Studying in Canada means world-class education, diverse culture, and breathtaking scenery. Renowned institutions, innovation, and part-time work opportunities make it appealing. With a welcoming environment, students thrive academically and personally. Plus, exploring Canada’s beauty and PR options add to its allure for international students.
Note that the Canadian Government has capped the number of study permits applications to be issued in 2024 up to 606,250.
Also, note that the temporary policy allowing students to work more than 20 hours per week off campus has come to an end on April 30, 2024. IRCC intends to change the number of hours students may work off campus per week to 24 hours from fall of 2024.
Advantages of Applying for a Canada Student Visa
- Global Recognition: Home to 31 top-ranked universities, Canada ensures high-quality education.
- Visa Issuance: With around 1 million student visas issued in 2023, Canada is a popular choice for international students.
- Study Scholarships: Access scholarships up to CAD 21,000, easing financial constraints.
- Inclusive Scholarships: Available for all courses, promoting inclusivity.
- Postgraduate Work Permit: Graduates can work for 1-3 years after completing their studies.
- PR Opportunities: Eligible graduates can obtain Permanent Residency (PR) post-study.
- High-Quality Education: Emphasis on practical and research-based learning.
- Cost-Effective: Affordable tuition and living costs make studying in Canada accessible.
- Research Opportunities: Access to state-of-the-art facilities and research funding.
- Campus Life: Diverse communities, clubs, and cultural experiences.
- Safe Environment: Welcoming and safe, with a renowned healthcare system.
- Employment Opportunities: Industry connections provide internships and job opportunities.
- Vibrant Campus Environment: Diverse communities foster personal growth and cultural exposure.
- Internship Possibilities: Institutions offer internships, co-op programs, and work placements.
Steps to Choose Study Visa
- Research Options: Set goals, explore institutions, assess costs, and connect with current students.
- Choose Universities: Prioritize criteria, compare requirements, evaluate finances, and visit websites.
- Prepare for Exams: Identify required exams, create study plan, register, seek support, and maintain consistency.
- Finance Studies: Estimate expenses, explore scholarships, seek work opportunities, and review insurance.
- Meet Admission Criteria: Contact admissions, note deadlines, gather documents, submit applications, and track status.
- Confirm Admission: Evaluate options, pay deposits, notify others, and maintain communication.
- Apply for Student Visa: Understand requirements, gather documents, complete application, submit, and await approval.
Intakes in Canada
- Canada boasts three prominent intakes annually:
– Fall (September),
– Winter (January), and
– Summer (April/May).
Prospective students are advised to apply 4-6 months ahead of the academic session to navigate the intricate admission and scholarship processes smoothly.
Study Intakes and Deadlines
- The study intakes and application deadlines vary across Diploma, Bachelors, PG, and Masters programs. The rule of thumb is to submit applications 4-6 months before the intended intake, ensuring a seamless admission process.
Student Visa Requirements
- Educational Transcripts
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Acceptance letter from the educational institution
- Proof of payment and financial funds
- Proof of English Proficiency
- Academic and Employer References
- Certificates of Extracurricular Achievements
Canada Student Visa Processing Time
- The processing time for a Canada student visa typically ranges from 2 to 16 weeks.
Study Visa Validity
- The Canada Student Visa offers a flexible validity, spanning from 6 months to 5 years, contingent on the duration of the enrolled course. Notably, students have the option to extend their visas directly from India, streamlining the process.
Scholarships for Indian Students
- Several Canadian universities offer scholarships to Indian students. Examples include Dalhousie, Carleton, University of Winnipeg, etc., providing financial assistance to eligible candidates.
Student Work Authorization
- Work Hours: Up to 20 hours per week during academic terms and full-time during breaks.
- Work-Based Learning Programs: Some programs may allow additional work opportunities.
Spouse Work Authorization
- Spouses: Depending on immigration status, spouses may be eligible for work authorization.
- Eligible only if their spouse opts for study in the Master’s or Professional or Doctoral programs.
Post Study Work Permit Options in Canada
- PGWP Program Overview:
- Grants up to 3 years of work opportunity.
- Flexibility Across Industries:
- Allows work for any Canadian employer.
