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Why Study in Canada?
- Samrat Kataktalware
- Jun 24
- 7 min read
Updated: Jun 28
Canada has rapidly emerged as one of the most preferred study destinations for international students, welcoming over 1 million international students in 2024, including more than 320,000 from India (IRCC, 2024). With world-class universities, affordable tuition, a multicultural society, and strong post-graduate work opportunities, Canada offers an ideal blend of academic quality and career advancement. For Indian students aiming for a high-quality education in a welcoming environment, Canada is a top contender.
🎓 Academic Excellence and International Recognition
Canada boasts over 100 public and private universities, with many institutions consistently ranked among the world's best. According to the QS World University Rankings 2025:
University of Toronto – Ranked #25 globally, known for research and innovation across disciplines.
McGill University – Ranked #29, noted for medical and science programs.
University of British Columbia (UBC) – Ranked #38, recognized for sustainability and global impact.
University of Alberta – Ranked #96 globally, acclaimed for energy research and engineering programs.
University of Waterloo – Ranked #115, renowned for computer science and co-op education programs.
Western University – Ranked #120, known for business, law, and medical research excellence.
Université de Montréal – Ranked #159, distinguished for life sciences, AI research, and Francophone education.
McMaster University – Ranked #176, noted for health sciences, particularly medical education and innovation.
University of Ottawa – Ranked #189, bilingual institution recognized for law, public policy, and social sciences.
Queen's University at Kingston – Ranked #193, respected for commerce, leadership development, and global alumni network.
Canadian universities emphasize hands-on learning, critical thinking, and collaboration, preparing students for international careers.
🇮🇳 Why Indian Students Choose Canada
1. ✅ Affordable Education and Cost of Living
Compared to the USA and UK, Canada offers high-quality education at lower tuition fees.
Average tuition for undergraduate international students is CAD 25,000–CAD 35,000/year; for postgraduate programs, CAD 15,000–CAD 30,000/year (Statistics Canada, 2024).
Living costs are also moderate in many Canadian cities, especially outside Toronto and Vancouver.
2. 🔬 Research and Innovation Opportunities
Canada invests heavily in R&D, with over CAD 41 billion allocated annually (Government of Canada, 2024).
Top fields include Artificial Intelligence, Environmental Sciences, Engineering, Biotechnology, and Health Sciences.
Universities partner with industries, allowing students to participate in real-world innovation.
3. 🛠 Co-op and Internship Programs
Many Canadian programs include co-operative education (co-op) – paid internships integrated into academic studies.
Universities like Waterloo, Toronto, and UBC offer robust co-op programs, giving students valuable work experience before graduation.
4. 🌍 Multicultural Society and Safety
Canada is consistently ranked among the world’s safest and most inclusive countries.
Over 200 nationalities are represented on Canadian campuses, and Indian student communities are vibrant and well-established.
Festivals like Diwali, Holi, Eid, and Baisakhi are celebrated widely in cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Brampton.
5. 💼 Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
International students are eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit of up to 3 years, depending on program length.
This allows graduates to gain Canadian work experience, which is often a pathway to permanent residency.
🎯 Top Programs & In-Demand Fields
Canada offers a diverse range of courses known for global relevance and employability:
Computer Science, AI & Machine Learning
Data Analytics & Cybersecurity
Engineering (Mechanical, Civil, Electrical, Software)
Business, Finance & MBA
Health Sciences & Nursing
Environmental Science & Sustainability
Psychology & Social Work
Media, Film Studies & Journalism
Law & Criminology
🕒 Typical Course Durations:
Undergraduate Degrees: 3–4 years
Master’s Programs: 1–2 years
MBA: 1–2 years
PhD: 4–6 years
📝 English Language Requirements
To study in Canada, students must meet English proficiency standards. Recognized tests include:
IELTS Academic
TOEFL iBT
PTE Academic
CAEL (Canadian Academic English Language Test)
Duolingo English Test (accepted by many institutions)
Minimum score requirements:
IELTS: 6.5 overall (no band less than 6.0)
TOEFL iBT: 88–100
PTE: 58–65
Duolingo: 110+
*(Check individual university requirements as they may vary.)
📄 Canadian Student Visa Process (Study Permit)
To study in Canada, international students need a Study Permit. Here's the step-by-step process:
Admission Letter: Receive an offer of admission from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
Gather Documents: Include passport, admission letter, proof of funds, English test scores, etc.
Apply Online: Submit your Study Permit application via the IRCC portal.
Biometrics Appointment: Provide fingerprints and photo at a Visa Application Centre (VAC).
Visa Decision: If approved, you receive a Port of Entry (POE) Letter and Visa stamp.
Travel to Canada: Carry all documents and your POE Letter when entering Canada.
🕐 Processing time varies by country, so apply early.
🔗 Source: IRCC – Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
💼 Post-Study Work & Permanent Residency (PR)
Canada provides clear pathways for students to remain and work after graduation:
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) – Valid up to 3 years.
Express Entry (CEC) – Canadian Experience Class offers fast-track PR for skilled graduates with Canadian work experience.
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) – Graduates may be nominated for PR by the province they studied in.
