Study in Canada

Overview

Studying in Canada as an international student offers access to high-quality, globally recognized education at relatively affordable tuition rates compared to countries like the U.S. and the U.K. Canadian universities provide a wide range of programs, excellent research opportunities, and a multicultural, welcoming environment. With a strong emphasis on diversity and inclusiveness, students also benefit from options for post-graduation work permits and potential pathways to permanent residency.

41,288,599
Population

800,000
Inter. Students

223
Universities

$ 2.14 Trillion
GDP

Why Study in Canada?

Home to renowned universities like the University of Toronto, McGill University, and the University of British Columbia.
Strong focus on research and innovation across various fields.
Degrees are recognized and valued globally, enhancing career prospects.
Multicultural environment with a commitment to diversity and inclusiveness.
Pathways to post-graduation work permits and permanent residency options for international students.
High-quality education with globally recognized degrees.
More affordable tuition fees compared to other study destinations.
Diverse and multicultural environment, fostering inclusion.
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) allows students to work in Canada after completing their studies.
Pathway to permanent residency for international students.
Safe, peaceful country with a high quality of life.
Access to cutting-edge research and state-of-the-art facilities.
Opportunity to work part-time during studies and full-time during breaks to help with living costs.

Top Universities in Canada

University	City	QS Ranking (2024)	THE Ranking (2024)
University of Toronto	Toronto, ON	21	18
McGill University	Montreal, QC	31	42
University of British Columbia (UBC)	Vancouver, BC	34	37
University of Alberta	Edmonton, AB	110	136
University of Montreal (UdeM)	Montreal, QC	111	88

View More Universities in Canada…

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DLI

Each province and territory in Canada approves which universities can enrol international students. These universities are called Designated Learning Institutions (DLI).

Higher Education

Canada offers several levels of degrees, including:

Foundation (University Transfer Program (UTP) Stage I):
- Duration: 2 terms
- Offered by: Colleges and some universities.
- Example Fields: Business, Engineering, Liberal Arts, Information Technology.
International Year One (UTP Stage II):
- Equivalent to the first year Bachelor of Science degree.

Bachelor’s Degree (B.A., B.Sc.):
- Duration: Typically 3 to 4 years.
- Offered by: Universities and other four-year institutions.
- Bachelor of Arts (B.A.): Focuses on humanities, social sciences, and arts.
- Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.): Focuses on science, technology, and applied fields.
- Example Majors: Psychology, Computer Science, Business Administration, Engineering.
Master’s Degree (M.A., M.Sc., MBA, M.Ed.):
- Duration: 2 years (full-time).
- Offered by: Universities and specialized institutions.
- Example Majors: Education, Business Administration, Engineering, Public Health.

Popular Programs

Business and Management

Health and Medicine

Creative Arts and Design

Engineering & IT

Education and Teaching

Law and Legal Studies

Health and Medicine

Environmental Science

Hospitality and Tourism

Intakes

There are three main intakes available in Canada for admissions.

May – August (Spring/Summer Intake in Canada)

September/October – February (Fall Intake in Canada (Primary Intake)

January – April/May (Winter Intake in Canada (Secondary Intake)

Admission Process

Counseling and initial briefing.
Submit documents
Start application process. The cost varies among universities and programmes, but most universities charge an application fee ranging from $50 to $150 CAD.
Start English Language proficiency test preparation, if not started yet. Canadian universities require English language proficiency tests such as TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE Academic, but some may also require French proficiency.
Also maintain Bank statement.
Get Conditional offer.
Attend University interview.
Provide missing documents, if any and Get Unconditional offer.
Pay deposit fee.
Show Bank statement, account maintenance letter, affidavit of support.
Get LOA

Costs

FEE STRUCTURES:

Program Level	Average Annual Tuition Fee (CAD)
Foundation Programs	15,000 – 25,000
Undergraduate Programs	20,000 – 45,000
Postgraduate (Master’s)	17,000 – 35,000

Tuition fees for MBA (Master in Business Administration) programmes are among the highest (up to 76,000 CAD)

Among the most expensive are veterinary medicine, dentistry, and medicine undergraduate degrees (up to 68,000 CAD)

The cheapest universities in Newfoundland and Labrador regions, where undergrad programmes cost around 16,000 CAN on average, while postgraduate programmes 5,000 CAD.

LIVING EXPENSES

Minimum financial requirement has increased from CAD 10,000 to CAD 20,635 on January 1st, 2024, to reflect the cost of living.

The student will need to know what type of expenses they will need to plan for when studying in the Canada. Living expenses include accommodation, laundry, food, internet, telephone and commute.

Expense	Average Monthly Cost (CAD)
Accommodation (Shared)	600 – 1,500
Mobile (Prepaid)	30 – 50
Internet (DSL)	50 – 100
Bills (Utilities)	100 – 150
Travel (Public Transport)	80 – 120
Study Materials	50 – 100

STUDENT ACCOMMODATION

There are many options available in Canada, and each of these will vary in cost. Most of the universities offer on-campus accommodation, which may be a little expensive. However, that comes with a lot of benefits as the students have access to libraries, common halls, entertainment arena and they can interact with their fellow students for academic as well as leisure activities.

Dormitory and townhouse prices start at CAD 450 per month and reach above CAD 1000.

