Canada has become the go-to destination for international students to accelerate their learning curve. Students get the chance to enroll in the world’s best universities. Canadian universities rank high on the list of the world’s leading universities, which offer internationally acclaimed education and globally recognized degrees. Canada’s top three universities feature among the top 50 universities in the world, according to the QS World University Rankings 2022. These facts make it desirable for students to study in Canada.
Canadian institutions have proven their excellence in an array of fields, including engineering, telecommunications, aerospace, and other areas of education.
Studying in Canada is comparatively affordable, although tuition fee varies based on the university and the program selected by the student. However, there is high competition to secure a seat.
Moreover, students can leverage the chance to study in the same universities as famous leaders and personalities such as Margaret Atwood, Frederick Banting, Elon Musk, et al.
Besides the high quality of education, there is a multitude of reasons why a massive number of students move to Canada for higher education every year. The country also offers good career prospects, a multicultural environment, and a remarkable quality of life.
This article encapsulates everything related to studying in Canada, including why study in Canada and how students seeking education here can be a part of the best universities.
Read More: What is the Student Direct Stream in Canada?
Table of Contents
Top Reasons to Study in Canada
1. World-class Education
Canada offers unparalleled education opportunities across the globe. A degree earned from Canadian universities is highly-acclaimed and globally recognized. Top-quality curricula and other activities incorporated in the universities impart holistic education. The programs not only enhance subject knowledge but also skills such as teamwork, effective communication, critical thinking, and leadership qualities. Students can look for these universities if they are looking for higher study in Canada.
Ranking of Top Canadian Universities
University
QS WUR 2022
THE Ranking 2022
University of Toronto
26
18
McGill University
84
44
University of British Columbia
46
37
Université de Montréal
111
88
University of Alberta
126
125
Source: QS World University Ranking 2022, THE Ranking 2022
The Young Universities of Canada
University
Young University Rankings 2022
Concordia University
177
University of Regina
181
Ontario Tech University
183
Source: THE Young University Rankings 2022
Apart from these, students can also look for community colleges. Some of the renowned community colleges and average tuition fee is tabulated below.
Top Community Colleges in Canada
Community College
Average Tuition Fee
Humber College
CAD 14,500
Seneca College
CAD 5000
Centennial College
CAD 14,080.00 – CAD 18,366
Selkirk College
CAD 7,900 – CAD 8,500
2. Affordable Course Fees and Living Cost
Students should have a fair idea of the course fee before enrolling in any course/program. The tuition fee can range from CAD 1,800 to CAD 20,000 per year for undergraduate programs. Moreover, students should visit the specific-university website to make a prudent decision about where to study in Canada after class 12th.
A PhD might cost approximately CAD 2,500 to CAD 17,000 per year. It is crucial to juxtapose programs from different provinces and if they are on a budget.
Moreover, the price may vary depending on the lifestyle and province the student chooses to reside in. The average living cost for a year can be around CAD 12,000.
Here is an overview of some of the reputed universities in Canada offering programs at captivating prices.
Annual Tuition Fee for Canadian Universities
CAD 68,750 (Management) CAD 60,490 (All other programs) PG & PhD : CAD 3,043.77 (Per Installment) Course-Based Programs: CAD 621.44 (per Credit) Thesis-based Program: CAD 8,700.00 B.Sc – CAD 27.51 K PG: CAD 13,150.75 – CAD 32,504.85 PhD: CAD 10,486.48 (Fall) CAD 9,102.20 (Winter)
University
Annual Tuition Fee
University of Toronto
CAD 62,560 (Computer Science )
University of British Columbia
UG: CAD 1,371 – CAD 1,775.15 (per Credit)
University of Alberta
UG: CAD 120,360.00 – CAD 104,008.20
Université de Montréal
MS: CAD 25.39 K
McGill University
UG: CAD 26,405.31- CAD 52,653.19
Source: University’s Official Website
Cost of Living in Canada
Category
Yearly Expenses (estimated)
Books and supplies
CAD 2,000
Health and Dental Insurance: International
CAD 1,247
Public transportation
CAD 648
Incidental fees
CAD 2,000
Accommodations (rent and food)
CAD 13,800
Study Trip
CAD 1,500
Note: The expenses can vary based on the province/ university chosen by the student.
