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Canada is considered to be one of the most popular study destinations among international students. High quality education with affordable tuition fees are some of the many other reasons for its popularity among study abroad aspirants. More than 900,000 international students came to study in Canada by the end of 2023 out of which 319,000 were from India.
Recent data indicates that between January and June 2023, the Canadian government granted over 280,000 new study permits. This is a 77% rise compared to the same period in 2022. International students can choose from 8,000+ colleges and 16,000+ university programs. Out of these, around 9 Canadian universities are ranked among the top 200 in the world. According to the U.S. News & World Report for 2023, Canada holds the third position worldwide for the highest quality of life.
Other reasons why international students prefer to study in Canada is that it has a vastly different culture and welcomes citizens across the world with no discrimination. Perhaps that's why QS News Best Student Cities 2024 included 5 cities of this country among top study abroad destinations, including Toronto at #11 and Montreal at #13. Easy PR policies is another major factor contributing to Canada’s popularity among international students.
Source:https://cbie.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023
Top Universities to Study in Canada
Students have the option of choosing among many popular universities to study in Canada. According to QS News World University Ranking of 2024, 31 universities of this country were included in the list of the top-ranking universities of the world.
Similarly, THE World University Ranking of 2024 included 31 universities of Canada amongst the total institutions included in the list. Out of these, 7 were in the top 100 universities in the world.
| THE Ranking 2024 | University |
|---|---|
| #21 | University of Toronto |
| #41 | University of British Columbia |
| #49 | McGill University |
| #103 | McMaster University |
| #107 | University of Alberta |
| #111 | University of Montreal |
| #158 | University of Waterloo |
| #177 | University of Ottawa |
| #201-250 | University of Calgary |
| #201-250 | Western University |
| #251-300 | University of Laval |
| #251-300 | Queen’s University |
| #251-300 | Simon Fraser University |
| #301-350 | Dalhousie University |
| #351-400 | University of Manitoba |
| #351-400 | University of Saskatchewan |
Study in Canada Requirements for Admissions
A masters degree in Canada can be completed within 1.5 to 2 years while a bachelor's degree has a duration of 3 to 4 years. Some of the popular courses in Canada are business, engineering & technology, medicine, and arts. Short courses in Canada are also in-demand among international students. Depending upon the type of program, the admission process, and requirements to study in Canada varies. However, a general criterion is followed by all popular universities.
Study in Canada: Where to Apply
- To universities and colleges located in Quebec, Ontario, and Alberta, an international student in Canada can apply via SRAM, ontariocolleges.ca, and ApplyAlberta respectively.
- Students applying to a Canadian university not associated with any of the above portals can submit the application directly via the institute’s official website.
Study in Canada: When to Apply
- Most universities accept the application for the fall and winter semesters.
- Applications for universities in Canada for masters and bachelors are accepted mostly in December -March for the fall semester and September – November for the winter semester.
- Diploma programs accept applications all around the year.
Study in Canada: Admission Requirements
A list of admission requirements for an international student in Canada is given below:
- Secondary school certificate (for bachelors program)
- 3-4 year bachelor's degree (for masters program)
- Certified translation of non-English transcripts
- Resume
- Letter of intent or Statement of Purpose
- Evidence of financial support
- Reference letters
- Proof of English proficiency
- Study Visa Canada
Study in Canada: Admission Requirements for Popular Programs
Specific admission requirements for some of the popular programs of Canada are tabulated as follows:
| Program | Admission Requirements |
|---|---|
| MS in Computer Science in Canada | 4-year bachelors in CS or related field with minimum 80%;
At least 2 academic LORs; GRE: Average Score 260 |
| MBA in Canada | 4-year bachelors with minimum 70%;GMAT: Average Score 600;2 years of relevant work experience;At least 1 professional LOR |
| Masters in Data Science in Canada | 4-year bachelors in engineering, CS, statistics, economics or related field with minimum 65%;
