Comprehensive Overview of Canada
Canada hosts more than 800,000 foreign study-permit holders each year and has some of the world’s top 100 universities, with research-intensive and career-focused programs across the board. Canada is an officially bilingual English- and French-speaking nation, offering academics as well as daily life in both languages. Several intakes in Fall (September), Winter (January), and Summer (May) offer flexibility in application timetables. Students must secure a Canada Study Permit by being admitted at a designated learning institution (DLI), demonstrating sufficient finances, and meeting health and character requirements. Living costs average CAD $600–$1,200 per month (excluding rent), and students can work up to 24 hours/week during term and full-time during breaks. Sources of funding range from Global Affairs Canada scholarships and grants, to university scholarships and awards, to private sector sponsors.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Language | English, French |
| Degree Options | Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees, Diploma, Graduate Certificate |
| Popular Programs | Popular fields of study in Canada include Business, Computer Science, Nursing, Engineering, and Humanities. |
| Main Intakes | Jan/May/Sep |
| English Proficiency Required | IELTS, TOEFL, PTE |
| Application Deadlines | As per university requirement |
| Average Tuition Fee (per year) | Tuition fees in Canada range from CAD 15,000 to CAD 35,000 per year for undergraduate programs and CAD 10,000 to CAD 50,000 per year for postgraduate programs. These fees are subject to change annually based on university policies. |
| Scholarships | Scholarship opportunities in Canada include Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (CGS), Canada Graduate Scholarships (CGS), Canada-ASEAN Scholarships, and university-specific scholarships. |
| Living Costs | CAD 15,000 to CAD 20,000 per year |
| Work While Study | International students with a valid study permit enrolled full-time at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada can work up to 24 hours per week off-campus during academic sessions, and full-time during semester breaks. |
| Work Post Study | International students are eligible to apply for Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) if they have completed a full-time program of at least 8 months at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) and have applied for a work permit within 180 days of receiving final marks. Duration of the PGWP program can be to a maximum of 3 years. |
| Student Visa | A Canadian study permit can be applied to after receiving LOA from a DLI and preparing financial documents. Study permits can be applied online. |
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Student Visa Requirements
- Eligibility: Have an acceptance letter from an DLI, exhibit CAD $10,000 + tuition/annum in family and personal finances, meet health, character, and biometrics requirements.
- Application: Online through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC); processing times vary by visa office—apply as soon as possible after receiving your letter of acceptance and check current times on IRCC’s website.
- Validity: Typically valid for the length of the program + 90 days to prepare to leave Canada or apply for a Post‐Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
Cost of Living & Budgeting
- Monthly spending: CAD $600-800 for living expenses and food (excluding rent).
- Annual Budget: Aside from tuition, budget CAD $10,000 to $15,000 annually for living expenses, based on the city (i.e., Toronto and Vancouver at the higher end).
- Saving Tips: Transport, dining, and cultural events are made accessible with student
discounts.
Accommodation Options
- On-campus housing: Residential colleges and dormitories facilitate campus life and accessibility.
- Off-campus housing: Private apartments or shared apartments afford independence; shop in advance to secure reasonable housing.
- Homestay: Stay with a Canadian host family to directly experience language skills and local way of life.
Work & Internship opportunities
During studies, students can work a maximum 24 hours/week off-campus without a work permit, and full-time during the scheduled breaks. Upon graduation, students can apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) of a maximum of three years, to facilitate Canadian work experience and potential permanent residence opportunities.
Get the Answers You Need for Studying in Canada
Is Canada calling out your name? Learn more about this amazing country and get started. Here are some of the most asked questions on studying in Canada:
International students must get an offer from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada because only DLIs are authorized by the Canadian government to host international students. Students cannot apply for a study permit unless the college/university offer letter is from DLI-Approved Institution.
Yes, study permits will be approved if it's a private college under a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) list however visa approval depends on several important factors, not just the type of institution.
Admissions at most universities require the IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE score to demonstrate English proficiency.
Yes, Global Affairs Canada and EduCanada provide scholarships (e.g., Canada-ASEAN, Global Skills Partnerships) of their own, while many universities provide merit-based scholarships.
Yes, Students can work off-campus for 24 hours per week during academic sessions while full-time during breaks without going through a separate work permit.
Yes, you can get a Canadian study permit (student visa) by applying for a diploma or graduate program, but visa approval depends on several important factors, not just the type of program.
The time required for processing may differ by visa processing offices, so applicants must apply as soon as possible after acceptance, checking updates on IRCC's processing-time tool.
