Study in Canada For Indian Students

• Study Permit Cap: In 2025, IRCC plans to issue 437,000 visas, a 10% reduction compared to the 2024 targets. Despite a 35% cap introduced in January 2024, IDP observed no significant impact on student seat allocations. It is advised to expedite the student application process at all stages to mitigate any potential risks due to the cap.

• Changes to Master’s and PhD Programs: A Pre-Arrival Letter (PAL) is now required for Master’s and higher-level programs. 12% of permits are specifically reserved for these students. The process for obtaining a PAL has been streamlined by universities and poses no risk for IDP. PAL has become a mandatory document for study permit applications for Master’s programs.

• Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP): Graduates from programs at public colleges that are linked to occupations facing long-term labor shortages will remain eligible for a PGWP of up to 3 years. IDP continues to service all study levels with the potential to secure a 3-year PGWP, aligned with labor market needs as defined by provincial and federal governments.

• ELT Requirement for PGWP: From November 1, 2024, all PGWP applicants must demonstrate a minimum language proficiency. University graduates need to meet Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) Level 7, and college graduates need CLB Level 5. An IELTS score of 6 is equivalent to CLB 7, and a score of 4-4.5 is equivalent to CLB 5.

• Spouse Work Permit: Spouses of Master’s students enrolled in a 16-month program or longer in designated essential programs will be eligible for a work permit. This makes it essential for students to enroll in qualifying Master’s programs to enable their spouses to work in Canada.

• Top Student Destination: Canada is celebrated for its student-friendly atmosphere. In 2025, three Canadian cities made it to the top 50 of the QS Best Student Cities list.

• Extended Work Opportunities: After graduation, students can benefit from up to 3 years of post-study work rights

  , enhancing their career prospects.

• World-Class Education: Canadian universities are globally recognised for their quality yet remain affordable. The

  QS World University Rankings 2025 features three Canadian institutions in the top 50, with 30 universities

  in total making the list.

• Cultural Diversity: Canada's multicultural environment welcomes students from around the globe, providing a rich tapestry of interactions and perspectives

Top courses to study in Canada

Here are the popular study abroad courses that you can choose for studying in Canada:

• Computer science

• Business

• Engineering

• Health sciences

• Physiotherapy

• Information technology

• Animation and gaming

• Hospitality

Explore top courses in Canada

When deciding which university to study at, it is crucial that you also look at the world university rankings.

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

Know more about Intakes to study in Canada

Your expenditure on tuition fees depends on the type of qualification and institution you opt for. To cover this, you will need approximately between CAD 13,000 - CAD 35,000 a year.

Most commonly, courses in humanities, education, and arts are a little cheaper, while subjects such as medicine and engineering are likely to be more expensive. If you wish to study at a postgraduate level, the tuition fee is typically higher, and the costs vary depending on the program. As with most other countries, MBA programs are often the most expensive. The average cost for these programs ranges between CAD 30,000-42,000.

*Please note all fee figures are indicative

You can apply to various Canadian scholarships as well to bring down your educational expenses.

Read more about the Cost of studying in Canada.

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Here are some popular government-funded scholarships available for Indian students to study in Canada:

*This is an indicative list, speak with our Canada Education Consultants for more details and get the best available options suited to your profile

Learn more about Canada scholarships for Indian students

To study in Canada, Indian students must obtain a study permit, which is essential for validating their stay. Alongside the study permit, you'll either receive a visitor visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), which authorizes your entry into the country. It's crucial to stay enrolled and progress reasonably towards completing your course while on a study permit.

Top student cities Canada

Canada is renowned for its high-quality education and welcoming atmosphere for Indian students. Here are some of Canada’s top student cities, as featured in the QS Best Student Cities Rankings 2025, each providing a unique combination of academic prestige and dynamic lifestyle:

Indeed, there exists a substantial difference between living in Canada and your home country. It is important to explore the Canadian lifestyle and cost of living of the place where you plan to stay. Quebec makes one of the most affordable Canadian cities with the cost of living far less compared to other cities.

Also, while applying for your student permit, you have to prove to the Canadian government that you have enough money to meet the financial expenses. So, keep that in mind!

When planning your budget, do include the following expenses:

• Communication costs: Always set aside money in your budget for phone and data bills as you’d be calling your friends and family back home frequently. Look for low-cost calling plans as well as student discounts. The average monthly cost will be around CAD 20.

