Best Places to Study in Canada

If you're considering studying in your preferred university, you must also explore best student cities in Canada. According to the QS Best Student Cities Rankings 2024, the top cities in Canada are Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Ottawa, and Quebec. Get to know the popular cities of Canada in brief.

• Toronto: Toronto, situated in the province of Ontario has Canada's most esteemed university, the University of Toronto. It's not only the largest city in Canada but also renowned for its multicultural environment. It is known as the financial center of Canada as it's home to five of the country's largest banks.
• Montreal: As Canada's second-largest city, Montreal stands out with a high concentration of post-secondary students. Montreal offers a thriving academic environment, home to universities like McGill, Université de Montréal, and Concordia University.
• Vancouver: This vibrant Canadian city is the third-largest metropolis and is considered one of the world's most livable cities. With universities like the University of British Columbia, Simon Fraser University, and the University of Victoria, Vancouver is a great choice for students who want both city life and easy access to the outdoors.
• Ottawa: Ottawa has great universities that welcome foreign students from various fields and offer top-notch teaching and research. The city provides easy transportation, affordable housing, jobs, and scholarships, making it a fantastic place to study in Canada.
• Quebec: Quebec city is known for its friendly locals and holds the lowest unemployment rate among all cities in Canada. It is a French-speaking city, but many universities primarily use English as the medium of instruction. These universities offer outstanding education at affordable rates and also offer plenty of career prospects.

How to Study in Canada?

International students planning to study in Canada need to consider the following five steps to get started. Find the infographic below to know the process.

Intakes to Study in Canada

Canadian colleges and universities stand apart from Indian institutions with their three intakes, which are also known as semesters. Understanding the intakes in Canada is crucial for those aspiring to study abroad, as it defines the periods during which universities globally accept applications. Canadian universities offer three intakes namely Fall, Winter, and Summer. These intakes signify the period when students from around the world can apply to Canadian educational institutions.

• Fall Intake: Fall intake begins in September. It is the most popular choice among Indian students with a wide range of courses and scholarship availability. In this intake, Canadian universities receive the highest number of applications. Fall intake is also known as September intake and Autumn intake.
• Winter Intake: Winter intake is usually a secondary option that starts in January, suitable for those who missed the Fall deadline. While the course selection may be limited compared to the September intake, students can still expect similar prospects in terms of career opportunities, internships, and scholarships. Winter intake is also known as the January intake.
• Summer Intake: Summer intake, which commences around April and May, is the last option and is offered by only a few universities. It offers diploma and vocational programs. Summer intake is also known as the Spring intake or May intake.

Canada Student Visa Requirements for International Students

International students who want to study in Canada need a study permit. It is a necessary immigration document that validates their stay in Canada and accompanies a visitor visa or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). Alongside the study permit, you need a visitor visa or eTA to enter legally. This permit is essential for Indian students which grants permission to study at Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) in Canada.

Please note that a study permit is not a visa. A student visa will authorize your entry to Canada. To apply for a Canadian Student Visa, it's best to start the process 4 to 6 months before your classes begin and after you've received an Admission Offer from a Canadian Designated Learning Institute. You can apply online using the Government of Canada Key (GCKey) portal or at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) or directly at the entry port if you prefer. The fee for applying for a Canadian Student Visa is $150 CAD, and it also covers a $85 CAD biometrics fee and a $45 CAD service fee.

The study visa processing time will be around 4 to 8 weeks. If you're in a hurry, the Student Direct Stream (SDS) option processes it in just 20 days. Indian students are eligible for the SDS category and can apply by submitting the necessary documents for their student visa.

What are the documents required to apply for a Canadian study visa?

• Letter of acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
• Valid passport or travel document
• Identity proof authorized by the resident’s government
• Financial statement demonstrating the ability to cover living costs, return air tickets, and fees
• Medical information
• Statement of intent and how you contribute to the resources
• No criminal record certificate
• Canadian bank account
• Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC)
• Student or education loan proof
• Bank draft in Canadian dollars
• Proof of payment of Tuition and Housing Fees
• Letter from sponsoring school or individual
• Proof of scholarship
• Attestation of issuance of Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ)
• Letter of explanation/SOP

Documents Required for Studying in Canada for Indian Students

The documents you need to submit while applying for admission to Canadian universities/colleges are:

1. English language proficiency test scores: TOEFL / IELTS / PTE / Duolingo / CAEL
2. Standardized test scores - SAT / GRE / GMAT / LSAT
3. Letter of Recommendation (LOR)
4. Work experience certificate, if any.
5. Academic transcripts (school/bachelor’s/master’s degree certificates)
6. Statement of Purpose (SOP)
7. CV/Resume
8. Essay
9. Copy of your valid passport
10. Proof of finances