- Spans diverse industries.
Duration Flexibility:
- Courses under 2 years: Work equivalent to course duration.
- Courses 2 years or more: Eligible for a three-year permit.
- Enhanced Career Prospects:
- Three-year permit for longer programs.
- Provides valuable Canadian work experience.
Top Universities in Canada
The following are the top universities in Canada as per the Time Higher Education (THE) as well as QS World Ranking 2024.
Canada Ranking | College Info | City / Province | World University Ranking Year 2024 | |
Times Higher Education (THE) | QS | |||
1 | University of Toronto | Toronto, Ontario | 21 | 21 |
2 | The University of British Columbia | Vancouver, BC | 41 | 34 |
3 | McGill University logo | Montreal, Quebec | 49 | 30 |
4 | McMaster University logo | Hamilton, Ontario | 103 | 189 |
5 | University of Alberta logo | Edmonton, Alberta | 109 | 111 |
6 | University of Montreal logo | Montreal, Quebec | 111 | 141 |
7 | University of Waterloo logo | Ottawa, Ontario | 158 | 112 |
8 | University of Ottawa logo | Ottawa, Ontario | 177 | 203 |
9 | University of Calgary logo | Calgary, Ontario | 201 | 182 |
10 | Western University logo | London, Ontario | 201 | 114 |
Cost of Study in Canada |
||
The cost of Studying in Canada includes visa fees, living expenses, tuition fees, and other expenses. Below mentioned is the average cost of living in Canada for diploma, graduate, postgraduate, and master’s programs. | ||
Higher Study Options | Average Annual Tuition Fee | Living Expenses – One year (Equals GIC) |
Undergraduate Diploma | 12,000 CAD and above | 20,635 CAD |
Advanced Diploma | 12,000 CAD and above | 20,635 CAD |
Bachelors Degree | 12,000 CAD and above | 20,635 CAD |
PG Diploma / Graduation Certificate | 12,000 CAD and above | 20,635 CAD |
Post Graduate / Masters ) | 16,000 CAD and above | 20,635 CAD |
Doctoral Degree | 7,000 CAD and above | 20,635 CAD |
Funds to support yourself and your family: | |||||
Effective from 1 January 2024, the minimum funds required to support yourself as a
student and family members who accompany with you to Canada – Representing 75% of LICO (revised annually). |
|||||
Number of family members (including the applicant) | Amount of funds required per year (not including tuition fee) | ||||
1 | CAN$20,635 | ||||
2 | CAN$25,690 | ||||
3 | CAN$31,583 | ||||
4 | CAN$38,346 | ||||
5 | CAN$43,492 | ||||
6 | CAN$49,051 | ||||
7 | CAN$54,611 | ||||
Top Courses
- BACHELORS
- B.TECH
- MBA
- MASTERS
- DIPLOMA
Bachelor’s or Undergraduate Programs from the Top 10 Universities of Canada
Sr. No. | Universities & College | Global Rank Year 2024 | Academic – GPA Requirement Qualification | Fees Structure for International Student (CAD) – Approx. | |
1 | University of Toronto | 21 | 12th Scores considered. Prerequisite: Biology, Calculus & Vectors, English | 60,000 | |
IELTS: Scores – 6.5/9 | |||||
TOEFL: Scores – 100/120 | |||||
2 | MCGILL University | 30 | 12th Scores considered (overall average of 75% to 85% each year & in prerequisite subjects). Prerequisite Subjects: Mathematics and Two of Physics, Chemistry, Biology in Standard 11 & 12th | 46,000 | |
IELTS: Scores – 6.5/9 | |||||
TOEFL: Scores – 90/120 | |||||
PTE: Scores – 65/90 | |||||
3 | University of British Columbia | 34 | 12th Scores considered. Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics in Standard 12th (Excemption for Physics if Senior Maths & Senior Chemistry has A Grade). Graduation at a senior secondary school from a university preparatory program | 42,000 | |
IELTS: Scores – 6.5/9 | |||||
Conditional Offer: Not mentioned | |||||
4 | University of Montreal | 141 | 12th Scores considered. Completed 1 year of University studies with Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, or must attend a prepratory year at this University. | 60,000 to 65,000 | |
5 | University of Alberta | 111 | 70% Grades in 12th Standard Scores. Minimum 50% Grade for each of the five required courses. | 30,000 to 49,000 | |
