Study destinations / Canada
Study in Canada
Get an internationally recognized degree in Canada and experience diverse campuses and work after graduation.
At the same time, Canada has become a more competitive destination: with a cap on study permits and more rigorous processes, your application must distinguish itself from others.
Further below, you will find information on costs, eligibility criteria, and available scholarships.
3 universities in the world's top 50
Up to 3 years of work rights after graduation
Work up to 24 hours a week outside the campus
Why study in Canada?
When you study in Canada, you get a qualification that is recognized worldwide. You can enjoy the experience of studying on multicultural campuses and get full work rights after graduation.
The reasons to choose Canada for study abroad:
- World rankings: McGill University, the University of British Columbia, and the University of Toronto take places in the QS World University Rankings 2027 Top 50 list. Montréal, Toronto, and Vancouver are among the QS World’s Best Student Cities.
- Work opportunities: After graduating, you will be eligible to apply for a 3-year Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). You will gain valuable work experience in Canada through this. This will also help you apply for PR.
- Applied learning: Canadian universities have cooperative education (co-op) or internships as part of their academic programs. This will help you gain professional experience before graduation.
Quick facts about studying in Canada
| Feature | Details |
| Top universities | McGill (30), Toronto (32), UBC (45) in QS WUR 2027 |
| Student cities | Montréal Toronto Vancouver Ottawa Calgary Edmonton Halifax |
| Average tuition (international) | 41,746 CAD undergraduate, 24,028 CAD graduate |
| College diploma tuition | 16,000-25,000 CAD per year (approx.) |
| Proof of living funds | 23,448 CAD for a single applicant (from 1 Sept 2026) |
| Part-time work | Up to 24 hours per week during terms (Outside campus) |
| Post-study work | PGWP of up to 3 years |
| Scholarships | Merit-based, university-specific, and government awards |
| Intakes | September (main), January, and limited May |
Documents you need
You need an acceptance letter from a designated learning institution (DLI), a provincial attestation letter (unless you're exempt), and proof of funds.
| Requirement | What it means |
| Letter of acceptance | Offer from a Canadian DLI |
| PAL or TAL | Issued by your province or territory. Quebec uses a CAQ. Master's and PhD students at public DLIs are exempt |
| Proof of funds | CAD 23,448 living funds, plus tuition and return travel |
| Letter of explanation | A clear study plan that shows why you chose this course and Canada |
| Language test | Set by your institution. IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE are common |
| Valid passport | Valid for your full study period |
| Study permit fee | CAD 150, plus a biometrics fee |
| Medical exam and police certificate | Required in some cases |
What steps should a student from India take to study in Canada?
There are six steps to studying in Canada.
- The first is to select your course and DLI. Choose a university or college diploma that falls under the PGWP.
- Next, secure admission. Submit your application with your transcripts, language proficiency scores, and SOP. You will get an official acceptance letter.
- Then, get a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) or Temporary Admission Letter (TAL). You do not need this step for a master's or PhD.
- The fourth step is to arrange financing and scholarships. You have to show proof of 23,448 CAD. This is apart from the tuition fees and the money for round-trip fares to Canada. Scholarships and education loans can be applied for in parallel.
- The fifth step is to apply for your study permit. The application is done online with the documents and a letter of explanation. Give fingerprints when asked.
- Plan your journey to Canada. Reserve a place to stay, obtain health insurance, and purchase the flight tickets. When you arrive at the immigration gate, show the letter of approval and letter of acceptance.
Can you work in Canada after graduation?
You can work up to 3 years on a PGWP. The duration depends on your program length. You need a language result of CLB 7 for university programs or CLB 5 for college programs. You have to apply within 180 days of graduating.
| Program length | PGWP duration |
| Under 8 months | Not eligible |
| 8 months to under 2 years | Same as program length |
| 2 years or longer | Up to 3 years |
| Master's degree (8 months or longer) | Up to 3 years |
| Credential | Language requirement | Field-of-study requirement |
| Bachelor's, master's, doctorate | CLB 7 (about IELTS 6.0 in each band) | None |
| College diploma or certificate | CLB 5 (about IELTS 5.0 in each band) | Must be on IRCC's eligible list |
Can international students work in Canada while studying?
