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Destination guide

Canada

Affordable quality, welcoming policies, and a clear path to permanent residency.

Canada is the fastest-growing study destination thanks to lower tuition than US/UK, strong work rights during study, and a Post-Graduation Work Permit that counts towards PR via Express Entry.

Tuition
CAD 20,000 – 45,000 / year
Living cost
CAD 12,000 – 18,000 / year
Intakes
Fall (Sep) · Winter (Jan) · Summer (May, limited)

Top universities

Popular programmes

Study Permit

Application fee
CAD 150 + biometrics CAD 85
Processing time
4–12 weeks (SDS faster: ~3 weeks)
Work rights
Up to 24 hrs/week off-campus during term
Post-study
PGWP up to 3 years (program length)

Application timeline

  1. 1Get Letter of Acceptance from a DLI
  2. 2Open a GIC of CAD 20,635 (SDS stream)
  3. 3Get IELTS 6.0+ overall (no band < 6.0) for SDS
  4. 4Pay tuition for first year (recommended)
  5. 5Apply for Study Permit via IRCC portal
  6. 6Give biometrics at a VAC

Insider tips

  • Apply via the Student Direct Stream (SDS) — much faster.
  • Pick programmes from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) only.
  • Co-op programmes give Canadian work experience that helps with PR.
  • Quebec uses a separate CAQ before the federal Study Permit.

Tests accepted

IELTSTOEFLCELPIPPTE CoreGRE (some)GMAT (business)

Official resources

Cost of studying in Canada

Tuition, monthly living costs, visa fees and a rupee funding-gap calculator.

Study Permit document checklist

Every document you need, as a tickable list you can save.

Studying in Canada — FAQs

How much does it cost to study in Canada?＋

Tuition typically runs CAD 20,000 – 45,000 / year, and living costs come to roughly C$1,655 per month in a mid-range city — about ₹28.3 lakh for a typical first year including living costs. Use the Canada cost calculator to model your own numbers.

What visa do I need to study in Canada?＋

You need the Study Permit. The application fee is CAD 150 + biometrics CAD 85 and processing usually takes 4–12 weeks (SDS faster: ~3 weeks). Apply as soon as you have your PAL/TAL and letter of acceptance — allow 8-16 weeks.

Can I work while studying in Canada?＋

Up to 24 hrs/week off-campus during term After graduating: PGWP up to 3 years (program length)

Which tests do universities in Canada accept?＋

Commonly accepted tests are IELTS, TOEFL, CELPIP, PTE Core, GRE (some), GMAT (business). Requirements vary by university and programme, so always confirm on the programme page.

When are the intakes for Canada?＋

Fall (Sep) · Winter (Jan) · Summer (May, limited) Applications generally open 9-12 months before the intake starts.

How much money do I need to show for a Canada student visa?＋

First-year tuition plus a GIC of about C$20,635 for a single applicant.

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