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.
Table of Contents
- Studying in Canada for Indian students: Key highlights
- Why study in Canada?
- Cost of studying in Canada for Indian students
- Eligibility criteria to study in Canada for Indian students
- Admission 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
- 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 |
|
| 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
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
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.
- MBA
- Cybersecurity
- Business analytics
- Cloud computing
- Healthcare
- Law
- Supply chain management
- Project management
- Occupational therapy
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.
- Healthcare, Pharmaceutical & Social Services - CAD 122,290
- Engineering - CAD 118,959
- Science - CAD 101,163
- Information Technology - CAD 95,857
- Marketing & Sales - CAD 90,401
- Legal - CAD 89,135
- Banking, Finance & Insurance - CAD 87,618
- Accounting, Administration & Human Resources - CAD 65,050
- Childcare & Education - CAD 62,611
- Journalism & Translation - CAD 62,084
- Architecture - CAD 59,509
- Hospitality & Travel - CAD 59,245
- Law Enforcement & Security - CAD 58,451
- Food Services - CAD 42,353
Data updated as of May 2024 | Source: talent.ca
Your ticket to study in Canada is here! Discover options and apply for the upcoming intake today!
Frequently asked questions
What is the cost of studying in Canada for Indian students?
The average cost of studying in Canada for an Indian student ranges between CAD 15,000 - 45,000.
Which field is best in Canada?
Here are some top education fields Indian students can pursue in Canada.
- MBA
- Law
- Healthcare
- Engineering
- Cybersecurity
- Business analytics
- Information technology
- Project management
- Accounting and finance
- Supply chain management
What are the top masters in Canada for Indian students?
Here are the top master’s courses in Canada for Indian students.
- Masters in Business Administration
- Masters in Accounting
- Masters in Finance
- Masters in Business Analytics
- Masters in Project and Event Management
- Masters in Hospitality Management
- Masters in Supply Chain Management
Which is the top MS in Canada for Indian students?
Some of the best masters in science courses in Canada for Indian students include.
