Study in Canada
Up to 3 years
Post-graduation work permit
24 hours a week
Off-campus work in term
September and January
Main intakes
₹15 – 34 lakh / year
Indicative tuition
Studying in Canada: the overview
Canada has long been a first choice for Indian families, thanks to its public universities, practical college programmes, multicultural cities and a clear route from study to work. The Indian community is large and well established, particularly in Ontario, British Columbia and Alberta.
Since 2024 the federal government has changed the system in important ways. It sets an annual cap on new study permits, most applicants need a Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter (PAL or TAL), the proof-of-funds amount has more than doubled, and eligibility for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) now depends partly on your field of study and language scores. Spousal open work permits are limited mainly to partners of master's and doctoral students.
These changes have hit some college programmes and private colleges hardest. Well-chosen university degrees, and college programmes in fields the government lists as in demand, remain a sound option. The key is to choose a programme for its career logic, not simply because it is quick or cheap.
Rules here have moved several times in two years and may move again. We treat Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) as the only final source and recommend you do the same.
- Student visa
- Study permit (plus a visitor visa or eTA to enter)
- Application fee
- CAD 150, plus CAD 85 for biometrics
- Living funds to show
- CAD 22,895 for one person, plus first-year tuition and travel
- Attestation letter
- PAL/TAL required for most students; master's and PhD students at public institutions are exempt
- Work during study
- 24 hours a week off campus in term, full time in breaks
- Post-study work
- Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), up to 3 years
- Intakes
- September (main), January, some May
- English tests accepted
- IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, CAEL, Duolingo at some institutions
- Quebec
- Also requires a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ)
Why Indian students choose Canada
Public institutions you can trust
Most Canadian universities and colleges are publicly funded and quality assured by their province, and degrees are recognised worldwide.
Work while you study
Eligible full-time students can work up to 24 hours a week off campus during term and full time during scheduled breaks, without a separate permit.
A post-study work permit of up to three years
The PGWP can be issued for up to three years, depending on programme length. Master's graduates can receive three years even after a shorter programme.
Colleges with hands-on training
Canadian colleges offer diplomas and graduate certificates with co-op terms, labs and close links to local employers.
Pathways to permanent residence
Canadian work experience counts in Express Entry and many Provincial Nominee Programs. Permanent residence is never guaranteed, but the pathway exists.
Safe, diverse and welcoming
Canadian cities are multicultural, with a large South Asian population, and consistently rank well for safety and quality of life.
Popular courses in Canada
Computer science and software engineering
Toronto, Waterloo, Montreal and Vancouver have deep tech ecosystems, and co-op placements give paid Canadian experience.
Engineering
Accredited programmes lead toward a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) licence, with strong demand in energy, mining and infrastructure.
Healthcare and nursing
Healthcare is among the fields prioritised for PGWP eligibility, and provinces have serious staffing needs.
Business and MBA
One-year and two-year MBA and management master's programmes are well regarded, particularly in finance and consulting.
Data science and analytics
A growing field with roles in banks, retail and government across major cities.
Skilled trades and construction management
Several trade-related fields are listed as PGWP-eligible for college graduates because of housing and infrastructure shortages.
Early childhood education
Provinces are expanding childcare, and the field is on the in-demand list.
Top student cities
Toronto
Canada's largest city and business capital, with the biggest job market and a very large Indian community. Rent is the highest in the country after Vancouver.
Vancouver
A mild coastal climate, a strong tech and film industry and a large Punjabi community. Housing is expensive, so budget carefully.
Montreal
A bilingual student city with lower rents and a lively culture. You will need a CAQ, and some French helps with jobs.
Ottawa
The national capital, with government, tech and research employers. Calmer and a little cheaper than Toronto.
Calgary and Edmonton
Alberta's cities have lower living costs, no provincial sales tax and jobs in energy, engineering and healthcare.
Halifax
A friendly Atlantic city with several universities and access to Atlantic immigration programmes.
Intakes and deadlines
Fall
September
Apply by: Apply between October and March of the previous academic year
The main intake with the most programmes and scholarships. Many popular programmes fill early, and PAL quotas can run out.
Winter
January
Apply by: Apply by August – September
A solid second intake at many universities and most colleges. Allow extra time for the permit in the autumn peak.
Summer
May
Apply by: Apply by December – February
Limited mainly to colleges and some graduate programmes.