Yes, if your study permit says “You Can Work Student on/off campus”. You can work a maximum of 24 hours per week while classes are in session.
| Period | Maximum hours |
| Classes in session (off campus) | 24 hours per week |
| Scheduled breaks (summer, winter) | Full time |
| On campus | No fixed weekly limit under current rules. Check your permit |
When should you apply: what are the intakes to study in Canada?
Canada has three intakes. September is the primary intake, January is the secondary, and May has limited availability. Apply 8 to 12 months in advance, as you will also need a PAL and sufficient time for study permit processing.
| Intake | Typical application window |
| September (Fall) | October to February of the previous academic year |
| January (Winter) | May to September of the previous year |
| May (Summer) | September to January, limited programs |
How much money is required to study in Canada?
You will need to demonstrate 23,448 CAD for living costs (approximately 15. 9 lakh INR). In addition, you'll also have to provide first-year tuition costs and the cost of a return trip to your home country.
| What you must show | Amount |
| Living funds (single applicant, outside Quebec) | 23,448 CAD (approx. ₹15.9 Lakhs) |
| First-year tuition | Approx. 15,000 to 45,000 CAD per year |
| Return travel | 1,500 CAD to 3,500 CAD (approx. ₹100,000 to ₹2.3 Lakhs flight cost from India) |
| Quebec applicants | Separate, higher requirement (Living funds start at 15,000- 22,000 CAD + higher base tuition rules) |
What is the study in Canada cost for Indian students?
Your first-year cost combines tuition with 23,448 CAD in living funds. That is about 27-33 lakh INR for a college diploma, 32 lakh INR for an average master's, and 44 lakh INR for an average bachelor's.
| Program | Tuition (CAD) | First-year total with living funds (CAD) | Approx. INR |
| College diploma | 16,000 - 25,000 | 39,448 - 48,448 | 26.8 - 32.9 lakh |
| Master's (average) | 24,028 | 47,476 | 32.2 lakh |
| Bachelor's (average) | 41,746 | 65,194 | 44.2 lakh |
Monthly living costs
| Expense | Monthly range (CAD) |
| Accommodation | 700 - 2,000+ |
| Food and groceries | 300 - 600 |
| Public transport | 80 - 160 |
| Phone and internet | 50 - 100 |
| Personal and entertainment | 100 - 300 |
Canada student visa guide
Most international students planning to study in Canada require a study permit before departure.
Documents commonly required
- Valid passport or other travel document.
- Letter of acceptance from a designated learning institution (DLI).
- Provisional Acceptance Letter (PAL) or Temporary Acceptance Letter (TAL) if you don’t need a study permit.
- Immigration documentation.
- Proof of funds for tuition fees and other expenses.
- All academic papers.
- Results of any English proficiency tests.
- A letter of explanation describing the proposed study plan and understanding of student responsibilities.
- Biometrics, medical examination, or police certificates.
How to apply for a Canadian study permit?
1. Choose Your Course & Institution
Choose a course of your choice and make sure the university you are applying to is a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
2. Secure Your LOA
Apply to a DLI, meet the entrance or language requirements of the institution, and secure your Letter of Acceptance (LOA).
3. Arrange Your PAL / TAL
For undergraduate, diploma, or certificate program students, you will require PAL/TAL.
You won't need this if you're doing a Master's or PhD at a public university.
4. Show Strong Proof of Finances
You will have to provide proof of finances to the immigration authority for you to support yourself in Canada. This does not include your first-year tuition fees or airfare.
5. Submit Your Online Application
Register an account using the IRCC portal, fill out your study permit application form, prepare your SOP, which explains your plans for studying while in Canada, and submit all required documents and your LOA and passport.
