Study in the Canada
Explore the Benefits, Costs, and Opportunities of Study in Canada for Indian Students
Explore the Benefits, Costs, and Opportunities of Study in Canada for Indian Students
On this Page:
The number of international students in Canada has grown from 122,665 to 807,260 over the past two decades. However, recently, many students have raised concerns while planning to study in Canada. The primary reason for this withdrawal is the immigration policy changes implemented by the Canadian government. These changes have been introduced to address the imbalance caused by the large influx of students.
Despite this, there is an update that highlights the demand for skilled workers in certain sectors. In response, many universities expanded courses in Canada to meet high-demand fields. The positive aspect of these changes is that students can now focus on courses with high employability rates, and the cap on the number of international students ensures that only the most qualified applicants gain admission to top universities in Canada. This increases pressure and also offers a silver lining, as it increases opportunities for those who succeed.
With the recent policy changes related to studying in Canada from India, students are confused! To help you clear things up, here is the basic detail that a student can refer to study abroad in Canada.
| Factors | Description |
|---|---|
|
Average Canada Study Cost |
INR 9,00,000 - INR 22,00,000 per year (varies by course and institution) |
|
Average Cost of Living |
INR 6,50,000 - INR 12,00,000 per year (depending on city and lifestyle) |
|
Source of Funding |
Scholarships, education loans, part-time work, personal savings |
|
Intakes |
September (major intake), January (limited programs), May (few programs) |
|
Types of Visas |
Study Permit (student visa) |
|
Best Cities to Study |
Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Calgary |
|
Visa Application Fee |
INR 9,200 |
Canada is sometimes called “Mini India” due to its large number of Indian migrants. It even offers a special Indian Status Card to long-term Indians and grants them privileges. For students, this card is beneficial as it allows them to study in Canada without a study permit. Along with these perks, there are many other positive aspects of pursuing education in Canada.
Notably, 11 top universities in Canada ranked among the top 100 in the QS World Rankings, showcasing the country’s high-quality education and global recognition. Studying in Canada opens the door to worldwide opportunities and does not entrap you to borders.
Canada's job market is experiencing a shortage of researchers, skilled construction workers, and hospitality professionals. Thus, STEM courses in Canada or hospitality certifications can help students tap into significant career opportunities. The minimum average salary that Canada offers is approximately CAD 1,050 per week, making it a profitable Return on Investment (ROI) for your education.
Additionally, there’s a chance that Canada may increase its immediate funds requirement for student permits. Therefore, it’s wise to either save extra money for your Canada study permit or explore options for the best education loan for Canada.
As you plan to study in Canada as an international student, the first step is to identify the top universities in Canada and compare them with other universities. Refer to the table below to evaluate a few options for studying in Canada from India.
| University | Graduate Course Requirement | Post-Graduate Course Requirement | MBA Course Requirement | Popular Study Abroad USA Programs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Minimum GPA of 3.6, GRE/GMAT (depending on course), TOEFL/IELTS for international students |
Bachelor’s degree, Minimum GPA of 3.0, TOEFL/IELTS, GRE/GMAT if required |
Bachelor’s degree, GMAT score (minimum 550 recommended), 2-5 years of work experience |
Computer Science, Medicine, Engineering, Finance |
|
|
Minimum GPA of 3.0, GRE (for some courses), TOEFL/IELTS |
Bachelor’s degree, Minimum GPA of 3.2, TOEFL/IELTS |
Bachelor’s degree, GMAT, 2-5 years of work experience, essays, interviews |
Law, Neuroscience, Engineering, Data Science |
|
|
Minimum GPA of 3.0, GRE (for some courses), TOEFL/IELTS |
Bachelor’s degree, Minimum GPA of 8.5 out of 12, TOEFL/IELTS |
Bachelor’s degree, GMAT score (minimum 600 recommended), 2-3 years of work experience |
Health Sciences, Business Analytics, Engineering |
|
|
Minimum GPA of 4.0, GRE (for some courses), TOEFL/IELTS |
Bachelor’s degree, Minimum GPA of 3.0, TOEFL/IELTS, GRE/GMAT if required |
Bachelor’s degree, GMAT (minimum 550 recommended), 3+ years of work experience, interviews |
Law, Political Science, Business, Communications |
|
|
Minimum GPA of 2.5, GRE (for some courses), TOEFL/IELTS |
Bachelor’s degree, Minimum GPA of 3.0, TOEFL/IELTS |
Bachelor’s degree, GMAT, 2-5 years of work experience, recommendation letters, interviews |
Computing Science, Business, Engineering, Criminology |
Every international student in Canada must fulfill the eligibility criteria to study abroad in Canada. We have listed some of the general requirements applicable in Canada for International students:
To study in Canada, the minimum age requirement is 18 or above. However, some courses may have additional age-related constraints depending on the program.
For every course in Canada, you are required to meet educational qualifications. This includes submitting relevant documents such as your 12th-grade mark sheet or a bachelor’s degree (if you're pursuing an MS in Canada as an Indian student). Along with these certificates, most universities require you to meet specific merit score thresholds. For instance, some top universities in Canada accept students who have scored above 75%.
Similar to the Common University Entrance Test (CUET) in India, students must take specific exams to gain admission to Canadian universities. The test score will help you determine your options for studying abroad in Canada. For a bachelor's degree, the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) or Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is required. However, the GMAT is required for a master's program in Canada for International students.
As English is a widely spoken language in Canada, students are required to prove their proficiency to study and interact with locals. Accepted English proficiency tests include IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE. Be sure to check the specific score requirements on the university’s website.
Once you have received a confirmation mail from the university about the admission, apply for the study permit. The following documents are required to study in Canada:
It is advisable to start preparing at least a year before your course start date. This will give you a buffer period to correct any mistakes and ensure a smooth transition to Canada for students. For a detailed guide on preparing these documents, refer to the Canada Visa Requirement.