Cost of studying in Canada
Converted at about ₹68 to 1 CAD. Your bank's rate on the day you pay will differ.
| Item | In CAD | In rupees |
|---|---|---|
| College diploma or graduate certificate | CAD 16,000 – 25,000 / year | ₹11 – 17 lakh / year |
| Bachelor's degree | CAD 30,000 – 50,000 / year | ₹20 – 34 lakh / year |
| Master's degree | CAD 22,000 – 45,000 / year | ₹15 – 31 lakh / year |
| MBA | CAD 40,000 – 80,000 / programme | ₹27 – 54 lakh / programme |
| Doctoral degree | CAD 8,000 – 25,000 / year (often funded) | ₹5.5 – 17 lakh / year |
| Item | In CAD | In rupees |
|---|---|---|
| Rent (shared room) | CAD 800 – 1,500 / month | ₹54,000 – 1 lakh / month |
| Groceries and eating out | CAD 350 – 600 / month | ₹24,000 – 41,000 / month |
| Public transport | CAD 100 – 160 / month (student passes are often cheaper) | ₹7,000 – 11,000 / month |
| Phone and internet | CAD 60 – 120 / month | ₹4,000 – 8,000 / month |
| Health insurance | CAD 600 – 1,000 / year where provincial cover does not apply | ₹41,000 – 68,000 / year |
| Winter clothing (one-time) | CAD 400 – 800 | ₹27,000 – 54,000 |
Fees, costs and visa rules change often. Figures here are indicative and were last reviewed in September 2026. Always confirm with the university and the official government website before you pay or apply.
Admission requirements
Academic entry
- Undergraduate: Class 12 with roughly 65 – 85%, with specific subjects for science, engineering and business programmes.
- College diplomas: Class 12 pass, usually with 55 – 60% or more.
- Postgraduate certificates: a bachelor's degree in any related field.
- Master's: usually a four-year bachelor's degree, or a three-year degree plus a postgraduate diploma, with 60 – 75%. Some universities accept three-year degrees.
English language
Universities usually ask for IELTS Academic 6.5 overall with 6.0 in each band; colleges often accept 6.0 overall. PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT and CAEL are widely accepted.
For the PGWP itself you will later need a language test result of CLB 7 (university degrees) or CLB 5 (college programmes), taken within the last two years.
Documents you will need
- Class 10 and 12 marksheets and degree transcripts
- English test score report
- Statement of purpose or letter of intent
- CV and work experience letters
- Letters of recommendation for graduate programmes
- Portfolio for design, architecture and media courses
- Passport
Study permit
A study permit is the document that lets you study in Canada; it is issued at the port of entry once IRCC approves your application in principle. You also receive a visitor visa or eTA to travel. The Student Direct Stream (SDS) closed in November 2024, so all Indian students now apply through the regular process.
- 1Get an acceptance letter from a DLIYour institution must be a Designated Learning Institution. Check the DLI list, and whether the programme is PGWP-eligible, before paying a deposit.
- 2Obtain your PAL or TALMost undergraduate, college and some graduate students need a Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter, usually requested through the institution. Master's and PhD students at public institutions are exempt.
- 3Prepare proof of fundsShow first-year tuition plus the living-cost amount set by IRCC. A GIC, education loan, savings and sponsor documents are common.
- 4Apply onlineSubmit through the IRCC portal with your letter of explanation, financial documents and other evidence, and pay the fees.
- 5Biometrics and medicalGive fingerprints and a photo at a VFS centre and complete an upfront medical with an IRCC panel physician if required.
- 6Receive your letter of introductionIf approved you receive a port-of-entry letter and a visa in your passport. The study permit itself is issued when you land.
Documents you will usually need
- Letter of acceptance from a DLI
- Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter (unless exempt)
- Valid passport
- Proof of funds: GIC certificate, education loan letter, bank statements, sponsor income proof
- Tuition payment receipt, if you have paid a deposit
- Letter of explanation (statement of purpose)
- Academic transcripts and English test scores
- Medical examination confirmation, if required
- CAQ, if you will study in Quebec
Proof of funds
For applications from 1 September 2025, a single applicant must show at least CAD 22,895 for living costs (about ₹15.6 lakh) plus first-year tuition and travel. The amount is higher with family members and different in Quebec. Many Indian students use a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) for part of this, though it is not mandatory.
Processing time
Typically 4 – 12 weeks from India, longer in peak season (June to August). Check IRCC's published processing times before you apply.
Work while you study, and after
During your course
Up to 24 hours a week off campus during academic sessions, unlimited on campus, and full time during scheduled breaks, if you are a full-time student at an eligible institution.
