Why Study in Canada

Studying in Canada offers more than just a world-class education. Here, international students enjoy paid work experience, robust health care, and clear routes to permanent residency, making Canada the most all-inclusive destination for ambitious learners seeking brighter futures.

Key Benefits of Studying in Canada

  • Canada’s 3-Year Open Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
    Get up to a 3-year open work permit after graduation with no employer restrictions, and access direct pathways to Permanent Residency (PR) via Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).
  • Education Fast-Tracks Your Immigration Points
    Canadian education adds up to 30 bonus points in the Express Entry CRS, directly improving your PR prospects. Graduates qualify for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) stream without employer sponsorship.
  • Paid Co-op & Internship Programs
    Structured co-op programs alternate academic semesters with paid, full-time work terms, providing 8–20 months of guaranteed industry experience before graduation.
  • Global Research Leadership
    Canada leads in AI, climate science, and clean tech, home to world-renowned institutes like the Vector Institute (Toronto) and MILA (Montreal).
  • Provincial Health Insurance for International Students
    Provinces like British Columbia, Alberta, and Saskatchewan offer free or subsidized health insurance to international students after a short waiting period.

Top 5 Cities to Study in Canada

City Key Institutions City Highlights
Toronto University of Toronto, York University Multicultural hub, diverse jobs, networking
Vancouver UBC, Simon Fraser University Green economy, major tech and film industry, high quality of life
Montreal McGill, Université de Montréal Affordable tuition, bilingual advantage, vibrant culture
Ottawa University of Ottawa, Carleton University Safe, government internships, bilingual city
Calgary University of Calgary, SAIT High starting salaries, affordable rent, no provincial sales tax

General Entry Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree (Undergraduate)

  • Academic Requirements
    Completion of secondary/high school (Grade 12 or equivalent) with a minimum average of 65–75%+.
  • Language Proficiency
    English (IELTS 6.5+, TOEFL 80-90+) or French (TEF, TCF).
  • Other
    Portfolios or supplementary essays may be required for competitive programs.

Master’s Degree (Graduate)

  • Academic Requirements
    A relevant Bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0 (~B average).
  • Supporting Documents
    2+ letters of recommendation, Statement of Purpose (SOP), and a research proposal for thesis-based programs.
  • Language Proficiency
    English (IELTS 6.5–7.0, TOEFL 90–100+) or French equivalent.
  • Other
    GRE or GMAT scores may be required for business or economics programs.

Doctoral (PhD) Degree

  • Academic Requirements
    A Master’s degree in a related field with a strong academic and research background.
  • Supporting Documents
    Detailed research proposal, 3 letters of recommendation, and complete academic transcripts.
  • Other
    Evidence of research publications is highly advantageous, and a confirmed faculty supervisor is often required before applying.

Tuition & Living Cost in Canada

Average Annual Tuition Fees (International)

City Undergraduate Graduate College Diploma
Toronto C$25,000 – C$35,000 C$20,000 – C$40,000+ C$14,000 – C$20,000
Vancouver C$23,000 – C$35,000 C$20,000 – C$38,000 C$13,000 – C$18,000
Montreal C$20,000 – C$27,000 C$18,000 – C$30,000 C$12,000 – C$17,000
Ottawa C$22,000 – C$30,000 C$18,000 – C$32,000 C$13,000 – C$18,000
Calgary C$20,000 – C$28,000 C$17,000 – C$30,000 C$12,000 – C$17,000

Average Monthly Living Cost

City Housing (Shared) Food, Transport, Utilities Total Monthly Estimate
Toronto C$900 – C$1,500 C$600 – C$800 C$1,500 – C$2,200
Vancouver C$850 – C$1,400 C$550 – C$700 C$1,400 – C$2,100
Montreal C$500 – C$900 C$500 – C$600 C$1,000 – C$1,500
Ottawa C$700 – C$1,100 C$500 – C$700 C$1,200 – C$1,800
Calgary C$600 – C$1,000 C$500 – C$600 C$1,100 – C$1,600

Work Rights for Students

Recent changes have made studying in Canada even more attractive:

  • International students can work up to 24 hours per week during semesters (increased from 20 hours).
  • Full-time work is permitted during scheduled academic breaks.

Thanks to lower average tuition fees and robust minimum wages (between C$15–17/hour in most provinces), many international students can cover a significant portion of their living expenses through part-time work.

Scholarships in Canada

Canada offers a wealth of scholarship opportunities for ambitious students from around the globe, available for all academic levels. Because many scholarships close 8 to 12 months before the program begins, early planning is essential!

Inquire About Scholarships

Notable Scholarships for 2026 Intake

Provider / University Scholarship Name Level
University of Toronto Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship Bachelor
University of British Columbia UBC International Scholars Program Bachelor
McGill University McGill Entrance Scholarships Bachelor
University of Waterloo International Master’s and Doctoral Awards Master / PhD
Government of Canada Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships PhD
Ontario Government Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) Master / PhD

Our Partner Institutions

We partner with many of Canada's most prestigious universities and colleges.

...and many more

Application Timeline & Intakes

Plan your application according to your desired start date. The Fall (September) intake is the most common.

Stage Fall Intake (Sep Start) Winter Intake (Jan Start)
18–24 months before Research programs & universities. Start research (fewer programs available).
12–16 months before Prepare for language tests and gather documents. -
8–12 months before Submit applications (Oct–Feb). Apply (Mar–Sep for Bachelor's, Jun-Oct for Master's/PhD).
4–6 months before Accept offers and apply for your study permit. Finalize visa and arrangements.

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