IELTS: Scores – 6.5/9 | |||||
PTE: Scores – 61/90 | |||||
English Language Proficiency excempted: Scored minimum 75% in core English in CBSE All India Senior Secondary School Certificate OR minimum 75% in English in CISCE | |||||
6 | McMaster University | 144 | 85% Grades in 12th Standard Scores. English, Mathematics with pre calculus & calculus are requird | 42,000 | |
IELTS: Scores – 6.5/9 | |||||
7 | University of Waterloo | 189 | 80% Grades in 12th Standard (10th, 11th estimated 12th Grades considered). | 65,000 | |
Minimum Standard Mathematics and English with final grade of 75% each. | |||||
Two of Standard 12th Biology, Chemistry or Physics. One other Standard 12th course. | |||||
IELTS: Scores – 6.5/9, 6.5 overall 6.5 writing, 6.5 speaking, 6.0 reading, 6.0 listening | |||||
8 | Western University | 114 | 12th Scores considered. | 26,000 | |
Completion of Grade 12 Mathematics course preferred. | |||||
Grade 12 Biology required in 1st year Biology. Grade 12 Chemistry required in 1st Year Chemistry. | |||||
IELTS: Scores – 6.5/9 | |||||
TOEFL: Scores – 83/120 | |||||
PTE: Scores – 58/90 | |||||
9 | Queen’s University | 209 | 12th Scores considered (minimum average of 75%). Prerequisite Subjects: English, Mathematics with calculus & vectors, and Two of Physics, Chemistry, Biology in Standard 12th. | 28,000 | |
IELTS: Scores 6.5/9 | |||||
TOEFL: Scores – 88/120 | |||||
PTE: Scores: Scores – 60/90 | |||||
10 | University of Calgary | 182 | 12th Scores considered. Prerequisite Subjects: English labguage, Mathematics, Two of Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathemetics or CTS Computer Science Advanced. | 13,000 | |
IELTS Scores – 6.5/9 | |||||
TOEFL: Scores – 86/120 | |||||
PTE: Scores – 60/90 | |||||
The Top 10 Universities for Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech.) in Canada
Sr. No. | Universities & College | QS Global Ranking Year 2024 | Major Specialization | Academic – GPA Requirement Qualification | Fees Structure for International Student (CAD) – Approx. | |
1 | University of Toronto | 26 | Computer Science, Industrial, Mechanical, Civil, Mineral, Science, Materials, Chemical | Minimum 80% score in high school | 235,000 | |
SAT accepted | ||||||
Physics, Chemistry, Maths (with calculus) in Standard 11 and 12 | ||||||
IELTS: 6.5 TOEFL: 100, Writing 22 | ||||||
2 | University of British Columbia | 46 | Computer, Biotechnology, Civil, Chemical, Mechanical, Electrical, Environmental, | Minimum 85% in 12th Standard | 185,000 | |
Not mandatory | ||||||
Maths, Chemistry, Physics in Standard 12th | ||||||
IELTS: 6.5 TOEFL: 90 | ||||||
3 | McGill University | 27 | Biomedical, Chemical, Civil, Computer | Minimum 60% score in high school | 185,000 | |
Chemistry, Maths, and Physics in Standard 11 & 12 | ||||||
IELTS: 6.5 TOEFL: 90 | ||||||
4 | University of Waterloo | 149 | Computer, Biomedical, Civil, Chemical, | Minimum Requirements vary as per the specialization opted | 220,000 | |
SAT required | ||||||
Physics, Chemistry, Maths (with calculus) in High School | ||||||
IELTS: 6.5 TOEFL: 90, 25 writing | ||||||
5 | University of Alberta | 126 | Computer, Electrical, Biomedical, Civil, Chemical, Software, , Petroleum | Minimum 70% score in both 11 & 12 Standards | 160,000 | |
Not mandatory | ||||||
Physics, Chemistry, Maths (with calculus) in High School | ||||||
IELTS: 6.5 TOEFL: 90 | ||||||
6 | McMasters’s University | 140 | Computer, Mechanical, Electrical, Automotive, Civil, | About 87% score in 12th Standard | 200,000 | |
English, Physics, chemistry, Maths with Calcullus | ||||||
IELTS: Marks 6.5/9 | ||||||
7 | Queen’s University | 209 | Computer, Electrical, Civil, Chemical, Geological, Mining, | About 75% score in 12th Standard | 198,000 | |
English, Mathematics, Chemistry and Physics at the Standard 12th with atleast English final grade of 70% | ||||||
TOEFL: Marks – 88/120 | ||||||
