Study in Canada: Universities, Courses, Visa & Scholarships

Canada is well known for its high academic excellence and world-renowned universities.  According to the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) data, 1,028,650 international students from 182 countries are studying in Canada. Every year, nearly 485,000 Indians and international students choose to study in Canada.

There are 8000 prestigious universities and 16,000 university programs, great scholarship opportunities, and affordable fee structure. Offering high-quality education and good return on study expenditure, it also showcases an 85% – 94% success rate in visa approval, the highest among popular study-abroad destinations.

A Canada student visa is typically valid for the duration of the program and can also be extended for up to 3 years of post-graduation work.

In India, we,  Y-Axis, a leading immigration company, help aspiring students avail of top-notch study abroad services, visa guidance, and course/university selection process guidance for studying in Canada.

*Need assistance to Study Abroad? Y-Axis is here to assist you in all ways.

Why study in Canada?

There are a lot of reasons why students choose Canada as their preferred study destination. Here are some of the reasons why students choose to study in Canada: 

• Top Student Destination: Canada welcomes over 485,000 international students to study in Canada every year.
• Globally top-ranking universities: As per the global QS rankings, there are 31 top-ranking universities in Canada.
• Scholarships: Canada offers student Scholarships up to CAD 21,000 to international students annually. High Visa Success Rate: Canada has a success rate of 85%—94 %, which makes it one of the top five study-abroad destinations.
• Post Study work visa: Post-graduate Work Permit program In Canada allows international students to work for 1-3 years after study.

Canadian Education System For You:

Canada's education system is different from that of other study destinations as it spends per capita on public post-secondary education, according to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). Canada is a highly developed country and offers one of the highest quality of education across the globe.

Choosing a suitable and appropriate program significantly impacts getting a study permit in Canada. Here are the types of education programs offered in Canada. Canada makes huge investments in its education system.  The post-secondary education in Canada is divided as follows: 

Program	Duration	Age	Minimum Requirements
Certificate programme	8 months – 1 year	17	High school diploma, IELTS 6.0 or equivalent
Diploma Programmes	2 – 3 years	17	High school diploma, IELTS 6.0 or equivalent
Bachelor’s degree	3 -4 years		School leaving certificate, IELTS 6.5 or equivalent
Post Baccalaureate Diploma	2 years	-	Bachelor’s degree, Work experience, IELTS 6.5 or equivalent
Graduate Certificate / Diploma programs	1-2 years	21	Bachelor’s degree, 2-3 years of completed college education and IELTS 6.5 or equivalent
Master’s degree	1-3 years	21	Bachelor’s degree, Work experience, IELTS 6.5 or equivalent
Doctorate Degree (PhD)	3 -6 years	21	Master’s degree

Top Universities in Canada 

Canada is one of the most preferred education destinations in the world. The excellence in education, English language curriculum, and top-ranked universities in the world are some of the reasons that attract international students to study in Canada. Colleges of Canada offer a wide range of full-time degree programs that are recognized all over the world, which makes it the perfect choice to study abroad. Here is a list of the top 10 universities in Canada, along with other details:

QS Ranking	Name of the University	Annual average fee (CAD)
25	University of Toronto	$45,800–$67,370
29	McGill University	$29,052.90
38	University of British Columbia	$32,267
96	University of Alberta	$9,500 - $12,500
115	University of Waterloo	$68,625
120	Western University	$63,845
159	University of Montreal	$14,420 - $22,348,
176	McMaster University	$43,000
189	University of Ottawa	$21,800
193	Queen’s University	$12,927

 

For Admission Assistance to Canadian universities, consult Y-Axis! 

Intake in Canada:

Fall intake, also called the September intake, is the most popular and competitive because of its course and scholarship offerings and wide acceptance. Applications for fall intake usually open in September/October and close by December/January.

To get through the fall intake, students should start preparing almost a year in advance as that will allow you enough time to finalize the school list properly, take your tests, gather your documents, and prepare for the process.

