How to Apply Canada Student Visa
Overview
International students choose to study in Canada because of the country’s globally recognized academic programs and high standards. International students are drawn to Canadian institutions by their cutting-edge yet reasonably priced, high-quality education system, easy visa application process, and excellent placement prospects. Apart from this, Canada’s colleges and universities consistently rank among the top universities worldwide. Overall, Canada is home to three of the top 50 universities in the world.
Since 2013, the number of Indian students studying in Canada has increased by an astounding 260%. Forty per cent of Canada’s overseas student population is Indian. The number of study permits obtained by Indian students in Canada increased from 31,925 in 2016 to 261,310 in 2022 and around 1 million in 2023. A sizable portion of the international student body attending Canadian universities comprises individuals from Asian nations, including China, Korea, and India. A peaceful environment, equality in diversity, and high living standards at a low cost of living are some of the things that draw in international students to Canada.
If you are also planning to start your study abroad journey to Canada, then read this article till the end to get the best information.
Key Highlights to Study in Canada
Head | Details |
Number of Universities in Canada | 150+ |
Cost of Studying in Canada (per year) | 15,000 CAD to 40,000 CAD |
Cost of Living in the Canada (per year) | 10,000 CAD to 25,000 CAD |
Part-time Work | 20 hours per week |
Post-study Work Visa (PSW Canada or Graduate Route Visa) | Up to three years (if you took a course that was at least two years long) |
Top 5 Universities (QS) | University of Toronto McGill University University of British Columbia University of Alberta University of Waterloo |
Why Study in Canada?
Following their 12th grade, Indian students opt to study in Canada at any of the English-speaking universities or colleges. Since most postgraduate courses in Canada are offered in English, international students are more likely to enroll in them. Below are the top benefits of studying in Canada for Indian students, which might convince you as well!
- The 2019–2024 International Education Strategy of Canada: Diversifying the education system and fostering international linkages are the goals of Canada’s education plan. The nation has invested 49.46 billion Canadian dollars in the postsecondary education of foreign students.
- Simple Visa Requirements: Canada extends a warm welcome to overseas students. Students find it easier to live overseas thanks to the welcoming immigration regulations and diverse cities.
- A Safe Place to be in: The top universities in Canada have an excellent system to protect students’ safety, particularly international students. Many Canadian universities offer their own services, such as straight-line mobile apps where students may contact security with questions, shuttles and security attendants to drop off students at home or at the station, etc.
- 4 Affordable Tuition Fee and Cost of Living: The low tuition cost in Canada, compared to other nations, is an advantage for international students. Since not every student can afford an expensive course fee, it is the primary justification for studying in Canada. Every province in Canada has a different cost of living. A student’s expenses could range from CAD 800 (INR 48,290) to CAD 2000 (INR 120,740) per month, depending on costs for lodging, entertainment, food, transportation, and other expenses.
- Abundance of Employment Opportunities: The Canadian labor market provides a wealth of well-paying employment prospects for citizens and foreign workers. Foreign students receive salaries that are comparable to those of native workers in a variety of industries. Moreover, after graduating, students are permitted to remain and work in Canada for a maximum of three years under the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PWPP). Also, working there for a while and then seeking permanent residency in Canada is possible.
- Falling International Acceptance Rates in the USA: There has been a drop in the acceptance of US F1 visas abroad. This makes Canada an attractive option for those looking to study abroad.
- Possibility of Working in Canada While Studying: The fact that international students are permitted to work 20 hours per week during their semester is one of the main benefits of studying in Canada. Students only need their study permit to help them find a part-time job in Canada. Therefore, they won’t need any additional work permits if they want to work on campus or as interns in any kind of business.
