Studying in Canada for Indian students: An informative guide

•Updated on Nov 6, 2024

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Studying in Canada for Indian students: An informative guide

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Canada has been one of the top study destinations for international students for decades. The country’s excellent living standards, outstanding academics, and high-paying employment opportunities have attracted millions of students from across the world, especially India.

Over 300,000 Indian students visit Canada to pursue their higher education. They prefer Canada as the country has a low cost of living, the universities offer globally recognised courses, and so on.

Studying in Canada for Indian students: Key highlights
Why study in Canada?
- Course types and duration in Canada for Indian students
Cost of studying in Canada for Indian students
Eligibility criteria to study in Canada for Indian students
- Eligibility requirements to study in Canada
Admission requirements for Indian students to study in Canada
- Visa requirements for Indian students to study in Canada
Top universities Canada for Indian students with the QS World University Rankings 2024
Best courses in Canada for Indian students
- Intakes in Canada
Canada scholarships for Indian students
Top career opportunities for Indian students in Canada
Frequently asked questions

This article helps you learn about studying in Canada, including its perks, top universities, the best courses available, and job opportunities.

Follow your academic dream! Explore opportunities and get started today!

Studying in Canada for Indian students: Key highlights

Course-types available	Full-time, part-time, flexible, online
Program levels	Undergraduate; postgraduate; doctorate; foundation
Course entry requirements	Undergraduate degree: An international student from a relevant subject background. Postgraduate degree: An international student with a relevant bachelor’s degree. Doctoral degree: An international student with a postgraduate degree in the relevant field of study.
English proficiency test requirements	IELTS: Above 6.0, TOEFL: Over 80, PTE: Above 60, Duolingo: Above 100
Work experience	Postgraduate and doctoral degrees: At least two years in a relevant field.
Top universities	University of Toronto McGill University University of British Columbia University of Alberta University of Waterloo Western University Université de Montréal University of Calgary McMaster University University of Ottawa
Visa	Canada Student Visa

Data updated as of May 2024

Looking to study in Canada?

Why study in Canada?

It’s time to analyse the perks. Here’s why Canada is an ideal study destination for Indian students planning to pursue higher education abroad.

Canada is a frontrunner in the higher education sector, offering globally recognised course programs at affordable costs. The U.S. News & World Report ranked Canada as the 7th best study destination in the world, supporting its strong academic reputation.
In addition to its remarkable academic courses, Canadian institutions enhance your higher education journey by offering fantastic resources and state-of-the-art facilities for a better learning experience.
Canada is an industrial hub with one of the world’s biggest economies. This opens the opportunity for Indian students to look for high-paying employment options after graduation.
Also, the country is one of the most affordable study destinations for Indian students, in terms of education and cost of living.

Also read: What are the benefits of studying in Canada?

Course types and duration in Canada for Indian students

Undergraduate degree: 3-4 years
Postgraduate degree: 1-2 years
Doctoral degree: 4-7 years

Cost of studying in Canada for Indian students

An Indian student’s budget plan for studying abroad comprises various financial elements that play a vital role during their study period. From academics to entertainment, every factor is important when you estimate your expenditures.

While the cost differs with factors like location, course, university, and type of accommodation, here’s a rough and average estimate of the cost of studying in Canada for Indian students.

Education (per year)

Undergraduate: CAD 36,100
Postgraduate: CAD 21,100
Doctorate: CAD 15,000 - 45,000

Accommodation

On campus (per year): CAD 3,000 - 7,000
Off-campus (per month): CAD 940 - 2,250

Food and groceries (per month): CAD 300 - 400

Travel (one trip): CAD 1,450 - 2,400

Visa application: CAD 150

Commutation within the city (per month): CAD 80 - 150

Data updated as of May 2024

Also read: Student accommodation in Canada

Eligibility criteria to study in Canada for Indian students

Canadian educational institutions have pre-determined requirements for Indian students to check if their profile is eligible to pursue the applied course.

Remember that the criteria vary with every course, and students should check the university and course page to ensure they fulfil the requirements.

Eligibility requirements to study in Canada

Educational qualification

Undergraduate degree: An international student from a relevant subject background.
Postgraduate degree: An international student with a relevant bachelor’s degree.
Doctoral degree: An international student with a postgraduate degree in the relevant field of study.

English proficiency

IELTS: Above 6.0, TOEFL: Over 80, PTE: Above 60, Duolingo: Above 100

Admission tests

GRE: Above 300, GMAT: Above 550

Work experience (for postgraduate and doctoral courses)

At least two years in a relevant field.

Admission requirements for Indian students to study in Canada

After fulfilling the requirements, Indian students must produce the required documents requested by institutions so that the admission committee can proceed with their application. Here are common documents you should prepare while applying for any course in Canada.

Academic transcripts
Work samples
Application form
Passport
Statement of purpose
Letter of recommendation (LOR)
English language proficiency test scores
Financial aid documents
Admissions test results

Also read: Traditions in Canada

Visa requirements for Indian students to study in Canada

Canadian student visa costs around CAD 235 for Indian students.

The visa processing fee includes the application fee of CAD 150 and the biometrics fee of CAD 85.

Here are the documents required to apply for a visa in Canada.

Your current passport
A letter of acceptance from your course provider
Proof of financial support
Letter of explanation (explain your purpose and requirement for visa)
Custodian declaration form (if the international applicant is under 18)
Medical test results

Top universities Canada for Indian students with the QS World University Rankings 2024

University of Toronto - 21
McGill University - 30
University of British Columbia - 34
University of Alberta - 111
University of Waterloo - 112
Western University - 114
Université de Montréal - 141
University of Calgary - 182
McMaster University - 189
University of Ottawa - 203

Data updated as of May 2024 | Source: QS World University Rankings 2024

Best courses in Canada for Indian students

Canada is a pioneer in global higher education, with several scopeful courses to pursue for Indian students. Here are the best courses in Canada for Indian students.

Explore: Courses in Canada

Intakes in Canada

There are three academic intakes in Canada, each beginning in a specific month of the year.

Winter: January
Summer: May
Fall: September

Canada scholarships for Indian students

Scholarships are financial aids that reduce students’ expenses while studying abroad. These grants encourage international students to visit abroad for their education and career. Here are some famous scholarships offered by top Canadian universities and the government.

Ontario graduate scholarship
Trudeau foundation scholarships
Vanier Canada graduate scholarships
International Leader of Tomorrow award
Lester.B.Pearson International Scholarship program

Top career opportunities for Indian students in Canada

Canada is an industrial hub on a global level with one of the highest GDPs in the world. This has opened a platform of opportunities for students from different fields of study. From engineering to digital marketing, the country is considered a perfect place to begin your career.

Also read: Working while studying in Canada

Here are the top career options with their average annual salary for Indian students in Canada.