STUDY IN CANADA: COMPLETE GUIDE FOR INDIAN STUDENTS
Canada is regarded as one of the most popular study locations for international students, particularly those from India. One of the reasons for its appeal among study abroad applicants is its high quality education at low tuition prices. More than 700,500 international students came to study in Canada in 2021, with 215,720 from India. Despite the fact that they have a variety of possibilities, the majority of them decide to study business and scientific courses at Canadian universities.
Another reason why international students want to study in Canada is that it has a dramatically diverse culture and welcomes citizens from all around the world without prejudice. Perhaps this is why QS News Best Student Cities 2022 ranked five Canadian cities as outstanding study abroad choices, including Montreal at #9 and Toronto at #13. Another key factor contributing to its appeal among overseas students is its simple PR policies.
Top Universities in Canada to Study
Students in Canada can choose from a variety of well-known universities. According to the QS News World University Ranking of 2022, 26 universities in this country are among the top-ranking universities in the world.
Similarly, THE World University Ranking of 2022 included 35 Canadian universities among the total number of institutions featured in the ranking. Seven of the 35 colleges were in the top 100.
| University | THE Ranking 2022 | Average Annual Fees (in INR) |
|---|---|---|
| University of Toronto | 21 | UG: 34.3 Lakhs PG: 51.4 Lakhs |
| University of British Columbia | 37 | UG: 27.6 Lakhs PG: 48.9 Lakhs |
| McGill University | 44 | UG & PG: 13.4-37.4 Lakhs |
| McMaster University | 80 | UG: 27.8 Lakhs |
| University of Montreal | 88 | UG: 7.8 Lakhs PG: 5.3 Lakhs |
| University of Alberta | 125 | UG: 20.5 Lakhs PG: 15.9 Lakhs |
| University of Ottawa | 162 | UG & PG: 15.1 Lakhs |
| University of Waterloo | 201 – 250 | UG: 30.6 Lakhs PG: 13 Lakhs |
| Western University | 201 – 250 | UG: 25.1 Lakhs PG: 17.4 Lakhs |
| University of Calgary | 201 – 250 | UG: 7.1 Lakhs |
| Simon Fraser University | 201-250 | UG: 8.9 Lakhs PG: 23.7 Lakhs |
| Dalhousie University | 251-300 | UG & PG: 22.6- 32.1 Lakhs |
| Queen’s University | 251-300 | UG: 20.8 Lakhs |
| University of Manitoba | 301-350 | UG: 13.7 Lakhs PG: 28.1 Lakhs |
| University of Victoria | 301-350 | UG: 15.6 Lakhs PG: 12.9 Lakhs |
The Admissions Process for Studying in Canada
In this country, a master’s programme can be finished in 1.5 to 2 years, whereas a bachelor’s degree takes 3 to 4 years. Popular programmes include business, engineering and technology, medicine, and the arts. International students are also interested in short courses in Canada.
The admission process and prerequisites to study in Canada vary depending on the type of programme. All popular institutions, however, adhere to a common criterion.
Where Can I Apply?
- Universities and colleges in Quebec, Ontario, and Alberta can apply through SRAM, ontariocolleges.ca, and ApplyAlberta.
- Students applying to a Canadian university that is not affiliated with any of the above portals can do so directly through the institute’s own website.
When to Use
- The application is accepted by the majority of universities for the autumn and winter semesters.
- Applications for bachelor’s and master’s programmes in Canadian institutions are typically accepted from December to March for the fall semester and from September to November for the winter semester.
- Diploma programmes welcome applications all year long.
Admission Criteria for Studying in Canada
- Secondary school diploma (for bachelor’s programme)
- Bachelor’s degree (three to four years) (for master’s programme)
- Non-English transcripts must be certified translated.
