Country view-icon 19 Views

Study Abroad in Canada: Indian Student Guide

  • July 4, 2025
Admitix Editorial Team
Study Abroad in Canada: Indian Student Guide - Admitix

Here’s all you need to know if you want to Study Abroad in Canada!

Canada continues to rank among the top global study destinations for Indian students — known for its welcoming immigration policies, affordable education, and world-class institutions.

With over 320,000+ Indian students currently enrolled, Canada has firmly established itself as a first-choice country for UG, PG, and diploma programs.

Why Indian Students Choose To Study Abroad in Canada in 2025

ReasonWhy It Matters
Post-Study Work Visa (PGWP)Up to 3 years for eligible programs; smooth transition to work
PR-Friendly ImmigrationExpress Entry and Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) accessible
Affordable Compared to US/UKLower tuition, generous work rights, scholarships available
Globally Ranked UniversitiesUniversity of Toronto, UBC, McGill consistently in top 100
Large Indian CommunityCultural familiarity, festivals, and support systems
Career-Focused ProgramsStrong in tech, business, health sciences, AI, and trades
Safe and MulticulturalTolerant, progressive, and among the safest countries for students

Top Universities in Canada for Indian Students

UniversityLocationKnown For
University of TorontoOntarioResearch, engineering, business, sciences
University of British ColumbiaBCEnvironment, AI, biotech, humanities
McGill UniversityQuebecLife sciences, law, liberal arts
University of AlbertaAlbertaEnergy, engineering, pharmacy
University of WaterlooOntarioComputer science, co-op programs
Western UniversityOntarioBusiness (Ivey), social sciences
Simon Fraser UniversityBCData science, public policy, economics
York UniversityOntarioManagement, psychology, arts
University of OttawaOntarioBilingual programs, public law, healthcare
McMaster UniversityOntarioMedicine, life sciences, mechanical engineering

Intake Periods in Canada

IntakeStarts InApplication Period
FallSeptemberNovember – March (previous year)
WinterJanuaryJune – September
Spring/SummerMayOctober – February

Fall Intake remains the most popular among Indian students.

Tuition Fees for Indian Students in Canada (2025)

Program TypeAnnual Tuition (CAD)Approx. INR
UG DegreeCAD 15,000 – 30,000₹9 – ₹18 lakhs
PG DegreeCAD 17,000 – 35,000₹10 – ₹21 lakhs
MBACAD 30,000 – 70,000₹18 – ₹42 lakhs
DiplomasCAD 10,000 – 20,000₹6 – ₹12 lakhs

Cost of Living in Canada (Monthly)

CityRentFoodTransportTotal (Approx.)
TorontoCAD 800–1,200CAD 250CAD 150CAD 1,300–1,700
VancouverCAD 900–1,300CAD 250CAD 120CAD 1,400–1,800
MontrealCAD 600–900CAD 220CAD 100CAD 1,000–1,400
Calgary / WinnipegCAD 500–800CAD 200CAD 100CAD 900–1,300

Popular Courses in Canada for Indian Students

FieldPrograms
Business & ManagementBBA, MBA, Supply Chain, HR, Analytics
EngineeringMechanical, Civil, Electrical, Software
Computer Science & ITData Science, Cybersecurity, AI
Health SciencesNursing, Pharmacy, Public Health
Media & ArtsJournalism, Design, Film, Communications
Hospitality & TourismEvent Management, Hotel Admin
Environmental StudiesSustainability, Natural Resource Mgmt

Scholarships for Indian Students

ScholarshipOffered ByValue
Vanier Canada Graduate ScholarshipsCanadian Govt.CAD 50,000/year for PhD
Lester B. Pearson Intl. ScholarshipUniversity of TorontoFull tuition, books, living
Ontario Graduate ScholarshipProvince of OntarioCAD 15,000/year
UBC International Leader of TomorrowUBCFull or partial tuition
Shastri Indo-Canadian ScholarshipsSICIUG/PG research-based
York International Entrance ScholarshipYork UniversityCAD 35,000/year
University-specific bursariesAll major unisVaries by merit + need

Work Options While Studying

TypeRules
Part-Time JobsUp to 20 hrs/week during term, full-time in breaks
On-CampusNo separate work permit required
Internships/Co-opsIntegrated into many programs (especially STEM and business)
Spouse Work RightsSpouses of PG students can apply for open work permit

Post-Study Work Visa (PGWP) & PR Pathway

StageDetails
PGWPUp to 3 years, depending on program length
Work ExperienceGain points under Express Entry CRS
PR OptionsCEC (Canadian Experience Class), PNP (Provincial Nominee)
Fastest PR ProvincesSaskatchewan, Alberta, Nova Scotia, Ontario

Over 60,000+ Indian students gain PR in Canada each year.

Language Requirements (2025)

Program LevelIELTS / TOEFL / PTE
UGIELTS 6.0–6.5 or TOEFL 80+
PG / MBAIELTS 6.5–7.0 or TOEFL 90+
Diploma / CertificateIELTS 6.0 overall

You Might Also Like: How To Get Into The University Of British Columbia (UBC)

Documents Checklist for Application

  • Academic transcripts and certificates
  • IELTS/TOEFL/PTE score
  • Passport copy
  • Statement of Purpose (SOP)
  • Letters of Recommendation (LORs)
  • Updated CV
  • Portfolio (if applicable)
  • Financial proof (GIC or bank statement)

How Admitix Helps You Study in Canada

At Admitix, we’ve guided hundreds of Indian students to leading Canadian universities and colleges — whether you’re aiming for a fully-funded master’s, an affordable diploma, or an MBA with PR prospects.

From shortlisting budget-friendly programs to building strong SOPs, finding scholarships, and preparing your GIC and visa — we make your Canada plan real.

Book your free consult today!

FAQs – Study Abroad in Canada: Indian Student Guide

Q. Is Canada affordable for Indian students?
Yes, especially compared to the US and UK. Public colleges and scholarships make it accessible.

Q. How long can I stay after study in Canada?
Up to 3 years on a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), depending on your course length.

Q. Can I apply to Canada with backlogs?
Yes, though competitive programs may be strict. Colleges are often more flexible than universities.

Q. What is the GIC requirement for 2025?
You must deposit CAD 20,635 (as of 2025) into a Guaranteed Investment Certificate for visa.

Q. Can I apply for PR after a 1-year PG diploma?
Yes, but a 2-year program gives you a 3-year PGWP, increasing PR eligibility.