IELTS: Marks – 6.5/9 | ||||||
8 | Western University | 114 | Mechanical, Civil, Chemical, Biomedical | 10th & 12th Standard scores considered | 167,000 | |
TOEFL (iBT): 83, no score below 20 | ||||||
IELTS: 6.5, no band less than 6.0 | ||||||
PTE: 56 | ||||||
CAEL: 60 | ||||||
TOEFL (PBT): 550 | ||||||
Duolingo English Test: 115 | ||||||
9 | University of Calgary | 182 | Chemical, Software, Civil, Energy, Oil & Gas, Geomatics, | 12th/High School Scores considered | 163,000 | |
Mathematics | ||||||
Two of Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics or CTS Computer Science Advanced | ||||||
IELTS: Marks – 6.5/9 | ||||||
TOEFL: Marks – 86/120 | ||||||
PTE: Marks – 60/90 | ||||||
Excemption from English proficiency requirement: Completed or 3 years full time study at an English Secondary or 2 years at an English Post Secondary in any country | ||||||
10 | University of Ottawa | 203 | Science, Mechanical, Civil, Chemical, Biotechnology, Data | 12th/High School Scores considered | 325,000 | |
Mathematics | ||||||
Physics, Chemistry, English, Mathematics/ Calculus | ||||||
Combined average of atleast 70% required for all pre-requisite courses in Mathematics & Science. | ||||||
IELTS: Marks – 6.5/9, Minimum 6.5 in writing module | ||||||
TOEFL: Marks – 86/120, Minimum 22 in the writing module | ||||||
PTE: Marks – 60/90, Minimum 60 in writing module | ||||||
Other Eligibility Criteria | ||||||
Top 10 MBA Institutes in Canada:
Sr. No. | Universities & College | Study Programs | Approx. Fees Structure for International Student (CAD) | ||
1 | Rotman School of Management | One-Year Executive MBA Global Executive MBA Master of Finance Master of Financial Risk Management Master of Management Analytics Graduate Diploma in Professional Accounting |
First Year: 67,000 Second Year: 69,000 | ||
Total | 136,000 | ||||
2 | Queens School of Business | Finance Executive Health Care | On Acceptance | 2,000 | |
Fall Term | 16,000 | ||||
Winter Term | 18,000 | ||||
Summer Term | 18,000 | ||||
Fall Term | 18,000 | ||||
Student Activity Fee | 2,500 | ||||
Total | 74,500 | ||||
3 | Ivey Business School | MBA Executive MBA Accelerated MBA |
Total Tution | 121,000 | |
Supplies & Fees | 5,300 | ||||
Living Expenses | 23,000 | ||||
Total | 149,300 | ||||
4 | McGill University | Master of Management in Finance Master of Management in Retailing Master of Management in Analytics Master of Management in Global Manufacturing and Supply |
Tuition | 21,000 – 57,000 | |
Books & Supplies | 1,000 | ||||
Ancillary Fees | 1,747 – 4,695 | ||||
Health Insurance | 1,000 | ||||
Total Cost | 24,000 – 64,000 | ||||
5 | Schulich School of Business | MBA Executive MBA Masters in Finance Master in Business Analytics Post-MBA Diploma in Advanced Management |
Each Term | 27,000 | |
Estimated Program Total | 107,000 | ||||
6 | Sauder School of Business | International MBA MBA Professional MBA |
Tuition Fees | 90,000 | |
Student Fees | 2,600 | ||||
MBA Student Building fee | 1,600 | ||||
Textbooks, course fees, supplies | 3,200 | ||||
International Student Medical Insurance | 400 | ||||
Estimated Subtotal | 97,800 | ||||
7 | Alberta School of Business | Masters of Accounting MBA Executive MBA MBA in Financial Management |
Tuition Fees per Year | 33,000 | |
Books / Materials | 500 – 700 | ||||
Campus Accommodation per month | 500 – 1,600 | ||||
Living Expenses per month | 400 | ||||
Transit Pass (U-Pass) | 150 | ||||
Total | 33,550– 35,850 | ||||
8 | John Molson School of Business | MBA (Full-time/part-time MBA) Executive MBA MBA in Investment Management |
Average Fees | 48,000 | |
9 | HEC Montreal | MBA Executive MBA MBA in Financial Services and Insurance |
Average Fees | 55,000 -60,000 | |
10 | Dalhousie University | MBA Leadership MBA Financial Services Corporate Residency MBA | Average Fees per Year | 28,000 | |
Note: Some Universities may offer scholarships 2,000 CAD to 20,000 CAD depending upon the program.