Homestays: Living with Canadian family. It ranges from Prices range from CAD 400 to 800, on average

Private renting: It is usually expensive price ranges from 800 t0 1000 CAD/month but prices often get higher than 1,500 CAD per month.

Here’s a breakdown of average student accommodation and living costs for international students in Canada: total expense:

Scholarships

There are numerous fully funded, partially funded and university specific scholarships available for international students. These scholarships may cover the student’s tuition fee, living expenses and other waivers such as stipends, airfare etc. may also be provided. Some scholarships are discussed below.

Undergraduate Scholarships:

Postgraduate Scholarships:

View more scholarships in Canada.

Visa Process

Get a Letter of Acceptance (LOA)

Before applying for a study visa, secure admission to a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada. The school will send you a Letter of Acceptance, which is required for the visa application.

SDS Student Direct Stream

Full fee
GIC
Standard Ielts requirement 6.5, no less than 6.
Test results must be less than 2 years old when we receive your application
To get a medical exam, you must see a doctor that has been approved by IRCC
16% visa ratio
You need a provincial attestation letter (PAL) or territorial attestation letter (TAL) to apply for a study permit.

PAL

GIC

Typically, students are required to invest CAD 20,635 (plus any applicable fees). This amount will cover basic living costs for the first year of study

Only CAD 8000 will be given on 1^st Month.

CIBC – Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce
Bank of China (Canada)

Bank of Montreal
Fédération des caisses Desjardins du Québec
Habib Canadian Bank
ICICI Bank Canada
Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Canada)
National Bank of Canada
Royal Bank of Canada
SBI Canada Bank
Shinhan Bank Canada
The Toronto-Dominion Bank
Scotiabank – The Bank of Nova Scotia

Apply Visa through VFS. (Visa Facilitation Services)

Check Eligibility

Make sure you meet the eligibility criteria, including: Proof of sufficient funds for tuition, living expenses, and return transportation.

A clean criminal record

Medical examination (if applicable).

Medical exam
Gather the necessary documents:

Apply Online or on Paper

Create an account on the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website. You can apply online or submit a paper application at the nearest Visa Application Centre (VAC).
- Fill out the Study Permit Application Form.
- Fill out the following forms:
  - imm1294e
  - imm5257
  - imm5645e

Visa Documents

Scanned passport.
English/French language proficiency test results (IELTS, TOEFL, etc.).
Letter of Acceptance from a DLI.
Statement of purpose (why you want to study in Canada).
GIC
Police clearance certificate
Medical clearance certificate
Tuition fee payment receipt

Work Opportunities

Permanent Residency

Pakistani students can apply for permanent residency in Canada through several pathways, including the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) for those with Canadian work experience, the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) for graduates with job offers in specific provinces, and the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) based on a points system.

Work During Studies

International students can work while studying in Canada. They can work on-campus without a permit and off-campus for up to 20 hours per week during semesters and full-time during breaks. This requires a valid study permit.

Post-Study Work Visa

The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) allows graduates to work in Canada for up to three years, depending on the program’s length. This experience can help students qualify for permanent residency options like the CEC or FSWP.

For more details on these topics, you can refer to the official Government of Canada website.

Study in Canada FAQ

What are the admission requirements for international students?

Generally, students need a valid study permit, proof of English proficiency (like IELTS or TOEFL scores), academic transcripts, and a statement of purpose. Specific requirements can vary by institution and program.

Can I work while studying in Canada?

Yes, international students can work up to 20 hours per week during academic sessions and full-time during breaks without a separate work permit.

What is the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)?

The PGWP allows international graduates to work in Canada for up to three years after completing their studies, depending on the length of their program, facilitating pathways to permanent residency.

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What our students say about us

Hussain Shah

University of Chester
UK “I had a wonderful experience with sir Aqeel Shehzad and team from career o’clock. They provided excellent guidance and support throughout my journey of studying in UK. Their expertise and professionalism made the entire process smooth and hassle-free. I highly recommend their services to anyone seeking assistance with studying abroad.”

Azeem Usman

University of Debrecen
Hungary“Shoutout to the Career O’Clock Team! They were absolutely brilliant and really helped find the perfect university for me – University of Debrecen. Highly recommended their support to anyone looking for the right educational path.”

Muhammad Talha

Roehampton University
UK“Career O’Clock is a trusted partner for students seeking their educational opportunities abroad. They have an impressive track record, with a 100% success rate for admission and visa application in the UK. Very learned and professional team especially Hamza Bhai.”

Raheem Zia

Swansea University
UK“Great Team and always help you to complete your dreams to study in UK and all over the world.
I got my UK student visa with the help of this team (Sir Hamza).”

Saif Sajjad Shah

Keele University
UK“I have had a great experience with Career O clock as I was having trouble with my previous consultant, but with their support I was offered a place at Keele university and thanks to them I have got my visa and a handsome amount of scholarship as well.
Would recommend them to anyone who wants to study abroad and be rest assured they’re in safe hands.”

Faran Khan

University of Hertfordshire
UK“I had a wonderful experience with Career O’clock! A big thank you to Aqeel Sir for his incredible support throughout the process. He patiently helped me understand each stage of the student visa process. His professionalism, paired with his approachable and easy-to-communicate style, made all the difference. With their expertise and guidance, the entire journey was smooth and stress-free. I highly recommend Career O’clock!…”