Looking to study in Canada? Despite recent diplomatic disagreements between India and Canada, which have raised concerns about studying and working there, Canada remains a popular study abroad destination.
In fact, nearly 6 lakh Indian students were enrolled in universities in Canada in 2024, according to the High Commission of India in Ottawa. This highlights the enduring appeal of Canada as a hub for quality education and promising career pathways, even amid evolving political dynamics.
Check out the key facts and figures about studying in Canada shared by The Student Helpline consultants.
Parameters | Overview |
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Canada Admission Intake | January (Winter), May (Summer) and September (Fall) |
Minimum Standardized Test Score |
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English Language Proficiency Requirements |
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Graduate Employability Rate | 75.2% in academic year 2023-24 |
Student Visa Application Fees | 8,975 |
Student Visa Processing Time | 9 weeks |
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) fee | 15,258 |
Part-Time Working Hours |
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QS Best Cities To Study In Canada |
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Table 1: Key Highlights About Studying in Canada for Indian Students
(Source: Canada.ca, EduCanada, Statista, Ministry of External Affairs India, Times Higher Education 2025)
Canada is home to approximately 223 universities and 213 colleges, with 30 of its universities ranking among the top institutions globally. This makes Canada one of the most sought-after study-abroad destinations for students worldwide.
Here are the list of 10 top universities in Canada for students (Updated List 2025)Rankings | Top Canadian Universities in Canada | Annual Tuition Fees for UG (INR) | Annual Tuition Fees For PG (INR) |
---|---|---|---|
#1 | University of Toronto | 26.1L-37.4L | 3.7L-27.1L |
#2 | University of British Columbia | 24.8L-26.8L | 5.6L |
#3 | McGill University | 12.2L-24.5L | 10.5L-16.9L |
#4 | McMaster University | 24.1L-27.3L | 3.7L-10.2L |
#5 | University of Alberta | 19L | 7.2L |
#6 | Université de Montréal | 16.2L | 10.5L-12.2L |
#7 | University of Waterloo | 22.1L-30.7L | 2.7L-9.2L |
#8 | University of Ottawa | 25.9L | 10.4L-18.8L |
Table 2: Top Universities in Canada based on QS World Rankings 2025
(Source: Unicvan.ca, QS Quacquarelli Symonds Limited)
On average, studying in Canada can cost up to INR 21.5L per year excluding living expenses. However, some Canadian Universities offer quality education at comparatively lower tuition fees.
According to a survey conducted by an authorized Study in Canada organization, Canadian universities have an average acceptance rate of almost 66%. Nevertheless, this might vary greatly based on the program and university. For example, acceptance rates at more competitive universities, such as McGill University and the University of Toronto, are about 40%.
With this competitive acceptance rate, it is sometimes difficult to get selected. However, some Canadian universities are less selective and have higher acceptance rates.
International students from non-native English countries must prove their English proficiency to Canadian authorities for admission. However, some universities in Canada do not particularly ask for IELTS scores but accept admissions based on previous academic records in English.
Canadian universities offer over 500+ courses. The Student Helpline consultants have compiled a list of the most popular programs to study in Canada in 2025 based on factors such as QS topic ranking, job potential, duration and flexibility, cost, and scholarships.
S.No. | Popular Courses To Study In Canada for Students | Students Vote |
---|---|---|
1. | Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) | 5,898 students |
2. | M.Sc in Computer Science | 4,567 students |
3. | M.Eng in Software Engineering | 5,354 students |
4. | MBBS | 3,799 students |
5. | B.Sc in Nursing | 8,752 students |
Table 3: Most popular courses offered in Canada, based on an online survey conducted by The Student Helpline with 28,370 students in November 2024.
Indian students' prime choice to pursue higher education is Canada, as it not only offers quality education but also provides the opportunity for students to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) upon course completion, enabling them to gain valuable work experience in the country.
S.No. | Top Courses In Canada After 12th for Indian Students | Median Annual Salary of a Fresher (INR) |
---|---|---|
1. | BBA (Finance Analyst) | 32 L/year |
2. | B.Sc Medical Radiation Sciences (Medical Radiation Technologist) | 22.2 L/year |
3. | Bachelor of Computer Applications (Computer Systems Analyst) | 25 L/year |
4. | B.Sc in IT and Software (Software Developer) | 49.7L/year |
5. | B.Sc in Nursing (Patient Care Assistant) | 40.5L/year |
Table 4: Best Courses to pursue in Canada after 12th for high-paying job opportunities
(Source: Glassdoor)
Short-term courses are generally more affordable than longer degree programs, both in terms of tuition fees and living expenses. Students can gain valuable skills without the financial burden of long-term study.