GMAT: Average Score 600 or equivalent GRE; 2 – 3 LORs |
| LLM in Canada | LLB or JD (Juris Doctor) with minimum 90%;
LSAT Score: Average 160; 2 – 3 LORs |
| Masters in Mechanical Engineering in Canada | 4-year bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering with minimum 73%;
At least 1 academic LOR |
| BBA in Canada | 70% marks in Class 12;
Required Subjects: Math and English |
| BSc Nursing in Canada | 75% in Class 12;
Required Subjects: Human Physiology, LIfe Science, Social Science, Humanities, Statistics; 2 LORs: 1 academic & 1 professional; Interview |
| Masters in Business Analytics in Canada | 4-year bachelor's degree with minimum 70%;
Required courses: algebra, statistics, calculus; Experience in computer programming and data analytics; GMAT: Average score 600 or equivalent GRE |
| Masters in Management in Canada | 4-year bachelors with minimum 70%;
At least 2 academic LORs; GMAT: Average score 600 or GRE: Average score: 320 |
| Masters in Finance in Canada | Bachelors in business, statistics, financial theory or related field with minimum 70%;
2 years of relevant work experience; 2 LORs: professional and academic |
Cost of Studying in Canada for Indian Students
A student planning to study abroad in Canada has to bear three major types of expenses. These include the pre-arrival cost and post-arrival cost. Pre-arrival cost is a one-time expense and comprises application fees of the university, registration fees of tests required to study in Canada, visa application fees, etc. However, the major portion of the expense comes from the post-arrival cost which includes tuition fees and cost of living,
Study in Canada Fees
Tuition fees largely depend upon the type of program, level of study, and university to which you are applying for. It is to be noted here that Canada is considered a cheaper country than the USA and UK when it comes to tuition charges. According to Educanada, following are the estimated tuition fees to study in Canada for international students:
| Program | Average Annual Fees (in CAD) | Average Annual Fees (in INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelors | 36,100 | 22 lakhs |
| Masters | 21,100 | 13 lakhs |
| PhD | 7,000 to 15,142 | 4 to 9 lakhs |
| Primary and Secondary Schools | 9,500 to 83,000 | 5 to 52 lakhs |
| Vocational | 7,000 to 22,000 | 4 to 13 lakhs |
| Language Courses | 18,360 to 22,950 | 11 to 14 lakhs |
Program Fees to Study in Canada
The above mentioned fees is determined by calculating the average of tuition fees charged by universities in Canada. Actual cost to study in Canada for international students varies vastly with university and program. Tabulated below are the program-wise fees for an international student in Canada charged by top universities:
| Program | Average Annual Fees (in CAD) | Average Annual Salary (in CAD) |
|---|---|---|
| MS in Computer Science | 21,000 | 93,000 |
| MBA | 63,000 | 100,000 |
| MS in Data Science | 40,000 | 70,000 |
| LLM | 27,500 | 100,000 |
| Masters in Mechanical Engineering | 50,000 | 95,000 |
| BBA | 40,000 | 84,000 |
| BSc Nursing | 45,000 | 142,000 |
| Masters in Business Analytics | 42,000 | 106,000 |
| Masters in Management | 44,000 | 100,000 |
| Masters in Finance | 48,000 | 60,000 |
Cost of Living in Canada
The average cost of living in Canada is estimated to be around 12,000 CAD per year for an international student. This includes the cost of accommodation, transportation, books, and various other utilities. Housing comprises 25% of the total living cost in Canada. On-campus housing is obviously cheaper and more convenient than off-campus housing. The table given below provides an average cost of living in Canada:
| Expense Type | Average Cost (CAD) | Cost Equivalent (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | 2,000 | 1.23 lakhs |
| Food | 370 | 22,700 |
| Transport | 100 | 6,100 |
| Internet | 86 | 5,200 |
| Books and Supplies | 163 | 10,000 |
| Miscellaneous | 350 | 21,500 |
Cost of living in Canada is approximately 213% higher than that of India. However, it majorly depends upon the province and city in which your university is situated. Some cities like Lethbridge and Kingston are less costly than others such as Toronto, Vancouver, etc. Monthly cost of living at some of the popular cities in Canada, excluding rent, are tabulated as follows:
| City | Monthly Cost of Living (in CAD) | Monthly Cost of Living (in INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Vancouver | 1,580 | 99,700 |
| Winnipeg | 1,370 | 86,500 |
| Lethbridge | 1,380 | 87,100 |
| Kingston | 1,380 | 87,100 |
| Montreal | 1,350 | 85,200 |
| Toronto | 1,530 | 96,600 |
Study in Canada Scholarships for Indian students