After you graduate
The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) can be valid for up to 3 years. Programmes of 8 months to under 2 years usually earn a permit matching the programme length; programmes of 2 years or more, and all master's degrees, can earn 3 years. College graduates must be in an eligible field of study; university degree graduates are not bound by the field list.
- PGWP applicants need a language test result of at least CLB 7 (university degrees) or CLB 5 (college programmes).
- Graduates of public-private college partnership programmes are not eligible for a PGWP.
- Spousal open work permits are now largely limited to spouses of master's (16 months or longer), doctoral and certain professional programme students.
- Co-op work terms that are part of your programme need a separate co-op work permit.
- IRCC updates the list of eligible fields for college programmes; check it at the time you apply, not only when you enrol.
Careers and graduate salaries
| Sector | Typical roles | Indicative salary |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | Software developer, data engineer, QA analyst | CAD 65,000 – 95,000 / year |
| Healthcare | Registered nurse, medical lab technologist, personal support worker | CAD 60,000 – 90,000 / year |
| Engineering | Engineer-in-training (civil, mechanical, electrical) | CAD 60,000 – 80,000 / year |
| Finance and accounting | Financial analyst, staff accountant | CAD 55,000 – 75,000 / year |
| Skilled trades | Electrician, construction estimator, HVAC technician | CAD 50,000 – 80,000 / year |
| Supply chain and logistics | Logistics coordinator, procurement analyst | CAD 50,000 – 70,000 / year |
Universities in Canada
University of Toronto
Toronto · Public · Founded 1827
Member of the U15 group of Canadian research universities
The University of British Columbia
Vancouver · Public · Founded 1908
Member of the U15 group of Canadian research universities
University of Waterloo
Waterloo, Ontario · Public · Founded 1957
Known for one of the world's largest co-operative education programmes
Concordia University
Montreal · Public · Founded 1974
Large English-language public university in Montreal
University of Windsor
Windsor, Ontario · Public · Founded 1963
Comprehensive public university on the Canada–US border
Humber Polytechnic
Toronto · Public · Founded 1967
Public polytechnic institution (formerly Humber College)
Courses to explore
Scholarships for Canada
Most scholarships for international students in Canada come from universities, as entrance awards for strong academic records or as funding packages for research master's and PhD students. Government-funded awards such as the Vanier and Banting schemes are highly competitive and aimed at doctoral and postdoctoral researchers. College scholarships tend to be smaller.
Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship
Tuition, books, incidental fees and full residence support for four years
UniversityUBC International Scholars (Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award)
Need-based, up to the full cost of tuition, fees and living costs, renewable for up to four years
GovernmentCanada Graduate Research Scholarships – Doctoral (CGRS D)
CAD 40,000 a year for up to three years
Studying in Canada: FAQs
Is Canada still a good choice after the study permit cap?
For many students, yes. The cap mainly affects undergraduate and college applicants, who need a PAL or TAL. Master's and PhD students at public institutions are exempt. Choose a programme for its career logic and PGWP eligibility, and apply early.
What is a PAL or TAL?
A Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter confirms that your place counts within the province's share of the national cap. Your institution usually requests it for you after you accept an offer. Without it, most applications are returned.
How much money do I need to show?
At least CAD 22,895 for living costs for one person, plus your first-year tuition and travel, for applications from September 2025. IRCC updates the figure, so check before you apply.
Is a GIC compulsory?
No. It is a convenient way to show living funds, but you can also use education loans, savings and sponsor documents.
Will every programme lead to a PGWP?
No. The institution and programme must be eligible, college programmes must be in a listed field, and you need the minimum language score. Check this before you accept an offer.
How many hours can I work?
Up to 24 hours a week off campus during term and full time during scheduled breaks, if you are a full-time student at an eligible institution.
Can my spouse get a work permit?
Usually only if you are in a master's programme of 16 months or longer, a doctorate or certain professional programmes. Spouses of most undergraduate and college students no longer qualify.
Can I switch colleges after arriving?
You can, but you must report the change and, for many transfers, obtain a new study permit. Switching can also affect PGWP eligibility. Speak to us or your institution's advisers first.
Does studying in Canada lead to permanent residence?
It can support an application through Express Entry or a Provincial Nominee Program, but PR is never guaranteed and the rules change often. Be wary of anyone who promises PR.
Ready to apply to Canada?
Tell us what you want to study and where. We will reply with a written shortlist, costs in rupees and the next three things to do.