- Resume
- Statement of Purpose or Letter of Intent
- Evidence of financial assistance
- Reference letters Demonstration of English competence
Admission Requirements for Popular Canadian Programmes
Specific entry requirements for some of Canada’s most popular programmes are listed below:
| Program | Admission Requirements |
|---|---|
| MS in Computer Science in Canada | 4-year bachelors in CS or related field with minimum 80%; At least 2 academic LORs; GRE: Average Score 260 |
| MBA in Canada | 4-year bachelors with minimum 70%; |
| Masters in Data Science in Canada | 4-year bachelors in engineering, CS, statistics, economics or related field with minimum 65%; GMAT: Average Score 600 or equivalent GRE; 2 – 3 LORs |
| LLM in Canada | LLB or JD (Juris Doctor) with minimum 90%; LSAT Score: Average 160; 2 – 3 LORs |
| Masters in Mechanical Engineering in Canada | 4-year bachelors degree in mechanical engineering with minimum 73%; At least 1 academic LOR |
| BBA in Canada | 70% masrks in Class 12; Required Subjects: Maths and English |
| BSc Nursing in Canada | 75% in Class 12; Required Subjects: Human Physiology, LIfe Science, Social Science, Humanities, Statistics; 2 LORs: 1 academic & 1 professional; Interview |
| Masters in Business Analytics in Canada | 4-year bachelors degree with minimum 70%; Required courses: algebra, statistics, calculus; Experience in computer programming and data analytics; GMAT: Average score 600 or equivalent GRE |
| Masters in Management in Canada | 4-year bachelors with minimum 70%; At least 2 academic LORs; GMAT: Average score 600 or GRE: Average score: 320 |
| Masters in Finance in Canada | Bachelors in business, statistics, financial theory or related field with minimum 70%; 2 years of relevent work experience; 2 LORs: professional and academic |
Visa requirements for studying in Canada
The student visa policy in Canada is not as complicated as in other nations. This country has an open and clear visa policy.
- An Indian student’s visa application takes 11 weeks to process.
- It is valid for the duration of the programme as well as further 90 days.
- The visa application processing fee is $150 CAD.
The following documents are necessary to apply for a study permit:
- Designated Learning Institute (DSI) acceptance letter
- A valid passport, as well as two recent passport-size photographs
- Proof of annual financial support of up to 11,000 CAD
- Statement of Intention
With recent reforms to the Student Partnership Programme (SPP), the Canadian government has opened doors to students from the target nations, including China, India, Vietnam, and the Philippines. The implementation of SDS reduces the amount of paperwork and processing time required.
The Cost of Education in Canada
A student who wishes to study in a foreign nation must incur three major categories of costs. These cover both the pre- and post-arrival costs. The pre-arrival cost is a one-time price that includes university application fees, registration fees for examinations necessary to study in Canada, visa application fees, and so on. However, the majority of the cost is incurred after arriving, which includes tuition and living expenses.
Tuition for Studying in Canada
Tuition fees are generally determined by the type of programme, level of study, and university to which you apply. When it comes to tuition costs, Canada is believed to be less expensive than the United States and the United Kingdom.
The following are the estimated tuition fees for various programmes in Canada, according to Educanada:
| Program | Average Annual Fees (in CAD) |
|---|---|
| Bachelors | 1,800 – 20,000 |
| Masters | 2,500 – 17,000 |
| PhD | 2,500 – 17,000 |
| Vocational | 2,000 – 18,000 |
| Language Courses | 3,500 – 4,100 |
Fees for Studying in Canada
The above-mentioned fees are calculated by taking the average of tuition fees charged by Canadian colleges. The actual cost varies greatly depending on the university and programme. The following are the program-specific fees levied by Canada’s leading universities:
| Program | Average Annual Fees (in CAD) | Average Annual Salary (in CAD) |
|---|---|---|
| MS in Computer Science | 65,000 | 146,000 |
| MBA | 60,000 | 199,000 |
| MS in Data Science | 23,000 | 67,000 |
| LLM | 20,000 | 100,000 |
| Masters in Mechanical Engineering | 40,000 | 95,000 |
| BBA | 80,000 | 84,000 |
| BSc Nursing | 45,000 | 142,000 |
| Masters in Business Analytics | 35,000 | 106,000 |
| Masters in Management | 56,000 | 100,000 |
| Masters in Finance | 47,000 | 60,000 |
Canada’s Cost of Living
For an international student, the average cost of living in Canada is projected to be roughly 12,000 CAD per year. This includes the expense of lodging, transportation, literature, and other necessities. Housing accounts for 25% of overall living costs in Canada. On-campus accommodation is clearly less expensive and more convenient than off-campus housing.