• Textbooks and supplies: Buying textbooks can be costly. Books for engineering courses, for example, might cost anywhere between CAD 250 and CAD 350. The value of courses like law, medicine, and pharmacy can be even higher. You may keep this within your budget by buying used books, purchasing digital versions, or even enrolling in a library membership.

• Personal expenses and incidentals: Laundry, toiletries, clothing, dining out, and so on will be part of your everyday spending. This is largely dependent on the type of lifestyle you select.

Know more here

In recent years, Canada has continued to be a magnet for Indian students, thanks to its robust educational system and abundant work opportunities for students and professionals alike. As per the latest rankings by Forbes and US News, Canada remains a top performer among G20 nations for business friendliness. The Economist Intelligence Unit further predicts Canada to rank among the top three countries in the G7 for ease of doing business in the near future, highlighting its stable and welcoming business environment. This strong economic position suggests that international students can anticipate plentiful job opportunities during their studies and as they transition into the workforce, emphasizing Canada’s appeal as an optimal destination for academic and professional pursuits

We know you have a lot of questions in your mind, so we have answered common questions students as you raise about studying and living in Canada.

What are the academic exams required to study in Canada?

Here’s a list of other tests you may have to take in order to seek admission in a Canadian institution:

• Graduate Management Aptitude Test (GMAT)

• Graduate Record Examinations (GRE)

• Law School Admission Test (LSAT)

• Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT)

• Medical College Admission Test (MCAT)

Are Canada qualifications recognised worldwide?

Yes, degrees from Canadian institutions are accepted worldwide and known for their quality of education.

Can students work during studies in Canada?

Indian students are allowed to work for 20 hours per week during an ongoing session and full-time during vacations. You can also get up to three years of extension post completion of your studies depending on your program duration.

How much does it cost to study at Canada?

Canada is a country where high-quality education is accessible at tuition rates lower than in many other countries. However, before you depart from India, it is important to take into account expenses such as accommodation, food, health coverage, and travel, in addition to your tuition fees when calculating the estimated cost of studying in Canada. This will assist you in effectively planning your budget. The amount you will spend on tuition fees varies depending on the type of qualification and institution you choose. To cover these expenses, you will need approximately between CAD 13,000 and CAD 35,000 per year.

How to justify gap after 12th for Canada?

Students wishing to take a study gap in Canada must justify their reasons. Here are some commonly accepted reasons:

1. Professional Experience/Internships: Gaining work experience in the field.
2. Second Attempt: Preparing for entrance exams for better education opportunities.
3. Medical or Health-related Issues: Dealing with unforeseen medical problems or accidents.
4. Holistic Growth: Developing additional skills for a successful career.
5. Each institution may have specific criteria for accepting study gaps.

How to write a good SOP for Canada?

Here are concise steps to follow when writing an SOP for university applications:

Step 1: Compelling Introduction
Begin with a captivating opening, using a memorable phrase or quotation that conveys your motivation and story.

Step 2: Highlight Academic Background
Provide an overview of your educational records and achievements, presenting them in engaging tables or formats.

Step 3: Justify Course Selection
Explain your specific reasons for choosing the course and demonstrate your research to show genuine interest.

Step 4: Strong Conclusion
Craft a powerful concluding paragraph that summarizes key points and reaffirms your commitment to the field of study.

Tailor your SOP to showcase your unique qualities and make a persuasive case for your university admission.

Which are the top unis for MS in Canada?

Here are the top universities for MS in Canada:

1. McGill University
2. University of British Columbia
3. University of Alberta
4. Université de Montréal
5. McMaster University
6. University of Waterloo
7. Western University
8. University of Ottawa
9. University of Calgary
10. University of Toronto

What is the scope of Diploma courses after 12th in Canada?

Diploma courses in Canada offer internships, allowing students to gain valuable first-hand experience in a corporate setting and pursue promising job prospects. Canadian institutions go the extra mile by partnering with reputable companies, providing students with a wide range of placement opportunities. Moreover, many institutions employ career specialists to guide students through the placement process and support them in securing desirable employment.

What is PAL?

PAL is a letter written and signed by a provincial or territorial government of Canada confirming that an international applicant has a space within the provincial or territorial allocation for study permit applications and must include the following information of the foreign national: full name, date of birth, and address(of home country).

*Source: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/news/2024/01/canada-to-stabilize-growth-and-decrease-number-of-new-international-student-permits-issued-to-approximately-360000-for-2024.html

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