S.No. | Top Short-term courses in Canada | Name Of University/ Duration |
---|---|---|
1 | Post-Graduate Certificate in Offensive Cyber Security | York University (1 year) |
2 | Show & Event Management Diploma | Trebas Institute (1 year) |
3 | Healthcare Administration Diploma | Selkirk College (5 months) |
4 | Human Psychology | Bishop’s University (1 year) |
5 | Accounting and Strategic Measurement | MacEwan University (8 months) |
Table 5: Most popular short-term courses in Canada preferred by students
Students who wish to study in Canada for a short period can also opt for the certificate courses. The duration of these certificate courses in Canada ranges from a few weeks to a maximum of 12 months.
Accessible pathway to permanent residency can be obtained by programs like the Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) and the Express Entry system.
As per Glassdoor, sectors like healthcare, in Waterloo and Edmonton, lawyers in locations like Ottawa, financial areas like Toronto's Bay Street, and technological hotspots like Toronto and Vancouver have seen a strong demand, offering opportunities for high-paying jobs for students.
S.No. | Highest-paying Job Roles In Canada | Upper-End Salary Ranges |
---|---|---|
1. | Engineer (Civil, Mechanical, Software) | 1.3 Cr./year |
2. | Data Scientist | 49L/year |
3. | Surgeon | 1.5Cr/year |
4. | Chief Marketing Officer | 2,393/hr |
5. | Corporate Lawyer | 69.9L/year |
6. | Registered Nurse | 2,842/hr |
Table 6: High-paying job roles in Canada and their upper-end annual salary. The upper-end salary is of the top 10% of earners in the field, usually higher than the average.
Source: Glassdoor
The Global Economic Report 2023, provided insight on the average number of Canadian university graduates enrolled by top recruiters.
S.No. | Top Recruiters | No. of students recruited* |
---|---|---|
1. | Cisco Systems | 12,783 |
2. | KPMG | 11,589 |
3. | Canada Goose | 11,253 |
4. | EY | 10,672 |
5. | Deloitte | 10,491 |
Table 7: Top recruiters for Indian students in Canada and the no. of Indian students they hired in the last 5 years
(Source: Study In Canada.ca )
*Note: The numbers may vary in 2024 as the above-presented data is an average of data from 2018-23
By enrolling with The Student Helpline study abroad consultants, you can embark on your study in Canada journey with ease. From choosing the best short-term course to managing your applications, we are ready to help you throughout every stage.
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Explore the latest tips, essential guides, and inspiring stories to help you in your journey to studying in Canada, from application processes to settling in.
A postgraduate diploma, also known as a graduate diploma in Canada, is particularly popular in Anglo-Saxon countries. Academically, a PG diploma in Canada is considered over the level of a Bachelor ...
Canada has many good universities that welcome students from worldwide. The top universities in Canada offer excellent programs, diverse institutions, and good employment prospects after completing hi ...
Why should you pursue a BBA in Canada? With one of the top ten economies in the world, Canada offers business graduates a wide range of prospects. Over 85% of business graduates find employment within ...
Masters education in Canada provides an excellent opportunity to get a quality education. Students can therefore get advanced education in various fields through various programs, such as 1 year maste ...
Want to study MBA In Canada? Top MBA programs for study in Canada are available at reasonable prices from several renowned Canadian universities. Canada is a highly sought-after country for Indian stu ...
To study in Canada, Indian students need to prepare a set of essential documents, you can find the list below. Ensure all documents are up to date to streamline your visa process and study abroad journey.
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Discover the essential admission requirements for studying in Canada, covering pathways after 12th, undergraduate (UG), master's, and research programs. Get expert advice on applications, qualifications, and deadlines to streamline your dream journey in Canadian universities.
To study in Canada after 12th grade or for undergraduate courses, you will need to meet these basic requirements:
The average cost of studying in Canada for Indian students for the Undergraduate (UG) program is around INR 12.2L-37.4L per year depending on the university and course.
