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?
- โHome 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 costsโ.
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…
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.
- Bachelorโs 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.
- Masterโs 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 โ 25,000 |
Undergraduate Programs | 20,000 โ 45,000 |
Postgraduate (Masterโs) | 17,000 โ 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 โ 1,500 |
Mobile (Prepaid) | 30 โ 50 |
Internet (DSL) | 50 โ 100 |
Bills (Utilities) | 100 โ 150 |
Travel (Public Transport) | 80 โ 120 |
Study Materials | 50 โ 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.
Hereโs 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 studentโs tuition fee, living expenses and other waivers such as stipends, airfare etc. may also be provided. Some scholarships are discussed below.
Undergraduate Scholarships:
- Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship (University of Toronto):
- York University International Student Scholarship (York University):
- Carleton Prestige Scholarships (Carleton University):
Postgraduate Scholarships:
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 1st Month.
- CIBC โ Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce
- Bank of China (Canada)
- Bank of Montreal
- Fรฉdรฉration des caisses Desjardins du Quรฉbec
- 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 โ 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
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