• Winter Intake in Canada: The January intake is also called the winter intake in Canada. It is generally an extension of the fall deadline. The winter intake usually has deadlines between September and November, and the term begins in January. While many colleges and universities offer the winter intake, the choice of programs is quite limited, and it is not as popular as the fall intake.
• Summer Intake in Canada: The summer intake in Canada is between May and August, with application deadlines in January / February. This is the least common of the three intakes for international students who want to study in Canada. Usually, short-term courses and diploma courses in language, business, or engineering fields are offered in this intake.
• Fall Intake in Canada: Fall intake, also called the September intake, is the most popular and competitive because of its course and scholarship offerings and wide acceptance. Applications for fall intake usually open in September/October and close by December/January. To get through the fall intake, students should start preparing almost a year in advance as that will allow you enough time to finalize the school list properly, take your tests, gather your documents, and prepare for the process.

Intakes for Top Canadian Universities:

In the following table, you will learn about the intakes at top Canadian universities for Indian and International students who aspire to apply for admission and study in Canada. 

University Name	Available Intakes
University of Toronto	Fall (September), Winter (January), Summer (May)
McGill University	Fall (September), Winter (January)
University of British Columbia	Fall (September), Winter (January), Summer (May)
University of Alberta	Fall (September), Winter (January), Summer (May)
University of Waterloo	Fall (September), Winter (January), Spring (May)
Western University	Fall (September), Winter (January), Summer (May)
University of Montreal	Fall (September), Winter (January)
McMaster University	Fall (September), Winter (January)
University of Ottawa	Fall (September), Winter (January), Summer (May)
Queen’s University	Fall (September), Winter (January)

Comparison of Canada Study Intakes:

Aspect	Fall Intake	Winter Intake	Summer Intake
Primary or Secondary	Primary	Secondary	Limited
Program Availability	Most programs available	Limited	Selected programs only
Scholarships	More	Limited	Very few
Application Deadline	December - March	September - November	October - February

Admission Requirements and Documents for Studying in Canada:

Indian and international students willing to stay in Canada must meet the following document requirements and Admission-specific requirements given in the table below to overcome the last-minute hassle. 
 

Admission Requirements to Study in Canada	Documents Required to Study in Canada
Academic Transcripts	Marksheet of previous qualifications (Academic Transcripts).
Standardized Test Scores (SAT, GRE, GMAT, LSAT)	English Language Proficiency Test Scores (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, CAEL, Duolingo)
English Language Proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, CAEL, Duolingo)	Statement of Purpose (SOP)
Statement of Purpose (SOP)	Letters of Recommendation
Essay	Resume or CV
Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL)	GRE or GMAT Scores (If Applicable)
Letter of Recommendation	Valid Passport
Valid Passport	Letter of Acceptance from University
Proof of Finances (Guaranteed Investment Certificate, GIC)	Proof of Funds (GIC or Financial Documents)
Medical Report of Student	Medical Report of Student
Police Clearance Certificate	Police Clearance Certificate
	Recent Photographs of Student

Top Courses to study in Canada

Choosing a course that is high in demand in Canada is very important to elevate your career path. It is widely known that Canada is the ultimate study destination for many reasons. The array of top courses in Canada for Indian students is also internationally recognized.

Below is a list of courses that are in high demand in Canada:

Top Course	Universities Offering These Courses	Top Employers After Course  Completion	Average Salary (year)
Business Management	University of Toronto, McGill University, York University	Royal Bank of Canada (RBC), Deloitte, Accenture, BMO Financial Group , Ernst & Young (EY)	$60,000-$70,000
Information Technology & Computer science	University of Toronto, University of British Columbia, McGill University,University of Waterloo, University of Alberta	Amazon,Google,Microsoft, IBM, Apple	$55,000-$90,000
Media and Journalism	Carleton University, Ryerson University, University of British Columbia, Concordia University and University of King’s College	Bell Media, Global News, CTV News, Torstar, CBC/Radio-Canada	$50,000-$60,000
Human Resources	University of Toronto, York University, University of British Columbia, McGill University, University of Waterloo and Queen’s university	Bank of Montreal (BMO), Canadian National Railway, Canadian Tire Corporation, Deloitte, Hydro One	$50,000-$110,000
Engineering	University of Toronto, University of British Columbia, McGill University, University of Waterloo and Queen’s university	Bombardier Inc, WSP Global Inc, Canadian National Railway, Suncor Energy, AECOM	$50,000-$150,000
Health & Medicine	University of Toronto, University of British Columbia, McGill University McMaster University, University of Alberta	Health Authorities, Hospitals and Private Clinics	$50,000-$300,000
Project Management	York University, Concordia University, University of Toronto, McGill University,University of British Columbia,	Deloitte, Hatch, IBM, WSP and SNC Lavalin	$27.50-$75 per hr
Accounting & Finance	Ryerson University,  McGill University, University of Toronto, University of Alberta and York University	KPMG, TD Bank, RBC, Scotiabank, PwC	$50,000-$60,000
Psychology	University of Toronto, University of British Columbia, McGill University York University,University of Calgary, University of Alberta	Clinical / Counseling / school / Research Psychologist	$40,000-$100,000
Agriculture & Forestry	University of Guelph,McGill University, University of British Columbia, University of Alberta, University of Saskatchewan, University of Manitoba and University of Toronto	Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Forest Products Association of Canada, Food Processors Association of Canada,  NGOs like Nature Conservancy Canada and Canadian Wildlife Federation	$45,000-$90,000