The following table shows the average cost of off-campus or private living in Canada:
| Housing Type | Monthly Cost (in CAD) |
|---|---|
| Rented Room | 400 – 800 |
| Apartment (in small cities) | 900 – 2,000 |
| Apartment (in large cities) | 900 – 3,000 |
The cost of living in Canada is roughly 135% more than in India. However, it is largely determined by the province and city in where your university is located. Some cities, such as Lethbridge and Kingston, are less expensive than others, such as Toronto and Vancouver.
The monthly cost of living in some of Canada’s most popular study cities is listed below:
| City | Monthly Cost of Living (in CAD) |
|---|---|
| Vancouver | 2350 |
| Winnipeg | 1770 |
| Lethbridge | 1680 |
| Kingston | 1385 |
| Montreal | 1970 |
| Toronto | 2245 |
Scholarships to Study in Canada are available.
To encourage overseas students to attend Canadian universities, the government has already established partnerships with numerous countries and introduced various sorts of assistance. Aside from that, universities and third-party organisations provide scholarships and bursaries to help students with their financial obligations.
Some of the scholarships available in Canada for international students include:
| Scholarship | Level of Study | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Ontario Trillium Scholarship | Doctorate | 28,961 |
| Ontario Graduate Scholarship | Masters | 10,847 |
| India First-year Excellence Scholarship | Bachelors | 3,795 |
| BrokerFish International Students Scholarship | Masters | 1,000 |
| Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship | Masters | Variable |
| Alberta Graduate Excellence Scholarship | Masters | 8,312 |
Aside from the scholarships mentioned above, Indian students can also apply for an education loan to study in Canada. SBI, Punjab National Bank, Bank of Baroda, and Axis Bank are among the leading providers. They will lend up to 85% of the course fees and impose an interest rate of 10% to 15%. The following are the essential requirements for applying for an education loan in India:
- A co-signer (who must be an Indian national)
- Documents proving the co-signer’s and applicant’s relationship
- Letter of acceptance from a foreign institute
Canada Work Permit
After finishing their studies, Indian students can apply for a work permit in order to find suitable employment and stay in Canada. They also pave the way for Permanent Residency after a certain length of work experience.
There are several sorts of work permits available in Canada, including:
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP): Only students from Designated Learning Institutes (DLI) are eligible to apply for this work permit within 180 days of receiving their final grade. It takes 85 days to process, and the validity period is determined by the length of the programme.
Other Work Permits: If you are not a DSI graduate, you can apply for an Open Work Permit or an Employer-Specific Work Permit. A worker with an open work permit can work for any employer in Canada, whereas an employer-specific work visa requires an offer letter from a specific employer or organisation.
Job Opportunities in Canada
Canada offers a thriving economy with plenty of work prospects for overseas students, with an unemployment rate of only 6.0% in 2020. In Canada, the average annual salary is 120,000 CAD. The annual income offered at entry-level is 30,200 CAD, with the potential to rise to 534,000 CAD.
| Sector | Average Annual Salary (in CAD) |
|---|---|
| Airline | 247,000 |
| Executive Management & Change | 135,000 |
| Financial Services | 122,000 |
| Legal Department | 106,000 |
| Legal & Paralegal | 105,000 |
| Finance Control & Strategy | 96,000 |
Although the above-mentioned sectors offer the highest salary, the annual increment is maximum in Information Technology (6%), Healthcare (8%), and Education (5%) field.
PR Following a Study in Canada
After graduating from a prominent Canadian university, obtaining permanent residency and immigration becomes simple. The government has various programmes in place to help international students become permanent residents. Recent graduates have the option of obtaining a Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) to gain work experience in the business.
Other avenues for international students seeking permanent residence in Canada include:
- Students must have completed two years of study and one year of work experience following graduation to be eligible for the Canadian Experience Class.
- Quebec Experience Class: Students must be fluent in French and have completed a CEGEP programme from a Quebec institution.
- Provincial Nomination Programme: Students who participate in this programme can obtain PR more quickly.
Canada has a diverse cultural heritage, and its social scene is worth studying. In terms of ethnic diversity, the country is representative of several ethnic groupings. These organisations bring with them new viewpoints, culinary delights, and fascinating leisure activities. There is a potential you will run into folks from your country or neighbourhood.
Canada is a technological powerhouse with a myriad of job prospects. The industrial sector is primarily concerned with technology and innovation. As a result, persons with a knack for creative thinking can pursue a career in this country.