Canada is one of the most preferred higher studies destinations for Indian students due to its low cost, high standard of education, and low unemployment rate. Further, most Canadian universities offer scholarships to eligible international students, which reduces the financial burden to a large extent. Canada offers a large number of higher study options to Indian students. And students who pursue their higher studies in Canada have the opportunity to study and work there; they can work up to 20 hours per week.
Table of Contents
- Why Higher Studies In Canada?
- TOP Universities to Persue Higher Studies in Canada
- TOP Courses to Persue Higher Studies in Canada
- Cost of Studying Higher Studies in Canada
- Cost of Living in Canada
- Higher Studies in Canada: Eligibility Criteria
- Exams Required to Persue Higher Studies in Canada?
- Higher Studies in Canada with Scholarship
- How to Apply for Higher Studies in Canada?
- FAQ
Why Higher Studies In Canada?
Canada has emerged as a popular destination for higher studies in the recent past.
Reasons, why Canada is a preferred choice for Indian students, are:
- Budget-friendly education: Canada's tuition fee is reasonable compared to countries like the UK and US. Several Canadian universities offer scholarships to international students that help them cut down on their expenses to some extent. Even living in Canada is cheaper than in many other developed countries.
- Globally recognised degrees: Canada is home to many top universities worldwide. These universities provide unparalleled quality education, and their degrees are globally recognised. Hence, it'll be easy for students to get placement in Canada and other countries.
- Low unemployment rate: The unemployment rate in Canada is one of the lowest in the world. As per the data of March 2022, it stands at 5.3%. Thus, it's easy for the students to find a job after their degree.
- Immense research opportunities: Canada is an ideal place for those who intend to do research after their master's programme. The Canadian government supports research in technology, medicine, agriculture, environmental science etc.
- Cultural diversity: Canadian universities and colleges have a massive population of international students. The cosmopolitan environment helps students to adapt to the new environment quickly.
- Highly safe country: Canada is one of the safest and most comfortable countries worldwide. Crime rates are low, and the police are easy to approach and trustworthy. Above all, international students in Canada enjoy the same rights as domestic students. The country is officially a gender-equal one.
- Opportunity to earn during the semester: Canadian rules give international students the right to work part-time during their semester. An international student can work a maximum of 20 hours per week. Working more than that is a violation of study permit conditions. You may lose your student status for doing it.
- Stay and work after completing the programme: PWPP (Postgraduate Work Permit Program) of Canada allows students to stay and work in the country for up to three years after completing their course. Thus, students can gain practical exposure and later apply for permanent residency.
Quick Read: Study in Canada
TOP Universities to Persue Higher Studies in Canada
Name of the University |
National Ranking |
World Ranking |
University of Toronto |
1 |
24 |
McGill University |
2 |
27 |
University of British Columbia |
3 |
48 |
University of Alberta |
4 |
81 |
University of Montreal |
5 |
120 |
McMaster University |
6 |
164 |
Western University |
7 |
183 |
University of Calgary |
8 |
190 |
University of Waterloo |
9 |
200 |
University of Ottawa |
10 |
202 |
Must Read: TOP 10 Colleges in Canada
TOP Courses to Persue Higher Studies in Canada
Course Name |
Duration |
MBA |
2 years |
Engineering |
3-4 years |
LLB |
3-4 years |
Nursing |
2-4 years |
Medicine |
3-4 years |
Finance |
3-4 years |
Accounting |
4 years |
Must Read: Best Courses to Study in Canada
Cost of Studying Higher Studies in Canada
Tuition fees for international students in Canada vary from one university to another. It depends upon the programme type and the location of the university. However, a full-time undergraduate international student may require CAD 14,000 and 30,000 to pay the annual tuition fee. In Canada, the tuition fees associated with specific programmes, such as MBA, Medicine, Pharmacy, etc., are higher. Many Canadian universities offer scholarships to international students with a sound academic track record.
Field of Study |
2021-22 Average Fee for International Students (In CAD) |
Education |
17,583 |
Visual and performing arts, and communications technologies |
16,148 |
Humanities |
14,744 |
Social and behavioural sciences |
16,582 |
Law |
18,852 |
Business management and public administration |
27,296 |
Executive MBA |
63,667 |
Regular MBA |
41,244 |
Engineering |
22,480 |
Architecture |
26,061 |
Agriculture, natural resources and conservation |
15,499 |
Dentistry |
26,192 |
Nursing |
16,774 |
Pharmacy |
14,139 |
Optometry |
14,868 |
Cost of Living in Canada
The living expenses of students pursuing higher studies in Canada depend upon their area, the type of accommodation, lifestyle, etc. Indian students can take either on-campus accommodation or private housing. On-campus accommodation is much cheaper than a private one.