 

Scholarships to Study in Canada

Almost every student can receive financial support, such as scholarships to study in Canada. Many universities are offering great scholarships opportunities which can cover the tuition fees and some of the living expenses.

These scholarships are provided so Indian as well as International students can fund their education and expenses. The amount offered by the scholarships varies between institutions and the government.

Here is a list of both government-funded and university-specific scholarships for international students who study in Canada.

Government Funded scholarships:

Name of the Scholarship	Eligibility	Amount offered (CAD)
Vanier Canada graduate scholarships	PhD students	$50,000 a year
Banting Postdoctoral fellowships	Post-doctoral students	$70,000 a year
Canada graduate scholarships (Master’s)	Master’s students	$17,500 a year
Ontario Trillium Scholarships	PhD students	$40,000 a year
Canada-CARICOM Leadership scholarships program	Students from CARICOM countries	Varies based on program

University Offered Scholarships:

Name of the University	Name of the Scholarship	Eligibility	Amount offered (CAD)
University of Toronto	Lester B. Pearson Scholarship	Undergraduate students	Full tuition + living exp.
McGill University	Master’s & PhD entrance scholarships	Graduate students	Varies based on program
University of British Columbia	UBC International leader of tomorrow award	Undergraduate students	Full tuition fee
University of Calgary	Calgary International entrance scholarship	Undergraduate students	$15,000
Dalhousie University	Richard Murray design award	Design students	$5,000

Education Loans for Studying in Canada:

Not everyone can get a scholarship or afford to have a lot of money saved in their bank accounts. Many Indian students borrow an education loan from financial institutions or banks to pursue education in Canada. The significant factors in determining the overall cost of studying in Canada are the university type, course type, program duration, and total price of living. Your education can cover expenses like tuition fee, travel expenses, Health insurance and accommodation fee etc.

Top Indian Banks for Education Loans to Study in Canada

Nationalised Banks	State bank of India, Bank of Baroda, Bank of India, Union Bank of India, Bank of Maharashtra
Private Banks	Axis Bank, ICICI Bank, IDFC First Bank
Co-operative Banks	Saraswat Bank
NBFC’s	HDFC Credila, Avanse, Incred, Auxilo, Credenc
International lenders	MPower Finance, Prodigy Finance

Eligibility and Requirements for a Study Loan

• Admission letter from a recognized university/institution in Canada
• Loan application form
• Recently clicked Passport-size photographs
• Academic documents (certificates and mark sheets)
• English language proficiency scores
• Resident and income proof of the student and the guarantor
• Previous year Statements of borrowers' bank accounts (last year)
• The loan applicant must be above the age of 18 years 
• The course of admission must be professional

Canada Student Visa: Eligibility, Fees, Steps to Apply

To persuea any degree at Canadian universities, Indian as well as internatil studetnst aneed a A Canada study visa  which is generally valid for the duration of the student's study program. In 2024, a Canada student visa was approved for 14,649 students, and to make sure you meet all needs, you should thoroughly follow the best guidelines process or hire a top Canada visa consultant such as Y-axis. 

You can also have an option to extend post-graduation work permits.

Before applying for a Canada international student visa, The students should ensure they have selected the most demanding courses offered by the desired university in Canada and have prepared all required documents as listed below.