Cost of Studying in Canada

The cost of studying in Canada ranges from CAD 13,000 to CAD 35,000 in a year based on the type of degree and institution. Humanities, education, and arts programs tend to be more affordable, while medicine and engineering are pricier. On average, undergraduate studies cost around CAD 6,800 (Rs. 4,16,582/-) per year, and master's programs range from CAD 21,100 annually, as per Statistics Canada (2022). Postgraduate studies have higher tuition fees, with MBA programs being the most expensive, approximately between CAD 30,000 and CAD 42,000. Compared to other developed countries, Canada offers more economical education programs and funding opportunities like scholarships, student loans, bursaries, and assistantships to international students.

Check the following table to know the program level and the estimated tuition fee.

Scholarships to Study in Canadian Universities

Scholarships are essentially monetary rewards granted to eligible students based on academic excellence, and they don't require repayment. Meritorious students with strong academic and extracurricular records can apply for these scholarships. These scholarships, provided by both the Canadian government and external organizations, aim to ease the cost of education abroad. Need-based scholarships are also accessible.

Find the list of popular scholarships in Canada for Indian students from the table below.

Education Loan for Studying in Canada

The total expenses for studying in Canada are influenced by factors like the chosen program, university, course duration, and living costs. To assist students who struggle to afford to study and live in Canada, various banks and financial institutions extend education loans for Canada. Before applying for an educational loan, reviewing the eligibility criteria is important to ensure loan approval. Since different loan schemes cover different expenses, it's advisable to consult the banks to understand the specific expenses and loan schemes that are applicable. Educational loans typically cover various expenses, including:

• Admission fees
• Tuition fees
• Transportation charges
• Books, stationery, and other study materials
• Laboratory fees
• Hostel fees including food
• Purchase of a laptop with the necessary configuration (If required for the course)
• Expenses for project work or study tours

Cost of Living in Canada

The cost of living in Canada ranges from CAD 15,000 to CAD 20,000 per year. There's a notable contrast in the budget of living in Canada and in one's home country. That’s why it is essential to understand the lifestyle and the cost of living in Canada. Quebec stands out as an affordable Canadian city with comparatively lower living costs. The cost of living in Canada involves factors like food, housing, clothing, books, transportation, and recreation, with an average of approximately CAD 19,000 (INR 11,62,173). All Canadian residents enjoy free healthcare services, a benefit extended to permanent migrants.

Post-Study Work Opportunities in Canada

Canada offers a wide array of job opportunities catering to students at various educational levels, graduates, and professionals. Canada annually offers around 300,000 work permits to foreign students. International students have plenty of work-study options including on-campus and off-campus jobs, co-op positions, and internships. Students are eligible to work after graduation, requiring a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) which costs $255 CAD to apply for. A post-graduation work permit in Canada enables graduates to gain work experience after their studies and serves as a pathway to Permanent Residency (PR) through the Express Entry system. The PGWP is usually issued for the same duration as the study program, with a maximum of 3 years.

To be eligible for the Canadian Post-Graduation Work Permit, having a job offer is crucial. Benefits for those with a job offer include unrestricted work in Canada, family sponsorship under a Dependent Visa, earning in Canadian dollars, unrestricted travel within the country, applying for PR after one year of work, and exposure to top-tier companies and their work culture. Students with employment offers qualify for an Open Work Permit, allowing them to work for any employer in Canada for up to 3 years. The permit also allows job changes if desired.

The documents required to apply for the open work permit are:

• Proof of identity
• Proof of employment
• Proof of relationship
• Valid visa with a six-month duration
• Letter from your Designated Learning Institution (DLI) confirming study completion
• Certificate of degree completion
• Recent passport-size photographs (2)
• Academic transcripts
• Medical certificate

Job Prospects in Canada

In recent years, Canada has welcomed a large number of international students, offering them various work opportunities during and after their studies. Forbes and US News rankings highlight Canada as the best G20 country for business operations. The Economist Intelligence Unit predicts Canada will be the 3rd best G7 country for business from 2018 to 2022. According to Statistics Canada (2021), about 60% of international students employed during or after their studies became landed immigrants within 10 years of their first study permit.

With a Canadian student visa, students can work up to 20 hours per week in paid jobs while studying. Part-time jobs in Canada are typically paid by the hour, averaging around $13-16. As per a recent update, international students with off-campus work authorization on their study permit aren't limited to 20 hours per week; they can work full-time during school breaks.

Get to know the highest paying jobs in Canada. The average salary of graduates in Canada is $74,819 per year or $38.37 per hour. Find the job roles and their average annual salary from the table below.