Study in Canada: A Comprehensive Guide for Indian Students

The Canadian government notes that Indian citizens immigrating to Canada between 2013 and 2023 rose by 326%, demonstrating Canada’s popularity as a warm, welcoming study abroad destination. Dotted with snow-capped mountains, icy lakes, and thriving bright forests, Canada’s world-class education and favourable immigration policies attract thousands of Indian students each year.

In this blog, we cover everything you need to know about studying in Canada, from the best universities to visa requirements and expenses. Let’s get started by taking a look at why Canada remains a popular study destination for Indian students.

Top reasons to study in Canada

With high living standards, superior-quality education, and lucrative career prospects, Canada is one of the top study destinations for Indian students. Here are some benefits of studying in Canada:

• World-class education – You can choose from over 8,000 college and 16,000 university programmes when studying in Canada. These programmes, taught by experts in their fields, allow you to upskill and gain up-to-date knowledge that can give you a competitive edge in the job market.
• Safe and inclusive society – Canada is ranked fourth out of 85 on a list of best countries for quality of life. In addition to boasting a diverse society, Canada also has strong welfare benefits, including universal healthcare.
• Part-time work rights for students – As an international student in Canada, you can obtain the right to work part-time during your studies. Generally, international students can work up to 24 hours per week off-campus during term time and full-time during breaks, allowing you to manage your living expenses effectively.
• Post-study work rights – After completing your studies in Canada, you have the opportunity to obtain a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) so you can gain valuable work experience at workplaces in Canada. This experience could unlock further career opportunities for you, both globally and in India.

Canada also provides education at all study levels so you have flexibility in pursuing a qualification that suits your existing educational qualifications and future goals best. We dive into more detail about your education options in Canada in the next section.

An overview of the Canadian education system for Indian students

Canada is recognised for its quality education at all study levels, and for prioritising safe and welcoming study environments for international students. Here’s an overview of your higher education options in Canada:

In Canada’s education system, students at all skill levels are welcome, but navigating your higher education options after obtaining your high school diploma can feel like a complex journey. The above table can give you a clearer picture of your choices, so you can conduct detailed research on the qualifications that you believe could enhance your existing knowledge the best. For instance, if you’ve graduated high school and followed a certificate course in IT in India, your next step can be a university degree in IT or software engineering, building on the skills you already have. Once you’ve selected the study level you wish to enter, you can start preparing your applications to Canada.

When planning your study abroad journey, it’s important to understand the immigration rules in your preferred destination. We’ve covered the latest Canadian immigration updates for Indian students in the next section, to help you in your preparation.

Updates on visa requirements for Indian students in Canada

Canada, like many other top study abroad destinations around the world, has amended its study and work rights in the past few years. When planning your studies in Canada, it’s crucial to understand these changes to its immigration policies so you can smoothly transition from India. Since 2024, Canada has announced these key changes:

• Eligible international students can work up to 24 hours per week off campus while classes are in session and full-time during breaks.
• To work off-campus without a work permit, international students must be studying full-time in a post-secondary academic, vocational, or professional training programme, or a vocational training programme at the secondary level offered in Quebec, that lasts at least six months and leads to a degree, diploma, or certificate.
• International students must obtain a new Study permit before changing learning institutions.
• Twice a year, Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) are expected to submit a report to the authorities that indicates whether each Study permit holder associated with their school has remained enrolled. Students who are no longer enrolled can be investigated and face enforcement action, as they may be breaking their Study permit conditions.

Our experts at StudyIn can give you personalised visa guidance as you navigate through these immigration rules when applying for your Study permit. Reach out to our Canada Student Visa Service for more information on how Indian students can apply for their visa to Canada.

Now, let’s take a closer look at the most popular courses in Canada for Indian students.

Most popular courses in Canada for Indian students

From technology and healthcare to skilled trades and environmental studies, Canadian higher education institutes offer a large variety of courses, preparing you to meet the needs of the global job market. Here are the most popular courses in Canada:

• Accounting and finance
• Architecture
• Business administration and management
• Computer science and IT
• Engineering
• Human resources
• Logistics and supply chain management
• Nursing and healthcare management
• Project management
• Psychology and counselling

You can use our course search tool to find courses in Canada that are related to your interests so your higher education can align with your passions.

Next, let’s take a look at the application cycles in Canada.