3. Scholarship
Canada is one of the coveted destinations to study that is also an equal opportunity provider. Thus, encouraging international students from all backgrounds to enroll in Canadian universities by offering scholarship opportunities for those in need. Students can receive need-based and merit-based scholarships in Canada.
- Canada Graduate Scholarships: Master’s Program – students applying for PhD or master’s degrees can avail of it.
- IDRC Research Awards: It is offered by the government to encourage students from developing countries to pursue master’s or doctoral-level research degrees.
- Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships – International students pursuing any course under the umbrella of natural and social sciences or health research can avail it.
- NSERC Postgraduate Scholarships – An array of Canadian government scholarships, grants, and awards available to students with exceptional performance undertaking study in the natural sciences or engineering at an accredited Canadian university. It is funded by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC).
Moreover, there are university-specific scholarships as well. Some of them are listed below:
- Carleton University Awards for International Students
- Concordia University International Undergraduate Awards
- HEC Montréal Scholarships
- Fairleigh Dickinson Scholarships for International Students
- McGill University Scholarships and Student Aid
- Dalhousie University Scholarships
Students should visit the university’s official website to know more.
4. Work Opportunity During and Post Study
Once the student has selected one of the best courses to study in Canada, they can look for what more the country can offer them. The country allows international students to work for up to 20 hours a week while studying and full-time during summer and winter breaks. It is imperative to start a course before working in Canada. This earning helps students manage their expenses. This is a great way to continue living in Canada while diversifying their professional career.
However, students need to have relevant study permit to pursue these jobs. There are a plethora of ways to work in Canada while the students complete their education:
- On-campus work
- Off-campus work
- Co-op placements
- Internships
Wages or salaries for the work vary based on the student’s skills and position. Moreover, the graduate students need to check if they are eligible for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP), Express Entry, or Provincial Nominee Program.
QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022
University
Rank
University of Toronto
21
University of Waterloo
24
Western University
43
McMaster University
81
University of Alberta
99
Source: QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022
Co-op Programs
Opting to continue education in Canada for Indian students is beneficial as they can leverage co-op programs offered by Canadian universities. It allows them to amalgamate their studies with an official paid work term. They are eligible to apply for it under the following conditions:
- Students possess a valid work permit.
- Work experience is indispensable for completing the degree/program.
- Students’ co-op placement totals 50% or less of the program.
4. Coveted Jobs and Lucrative Salaries
Canada for Indian students make for the right choice as according to Statistics Canada, employment accelerated by 23,000 (+1.5%) in construction in January 2022. Similarly, international Canadian university graduates and postgraduates can attract handsome salaries in a gamut of sectors.
Wages, Salaries and Employers’ Social Contributions (x 1,000)
Sectors
Salary (September 2021)
Information and cultural industries
CAD 3,816,260
Professional and personal services industries
CAD 24,075,018
All services-producing industries
CAD 72,116,147
Health care and social assistance
CAD 12,727,635
Manufacturing
CAD 11,340,276
Source: Statistics Canada. Table 36-10-0205-01 Wages, salaries, and employers’ social contributions (x 1,000)
5. Abundant Research Opportunities
One of the reasons for students choosing to study in Canada after 12th rather than in their home country is its emphasis on research and development. For someone interested in science and research, there is no overseas country better than Canada. The Canadian government pays special attention to research. This is one of the key reasons why studying in Canada for Indian students is popular.
Read More: TCF exam Canada: Format, structure, and tips
6. Immigration Benefits
Canada offers a post-graduation work permit program that allows students to stay and work in the country for the next three years after completing their graduation. While getting international work experience after completion of the course, they can settle there permanently by applying for permanent residency. Therefore, students are choosing courses in Canada after 12th.
In tandem with it, the student can leverage the spousal visa option as well. A foreign national is approved for a study permit in Canada with their spouse accompanying, then the spouse will be eligible to apply for a spousal open work permit.