To encourage the participation of international students in Canadian Universities, its government has already initiated tie-ups with many countries and introduced various types of fundings. Apart from this, universities and third-party agencies also offer scholarships and bursaries to ease the financial burden on students. Some of the scholarships available for international students in Canada are:
| Scholarship | Level of Study | Amount (CAD) |
|---|---|---|
| Ontario Trillium Scholarship | Doctorate | Fully-Funded |
| Ontario Graduate Scholarship | Masters | 5,000 per session |
| India First-year Excellence Scholarship | Bachelors | 5,000 |
| BrokerFish International Students Scholarship | Masters | 1,000 |
| Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship | Masters | Variable |
| Alberta Graduate Excellence Scholarship | Masters | 12,000 |
| Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships | Doctorate | 70,000 per year |
| Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships | Doctorate | 50,000 per year |
Apart from the above scholarships, Indian students can also apply for education loans to study in Canada. Some of the top providers are SBI, Punjab National Bank, Bank of Baroda, and Axis Bank. They offer up to 85% of course fees as loan amount and charge an interest rate of about 10% to 15%. Following are the basic eligibility required to apply for education loan in India:
- A co-signer (must be an Indian citizen)
- Documents to proof relationship between co-signer and applicant
- Acceptance letter from a foreign institute
Jobs in Canada for Indian students
With an unemployment rate of only 5.8% in 2023, Canada has a flourishing economy with ample job opportunities for international students. On average, a person earns 120,000 CAD (75 lakhs INR) per annum in Canada. The annual salary offered at entry-level jobs in Canada is 30,200 CAD (19 lakhs INR) which can go as high as 534,000 CAD (3 crore INR). According to Immigration Canada, following are some of the highest paying jobs in Canada:
| Job Role | Average Annual Base Salary (CAD) | Average Annual Base Salary (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Anesthesiologist | 391,568 | 2.47 crore |
| Cardiologist | 386,757 | 2.44 crore |
| Surgeon | 378,634 | 2.39 crore |
| Psychiatrist | 333,976 | 2.10 crore |
| Orthodontist | 269,126 | 1.69 crore |
| Controller | 207,155 | 1.30 crore |
| Cloud Architect | 147,474 | 93 lakhs |
| Software Engineering Manager | 143,044 | 90 lakhs |
| Data Scientist | 134,960 | 85 lakhs |
| Corporate Lawyer | 109,631 | 69 lakhs |
Although the above-mentioned sectors offer the highest salary, the annual increment is maximum in Information Technology (6%), Healthcare (8%), and Education (5%) field.
Work Permit in Canada
After completion of studies, Indian students can apply for a work permit to find suitable employment and continue staying in Canada. They also lead to a path towards Permanent Residency after getting a suitable amount of work experience. Various types of work-permits available in Canada are:
- Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP): Students from only Designated Learning Institutes (DLI) can apply for this work-permit within 180 days of getting their final result. It takes 85 days to process and validity depends upon the duration of the program.
- Other Work Permits: If you were not a graduate of DSI, you can apply for an Open Work Permit or Employer-specific work permit. Open Work Permit allows a person to work for any employer in Canada whereas Employer-specific work permit requires an offer letter from a specific employer or organization.
PR after Study in Canada
Permanent Residency and Immigration become easy once you obtain a degree from a prestigious Canadian university. The government has many programs dedicated to the transition of an international student into a permanent resident. For recent graduates, the option of a Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) Canada is available to gain some working experience within the industry. Some of the other options for international students to obtain Permanent Residency in Canada include:
- Canadian Experience Class: For this, students ought to have completed 2 years of education and work experience after graduation of 1 year.
- Quebec Experience Class: Students must have proficiency in the French language and must have completed a CEGEP program from an institution in Quebec.
- Provincial Nomination Program: Students undertaking this program can get PR faster.
Canada has a rich culture and the social life it offers is worth exploring. As far as diversity is concerned, the country is representative of different ethnic groups. These groups bring along new perspectives to culinary delights to exciting recreational activities. There are chances that you may bump into people from your country or community.