Intakes at Canadian universities

Canadian universities offer three main intake periods for students, allowing you to plan your application according to your own circumstances. This flexibility means that you can choose to apply to your preferred course without haste, when you have all your documents and test scores in hand. The three intakes are:

Among the three intakes, the fall intake – also known as the September intake — is considered the primary one, as Canadian colleges and universities typically offer more seats per course in fall compared to other intakes. The fall intake also aligns with recruitment cycles, allowing you to easily apply for internships and post-graduate work.

With that in mind, let’s explore some of the best universities in Canada for Indian students.

Best universities in Canada for Indian students

Canada ranks among the world’s top five countries for education as its higher education institutes offer top-quality programmes in all fields of study. Here are the top 10 universities in Canada according to the QS World University Rankings 2026:

Most Canadian universities give you the opportunity to engage in multidisciplinary studies alongside a diverse student community. With some of the highest-ranking universities spread out all across Canada, let’s explore the most popular cities in Canada for Indian students.

Most popular cities in Canada for Indian students

In addition to being one of the safest places in the world to live and study, Canada is also home to some of the world’s most student-friendly locations. Here are the most popular student cities in Canada:

• Montreal
• Toronto
• Vancouver
• Ottawa

Canadian cities offer a number of benefits for international students, from discounted public transportation options to housing designed for student living. You can also enjoy scenic travel destinations in each Canadian city and experience breathtaking coastal views and some of the oldest cultural events in North America.

Once you’ve selected your university and decided on your study location in Canada, it’s time to start preparing your applications. When you start your application process, you’ll also be looking at scholarships you’re eligible to receive and we’ll be discussing these scholarships in Canada for Indian students next.

Scholarships for Indian students to study in Canada

A scholarship can ease the financial burden of studying abroad, allowing you to focus more on your coursework and academic success. In Canada, a variety of scholarships are available for Indian students, offered by the Canadian government, universities, and private organisations, helping to make education more accessible and affordable.

Here’s a list of top scholarships in Canada specifically for Indian students:

Next, let’s take a look at the eligibility requirements to study in Canada for Indian students.

Eligibility requirements to study in Canada for Indian students

To be accepted at a Canadian university or college, international students must meet certain entry requirements. This includes satisfying criteria in areas such as:

• Academic qualifications – To gain entry into an undergraduate course, you’ll need to have the India Senior School Certificate (awarded by CBSE) or the Indian School Certificate (awarded by CISCE). Year 12 State Board Exams with excellent results are also generally considered on an individual basis. If you wish to pursue a postgraduate degree, you must have completed at least one degree at the undergraduate level.
• Course-specific requirements – Some courses may also have specific prerequisites. For example, many business, engineering, and science undergraduate degrees require you to have completed advanced mathematics studies, while postgraduate degrees may test your pre-existing research knowledge. If you do not meet the prerequisites of your desired course, you can explore short bridging courses, designed to provide you with the foundational skills you need to succeed in your degree.
• English language proficiency – If English is your second language, there is usually an English language requirement for entry into most courses. You can demonstrate your English language capabilities with scores from tests like IELTS or the Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL).

These academic and English language proficiency test requirements vary depending on the universities you’re applying for, along with the educational qualification you’re aiming to study. Once you shortlist your preferred universities, it’s best practice to carefully go through the entry requirements of the courses you’re applying for and keep them saved for easy reference while you’re filling your applications.

Documents required to study in Canada for Indian students

As part of your university applications, you may be required to submit official documents to prove your academic qualifications and work experience. These documents include:

• Transcripts for previous studies
• Proof of English language proficiency
• Standardised test results

When you are considering applying to study in Canada, it is also important to think about how you will manage your tuition and living expenses in Canada. Canadian universities have a variety of tuition fees, while your living expenses will vary depending on where your university is located. Let’s explore tuition expenses and scholarship opportunities for Indian students in Canada in the next two sections.

Funds required to study in Canada

The expenses associated with your studies in Canada are usually classified under three main categories: your pre-arrival expenses, tuition fees, and your living expenses.

Your living expenses will vary depending on your location in Canada and your lifestyle while your tuition fees depend on the university you select for your programme. Your pre-arrival costs generally include the visa application fee and the health insurance coverage you have to pay before coming into Canada.

Pre-arrival expenses to Canada

Your pre-departure preparations include a number of expenses, mostly related to your Study permit. To obtain your Study permit, you must pay an application fee of CA$ 150. In addition to this, you’ll likely be required to pay a fee to obtain your police certificates and medical exams, and give your biometrics to a visa centre.