7. Safety and Peace
Canada tops the list of the safest and happiest countries to live in the world. It ranks 14th according to the World Happiness Report. One of the most peaceful countries in the world, Canada offers the best life an international student can ever ask for in a foreign country. Thus, opting for higher studies in Canada is a prudent decision.
QS Best Student Cities 2022
University
QS WUR 2022
Top University
Montreal
9
Concordia University, Université de Montréal, McGill University
Toronto
13
University of Toronto
Vancouver
18
University of British Columbia
Ottawa
53
University of British Columbia, University of Ottawa
Source: QS Best Student Cities 2022
8. Welcoming People and Cultural Diversity
Canada is one of the most diverse countries in the world. Warm and friendly locals of Canada welcome international students with open arms. A multicultural environment promotes peaceful living, and therefore a great number of students prefer to settle in Canada after completion of their course.
9. Vibrant Cities, Scenic Beauty, and Quality Life
Apart from calculating the cost of studying in Canada, students should look into other parameters before choosing the country to study in. Canada is a vast country filled with nature’s abundance. The scenic beauty and wildlife make it ideal for someone who likes to travel and experience nature. Vibrant cities equipped with excellent living standards, infrastructure, and job opportunities make it much sought-after among international students.
Read More: Importance of Educational Credential Assessment in Canada
Pre-Arrival Cost for Studying in Canada
Students will have to invest money in the form of one-time expenses such as exam fees, visa fees, and application fees, even before leaving their home countries. These expenses come in addition to the tuition fees and living expenses in Canada.
Tests
Registration Fees
TOEFL iBT
₹14,500
IELTS
₹15,500
GRE (General/Subject)
₹16,300/ ₹11,500
GMAT
₹21,000
CAEL
₹10,845
Purchase of GIC (One time)
₹ 6,00,000
Flight Tickets (One way)
₹1,00,000
Study Permit
₹8,900
Biometric fee
₹5,000
Source: Official Website
Exam Requirements to Study in Canada
If a student decides to study in Canada, then they need to take a few standardized exams. Specific tests are taken depending on the level of study you want to pursue. Different entrance exams are required for different college and degree programs. SAT, TOEFL, GRE, GMAT, MCAT, and LSAT are the most common admission tests. For a Canadian student visa, language competency is required, and educational institutions require both language proficiency and academic expertise.
Required Documents to Study in Canada
A student can study in Canada only if:
- A student should have a GIC account with CAD 10,000. It would act as documentation proof of having enough money to pay for tuition fees, living expenses, transportation fees, and other costs.
- Students must have a letter of acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
- Study permit issued by an officer (not indispensable for a course/program which is six months or less).
- Follow all the rules and regulations of the government and the candidate should not have any criminal record.
- The student is required to submit health proof.
- Need to prove that they will leave Canada once your study is over.
Some of the Best Courses/ Programs to Study in Canada
Canadian Universities offer a gamut of courses. Thus, it is important to do some research before students know the best courses to study in Canada.
QS World Subject Rankings 2021
University of British Columbia
Top Course/Programs
Top Ranking University
Engineering and Technologies
The University of Toronto and the University of British Columbia
Arts and Humanities
University of Toronto, McGill University, and
Life Sciences
The University of Toronto, University of British Columbia, McGill University, and McMaster University
Source: QS World University Rankings by Subject 2021
Important Resources About Canada to Read:
How to Study in Canada without IELTS?
Some students want to study in Canada without IELTS, which is a prerequisite by most universities. Many Canadian universities do not require the scores of IELTS to prove their English proficiency. If they can meet any of the down-listed criteria, then they can study at certain Canadian Universities without IELTS:
- Take other English proficiency tests to show your expertise in English with Language), Can TEST (Canadian Test for English for Scholars and Trainees), PTE (Pearson English Language Test), and CAEL (Canadian Academic English.
- Submit the documents proving that they have studied in an English medium school.
- Provide proof of an official language of English to Canadian universities.
- The best way is to attend a Canadian English language program for a semester or year.
Read More: Study in Canada Without IELTS
What is upGrad Abroad?