Popular Courses in Canada
In Canada, a wide range of subjects are available for study, including business studies and management, media and journalism, engineering, computer science and IT, humanities, health and medicine, and life sciences. The following are some of the most popular courses that are offered by leading Canadian universities:
Top Program | University | Average Tuition Fee |
BBA in Canada | Toronto | SFU | Dalhousie University | 20,000 CAD to 60,000 CAD |
BTech in Canada | UToronto | University of Calgary | UBC | 42,000 CAD to 71,000 CAD |
MBA in Canada | U of T | McGill University | UWO | 80,000 CAD to 112,400 CAD |
MS in Data Science in Canada | UBC | Toronto Metropolitan University | U of T | 40,000 CAD |
MS in Business Analytics in Canada | UBC | York University | University of Alberta | 20,000 CAD to 50,000 CAD |
Masters in Computer Science in Canada | UToronto | UWaterloo | UBC | 6,198 CAD to 36,627 CAD |
Masters in Civil Engineering in Canada | U of T | UBC | UWaterloo | 10,000 CAD to 30,000 CAD |
PG Diploma Courses in Canada | Algonquin College | Centennial College | Fleming College | 8,000 CAD to 20,000 CAD |
Masters in Engineering Management in Canada | Masters in Engineering Management in Canada | 80,000 CAD to 100,000 CAD |
Masters in Cyber Security in Canada | University of Ottawa | Concordia University | University of New Brunswick | 16,880 CAD to 37,966 CAD |
Masters in Health Informatics in Canada | University of Toronto | McMaster University | Western University | 13,000 CAD to 46,000 CAD |
Masters in Architecture in Canada | University of Toronto | UBC | McGill University | 10,000 CAD to 31,400 CAD |
Masters in Artificial Intelligence in Canada | U of T | University of Alberta | University of Waterloo | 28,041 CAD to 68,500 CAD |
Masters in Psychology in Canada | U of T | UBC | McGill University | 8,000 CAD to 27,000 CAD |
How to Study in Canada: Application Process
Do you want to study in Canada but need help figuring out where to start? These are five simple measures you may take to make your application to Canadian universities. The detailed application process is elaborated below:
Step 1 : The first and foremost step is to find a university or college where your preferred course is available. Consider where you want to live while you study before selecting a school. Which would you rather have—big, bustling cities or cozy, rural towns? Or maybe a middle ground? Once you’ve decided which programs or institutions interest you, get in touch with each one to learn more about their offerings and admissions policies.
Step 2 : Checking the eligibility requirements comes next after you’ve chosen the course and made a shortlist of universities. Verify your eligibility for the specific course and any required documentation while completing the application. Supporting materials include LOR , SOP , bank statements, essays, current resumes, and official transcripts of prior academic degrees. Begin gathering the necessary documents to move forward with the application process.
Step 3 : In order to be eligible for the course, you might need to take some required examinations during the application process. It is necessary to administer tests such as the GMAT , GRE , IELTS , PTE , or TOEFL if the university requires them. One of the essential documents for the application procedure is a copy of the test results for these proficiency scores.
Step 4 : Create a budget and determine how you will pay for your education. These expenses will change depending on where you decide to study in Canada. Apart from this, you can also research for scholarships, fellowships, or any allowances if available.
Step 5 : Once you have gathered all necessary paperwork, completed English language competency exams, and verified your financial situation, you are prepared to complete the application. Verify the deadlines for applications at each university. Ensure you complete the forms for your professional and personal credentials. Submit your saved application form to the university before the deadline.
Step 6 : Universities need a few weeks to process your application after you submit it. You will receive an email if you are accepted or rejected. You must select one offer if you get an offer from more than one university or college and determine whether or not to enroll in that university. You’ll either receive an unconditional offer, indicating the student’s acceptance into the specific course, or a conditional offer, indicating that admission will only be confirmed subject to the student meeting specific requirements; typically, test results would be the response. In order to accept the offer, you must adhere to the guidelines in the letter.
Step 7 : You would have to deposit a particular amount of your tuition fee before a university’s deadline after being accepted. Additionally, since accommodations fill up quickly, you must apply for them as soon as possible.
Step 8 : Once you’ve accepted the offer and paid the required amount, apply for a student visa to enter Canada. Compile the necessary paperwork and submit your study permit application. This would be the last stage of the admissions process.
Before applying for a visa, we need to take a Medical test; please include that Medical test. Another requirement to apply for a visa is GIC. We need to add these two things before filling out the visa.
Step 9 : You’ve completed most of the work now, so get packing! Here is a checklist to assist you in getting ready for your trip:
- Verify travel details regarding Canada admission.
- Purchase a plane ticket to your intended destination in Canada.
- Verify the number of luggage you are permitted to bring and the customs regulations.
- Determine the type of health and travel insurance you require.
- Make copies of your key documents to leave at home, scan them to transmit to your email address, and bring the originals when needed. This comprises the acceptance letter from your school, any other paperwork requested by your institution, and your vaccination and medical records.
If you are seeking guidance concerning admission and selection of Canadian universities, you can reach out to study in Canada consultants.
Admission Requirements to Study in Canada
It is quite important to know what documents one must have in order to apply for top universities in Canada. Therefore, below have provided the list of important documents required to study in Canada.