Canada is the hub of technology with a plethora of opportunities in the field. Technology and innovation are the prime focus of the industrial sphere. Hence, those with a knack of innovative thinking can explore their career in this country.
FAQs
Ques: How much does it cost to study in Canada?
Ans: Cost of studying in Canada will depend upon the level of degree, university and program you are applying to. It is to be noted here that Canada is considered a cheaper country than the USA and UK when it comes to tuition charges. According to Educanada, following are the estimated tuition fees to study in Canada for international students:
| Program | Average Annual Fees (in CAD) | Average Annual Fees (in INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelors | 36,100 | 22 lakhs |
| Masters | 21,100 | 13 lakhs |
| PhD | 7,000 to 15,142 | 4 to 9 lakhs |
| Primary and Secondary Schools | 9,500 to 83,000 | 5 to 52 lakhs |
| Vocational | 7,000 to 22,000 | 4 to 13 lakhs |
| Language Courses | 18,360 to 22,950 | 11 to 14 lakhs |
Ques: Is Canada accepting Indian students?
Ans: Yes, Canada is accepting Indian students. In fact, India is the top source country for new international students entering Canada. 319,000 Indian students arrived in Canada to pursue higher education by the end of 2023, making up nearly four out of every ten foreign students. Canada has set immigration levels targets at historic highs of nearly 500,000 per year from 2024 to 2026, and a significant portion of these immigrants are expected to be students.
Ques: Who is eligible to study in Canada?
Ans: A list of admission requirements for an international student in Canada is given below:
- Secondary school certificate (for bachelors program)
- 3-4 year bachelor's degree (for masters program)
- Certified translation of non-English transcripts
- Resume
- Letter of intent or Statement of Purpose
- Evidence of financial support
- Reference letters
- Proof of English proficiency
- Study Visa Canada
Ques: Can I study after 12th in Canada?
Ans: Yes, Canada welcomes international students after their 12th grade for various study options. Your 12th grade marks are important, but universities and colleges also consider other factors, such as your standardized test scores (e.g., SAT, ACT) and English language proficiency tests
Ques: What is the age limit for studying in Canada?
Ans: There is no age limit for studying in Canada. Whether you're a high school graduate or an experienced professional looking to make a career change, you can pursue your educational goals in the country. If you're under 18, you'll need to have a parent or guardian accompany you to Canada and apply for a study permit on your behalf.
Ques: Can you study in Canada without IELTS?
Ans: Yes, you can study in Canada without IELTS. Although IELTS is a commonly accepted English language proficiency test, it's not the only option. Some other alternatives are: TOEFL, Duolingo, PTE, CAEL, CPE, Cambridge English Exams, etc.
Ques: Can I get PR if I study in Canada?
Ans: Permanent Residency and Immigration become easy once you obtain a degree from a prestigious Canadian university. The government has many programs dedicated to the transition of an international student into a permanent resident. For recent graduates, the option of a Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) Canada is available to gain some working experience within the industry. Some of the other options for international students to obtain Permanent Residency in Canada include:
- Canadian Experience Class: For this, students ought to have completed 2 years of education and work experience after graduation of 1 year.
- Quebec Experience Class: Students must have proficiency in the French language and must have completed a CEGEP program from an institution in Quebec.
- Provincial Nomination Program: Students undertaking this program can get PR faster.
Ques: Will I get a job if I study in Canada?
Ans: With an unemployment rate of only 5.8% in 2023, Canada has a flourishing economy with ample job opportunities for international students. On average, a person earns 120,000 CAD (75 lakhs INR) per annum in Canada. The annual salary offered at entry-level jobs in Canada is 30,200 CAD (19 lakhs INR) which can go as high as 534,000 CAD (3 crore INR).
Ques: Which jobs have the highest salary in Canada?
Ans: According to Immigration Canada, following are some of the highest paying jobs in Canada:
| Job Role | Average Annual Base Salary (CAD) | Average Annual Base Salary (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Anesthesiologist | 391,568 | 2.47 crore |
| Cardiologist | 386,757 | 2.44 crore |
| Cloud Architect | 147,474 | 93 lakhs |
| Software Engineering Manager | 143,044 | 90 lakhs |
| Data Scientist | 134,960 | 85 lakhs |
| Corporate Lawyer | 109,631 | 69 lakhs |
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