Atlantic Immigration Program – Ideal for students in Eastern provinces.
🔗 Source: Canada.ca – Immigration Programs, 2024
🧳 Part-Time Work Opportunities
International students can work:
Up to 20 hours/week during academic sessions
Full-time during scheduled breaks (e.g., summer/winter holidays)
Common job roles include:
Campus bookstore and cafeteria staff
Administrative assistants
Library assistants
Retail and hospitality roles
💵 Living Costs and Lifestyle
Living expenses vary by city and region:
Toronto/Vancouver: CAD 1,800–2,500/month
Montreal/Ottawa/Calgary: CAD 1,200–1,800/month
*This includes accommodation, food, transportation, internet, health insurance, and personal expenses.
🏡 Housing Options:
On-campus dormitories
Off-campus apartments/shared housing
Homestays with local families
🌟 Lifestyle Perks:
Nature and outdoor activities (skiing, hiking, national parks)
Vibrant city life and multicultural cuisine
Access to student discounts and public healthcare (in some provinces)
🔗 For more detailed information, refer to: IDP India | Study in Canada | Cost of Living
🎓 Scholarships and Financial Aid
Canada offers generous funding for international students:
Government & External Scholarships:
Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute – Offers various fellowships at different levels from graduate to post-doctorate and from research to training fellowships
Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan – This scheme identifies students with high intellect from Commonwealth countries applying to programs of advanced study and research at the Master’s and PhD level
Ontario Graduate Scholarship Program – This scholarship is for graduate students in a wide variety of disciplines.
National Research Council of Canada (NRCC) – Research associateship is offered to master’s degree holders in engineering and Ph.D. holders in natural science or engineering disciplines.
Quebec Provincial Government Scholarship – This scholarship is for students studying in Quebec.
Ontario Trillium Scholarship – First announced in November 2010 for doctoral students from around the world to study in Ontario.
Partnership Grants by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada – This scholarship is for Ph.D. candidates.
Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships – This is offered by the Canadian government to international students to pursue postgraduate programs within natural science, social sciences, or healthcare research.
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships – This scholarship is awarded by the Government of Canada to meritorious students who aspire to pursue a doctoral degree at a Canadian institution.
University-Specific Scholarships:
Anne Vallee Ecological Fund – These scholarships are designated for international students to support them undertake animal research at master or doctoral program in Québec or British Columbia University
This fund offers two $1,500 scholarships
Trudeau Scholarships and Fellowships – These are offered to international students at doctorate level for some specific Canadian institutions
The amount is $40,000 each year for three years; and $20,000 each year for three years, as research and travel allowance
Deadline: Mid Fall Session, your IDP experts can help you with the application process
University of Toronto Lester B. Pearson International Scholarships – Fully funded scholarship covering tuition, books, and living expenses for exceptional international students demonstrating academic excellence and leadership.
University of British Columbia International Leader of Tomorrow Award – Offers need-based funding to outstanding international students who show academic strength, leadership skills, and community involvement.
York University Global Leader of Tomorrow Scholarships – Provides partial to full tuition support to high-achieving international students with strong academic records and leadership potential.
McGill Entrance Scholarships and Financial Aid – Merit-based and need-based awards available to incoming international students with excellent academic performance.
Concordia Presidential Scholarship – Fully funded scholarship awarded to international students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and community service.
⏳ Apply early, as scholarship deadlines are often 8–12 months before program start.
🔗 Source: EduCanada | ScholarshipsCanada | University websites
🔗 For more detailed information, refer to: IDP | Study in Canada | Scholarships
📅 Application Timeline & Tools
Intakes in Canada
Unlike a single intake in Indian universities, Canadian colleges and universities offer three intakes. In some universities, intakes may also be referred to as a semester. The three intakes available in Canada are:
Fall: A popular intake among Indian students, The Fall intake starts in the month of September
Winter: Starts in January; it’s best if you miss the September intake
Summer: Available for limited programs and colleges, the Summer intake usually starts around April and May
Undergraduate: Apply via the university portal or through provincial application systems (e.g., OUAC in Ontario).
Postgraduate: Direct application to universities.
🔗 Know more about Intakes to study in Canada
🛠 Helpful Tools & Resources:
EduCanada: www.educanada.ca
IRCC (Visa and Immigration): www.canada.ca
ScholarshipsCanada: www.scholarshipscanada.com
Individual University Portals
🕐 Begin researching 12–18 months in advance to meet program and visa deadlines.
🚀 Studying in Canada is a gateway to global success.
From internationally recognized degrees to pathways for permanent residency, Canada offers students a future full of promise. With its inclusive culture, focus on innovation, and supportive work-study environment, Canada continues to attract aspiring global citizens from India and beyond.
🔍 Take the next step in your Canadian education journey today!
Explore top universities, compare programs, and apply with expert support — contact us for guidance.
📚 Links for your reference:
IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada)
🔗 https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship.html
QS World University Rankings 2025
Statistics Canada
EduCanada
University Official Websites (e.g., UofT, McGill, UBC)
ScholarshipsCanada
Government of Canada – Budget 2024
CAEL, IELTS, TOEFL, Duolingo official websites
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