Important update: SDS now included in the regular study permit process.
Effective November 8, 2024, Canada has withdrawal the Student Direct Stream (SDS) and Nigeria Student Express programs for fair access to study permits. With IELTS, you’re on the right track! Stay focused—we're here to guide you every step of the way.
Home to almost half a million international students, Canada is known for providing the best education at affordable tuition costs. Along with globally recognised degrees, Canada boasts an exceptional quality of life and abundant opportunities for post-study work and immigration, making it among the popular study destinations for Indian students.
Benefits of Studying in Canada for Indian Students
There are several benefits of studying in Canada, some of which are mentioned below:
Best universities: Canadian institutions consistently rank among the world's best, with 9 universities in the top 200 in the QS World Universities Rankings 2024 and 7 in the Times Higher Education (THE) World Universities Rankings 2023.
Affordable education: Canada offers more affordable tuition than the US and UK, making it a more financially preferred choice for Indian students. Additionally, many Canadian scholarships are available to ease educational expenses.
Cultural diversity: Boasting a multicultural environment with over 250 ethnic origins, 200 languages, and 70 indigenous languages, Canada provides a welcoming atmosphere, promoting friendliness and peaceful living for international students.
Lively campus life: Canadian universities host various fests, events, and activities throughout the year, fostering a lively environment that facilitates networking.
Immigration opportunities: The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) in Canada allows graduates to gain valuable work experience for up to three years, providing an attractive option for those considering long-term stays after completing their education.
English Language Requirements to Study in Canada
To study in Canada, you must provide proof of proficiency in the English language. You must take an English language proficiency test such as IELTS. IELTS was the first test to be recognised by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and Immigration Quebec as proof of English language proficiency for its immigration and citizenship programs. It is the preferred way for the Student Direct Stream (SDS), a study permit processing program for those who wish to study in Canada at a post-secondary designated learning institution.
For an SDS visa application:
You only need an overall band score of 6.0 on the IELTS Academic test if you're applying for SDS.
If you are applying for the IELTS General Training, you must achieve a score of 6.0 in each skill.
Popular Courses To Study In Canada
Below are some of the top courses that you can choose for studying in Canada:
Computer science
Business
Engineering
Health Sciences
Physiotherapy
Information technology
Animation and gaming
Hospitality
Top 10 Universities to Study in Canada
Canada provides some of the best universities with courses such as engineering, IT, healthcare, agriculture, sports, management, accounting, economics, mining, petroleum, renewable energies or any other stream, and you will be able to find a relevant program in Canada. Below are the top 10 universities you can choose from to study in Canada:
S.No. | Institution | QS Ranking 2024 (Globally) |
|---|---|---|
1 | University of Toronto | 21 |
2 | McGill University | 30 |
3 | University of British Columbia | 34 |
4 | University of Alberta | 111 |
5 | University of Waterloo | 112 |
6 | McMaster University | 152 |
7 | Western University | 114 |
8 | University of Montreal | 141 |
9 | University of Calgary | 182 |
10 | McMaster University | 189 |
Scholarships to Study in Canada
Canadian universities and colleges offer scholarships to outstanding international students, helping them finance their education. Additionally, the Canadian government and various public and private institutions provide numerous scholarships, grants, and bursaries. Before applying for any of these opportunities, thoroughly reviewing the eligibility criteria and closing dates is crucial.
Below is a list of various scholarship programs customised for Indian students aspiring to study in Canada:
S. No. | Name of the scholarship | Description |
|---|---|---|
1 | Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute | Offers various fellowships at different levels, from graduate to post-doctorate and from research to training fellowships |
2 | Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan | This scheme identifies students with high intellect from Commonwealth countries who are applying to programs of advanced study and research at the Master’s and PhD level |
3 | Ontario Graduate Scholarship Program | This scholarship is for graduate students in a wide variety of disciplines. |
4 | National Research Council of Canada (NRCC) | Research associateship is offered to master’s degree holders in engineering and Ph.D. holders in natural science or engineering disciplines |
5 | Quebec Provincial Government Scholarship | This scholarship is for students studying in Quebec. |
6 | Ontario Trillium Scholarship | First announced in November 2010 for doctoral students from around the world to study in Ontario |
7 | Partnership Grants by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada | This scholarship is for Ph.D. candidates. |
8 | Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships | This is offered by the Canadian government to international students to pursue postgraduate programs within natural science, social sciences, or healthcare research. |
9 | Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships | This scholarship is awarded by the Canadian government to deserving students who aspire to pursue a doctoral degree at a Canadian institution. |
Cost to Study in Canada
The amount you spend on tuition fees is determined by the type of qualification and institution you choose. To cover this, you will generally require approximately CAD 13,000 to CAD 35,000 annually.
Generally, humanities, education, and arts courses tend to be more affordable, whereas fields like medicine and engineering may incur higher expenses. For postgraduate studies, tuition fees are generally higher, with costs varying based on the specific program. Like many other countries, MBA programs are often the most costly, with an average range of CAD 30,000 to CAD 42,000.
S.no. | Study program | Average annual fee |
|---|---|---|
1 | Undergraduate Program | $13,000 to $20,000 |
2 | Postgraduate master's degree | $17,000 to $25,000 |
3 | Doctoral Degree | $7,000 to $15,000 |
4 | Master of Business Administration (MBA) | $30,000 to $40,000 |
It is important to familiarise yourself with the Canadian lifestyle and the cost of living in your chosen location. Quebec stands out as one of the most budget-friendly Canadian cities, offering a lower cost of living than others.
Additionally, when applying for your student permit, you must demonstrate to the Canadian government that you have sufficient funds to cover your finances.
When planning your budget, consider the following expenses:
Communication costs: Allocate funds for phone and data bills to stay in touch with friends and family back home. Look for affordable calling plans and explore student discounts. On average, monthly costs can amount to around CAD 20.
Textbooks and supplies: Purchasing textbooks can be expensive, with engineering books, for instance, ranging from CAD 250 to CAD 350. Courses like law, medicine, and pharmacy may have even higher costs. Mitigate these expenses by using books, digital versions or utilising library memberships.
Personal expenses and incidentals: Expenditures on laundry, toiletries, clothing, dining out, and similar items will vary based on your chosen lifestyle. Factor these into your budget accordingly.
Post-Study Job Opportunities in Canada
Under the Canadian student visa, students can work up to 20 hours per week in a paid job while pursuing their studies. Part-time employment in Canada usually pays hourly, with an average rate ranging from $13 to $16 per hour.
Notably, recent changes have granted international students in Canada with off-campus work authorisation on their studies, permitting the flexibility to work beyond the 20-hour per week limit. Also, students can engage in full-time employment during school breaks.
Securing a post-graduation work permit during studies in Canada depends on the course and its duration. The post-graduation work permit (PGWP) in Canada is typically issued for the same duration as the study program, with a maximum validity of 3 years.
The PGWP provides an opportunity for students to remain in Canada and acquire valuable work experience after completing their graduation. From the broader perspective, gaining skilled Canadian work experience through PGWP positions graduates to qualify for Permanent Residency (PR) in Canada through the Express Entry system.
Conclusion
Canada is one of the countries preferred by international students. There are many benefits of studying in Canada for Indian students, including affordable and high-quality education with various post-study job opportunities.
Furthermore, IELTS for Canada also plays an important role in the student visa application process. While a high IELTS band score can improve the chances of your visa approval, it is essential to recognise other factors that contribute to the overall assessment.
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