Study in Canada

International students consistently rank Canada highly due to its robust academics and exceptional lifestyle. Every year, more than one million people choose Canada for the following reasons:

• International education: Canadian colleges and universities focus on applied education, research and industry collaborations. Graduates find jobs across the globe, with 89% getting employed within six months, according to Statistics Canada.

• Multicultural and safe environment: Canada is among the safest nations in the world and embraces other cultures. Toronto alone has over 300 ethnic groups and Canadian society encourages inclusivity.

• Living standards: Canada is known for its high living standards, offering students access to quality healthcare, excellent public services, clean and well-connected cities, and a strong sense of community. With reliable transport, supportive social systems and a focus on wellbeing, students can enjoy a comfortable, safe and balanced lifestyle while they study.

• Language advantage: Canada’s two official languages - English and French give students the chance to build strong English skills while they study. Those who already speak French can benefit even more, especially in Québec, where bilingual students have added study and work opportunities.

• Postgraduate employment prospects: Canada offers strong career opportunities for international graduates, especially in fast‑growing fields like technology, finance and healthcare. Leading employers such as Amazon, Microsoft, RBC and Shopify continue to create new roles. Eligible students can also apply for a Post‑Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), allowing them to work in Canada for up to three years - gaining valuable experience and strengthening their pathway to permanent residency

Canada continues to offer structured pathways for skilled migrants, but its immigration landscape has become more selective and regulated in recent years. While programs like Express Entry remain active, they have been recalibrated to prioritize candidates with Canadian work experience, French-language proficiency, and skills in high‑demand sectors, rather than functioning as a broad, open system.

At the same time, the federal government has introduced national caps on international student intake starting in 2024, with further tightening through 2025 and 2026. These caps were implemented to address housing pressures and system sustainability, resulting in a sharp decline in new study permits issued compared to previous years. As a result, the transition from student status to long‑term settlement has become more competitive and less automatic than before.

Canada is home to world‑class universities known for academic excellence, cutting‑edge research, and strong industry connections. Canadian universities rank highly globally and offer practical, career‑focused education with clear pathways to post‑study work and long‑term opportunities.

Courses in Canada often include Co‑operative (Co‑op) education experiences, which combine academic learning with paid, structured work placements relevant to a student’s field of study.

These Co‑op experiences allow students to gain hands‑on industry exposure, apply classroom knowledge in real‑world settings, and develop job‑ready skills. Such practical training is closely aligned with key industry sectors, including technology and healthcare, helping graduates enhance their employability and career readiness.

Top options include:

• Business, Management and Commerce: Business, Management, and Commerce programs in Canada are valued for their strong academics, industry integration, and global recognition. MBA and BCom degrees emphasize practical learning through extended internships or co‑op placements with leading organisations like Deloitte and RBC. Combined with Canada’s stable economy and focus on analytics, strategy, and leadership, these programs prepare graduates for globally competitive business careers.

• Computer Science, IT, AI, Data Analytics and Cybersecurity: Master algorithms and machine learning through hands-on co-op programs that pay up to CAD 25/hour and can lead to jobs at Shopify, Amazon, and other tech giants. In 2025, Canada’s tech workforce grew by 1.4% to 1.46 million professionals, driven by the AI boom and strong demand for cloud computing, cybersecurity, and data science skills, particularly in Toronto and Vancouver.

• Engineering: Engineering programs in Canada combine majors such as civil, mechanical, electrical, and software engineering with co‑op or internship‑based learning, giving students hands‑on exposure to real‑world industry projects. These programs lead to strong employment outcomes and offer clear pathways to gaining a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) certification, supporting globally recognised engineering careers.

• Nursing and Medicine: Gain a world‑class nursing qualification from high‑ranked universities and build hands‑on experience through clinical placements in some of the country’s leading hospitals. With strong demand for qualified nurses, you can look forward to competitive starting salaries of around CAD 75,000 a year and potential pathways to faster permanent residency through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).

• Hospitality and Tourism: Canada’s hospitality and tourism sector has rebounded strongly post‑pandemic, offering co‑op and internship opportunities across hotels, events, and tourism management. With an average starting salary of around CAD 60,000, graduates benefit from a dynamic industry supported by nearly 40 million international visitors annually, creating clear pathways for long‑term career growth.

With over 3,000 co‑operative (Co‑op) programs across Canada, international students gain a clear advantage by combining academic study with paid, industry‑relevant work experience with income, while studying. Backed by strong provincial labour‑market projections of nearly one million new jobs by 2030, Canada also offers post‑study work and permanent residency pathways, making it an attractive destination for long‑term career growth.

Compared to popular study destinations such as the US, UK, and Australia, Canada remains a more affordable option for international students, with annual tuition fees typically ranging between CAD 15,000 and CAD 30,000, depending on the program and institution.

To help manage living costs, eligible international students may work up to 24 hours per week off‑campus during academic sessions and full‑time during scheduled breaks, earning average hourly wages of CAD 15 or more. This makes Canada very affordable, especially when combined with wide range of scholarships and financial aid support available.

Tuition fees:

Undergraduate Programs

Undergraduate tuition fees for international students in Canada typically range from CAD 15,000–23,000 per year, depending on the field of study. Programs in arts, humanities, and sciences are generally more affordable, while engineering and business programs may cost more due to specialised training and facilities. Canadian universities are known for strong academics, modern campuses, and opportunities such as co‑op and internship programs, which allow students to gain paid work experience while studying.