Your visa application also requires you to prove you have enough funds to cover your tuition fees for your course, your living expenses, and transportation to and from Canada.

Tuition fees in Canada

Your tuition fees in Canada will vary depending on your university and your level of study. In general, your tuition fees will vary between CA$ 21,000 and CA$ 36,000 per year.

Cost of living in Canada for Indian students

Gathering information about your potential living expenses is an important part of preparing for your student life in Canada. Depending on the region you’re studying in, your cost of living will vary. We’ve outlined an estimate for your living expenses in the table below:

Your funding plan is a key component of your application to obtain a Study permit, which gives you the right to live and study in Canada for the duration of your programme.

Student visa requirements for Indian students planning to study in Canada

International students must obtain a Study permit to study in Canada. You’re eligible for a Study permit if you prove that:

• You’re enrolled at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
• You have enough funds for your tuition fees, living expenses, and return transportation
• You have no criminal record
• You’re in good health
• You will leave Canada once your Study permit expires

To apply for your Study permit, you’re required to submit these documents:

• Proof of acceptance letter
• Provincial attestation letter or territorial attestation letter
• Proof of identity
• Proof of financial support

You must submit your application online, and then provide your biometrics (fingerprints and photograph) at a designated biometric collection centre. Additionally, you may be required to attend a visa interview or provide medical exams and police certificates.

The Study permit is only valid while you’re enrolled in your course. Once you’ve successfully graduated and wish to work in Canada, you must obtain a Work permit from the Canadian authorities.

Work permit and career prospects for Indian students in Canada

Industries like healthcare, engineering, and technology are especially in demand in Canada, offering ample prospects for graduates in these fields. To work in Canada after completing your studies, you need to obtain a work permit. The PGWP allows students who have graduated from eligible schools to gain valuable Canadian work experience.

Shaped by global trends, current labour demands, and economic shifts, the Canadian job market is constantly evolving. Gaining insights into the most in-demand job categories can give you a strategic advantage when you’re job hunting. In general, the following professionals are in demand across Canada:

• Accountants
• Early childhood educators
• Electricians
• Nurses
• Pharmacists
• Social workers
• Software engineers
• Welders

At StudyIn, we provide end-to-end support for your journey to Canada, making the process fast, smooth, and stress-free. Here’s how we can help you:

• Set up a free 40-minute consultation for you to meet with a university counsellor in our office or online to discuss your study options in Canada
• Provide a list of recommended universities for you to apply to based on your academic requirements and preferences
• Offer assistance with completing and reviewing your university application forms to ensure they’re accurate
• Refine your personal statement to showcase your strengths and motivations
• Assist with compiling the documents you need to submit with your application, such as academic transcripts and reference letters
• Help you find available scholarships and funding opportunities to help finance your studies in Canada
• Provide expert guidance on evaluating and selecting the best university offer based on your academic and career goals
• Offer assistance throughout the entire application process, from submission to enrolment at your chosen university

Book a free counselling session with a StudyIn counsellor today and take the first step toward studying in Canada with confidence.

FAQs

How much does it cost for Indian students to study in Canada?

On average, in Canada, university tuition costs around:

• CA$ 36,100 per year for international undergraduate students
• CA$ 21,100 per year for international graduate students

In addition to tuition, living expenses are approximately CA$ 15,000 per year on average. It’s important to note that costs can vary depending on your programme, university, and location.

How can Indian students get scholarships to study in Canada after 12th grade?

Indian students can research and apply to programmes funded by the Canadian government and university-specific scholarships. The Government of Canada website provides information on state-funded scholarships while Canadian universities give comprehensive information about the scholarships they offer for international students on the scholarships page of their respective websites. Once you’ve identified the scholarships you’re eligible for, you can begin your applications.

How much does an MBA in Canada cost for Indian students?

Depending on your chosen specialisation, the type of MBA, and the university, the tuition fees for the MBA programme can vary. In Canada, you can enrol in MBA programmes starting from CA$ 14,000 to CA$ 120,000+.

What’s the average cost of living for an Indian student studying in Canada?

The average annual cost of living in Canada typically falls between CA$ 12,000 and CA$ 18,000, with rent averaging CA$ 8,000 to CA$ 10,000 per year.