Top 10 Universities in Canada for MS
Sr. | University & College | World University Ranking 2024 | Study Programs | Academic Requirement | GPA | English Language | |
1 | University of Toronto | 21 | MSc Computer Science | IELTS, TOEFL, GRE, GMAT scores required | |||
MEng Electrical and Computer Engineering | |||||||
MEng Mechanical and Ind. Engineering | |||||||
Master of Architecture | |||||||
M.Mgmt Analytics | |||||||
Master of Nursing | |||||||
MA Economics | |||||||
MBA | |||||||
2 | University of British Columbia | 34 | Masters in Computer Science | Under Graduate Degree with aggregate – 65% or 8 on 10 point in CGPA | Min. 3.2 GPA | Not Applicable | |
Masters in Mechanical Engineering | Min. 3.3 GPA | TOEFL: 92 (iBT) IELTS: 7.0 | |||||
Masters in Electrical and Computer Science | Min. 3.0 GPA overall or Min. 3.2 GPA in last 2 years of study | Not Applicable | |||||
Masters in Civil Engineering and Applied Mechanics | Min. 3.0 GPA overall or Min. 3.2 GPA in last 2 years of study | TOEFL: 94 (iBT), 587 (PBT) | |||||
Master of Information System | Min. 3.0 GPA overall or Min. 3.2 GPA in last 2 years of study | TOEFL: 100 (iBT), 600 (PBT), IELTS: 7.5 | |||||
3 | McGill University | 30 | |||||
Masters in Computer Science | 3.2 or above GPA | Not Applicable | |||||
Masters in Electrical and Computer Science | 3.0 or above GPA overall or 3.2 GPA in the last two years of study (~83-87%) | Not Applicable | |||||
Master of Information System | 3.0 or above GPA overall or 3.2 GPA in the last two years of study | TOEFL: 100 (iBT), 600 (PBT), IELTS: 7.5 | |||||
Masters in Mechanical Engineering | 3.3 or above GPA | TOEFL: 92 (iBT) IELTS: 7.0 | |||||
Masters in Civil Engineering and Applied Mechanics | 3.0 or above GPA overall or 3.2 GPA in the last two years of study | TOEFL: 94 (iBT), 587 (PBT) | |||||
4 | McMaster University: | 189 | M.Sc Mechanical Engineering | Honors Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent in engineering or science with atleast average of A | |||
M.Eng Civil Engineering | Bachelor’s degree in a relevant undergraduate program with atleast average of B in the last 2 years | ||||||
M.Eng Manufacturing Engineering | Engineering or Technology Degree atleast average of B in last 2 years | ||||||
Academic Faculties are: DeGroote School of Business Engineering Health Sciences Humanities Social Science Science |
M.Eng Electrical and Computer Engineering | Bachelor’s degree in a relevant undergraduate program with atleast average of B in the last 2 years | |||||
M.Eng Electrical and Biomedical Engineering | Atleast average of B of the B.Eng. program in each year in Electrical and Biomedical Engineering at McMaster University | ||||||
M.Eng Computing and Software | Bachelor’s degree in a relevant undergraduate program with atleast average of B in the last 2 years | ||||||
5 | Universite de Montreal | 141 | Master of Chemistry | Undergraduate Degree in Chemistry and Related Fields | Fluency in English and French | ||
Academic Faculties are: – Theology – Law – Medicine |
Masters in Industrial Relations | Undergraduate Degree in Industrial Relations or Equivalent | |||||
Over 32 MS Programs are available | Business Law (LL.M) (Master’s degree) | Bachelor’s Degree | |||||
6 | University of Alberta | 111 | MS Programs: – Master of Public Health – M.Sc. In Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences | English Language Test Result Required | |||
7 | University of Ottawa | 203 | Master of Chemical Engineering | Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field | TOEFL PBT: 550 | ||
TOEFL iBT: 79-80 | |||||||
IELTS: 6.5 | |||||||
Master of Computer Science | Honor’s Bachelor’s Degree in related field with atleast B+ | TOEFL PBT: 570 | |||||