6. Get Your Biometrics and Medical Exams Done
Submit your fingerprints and photo at an authorized Visa Application Centre (VAC). Complete an Immigration Medical Examination (IME) with a panel physician approved by IRCC in India.
7. Await the Decision and Fly
Wait for IRCC to process your study permit application, and once you receive approval, plan for your departure.
Most popular courses to study in Canada
The most popular courses among Indian students are computer science, data science, engineering, business, and healthcare.
- Computer Science, AI, and Data Science
- Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, and Software Engineering
- Business courses and MBA.
- Nursing and Health Sciences
- Information Technology and Cybersecurity
- Skilled Trades and Agriculture
Which are the top universities in Canada?
McGill University (30th), the University of Toronto (32nd), and the University of British Columbia (45th) lead Canada in the QS World University Rankings 2027. Other top universities in Canada are:
University of Alberta
University of Waterloo
McMaster University
Western University
Queen's University
Université de Montréal
University of Calgary
University of Ottawa
Simon Fraser University
Dalhousie University.
What are the best fully funded scholarships for international students to study in Canada this year?
Fully funded options exist, but they are rare and highly competitive. The best-known are the Lester B. Pearson Scholarship for undergraduates and the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship for doctoral students. Most other awards cover part of your tuition.
| Scholarship | Provider | Level | Reward |
| Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship | University of Toronto | Undergraduate | Tuition, books, incidental fees, and full residence for 4 years. School nomination required |
| International Major Entrance Scholarship | UBC | Undergraduate | Merit-based. Amount varies by year |
| University of Waterloo International Scholarships | University of Waterloo | Undergraduate | Merit-based. Amount varies |
| National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) | Government of India | Master's and PhD | Full funding for eligible Indian categories |
| McCall MacBain Scholarships | McGill University | Master's and professional | Fully funded. Check current details |
| Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships | Government of Canada | Doctoral | CAD 50,000 per year for 3 years. University nomination required |
| Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarships | Trudeau Foundation | Doctoral | Up to about CAD 60,000 per year |
Why use study in Canada consultants?
Study in Canada consultants help you choose the right program, apply to universities, and prepare study permit documents. A good consultant also tells you honestly when a plan is weak, which matters when refusal rates are high.
How does Gradstar help you study in Canada?
Gradstar gives you end-to-end guidance, from shortlisting to pre-departure:
- Course selection and career counselling
- University and college shortlisting
- Scholarship guidance
- Application support
- IELTS, SOP, and letter of explanation assistance
- PAL guidance and proof-of-funds planning
- Study permit guidance
- Education loan guidance
- Accommodation assistance
- Pre-departure briefing
FAQs
1. How do I apply for a Canada study permit from India?
First, you need to obtain a letter of acceptance from a DLI and your PAL for undergrad programs. Skip this for master's or PhD. Then, you can apply online and include your proof of available funds, valid passport, letter of explanation, and language test results. You will also need to provide your biometrics if asked.
2. Is a GIC mandatory to study in Canada in 2027?
Since the Student Direct Stream closed its doors in November 2024, Global Affairs Canada made a GIC no longer compulsory for study permit applications. However, it is still a popular choice among international students as a reliable option.
3. How much money is needed to study in Canada from India?
The cost of studying in Canada for 2026 for an international applicant is 23,448 CAD, or roughly 15.9 lakh INR. You must also pay the original tuition fee for the first year, beyond the travel and other expenses.
4. Is it difficult for Indian students to obtain a Canada study permit?
Per the latest RCC stats for 2025, 59% of fresh applicants were rejected, and by Jan 2026, the percentage of rejections had gone up to 62%. To increase your chances of being approved, attach proof and documentation of your finances and make a detailed study plan for Canada.
5. Which intake is best for Canada?
September is the main intake with the widest course choice. January is the second option. Apply 8-12 months ahead to allow time for your PAL and study permit.