For students who may not meet direct entry requirements, many Canadian institutions also offer pathway programs. These include foundation, international year‑one, and bridging programs, designed to help students strengthen academic skills, English proficiency, and subject knowledge before progressing into a full undergraduate degree. Pathway programs provide a supported transition into university, improving both academic confidence and success rates.

Postgraduate Programs

Postgraduate tuition fees for international students in Canada typically range from CAD 17,000–30,000 per year, with most master’s programs completed within 1–2 years. Professional programs such as MBAs and medical degrees are generally higher in cost, reflecting their specialised curriculum and strong career outcomes. Canadian postgraduate education is well regarded for its research excellence, industry‑aligned learning, and long‑term career value.

For students who may not meet direct entry requirements, many universities offer postgraduate pathway programs. These include Graduate Certificates, Pre‑Master’s programs, and Graduate Diplomas, which help students strengthen academic foundations, research skills, or English proficiency before progressing into a full master’s degree. Pathway options provide a supportive transition into postgraduate study and are especially beneficial for students changing disciplines or coming from different education systems.

Living costs in Canada (Monthly Estimates):

Your living costs will vary depending on your lifestyle and the city you choose to live in.

Major urban centres:

  Regional & mid‑sized cities:

Tips to save:

• Rent: You can choose shared off‑campus housing near transit or on‑campus residences from CAD 600 per month and save up to CAD 100 monthly on travel by living close to campus.

• Food: By shopping at budget or wholesale supermarkets and cooking regularly, you can keep food costs low. Campus cafeterias offer affordable daily meals, while optional meal plans are available for convenience.

• Transport: As a student, you’ll have access to unlimited monthly transit passes (TTC and TransLink) at discounted rates. Many campuses are walkable, so you often won’t need a car.

• Entertainment: Use your student ID or email to unlock 10–20% discounts on clothing, entertainment, food, and travel at brands like Uniqlo and Cineplex, helping you stretch your budget every day.

• Utilities: Internet and phone plans are often included in shared rentals or student housing, with student‑friendly mobile and high‑speed internet plans helping you stay connected without extra expense.

• Buy used study materials via Facebook Marketplace or Kijiji

Canada offers a wide range of scholarships for international students, funded by the government, universities, and external organisations. These scholarships reward academic excellence, leadership, and research potential, often covering partial or full tuition along with living expenses.

Key scholarship available in Canada include:

IDP provides comprehensive support for scholarship applications, from eligibility checks and personalised matching to document preparation, essay reviews, and submission tracking—boosting success rates significantly.

To apply for a Canadian study permit, begin by securing an offer letter from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). Once you receive your offer, submit your study permit application online through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and pay the application fee of CAD 150. After completing your biometrics and medical examination, most students receive a decision within 4–12 weeks.

Key requirements:

• Offer letter

• Proof of funds: CAD 22,895, often via a Guaranteed Investment Certificate or GIC)

• IELTS score of 6.5 overall (varies according to universities and study programs)

• Compelling Statement of Purpose (SOP)

• Academic transcripts from a reputed institution

• Valid passport and health insurance

IDP provides expert guidance on documentation and mock interviews, boasting a great success rate. Apply at least 6 months in advance; Quebec applicants additionally need a Certificat d'acceptation du Québec (CAQ).

One of the biggest advantages of studying in Canada is the Post‑Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), which allows international graduates to gain valuable Canadian work experience after completing their studies.

You can work full‑time for up to three years, depending on the length and level of your program:

• diploma graduates eligible for up to one year

• bachelor’s or master’s graduates eligible for up to three years.

This post‑study work experience significantly improves career outcomes. According to the Government of Canada, over 90% of international graduates' secure employment within six months, often with starting salaries ranging from CAD 60,000 to 80,000.

Importantly, Canadian work experience gained through the PGWP also strengthens your pathway to permanent residency, with more than 60% of skilled PGWP holders successfully transitioning through Express Entry.

With over 55 years of experience helping students' study abroad, IDP is here to support you at every step of your journey to Canada. As the co‑owners of IELTS, we offer free one‑on‑one counselling to help you choose the right Canadian university and course based on your goals and strengths.

Through IDP FastLane, you can receive conditional offers in as little as 48 hours from select Canadian institutions. Our experienced visa experts guide you through the entire visa process, helping you prepare strong documents, a clear Statement of Purpose, and feel confident with mock interviews.

Our support doesn’t stop there. We assist with student health insurance, safe accommodation options, airport pick‑up, and IELTS preparation tailored to your needs. With IDP Live, our personalised student app, you can track your applications in real time, attend virtual university fairs, join pre‑departure sessions, and connect with a global alumni network, opening doors to study and career opportunities in Canada.

1. Is Canada good for international students? 
Yes. It's one of the safest countries (Global Peace Index top 10), with top-ranked universities and strong job prospects; over 1 million students choose it yearly.

2. Is studying in Canada expensive? 
Costs are balanced by generous scholarships (up to full tuition), part-time work (CAD 15/hour), and affordable living compared to other destination countries.

3. Can international students work while studying? 
Yes, up to 20 hours/week during semesters and full-time during breaks, helping them cover expenses without affecting studies.

4. How much bank balance is required for a student visa? 
CAD 20,635 for living costs + first-year tuition (proof via GIC or bank statements).

5. How long is the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)? 
Up to 3 years, matching your program length, leading to PR pathways via Express Entry.

6. Which cities are best for international students? 
Toronto for tech jobs, Vancouver for lifestyle/nature, Montreal for affordable/French immersion; all cities come with vibrant communities and opportunities.

Ready to study in Canada?

Connect with IDP for free counselling today.