Academic Faculties are: Engineering, Science, Management, Health Science, Social Sciences, Education, Medicine, Law | TOEFL iBT: 88-89 | ||||||
IELTS:6.5 | |||||||
Master of Neuroscience | Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field with atleast B+ | TOEFL PBT: 600 | |||||
TOEFL iBT: 100 | |||||||
IELTS: 7.0 | |||||||
8 | University of Waterloo | 112 | M.A Economics | ||||
M.ASc Chemical Engineering | |||||||
M.Eng Civil Engineering | |||||||
M.Math Statistics | |||||||
Master of Taxation | |||||||
Master of Architecture | |||||||
Master of Management Sciences | |||||||
M.Sc Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering | |||||||
Master of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence | |||||||
9 | Western University | 114 | University Offers over 20 MS programs for duration of 1 to 3 years | Bachelor’s Degree at least 70% average in all the courses taken in the last 2 years | English Language Test Result Required | ||
University of Calgary | 182 | University has 10 MS programs.Few of the top Programs are: | |||||
10 | Medical sciences | English Language Test Result Required | |||||
Energy and the Environment | |||||||
Neuroscience | |||||||
Geomatics engineering | |||||||
Kinesiology | |||||||
Computer science | |||||||
FAQs
What is the needed IELTS score for a Canadian student visa?
Generally 6.0-6.5 for undergraduate and 6.5-7.0 for graduate courses.
How long does it take in Canada to get a Student Visa?
Varies; SDS may offer faster processing.
How long may I remain in Canada while I have a student visa?
Duration of study program plus 90 days after completion.
If I'm not qualified for the PGWP, may I continue to live and work in Canada?
Yes, through alternative options like work permits, PNPs, and CEC.
What IELTS score is needed for a student visa to Canada?
Generally 6.0-6.5 for undergrad and 6.5-7.0 for graduate programs.
New IELTS Academic Band Score Requirements for SDS Applications?
Minimum overall band score of 6.0; individual skill scores not required.
What is "provincial approval"?
Each province or territory's attestation letter process.
Will applications without an attestation letter be refused?
Exempt if applied before Jan 22, 2024, or certain categories.
What is a DLI for Canada study permit?
Approved educational institution; acceptance letter required.
How can I confirm if my college is a DLI?
Check the Canadian Government’s list of designated learning institutions.
Is my DLI a PGWP-eligible DLI?
Verify DLI status; ensure program meets PGWP criteria.
Can I hold two study permits in Canada?
Additional permits required if current permit restricts study options.
What changes has Ontario made due to the study permit cap?
Moratorium on new public college-private partnerships; housing requirements.
What changes has BC made due to the study permit cap?
Paused approvals for new institutions; introduced quality improvement measures.
What benefits does the PGWP option offer to overseas students studying in Canada?
Work opportunities, employment flexibility, PR pathway, and more.
Do I need to have a letter of attestation if I am applying for a Master’s or PhD study program?
No, exempt from attestation letter requirement.
Can I bring my spouse if I am studying in a Masters program?
Yes, spouse eligible for spousal open work permit for Masters programs.
Can I bring my spouse if I am studying in Undergraduate study program?
No, spouse is not eligible for spousal open work permit only if you study in Undergraduate study program.
Note: “The information herein is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Read our complete Legal Disclaimer on Website”