Expenses |
Monthly Cost (In CAD) |
Accommodation |
500-800 (For on-campus accommodation) 250-650 (For student residences) 1,000 (For studio apartments) |
Transportation Expenses |
90 (with transportation pass) |
Utilities Expenses |
150 |
Internet |
50-75 |
Food |
300 |
Higher Studies in Canada: Eligibility Criteria
For Undergraduate Programmes
To apply for undergraduate courses, the candidate should meet the following criteria:
- A 10+2 pass certificate with at least 65% marks. To get admission to many Canadian universities, you need to have maths as a subject in class 12. Hence, read the prospectus carefully before applying for any course at Canadian universities.
- English proficiency test score. You need to submit proof of a valid IELTS/TOEFL score at the time of application. Most universities in Canada accept an IELTS score of 6.5, with no individual score less than 6.
For Postgraduate Programmes:
The eligibility criteria for postgraduate courses vary from programme to programme. It also differs from one university to another.
However, the most common requirements are:
- A four-year education after 10+2. If you have done a three-year undergraduate programme in India, then a two-year master's is necessary to apply for postgraduate programmes in most Canadian universities. But certain universities allow candidates with a three-year undergraduate programme to apply for a master's degree.
- A GPA not less than 3.0 at the undergraduate level.
- A valid TOEFL/ IELTS score to show English language proficiency.
- A GRE score is also required for master's level admission in many colleges/universities in Canada.
- A GMAT score if you're applying for management courses. Business schools in Canada usually prefer an average minimum GMAT score of 550.
Exams Required to Persue Higher Studies in Canada
Name of the examination |
Minimum score required |
79 and above for undergraduate courses 80 and above for master’s programmes |
|
An overall score of 6.5 with no band score under 6 |
|
Average minimum GMAT score required by business schools in Canada is 550 |
|
A score between 300 and 315 is required to get admission in good Canadian universities |
Higher Studies in Canada with Scholarship
A few scholarships that Indian students can apply for are:
Scholarship Name |
Eligibility |
Amount (In CAD) |
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships |
Only those who are pursuing their first doctoral degree can apply for this scholarship |
50,000/ year |
Ontario Trillium Scholarships |
Only new international students enrolled on full-time doctoral programmes are eligible for this scholarship. Students must also have a valid Canadian study permit. |
40,000/ student |
Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) |
International students who are studying or plan to study at the University of Toronto under a temporary resident visa (student study permit) are eligible for a set number of OGS awards |
5,000/ session |
Go Clean Scholarship |
Students who are currently pursuing an undergraduate or master’s degree with a minimum of 2.5 GPA. |
4,493 |
Waterloo Merit Scholarship |
Students studying at the University of Waterloo with an early-May admission average of between 85 - 89.9% |
1,000 |
University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowship |
Students should have a minimum admission GPA of 3.0. |
14,000 for master’s programmes, 18,000 for doctoral programmes. |
How to Apply for Higher Studies in Canada?
- Decide the course in which you want to take admission.
- Check which universities have it and their eligibility criteria for each. Also, check their admission process and the starting month of the course.
- Apply to the universities of your choice by uploading all the necessary documents.
- Fill out all the required forms and pay the fees.
- Attend the interview with the directors of the university. At the undergraduate level, universities usually check candidates' communication and other soft skills. While at the postgraduate level, the interviewer may ask subject-specific questions.
- If you clear the interview, you'll receive a conditional offer letter from the university.
- At this point, you can book your seat by paying the deposit. Usually, this deposit will be non-refundable.
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FAQ
How can I go to Canada for higher studies from India?
The primary step is to decide the course of study, university and destination. Ensure to meet the eligibility criteria and apply for visa.
Is Canada cheap to study for Indian students?
Canada is pretty affordable in terms of studying and living costs. Tuition fees for Canadian universities can range from CAD 8000- 52000.
Can I study in Canada without IELTS?
Yes, you can get a Canada study visa without IELTS. There are universities that dont require IELTS.