The cost to study in Canada is around INR 16-20 Lakhs, but, the Canada study cost
may vary depending on your tuition fee and city. Below is a table outlining the expenses you can expect during the first year.
| Expense Type | Estimated Cost (in CAD) | Description |
|---|---|---|
|
Tuition Fees |
20,000 - 45,000 per year |
The cost varies depending on the university and program. Engineering, business, and medical courses tend to be more expensive. |
|
Health Insurance |
600 - 900 per year |
Health insurance is mandatory for international students. Some provinces like Ontario require students to purchase their own insurance, while others provide it. |
|
Living Expenses |
10,000 - 15,000 per year |
Includes rent, food, transportation, and other personal expenses. The cost depends on the city; major cities like Toronto and Vancouver are more expensive. |
|
Study Permit Application Fee |
150 (one-time) |
This is the fee for applying for a study permit to enter Canada. It's a non-refundable fee charged by the Canadian government. |
|
Biometrics Fee |
85 (one-time) |
International students must provide biometrics (fingerprints and photos) when applying for a visa. This is also a one-time, non-refundable fee. |
|
Visa Processing Fees |
Varies (up to 100) |
Depending on the processing time and method chosen (regular or expedited), additional fees may apply for visa processing. |
|
Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) |
10,000 (one-time) |
A GIC is required for students applying under the Student Direct Stream (SDS) to prove sufficient funds for their stay. It ensures you have funds for living expenses in Canada. |
|
Proof of Funds (non-GIC) |
10,000 - 15,000 |
Students need to show they have sufficient financial support. The amount is determined by the duration of the stay and the number of family members accompanying them. |
|
Textbooks & Supplies |
500 - 1,000 per year |
May vary according to the course. |
|
Transportation (Public/Local) |
600 - 1,200 per year |
Local transportation, including public transit (buses, trains, etc.). Cities like Vancouver and Toronto have higher transportation costs. |
|
Application Fees for University |
100 - 200 per application |
The application fee for universities in Canada varies by institution. Students applying to multiple universities should budget for this expense. |
|
Miscellaneous Costs |
1,000 - 2,000 per year |
Miscellaneous personal expenses such as entertainment, clothing, mobile phone plans, etc. These can vary widely based on lifestyle. |
You have various options to demonstrate proof of funds for your study permit in Canada. You can either obtain a scholarship or explore the best education loan for Canada. Many lenders even provide Canada education loans without collateral.
Canadian universities charge international students 5 times more than native students. Thus, financial aid can help if you plan to study in Canada. Here are some popular scholarships that one can avail of:
| Scholarship | Benefits | Eligibility | Scholarship Type |
|---|---|---|---|
|
INR 8,32,355 |
- Available for graduate students in social sciences. - Must be enrolled in a recognized university. |
Merit-based |
|
|
INR 27,35,325 |
- Available to international students. - Exceptional academic achievement. - Available for undergraduate programs at the University of Toronto. |
Merit-based |
|
|
University of Saskatchewan Indigenous Graduate Leadership Award |
INR 16,66,547 - INR 20,83,183 |
- Available to Indigenous graduate students at the University of Saskatchewan. - Must demonstrate leadership potential. - Available for graduate programs. |
Merit-based |
Study permit in Canada allows students in Canada to work up to 20 hours per week while studying. Many students take advantage of this opportunity to earn some money which they can use to cover their living expenses. Some students even use this opportunity to join full-time internships and gain work experience before they actually look for a job in the job market. You can go to the on-campus positions, such as working in libraries, cafeterias, or administrative offices. Additionally, off-campus opportunities are abundant, with roles available as waiters, tutors, or retail associates.
The allowed working hours include only on-campus and off-campus hours thus, you can also use the freelance and some other simple jobs in your neighborhood to afford their living expense while they study in Canada.
|
How can I get an education loan for Canada? You can secure an education loan to study in Canada online without much effort. However, you might be worried about the amount and the repayment. No worries! Book a 30-minute call with GyanDhan and know the right options for your admission and get your profile evaluated for finances. We provide options that are customized according to your profile and ensure to provide you with the best financing solution with the least burden. |
After completing your studies in Canada, many students seek ways to establish their lives in the country. Here are some options to consider:
Students who have completed a program longer than eight months are eligible for the PGWP. The validity of a work visa is the same length as your course duration, with a maximum of three years validity. It is a great way to extend your stay and gain work experience which opens doors to future career opportunities in Canada.
Once you have gained work experience through the PGWP, apply for the PR. This card takes time and has eligibility criteria that need to be fulfilled during the application. Thus, keep other options in hand to extend your stay while your PR application is being processed.
Canada is a safe country filled with young people who celebrate diversity. It is ranked #3 out of 85 on the list of the best countries for quality of life.
The country is known for its affordability, access to education, political stability, and healthcare. Additionally, its high-quality education and health services make Canada an attractive destination for international students.
The MS in Canada combines practical learning, research, and thesis work, providing students with hands-on experience that reflects the quality of education they will receive.
To obtain your Canada study permit, you need valid documents and proof of funds. Reviewing the Canada study visa requirements will help you understand what is needed.
The cost of studying in Canada is generally lower compared to the USA, and living expenses are also more affordable. Moreover, students can avail themselves of various scholarships if they are interested in pursuing their MS in Canada.
Popular courses in Canadian universities include Computer Science, Engineering, and Design. These fields are in high demand and often lead to well-paying jobs.
Yes, lenders such as HDFC Credilla, IDFC, Axis, and Auxilo provide education loans without collateral. Be sure to check your eligibility and confirm whether you can secure an education loan.
