Study in Canada: Universities, Costs and Intakes

• Choice of university degrees and career-focused college programmes
• Co-op programmes that combine study with paid work terms at many institutions
• Post-graduation work permit options for eligible graduates
• Large, established Indian student communities in many cities

Academic entry requirements

Universities assess your academic record and, for graduate programmes, your bachelor’s degree, SOP and references. Colleges usually focus on relevant academic background and English level. You must be accepted by a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) to apply for a study permit.

English language requirements

IELTS Academic and other recognised tests are widely accepted. Institutions set their own minimum scores, and some study permit streams have specific test requirements — check both before booking a test.

September (Fall) is the main intake. January (Winter) is widely available, and some colleges also offer May intakes.

1. 112 months before: choose between university and college routes; shortlist DLIs
2. 28–12 months before: prepare documents and English test
3. 36–9 months before: apply; many programmes fill early
4. 4After acceptance: obtain any required provincial/territorial attestation letter
5. 5Apply for the study permit with proof of funds and other documents

College programmes are usually less expensive than university degrees. Living costs vary by city — Toronto and Vancouver are typically the most expensive. IRCC sets a minimum amount of funds you must show, which has been revised in recent years.

Indicative tuition (our database)

CAD 18,000 – 45,000/year

Indicative living costs (our database)

CAD 12,000 – 18,000/year

Indicative ranges only. Check each university’s fee page and the official visa funds requirement.

Entrance scholarships are offered by many universities, often automatically considered with your application. Graduate funding is more common for thesis-based programmes. College scholarships for international students tend to be smaller.

• McGill Entrance ScholarshipMcGill University

You need a study permit for most programmes longer than six months. Applicants generally need a letter of acceptance from a DLI, proof of funds, and — for many applicants — a provincial or territorial attestation letter (PAL/TAL). Check IRCC for whether the attestation requirement applies to your programme level.

Working while you study

Eligible students can work off campus up to a weekly limit during regular academic sessions and full-time during scheduled breaks. The limit has changed recently, so check the current IRCC rule.

After graduation

The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) allows eligible graduates to work in Canada. Eligibility depends on your institution, programme length and, for some college programmes, field of study. Confirm eligibility before you accept an offer.

• Toronto
• Vancouver
• Montreal
• Ottawa
• Calgary
• Waterloo
• Halifax

• Check PGWP eligibility for the exact programme before applying
• Compare co-op availability and how work terms are arranged
• Factor in housing costs, which vary sharply between cities