Application Fee | Around 50 CAD to 250 CAD |
Basic Requirements | Academic transcripts from your previous education institution, including 10th, 12th, and bachelor’s (if applying for master’s), SOP (Statement of Purpose)
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Additional Requirements | Valid Visa, 2-3 LOR (Letter of Recommendations), Updated CV or Resume, A scanned copy of a valid passport (must be valid till the date of your course completion)
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English Language Requirements | IELTS: 6.0-6.5 for UG, 6.5 to 7.0 for PG TOEFL: 80 PTE: 60-70 Scores of Standardized Admission Tests like GMAT and GRE (if required for your course by your chosen university) |
Tests Required to Study in Canada
Basically, in order to study in Canada, international students might required to appear for two types of tests, which are
IELTS
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is one of the most accepted English language proficiency exams taken for academic purposes in Canada. The majority of universities take into account the IELTS Academic or Online versions. Indian students require an IELTS score of 6.0 to 6.5 bands to study bachelor’s or diploma courses in Canada. Whereas, in order to study Master’s or graduate diploma courses in Canada, international students require an IELTS score of somewhere between 6.5 to 7, depending upon the course and the university.
TOEFL
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is another widely accepted English proficiency test that many Canadian universities and colleges accept. Like IELTS, TOEFL also consists of four sections, i.e., reading, listening, writing, and speaking. The minimum TOEFL score required to study undergraduate courses in Canada is somewhere between 80 to 100. Whereas, to study postgraduate courses, students may require a score between 90 to 100.
PTE
PTE (Pearson Test for English Academics) is another English language test that most colleges take into consideration. You have a better chance of getting into the nation’s reputable colleges if you pass this exam. PTE is an exam that must be passed in order for Indian students to apply to SELT. Nonetheless, some universities do not require PTE results. The PTE requirements for Canada vary based on the university and program you select. However, PTE scores between 50 and 60 are typically required for undergraduate courses. For diploma programs, applicants must have a PTE score between 50 and 55, which is needed in Canada.
GRE
The GRE (Graduate Record Examinations) assesses a student’s ability to think analytically, mathematically, and grammatically. This exam is either optional or not required at the majority of Canadian universities. However, top-notch universities may require a score range of between 320 to 340.
GMAT
GMAT (Graduate management assessment test) test evaluates a student in three areas: math, verbal skills, and analytical writing. If you are taking any management or business-related courses, you must take this exam. The average GMAT score required to study in Canada is somewhere between 550 to 620.
When to Study in Canada?
Mainly, there are three intakes in Canada available for international students, which are mentioned below:
Fall Intake : It is also known as September intake. The application for this intake generally opens between August to October of the previous year. Compared to the other two intakes, this intake has the greatest number of institutes offering the most significant number of seats across all programs.
Winter Intake : It is also known as spring intake or January intake in Canada. It is an alternative option for international students who have missed the fall intake or wish to start their studies at a different time. Typically, the session begins in January or February and lasts till April-May. The number of courses offering winter intake is relatively low compared to the September intake.
Summer Intake : The summer intake in Canada provides international students with a unique opportunity to pursue their academic aspirations during the summer months. It is also known as May intake in Canada. The sessions for this intake start around May or June and last till August. There aren’t many candidates because a very small number of institutions offer this intake. However, since you have a higher possibility of getting an offer letter, it might be advantageous.
Study in Canada Cost
The first things that come to mind while making plans to study abroad are the cost of tuition and creating a budget. The expense of your Canada Study is not a major concern. Because of its inexpensive study alternatives, it stands out as the nation that is most welcoming to students, among others. For an international student, living and studying in Canada might cost anywhere from 35,000 CAD to 55,000 CAD annually. However, your cost may increase due to the cost of lodging, meals, supplies, books, and transportation.
Cost of Studying in Canada: Tuition Fees
Tuition fees for undergraduate degrees in Canada cost between 1,800 and 20,000 CAD (1.11 and 12.43 lakhs INR) each year. On the other hand, pursuing graduate courses would cost you somewhere between 15,000 CAD and 40,000 CAD per year.