Types of Canada student visa

As a student who wants to study in Canada, it provides international students with numerous options in terms of visas. Depending on the student’s situation and eligibility criteria, some of the Canada student visa types are as  follows:

1. Study Permit Canada: A study permit is a Canadian student visa for international students. It enables them to stay in the country for their course at a recognized Canadian university. 
2. Student Direct Stream (SDS) Program: A Student Direct Stream Program (SDS) is a faster student visa that can be obtained in as little as 20 calendar days. It applies to international students who meet the eligibility requirements. An SDS student visa can be obtained about 20 days faster than a regular study permit.
3. Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ): To study in Quebec, an international student would need to get a different type of study permit in Canada, i.e., a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) issued by the government of Quebec.

Canada Study Visa Requirements:

• Letter of Acceptance: You must have been offered a letter of acceptance from a desired university in Canada, confirming you have been accepted by a designated learning institute (DLI).
• Sufficient Funds: You need to prove that you have enough finances to cover your overall expenses in the form of GIC.
• No Criminal Record: Must have a proof of no criminal record which is mandatory. Students also need a police verification certificate to prove a clear criminal record.
• Health Insurance: You need to go through a medical check-up and provide the authorities with a medical certificate that certifies that you are in good health.
• Intent to leave Canada: During the  Canada Student Visa interview, you need to justify and provide explanations for your clear intent to leave Canada once you complete your studies.

Documents Required:

• Valid Passport
• Proof of Acceptance by Designated Learning Institution
• Proof of Funds
• Passport Size Photograph
• Immigration Medical Examination
• English Language Proficiency Exam Score
• Statement of Purpose

Canada Study Visa Fees:

It is important to understand the structure of the Canada study visa fees to quickly process the Canada international students visa. The visa processing fees can be paid online or offline.

• The Canada study visa fees are CAD 150. 
• Students must also submit an additional biometric fee of CAD 85.
• Canada work permit of CAD 155 (only if applicable)

Expert advice for Canada student visa processing charges can vary. We at Y-Axis study abroad consultants offer legitimate, affordable, and straightforward pricing for our consultation services.

Step-by-Step Canada Study Visa Process:

Canada student visas for international students require you to follow this step-by-step Canada Study Visa Process. However, Indian students can follow the same Canada Study Visa Process to quickly and efficiently apply for the approval of a Canada study permit. 

• Step 1: Obtain a letter of acceptance from the desired university in Canada
• Step 2: Apply for the Canada study visa online at the CIC website.
• Step 3: Prepare and gather the necessary documents for the Canada student visa.
• Step 4: Submit your Canada student visa application along with the necessary documents
• Step 5: Make the payment of the application fee and attend an Interview if required.
• Step 6: Await your approval from the Canadian authorities.

Canada Study Visa Processing Time:

It is better to start your Canada student visa application when you receive your admission letter from the university. For Indian students, the Canada Study Visa Processing Time is around 4 weeks. We suggest submitting all required documents after careful review for a smooth application process.

Post Study work Permit in Canada:

Canada also provides Indian students the opportunity to work after completing their education in Canada. International students are eligible for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) once they have graduated from a designated learning institution (DLI) and want to reside in Canada temporarily and seek employment opportunities.

The students may be eligible for a 3-year PGWP. The length of your post-graduation work permit in Canada depends upon the level of your program, the length of your study program, and the expiry date of your passport.

Here are some additional details about the post study work permit in Canada: 

Category	Detail
Eligiblity	Completed a full time program at Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada. The duration of program in DLI must be of 8 months Must apply for PSWP within 180 days of receiving the completion letter
Duration	Based on the length of the study program
Work Rights	Can do full time work anywhere in Canada as long as the permit is valid
Application timeline	Must apply 180 days after getting the final grades The processing time generally takes 2 - 3 months
Application Fee	$255
Required Documents	Proof of completion of study  copy of passport  Previous permit details Recently clicked passport photographs

Costs of Studying in Canada:

International students often come across financial challenges if they don't count well on the different expenses and costs of studying in Canada, which include tuition fees, different language test fees, travel, accommodation, and other expenses that may occur when they choose to study in Canada. 

We have simplified a table of contents covering all major costs of studying in Canada. Please read through and compare confidently with Y-Axis. 

