North America · English / French
Study in Canada
Quality education with a clear pathway to permanent residency
University intakes
September (main) and January
Degree length (UG)
4 years
Official languages
English and French
QS World Top 100
~3 Canadian universities
Post-study work
PGWP up to 3 years
PR pathway
Express Entry / PNP after work experience
Overview: studying in Canada
Canada is consistently one of the top three destinations for international students globally, attracting students from India, China, the Philippines, Nigeria, and the Middle East. It offers strong universities, relatively affordable tuition compared to the USA, a clear pathway to permanent residency through Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Programs, and a welcoming multicultural environment. French-English bilingualism is a benefit, particularly in Quebec.
Pros and cons
Advantages of studying in Canada
- ✓Clear and well-established pathway to permanent residency
- ✓Safe, multicultural, and welcoming to international students
- ✓Strong programmes in technology, engineering, and business
- ✓Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) allows work for any employer
- ✓Bilingual country — French proficiency opens extra career opportunities
- ✓Generally more affordable than the USA
Things to consider
- –4-year undergraduate degree is longer than the UK (3 years)
- –Study permit approvals became more restrictive in 2023–2024
- –High cost of living in Toronto and Vancouver
- –Weather — very cold winters in most major cities
- –Competition for PR is increasing as immigration targets change
Tuition fees
Undergraduate
CA$15,000–CA$40,000CAD/yr
Per year. Engineering, business, and computer science typically range CA$25,000–CA$40,000. Arts degrees can be under CA$20,000 at some institutions.
Postgraduate / Master's
CA$15,000–CA$45,000CAD/yr
Per year. MBA and professional master's programmes tend to be at the higher end.
MBA (total programme)
CA$30,000–CA$80,000CAD
Total programme cost for full-time MBA. University of Toronto Rotman and Western Ivey are at the higher end.
Cost of living in Canada
Estimated monthly costs — Toronto
CA$1,800–CA$2,800CAD/month
Includes: Accommodation, food, transport, utilities, and personal costs
Vancouver is comparable to Toronto. Montreal is typically less expensive (CA$1,400–CA$2,000/month). Smaller cities and college towns are considerably more affordable. IRCC requires proof of CA$20,635 in living funds (2024) in addition to tuition.
Canada student visa: Study Permit
Processing time
4–16 weeks depending on country of application
Key requirements:
Letter of acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
Proof of financial support (tuition + CA$20,635 living funds for 2024)
Statement of Purpose / Letter of Explanation
Valid passport
Proof of ties to home country (to show intention to return after studies)
Medical exam (if required for your country)
Police clearance certificate (if required)
Canadian immigration rules have been updated significantly in 2024, including stricter controls on study permit approvals and post-graduation work permit eligibility. Always check IRCC website for current rules.
English language requirements
IELTS Academic
6.0–6.5 overall for most programmes
TOEFL iBT
80–90 iBT for most programmes
Exemptions
Citizens of English-speaking countries and applicants who have studied in an English-medium institution for several years may qualify for exemptions at some institutions.
French-language programmes in Quebec and Ontario have French language requirements (typically DELF B2 or TEF). Some bilingual universities (e.g., University of Ottawa) accept applications for French-taught programmes.
Work rights
During study
Up to 20 hours per week off-campus during academic sessions; full-time during scheduled breaks. On-campus work is generally unrestricted.
After graduation
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP): 8 months to 3 years depending on the length of your programme. PGWP holders can work for any employer anywhere in Canada.
The PGWP is a key step toward Canadian permanent residency via Express Entry or Provincial Nominee Programs. Canada reduced the number of study permit approvals in 2024; check current IRCC rules before applying.
Top student cities in Canada
Toronto
University of Toronto, York, Ryerson; Canada's largest city, highest costs
Vancouver
UBC, SFU; scenic city, strong tech sector; high cost of living
Montreal
McGill, Concordia; bilingual, most affordable major Canadian city
Ottawa
University of Ottawa (bilingual); capital city, government and tech hub
Waterloo
University of Waterloo; world-class computer science and co-op programmes
Popular subjects
Practical information
Healthcare
Healthcare coverage for international students varies by province. Some provinces (e.g., British Columbia, Alberta) provide provincial health coverage to students; others do not. You may need to purchase supplementary health insurance through your university. Check the specific rules for your province of study.
Accommodation
University residences are available but limited, especially in Toronto and Vancouver. Many students live in off-campus shared accommodation. Rental costs are high in major cities — shared rooms in Toronto or Vancouver can cost CA$800–CA$1,500/month.
How to apply to study in Canada
Research programmes — apply directly to each university (no central application system like UCAS)
Submit transcripts, English/French test scores, personal statement, and references
Receive an offer letter from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
Pay tuition deposit and receive confirmation of enrolment
Apply for a Study Permit through IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada)
Apply for a visitor visa or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) if required
Arrange accommodation and health insurance before arrival
Scholarships for international students in Canada
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
CA$50,000/year for 3 years — for doctoral students with outstanding academic achievement
Eligibility: Nominated by a Canadian university. Research-based doctoral programmes only.
Visit official website →Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship Programme
For citizens of Commonwealth countries — funding for postgraduate study in Canada
Eligibility: Commonwealth country citizens. Check Canadian Bureau for International Education.
Visit official website →University scholarships
Most Canadian universities offer entrance scholarships and merit awards for international students
Eligibility: Varies by institution and academic record. Check individual university websites.
Visit official website →Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to study in Canada?
Undergraduate tuition typically ranges CA$15,000–CA$40,000 CAD per year. Per year. Engineering, business, and computer science typically range CA$25,000–CA$40,000. Arts degrees can be under CA$20,000 at some institutions.
What is the visa process for studying in Canada?
You will need a Study Permit. Processing typically takes 4–16 weeks depending on country of application. Key requirements include: Letter of acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI); Proof of financial support (tuition + CA$20,635 living funds for 2024); Statement of Purpose / Letter of Explanation. Canadian immigration rules have been updated significantly in 2024, including stricter controls on study permit approvals and post-graduation work permit eligibility. Always check IRCC website for current rules.
Can I work while studying in Canada?
Up to 20 hours per week off-campus during academic sessions; full-time during scheduled breaks. On-campus work is generally unrestricted.
What are the post-study work options in Canada?
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP): 8 months to 3 years depending on the length of your programme. PGWP holders can work for any employer anywhere in Canada.
What IELTS score do I need to study in Canada?
6.0–6.5 overall for most programmes. French-language programmes in Quebec and Ontario have French language requirements (typically DELF B2 or TEF). Some bilingual universities (e.g., University of Ottawa) accept applications for French-taught programmes.
Also considering the UK?
The UK has 3-year degrees, a 2-year post-study work visa (Graduate Route), and 90+ universities. Co Lab Education returns 50%+ of agent commission back to you as an education grant.