Courses | Total Fees in CAD | Equivalent Fees in INR |
MBA in Canada | 80,000 to 112,400 | 49.73 to 69.85 lakhs |
Masters in Canada | 9,000 to 70,000 | 5.59 to 43.51 lakhs |
Masters in Data Science in Canada | 40,000 | 24.86 lakhs |
Masters in Business Analytics in Canada | 20,000 to 50,000 | 12.43 to 31.08 lakhs |
Masters in Computer Science in Canada | 6,198 to 36,627 | 3.85 to 22.76 lakhs |
BTech in Canada | 42,000 to 71,000 | 26.10 to 44.13 lakhs |
PG Diploma in Canada | 8,000 to 20,000 | 4.97 to 12.43 lakhs |
Masters in International Business in Canada | 35,000 to 70,000 | 21.75 to 43.51 lakhs |
Masters in Mechanical Engineering in Canada | 11,000 to 50,000 | 6.83 to 31. 07 lakhs |
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Bachelors in Computer Science in Canada | 33,000 to 61,000 | 20.51 to 37.91 lakhs |
Cost of Living in Canada
For Indian and other international students studying in Canada, the cost of living varies by city across all provinces. Some of the most well-known big cities in Canada are surrounded by lush nature and natural beauty. Below is a detailed discussion of the typical cost of living in Canada for international students in different cities.
City | Average Cost of Living Per Year |
Toronto | 20,000 CAD – 25,000 CAD |
Montreal | 13,000 CAD – 18,000 CAD |
Vancouver | 15,000 CAD – 20,000 CAD |
Ottawa | 13,000 CAD – 18,000 CAD |
Quebec | 15,000 CAD – 20,000 CAD |
Calgary | 23,000 CAD – 28,000 CAD |
Student Visa in Canada
It is imperative that you apply for a study visa if your goal is to study in Canada for longer than six months. The ideal time to apply for a study visa is four months or more before the commencement of your classes.
Documents such as a letter of acceptance from your designated learning institution, a current passport, identification documentation, a financial statement, medical records, and SOP are required to apply for the visa. Moreover, if you are applying for a university, which is Quebec, then you must require a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ).
Applying for a study permit can be done offline at the closest Visa Application Centre or online at https://www.cic.gc.ca/. Make sure that all of the papers you uploaded are included in your application. We advise you to take the time to create your SOP because a vague SOP could result in the study permission being denied.
Scholarships to Study in Canada
In order to lessen the financial load, prospective students can apply for Canadian scholarships for international students, which are organized by the Canadian government and other institutions.
Scholarships for International Students in Canada
Below we have mentioned some of the best scholarships for Indian students in Canada at different levels.
Scholarship | Eligibility | Award Value | Application |
Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships | Canadian and Foreign citizens | 54,219 CAD per year (taxable) | Registration at Canadian Common CV and Research Net Account |
Canada-CARICOM Leadership Scholarships Program | Students from Caribbean Countries pursuing undergraduate and graduate programs | 4 months: 5,576 CAD | 5-6 months: 7,513 CAD | 8 months: 11,386 CAD | Canadian institutes register at ‘International Scholarships Canada Application Tool for eligible students |
Canada-ASEAN Scholarships and Educational Exchanges for Development (SEED) | Students from ASEAN countries | 5-6 months: 8,675 CAD | 8 months: 11,153 CAD | Scholarships Canada Application Tool’ for Eligible Students |
Queen’s University International Scholarship India | Indian applicants with 80% or more | 15,314 CAD | No application required |
Queen’s University International Scholarships | For international students with higher academic grades | 6,969 CAD | No application required |
UBC International Major Entrance Scholarship | UG applicant for UBC with high academic grades | Variable | No application required |
Job Opportunities in Canada
All levels of students, graduates, and professionals can find work in Canada. International students can choose from a variety of work-study programs in Canada. You have the option to work as an intern or as a co-op student, both on and off campus. After graduating, you also have the choice to remain and find employment in Canada. To work in Canada, you will require a work permit (PGWP). It costs around 255 CAD to apply for a post-graduation work permit after studying in Canada.
In Canada, the average yearly wage is $120,000 CAD (around 74.56 lakhs INR). These are the high-demanding fields in Canada that offer graduates job chances together with their corresponding mid-career salaries:
Profession | Average Salary |
Pilot | 2,05,000 CAD per year |
Manager | 1,78,000 CAD per year |
Business Analyst | 1,54,000 CAD per year |
Architect | 1,47,000 CAD per year |
Engineer | 1,09,000 CAD per year |
Lecturer | 93,000 CAD per year |
Accountant | 81,000 CAD per year |
Graphic Designer/ UI/UX Designer | 76,000 CAD per year |
Chef | 72,500 CAD per year |
IT Project Manager | 1,06,000 CAD per year |
Data Scientists | 1,01,000 CAD per year |
Developers | 1,02,000 CAD per year |
Security Professionals | 81,000 CAD per year |