Now you can fulfill your dream to study in Canada at a very affordable cost with upGrad Abroad. upGrad, India’s leading higher education provider has launched the upGrad Abroad program which enables learners to experience world-class education from the comfort of their homes. Our vision is to enable our learners to study at the best universities and institutions from across the globe. Therefore, we have partnered with the best universities in the world to deliver the latest technology, research, and world-class education.
The courses designed by upGrad Abroad can help a student save up to 80% of tuition fees by studying the first year from their homeland and in the second year shift overseas for offline classes and earn the degree. One of the best things about joining upGrad is that you will be guided by trained instructors to help you prepare for IELTS to get your visa approval and arrange other things in your destination country.
The BBA program offered by upGrad Abroad
upGrad Abroad has introduced a BBA program in collaboration with Yorkville University, Canada. For the first two years of the program, students will be studying online at Chandigarh University while in the last two years of their course they will study on-campus at Yorkville University, Canada.
Eligibility for the course is 50% marks in Class 12 while students can save a whopping INR 25 lakh as compared to a regular Canadian degree course. They also get assistance with TOEFL/IELTS/PTE training, live and group classes, end-to-end support with applications, visa applications, and counseling along with post-study work visa opportunities for up to 3 years.
About Chandigarh University and Yorkville University, Canada
Chandigarh University
Accredited with NAAC A+ Grade, Chandigarh University is committed to excellence in research, innovation, multi-disciplinary education, and the active promotion of promising young talent. Through the years, the University has been emerging in the arena of education by delivering exceptional academia, industry-relevant curriculum, and world-class research facilities across the broadest possible range of disciplines.
Yorkville University
The university offers flexible, rigorous, and career-focused degrees on campus and online to people from all paths of life in Canada. Since 2004, Yorkville University has successfully grown to encompass three campuses and conferred degrees on thousands of graduates. Yorkville University’s degrees are designed to equip graduates with the professional knowledge, skills, and designations that employers value.
Read More: Part-time jobs in Canada for International students
More Resources About Canada to Read:
Frequently Asked Questions
The average price of studying in Canada (tuition fees) can range from CAD 1,800 – CAD 20,000/ year for an undergraduate student. The price varies as per the university and program they choose.
Canada does not let the study gap become a hurdle in a student’s life. It is quite flexible to offer 2 years of study gap. For postgraduates, this gap can extend up to 5 years.
Canadian universities are rated among the best. They are renowned for offering high-quality education, experienced faculty, quality curricula as well as unparalleled infrastructure. Moreover, the comprehensive programs offered meet the demands os new-age education.
Five Canadian universities rank among the top universities for Business Administration. It is a four-year program. The median salary for BBA graduates is projected to be CAD 46,520. Moreover, the opportunities for financial analysts and auditors have skyrocketed, with 90% employment for BBA graduates.
Indian students have various options to apply for work permits. Students can apply via Permanent Residency once they have substantial work experience. Students can look for the following type of work permits available in Canada. The Government of Canada does not pay for the medical costs of international students. Health coverage for an international student varies between provinces. Therefore, they must purchase private health insurance. Moreover, it depends on the college a student chooses. A student may be eligible to work in Canada while studying if their study permit states that they can work both on or off-campus. Moreover, a student would require a work permit if their study program includes a required co-op or internship placement. Students can only bring their spouse or common-law partner, and dependent children, with them while pursuing their studies in Canada. Moreover, students must submit their applications online when they apply for their study permits. After a student graduates, they may be able to work temporarily or even live permanently in Canada. In order to work in Canada after their graduation, they would require a work permit.Q1. How much does it cost to study in Canada?
Q2. How many years of study gap is acceptable in Canada?
Q3. Why choose Canada to study?
Q4. Why should students choose a BBA program in Canada?
Q5 What are the options available for work permits in Canada?
Q6. Are international students covered by Canada’s Healthcare System?
For instance, if a student decides to study in Brunswick, they can acquire health insurance from the respective University/College for CAD 275 (yearly).
Q7. Can I work while studying in Canada?
Q8. Can I bring my family with me while I study?
Q9. How to Stay in Canada After I Graduate?
“Disclaimer! All course fees/salaries/expenses are indicative.”
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