Type of Expense for Studying in Canada	Estimated Cost (CAD)
Test Fees for IELTS, GRE, & Other Exams	$280 - $371
Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) for International Students	$20,635
Average Tuition Fees at Top Canadian Universities	$7,000 - $53,538
Canada Student Visa Fees	$150
Living Costs in Canada for International Students	$37,526
Travel Expenses to Canada	$1,810
Total Cost of Studying in Canada (Including Tuition, Fees, and Living Expenses)	$67,401 – $114,030
Health Insurance for International Students in Canada	$300 – $800
University Application Fees for Studying in Canada	$125
Accommodation Costs for Indian Students in Canada	$5,000 - $10,000 per annum
Food and Dining Costs for Students in Canada	$300 - $400 monthly
Travel Costs in Canada (Local Travel)	$80 - $110 monthly
Entertainment Expenses for Students in Canada	$750 monthly
Work Permit Fees for International Students in Canada	$155 monthly
Books and School Supplies Costs in Canada	$1,000 - $2,000

Top cities to study in Canada

Canada has some of the top universities in the world based on the different QS ranking parameters. These universities are located in some of the most famous and preferred  Canadian cities, such as Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver, Ottawa, etc. The lifestyles of these Canadian cities are quite similar to those of the US, which offers students employment opportunities.

Canada has a population of around 38.93 million, and multiculturalism is what makes the country interesting.  Here is an overview of the best student cities in Canada, the cost of living, the top universities, etc. 

Name of the city	Cost of living	Top Universities	QS student Ranking 2024
Montreal	$9,700 – $12,700	McGill university Universite de montreal Concordia University Polytechnique University HEC Montreal	14
Toronto	$31,000	University of Toronto Ryerson University Humber College York University Trent University Centennial College	15
Vancouver	$2,500 – $35,00	University of British Columbia Simon Fraser University University Canada west Vancouver Island university Columbia college Langara college	20
Ottawa	$2000 - $2,500	University of Ottawa Carleton University St. Paul University Dominican University College Augustine College	53
Quebec	$1,500 – $1,800	Laval University Bishop’s University	106

 

Top part-time Jobs for International students in Canada 

Canada provides its global students the opportunity to work while studying in Canada so that they can support their cost of living and network with new people who will help them look for employment.

Most international students in Canada can work both off and on campus for 20 hrs. per week or even full-time during breaks without the need for any work permit.

There are many part-time jobs available to international students who study in Canada.

The minimum wage for part-time work in Canada is $11 - $12 per hr. Here is a list of top part-time jobs for international students in Canada, along with their average expected hourly salaries

Job Title	Expected Salary/ wages (CAD)
Customer service representative	$14
Cook	$13 - 15
Clerk	$13
Sales Associate	$14
Teacher	$20 - 22
Web designer	$20
Dog walker	$15
Freelancer	$25
Delivery driver	$19
Merchandiser	$13
Translator	$21
Writer	$25
Bartender / Waiter	$11

Top Jobs for International Graduates in Canada 

Today, Canada is considered the most preferred destination when it comes to job opportunities, and it welcomes students from across the world. Canada also promises rewarding career and job opportunities across different sectors.

Over the years, Canada has seen strong economic growth and new immigration policies. Students who wish to take their careers forward in a Canadian environment must explore the opportunities that the Canadian job market provides.

The work culture of Canada focuses on job satisfaction and work-life balance. International graduates in Canada are paid an average annual salary of $55,744.

They also get extended medical benefits like health insurance and are exposed to the best of Canadian living standards. Here is a list of jobs that are high in demand in the Canadian job market with their approximate salaries: 

Job Title	Average Salary
Nurses	$95,500
Physician and Dentist	$274,000
Accountants	$56,000
Engineers	$109,000
Financial Analysts	$160,000
Marketing Analysts	$60,000
HR Manager	$178,000
Project Managers	$140,000
Information security Analysts	$68,411
Office managers and Admin assistants	$108,000
Tourism and Hospitality	$131,000
Primary production managers	$69,653

 

How Y-Axis Can Help You Study in Canada?

We, Y-Axis India's no. #1 Canada study visa consultant, can support aspirants who wish to study in Canada.

The support process includes:

• Free Counseling: Professional counseling for your selection of appropriate course and university.

• Campus Ready Program: Navigate to study in Canada with the best and ideal course. 

• Course Recommendation: Y-Path gives unbiased advice on choosing the right path for successful career growth. 

• Coaching: We assist you with IELTS live classes to improve your score. 

• Canada Student Visa: Our expert team helps you with all the steps to get a Canada student visa.