Here is the list of top universities in Canada for Indian students seeking to pursue studies after 12th or undergraduate programs:
Some of the best undergraduate courses to pursue in Canada after 12th for students include are:
Here are the general admission requirements to study Masters degree in Canada:
These requirements can vary depending on the university and program you apply to, so always check the specific requirements for your chosen institution, or you can connect with our experts.
The cost of pursuing a Master's degree in Canada for Indian students typically ranges from INR 2.7L-27.1L per year.
Here are some of the best masters courses in Canada for international students:
Here’s a list of the top universities in Canada for master’s degrees that are particularly suited for Indian students:
Here is a comprehensive list of admission requirements to pursue a PhD in Canada for students:
The cost of studying in Canada for a research program can be around INR 2.3L-8.9L per year.
Here is a guide to the best PhD courses or program in Canada for Indian students across various fields:
Here is a list of the top universities in Canada known for their research excellence for interntioanl students.
Are you trying to figure out how to pay for your studies in Canada? Check out the best scholarship to study in Canada offered by Canadian governments, foreign governments, non-governmental organizations and international organizations.
If you are planning to move to Canada, understanding the types of work and study visas available is crucial. This guide breaks down the different visa categories to help you make informed decisions.
Type - Temporary Work and Study Visa
Description: Allow international students in Canada to study full-time at the top universities in Canada.
Type - Open Work Permit
Description: Permits Indian Students in Canada to work for 3 years.
Type - Employer- Specific Work Visa
Description: Allows students to study in Canada tied to some specific employer or firm.
Type - Permanent Work and Residence Visa
Description: Permits international students who are experienced and skilled workers living in Canada for long-term residence.
Type - Permanent Residence and Work Visa
Description: Allows Indian students with Canadian work experience to reside permanently in the country.
Studying in Canada is a dream for many Indian students. While the quality of education is world-class, it’s crucial to plan your budget for living expenses. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the estimated monthly cost of living in Canada for Indian students:
Open up your prospects by getting your Canadian university admission done for outstanding instruction and profound experiences!
Want to study abroad Canada? Get in touch with our overseas counsellor to know more.
Studying in Canada opens doors to a wide range of career opportunities and part-time jobs, enabling Indian students to gain hands-on experience while managing their finances effectively.
While studying at the top universities in Canada, students are permitted to work part-time, typically up to 20 hours a week, and even the whole time during authorized breaks. There is a bundle of options for which Indian students in Canada can look to work with industries, including retail, hospitality, and jobs in educational institutions. However, you need to have a study permit to work part-time in Canada.
Apart from part-time jobs, Indian students in Canada get bulk opportunities to build a good career further. Indian students in Canada enrolled in the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program may find full-time jobs following graduation. Thus, they can work in a range of various industries, such as research possibilities in university towns like Waterloo and Edmonton, healthcare in locations like Ottawa, financial areas like Toronto's Bay Street, and technological hotspots like Toronto and Vancouver.
The University of Toronto, the University of British Columbia, McGill University, the University of Alberta, and McMaster University are among the top Canadian universities for a Master’s degree.
The duration of degrees in Canada is 3-4 years for UG: 1-2 years, for PG: 3-5 years, and for PhD is 3 months to 2 years for language and vocational training programs.
Indeed, Canadian degrees are globally respected and recognized. In India, students with Canadian degrees can get high-paying jobs in big organizations and MNCs.
5 years is the validity of PR for Canada. PRs must be renewed within 6 months of expiry. To renew the PR in Canada, applicants must be living in Canada for a minimum of 730 days every 5 years. To learn more about the PR process in Canada, connect with The Student Helpline study abroad consultants.
Education Credential Assessment, IELTS score, Passport, medical certificate, police verification certificate, and work experience letter are the necessary documents required for PR in Canada.
The total cost of study in Canada for Indian students is something affordable. So the cost of living in Canada for Indians is between CAD 25,000 and CAD 50,000 per year for their study abroad Canada. This amount covers Canada college fees for Indian students, and other additional costs.
No. The quality of education at Canadian universities is generally high, regardless of acceptance rates. However, there are a few key factors like accreditation, opportunities for growth, class size, and faculty attention one needs to consider when opting for a high acceptance rate university.