Resume or CV
• GMAT or GRE Scores (If Applicable)
• Valid Passport
• Letter of Acceptance from University
• Proof of Funds
• Medical Report of Student
• Police Clearance Certificate
• Recent Photographs of Student

Top Courses in Canada

Canada is the most popular destination for undergraduate and postgraduate studies. Certificate / Diploma courses are also offered at Canadian universities. Given below is a list of the most demanding courses in Canada that remain high in demand.

Top 10 Demanding Courses in Canada

1. Engineering
2. Healthcare & Medicine (MBBS)
3. Computer Science and Information Technology
4. Business Management
5. Law
6. Human Resource Management
7. Architecture
8. Project Management
9. Data Science
10. Accounting and Finance

Top Cities Preferred by Students in Canada  

Canada is home to some of the top-ranked universities in the world as per many global ranking providers. These universities are located in some of the popular cities like Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, etc. Many big and small cities are there for students to study in Canada.

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

Student Cities in Canada	QS Best Student Cities Ranking 2026
Montreal	#18
Toronto	#22
Vancouver	#29
Ottawa	#80

In addition, these cities offer a lifestyle similar to that of the U.S. and provide employment opportunities to students. Other than this, calgary and Saskatoon are some of popular student cities in Canada. 

Shiksha Poll: Which Canadian City is the Best for Study?

Shiksha recently conducted a poll, where we asked students "Which Canadian City is the Best for Study?".  61% of total respondents mentioned that Toronto is their first choice. There are multiple factors behind this decision, such as popular institute, economic capital, well developed public infrastructure and job opporunity. Other than Toronto, students voted for Vancouver, Montreal, and Calgary as well. Here is the detailed poll breakdown:

Scholarships to Study in Canada

At the time of deciding to study abroad, one thing that lingers generally in the minds of international students is the cost of studying. However, the tuition fee in Canada is less than in other developed countries like the U.S. and the U.K. There are some scholarships available for meritorious students who want to study in Canada. In order to avail of the scholarships to study in Canada, students need to have a track of good academics and extra-curricular achievements. Need-based scholarships are also available for students. Some of the Canada scholarships for Indian students are given below:

Fully Funded Scholarships in Canada

Who does not want that they get chance to study in Canada for free? Well, you can get this opportunity. Here are some fully funded scholarships in Canada that can cover your 100% tuition fee and other expenses. Condition is that you need to be eligible for this:

1. Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship (University of Toronto)
2. Vanier CGS Scholarship
3. UBC International Scholars Program
4. Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship
5. University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowships (UMGF)

Education Loan for Studying in Canada

Canada is the most preferred destination to study abroad by international students. The cost of studying in Canada entirely depends on the course, university, duration of the course, and the cost of living. Not everyone can afford to study and live in Canada. This is why various banks and financial institutions offer education loans to students who want to study in Canada.

Before applying for an educational loan to study in Canada, check the eligibility criteria in advance in order to get the loan approval. Note that different types of expenses are covered under different schemes, so check with the banks to know what expenses are covered in the education loan scheme. Some of the expenses covered under the educational loan are:

• Tuition fees
• Travel expenses
• Cost of buying books and other study material
• Hostel fee
• Laboratory fee
• Purchase of laptop
• Expenses for study tours or project tours.

Part-time Work in Canada 2026

On the Canadian student visa, students can work for 24 hours/week on a paid job, while studying. Generally, for part-time jobs in Canada, students are paid by hours. On average, the rate of pay is around $13-16 an hour.

However, recently, international students who are in Canada and who have off-campus work authorization on their study permit shall not be restricted by the rule of 24 hours per week. Generally, students can work full-time during school breaks.

Post-Study Work Permit in Canada

Obtaining a post-graduation work permit while studying in Canada depends a lot on the course and its duration. A work permit under the PGWP Canada is generally issued for the length of the study program.  The maximum duration of PGWP Canada is 3 years, even if your PG course duration is two years.

A post-graduation work permit in Canada allows students to stay there and gain some work experience after completing their graduation. In the long run, getting skilled Canadian work experience through PGWP allows graduates to qualify for PR in Canada within Express Entry.

Study in Canada FAQs

Q. How much does it cost to study in Canada?

A. In 2026, annual tuition ranges from CAD 15,000 to CAD 45,000 (INR 9 to 28 Lakhs). Following new regulations, you must also show CAD 22,895 (INR 14 Lakhs) for living expenses. Total first-year costs typically range between INR 25 and INR 40 Lakhs, depending on your program and city.

Q. Is Canada cheap to study in?

A. While costs have risen, Canada remains 20 to 30% more affordable than USA or Australia. Living in secondary cities like Calgary or Halifax significantly reduces rent. Indian students can offset costs by working 24 hours per week. Though this should only supplement, not replace, your primary education funding.

Q. How can I go to study in Canada for higher studies?

A. First, secure a Letter of Acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). For 2026, most students also need a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL). Apply for a study permit online by providing proof of funds (GIC), academic transcripts, and a strong Statement of Purpose.

Q. What are the top courses to study in Canada?

A. For 2026, the best courses align with labor shortages to ensure PGWP eligibility. Focus on STEM (Software, AI, Data Science), Healthcare (Nursing), Skilled Trades, and Agriculture. Unlike general degrees, these specialized fields are prioritized for Post-Graduation Work Permits and Permanent Residency pathways.

Q. Which are the top universities in Canada?

A. Canada has many top-ranked universities, and here are some of the highest-ranked universities in Canada based on QS ranking 2026: 

1. McGill University
2. University of Toronto
3. University of British Columbia
4. University of Alberta
5. University of Montreal
6. McMaster University
7. University of Waterloo
8. Western University
9. University of Calgary
10. Queen's University

Please take note that the rankings are subject to change each year and are determined by the methods employed by the ranking organisation. Before making any judgements, it is crucial to do some study and comprehend the intricacies of each ranking. Students who are interested in studying in Canada can visit the websites of these universities to learn more about their programmes.

Q. How can Indian students study in Canada?

A. To study in canadian universities, you need to follow the step by step process mentioned below:

• Select the program and university of your choice.
• Make sure you meet the eligibility criteria for admission.
• Prepare and take the required standardized tests (such as IELTS, TOEFL, or GRE, depending on the program).
• Collect the required documents including LORs and SOP.
• Apply for admission within the university deadline and wait for the offer letter.
• After getting it, pay the application fee and confirm your enrollment.

Q. Is it easy for Indian students to get a scholarship in Canada?

A. Getting a scholarship to study in Canada depends on several factors, such as academic performance and the type of institution. Government organizations, private institutions, and universities offer scholarships to meritorious students based on their profiles. In short, it is not difficult to get a scholarship in Canada if you are an eligible student and apply early.