14 Jul
study in canada for international students welcomed more than 1 million international students in 2023. The country stands among the world’s top study destinations for international students. Student enrollment has grown by 250% in the last decade. We’ve watched Canada become a magnet for ambitious learners from around the globe. Canadian education offers great value – ten universities rank in the top 150 worldwide. Their tuition fees are substantially lower than the United States – CAD 36,100 per year compared to USD 64,386.
The landscape will change in 2025 with new policies that include a cap of 437,000 study permits. Understanding updated requirements and costs is vital now. This piece gives you a complete overview of studying in Canada as an international student in 2025. You’ll learn about admission requirements, visa processes, actual living costs and work opportunities.
Why Canada is a Top Choice for International Students
Canada stands out as a top choice for study in canada for international students. Each year, thousands choose Canadian institutions to pursue their education. The country ranks #4 among the best countries for education and leads as the most educated country in the world according to the OECD. Over 57% of Canadian adults have earned at least an undergraduate degree.
International students in canada High-quality education and global recognition canada student visa
Canadian education has earned worldwide respect. Seven universities rank among the top 200 in the World University Rankings. The country is also the 6th top nation with highly cited researchers—196 world-class academics have made Canada their home. This excellence shows at every level of education.
A Canadian education sets you up for success that employers recognize worldwide. The education system ranked in the top 10 of the Global Employability Rankings. Canada invests about 5.3% of its GDP in education, showing its dedication to excellence.
You’ll find an amazing range of options as an study in canada for international students. There are more than 8,000 college and 16,000 university programs to choose from. These programs emphasize practical learning—46% of graduates take part in co-op placements, internships, practicums, or clinical placements. This approach helps you build skills through real-life application while learning theory.
Canadian schools excel in research. The country leads international research with modern facilities that support breakthroughs across all fields. Students work in cutting-edge labs and collaborate with globally recognized scholars.
Multicultural environment and student-friendly cities
Canadian universities celebrate diversity. Campus life brings students together from different backgrounds. This creates spaces where varied points of view enhance learning. Canadian universities work hard to create inclusive policies that give all students fair opportunities.
This multicultural spirit goes beyond campus. Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver, and Ottawa rank among the top 100 best student cities globally in QS Best Student Cities 2024. Each city has something special:
- Montreal ranks 13th globally and draws students with its energy and excellent universities
- Toronto sits at 15th place with a large Indo-Canadian community that welcomes Indian students
- Vancouver blends natural beauty with top schools and safety
- Ottawa provides great research facilities, perfect for STEM students
Life in Canadian cities is exceptional for study in canada for international students. The country ranks #3 out of 85 nations for quality of life. Canada is also one of the safest countries in the world, giving you and your family peace of mind while you study.
Canada education system for international students for study international students in canada for international students
The Canadian education system ranks among the world’s most adaptable and diverse frameworks for higher learning. Students should understand its structure to make smart decisions about their educational experience in Canada.
Canadian universities for international students and programs
The Canadian post-secondary world has several paths that match different academic and career goals. Here are the main types of institutions:
- Universities mainly offer degree programs (bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral) that focus on research and theoretical knowledge
- Colleges deliver practical, career-oriented diploma and certificate programs, with many now offering applied bachelor’s and master’s degrees in specific fields
- Technical institutes focus on vocational training for specific industries
- Career colleges provide private, specialized training in focused career paths
- Language schools teach English or French to international students
Each Canadian province and territory manages its own education system, which creates regional differences. Students should check specific requirements with their chosen institution or province.
Academic calendar and intakes for study in canada for international students
Most Canadian post-secondary institutions split their academic year into two main terms plus an optional summer session:
Term 1 (Fall): September to December Term 2 (Winter): January to April Optional Summer term: May to August
Students can choose from three main intake periods, though program availability varies:
Fall (September) attracts over 70% of international students because it offers more programs and scholarship opportunities. Winter (January) serves as the second choice and helps students who missed fall deadlines. Summer (May) has fewer program options and works best for short-term courses and diplomas.
A newer study, published in shows that Canada’s recent cap on study permits makes choosing the right intake more important than ever. Students should research program availability well ahead of time.
Language of instruction and testing requirements to study in canada for international students
Canadian schools teach in English or French. Quebec standardizes French instruction, while New Brunswick uses both languages.
English-speaking institutions accept these proficiency tests:
IELTS Academic: Most schools want 6.5 overall (400 universities accept it) TOEFL iBT: Schools usually need scores between 86-90 CELPIP: All English-speaking universities accept it Duolingo: More than 140 schools accept it, usually requiring around 120 PTE: 90% of Canadian schools accept it
French programs accept TEF Canada and TCF Canada tests. Test results must be less than two years old when applying.
Many schools offer language preparation programs to help students improve before starting their studies. These programs can lead to university or college admission.
Requirements for How to Study in Canada for International Students
Canadian institutions have specific eligibility criteria that students must meet to get admission. These requirements vary based on education level, program, and institution. The new policies for 2025 make it vital for international students to understand these requirements clearly.
Academic and language eligibility
Canadian universities just need students to complete secondary education with a minimum of 60% in your 12th grade for undergraduate programs. Students applying to Master’s programs should have a four-year bachelor’s degree with at least 70% average. Some professional courses also need 2-3 years of work experience.
Most Canadian institutions require English proficiency unless English is your first language. Undergraduate programs typically ask for a minimum overall IELTS score of 6.0 to 6.5. Graduate programs set higher standards with scores from 6.5 to 7.0. You can also prove your English skills through:
- TOEFL iBT: Minimum 80-100 for most universities
- PTE: Score requirements vary by institution
- CELPIP: Accepted by many Canadian universities
Your language test scores must be less than two years old when you apply.
Documents checklist for application
Students must include these significant documents in their application:
- Acceptance letter from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
- Academic transcripts and certificates (10th, 12th, bachelor’s degree)
- Proof of English/French proficiency test scores
- Statement of Purpose (SOP) explaining your academic goals
- Letters of recommendation (typically 2 academic references)
- Updated resume/CV
- Passport-sized photographs
- Scanned copy of your valid passport
- Proof of financial support
- Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) or Territorial Attestation Letter (TAL)
First-time applicants might also need a police certificate and medical examination depending on their country.
Understanding the new PAL, PGWP requirement
The most important change for 2025 is the mandatory Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) or Territorial Attestation Letter (TAL). This document shows you have secured one of the available spaces to study in your chosen province or territory.
Students must submit PAL with all study permit applications from January 22, 2025. Your PAL/TAL remains valid until December 31, 2025 for the 2025 study permit cap year. Applications without this document will likely return with fees.
You’ll just need a new PAL/TAL if:
- Your previous PAL/TAL has expired
- Your study permit application was approved or refused
- You’re changing schools or study levels
All but one of these students need PAL: preschool through secondary students, exchange students, scholarship recipients from Global Affairs Canada, and those studying at certain Quebec vocational schools.
Quebec-bound students can use their Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) attestation as an equivalent document.
Canada’s student visa rules will revolutionize in 2025. The most important policy updates will affect eligibility, processing, and post-graduation opportunities. These changes will create a more manageable international student population while Canada remains a top education destination.
Canada has announced a 10% reduction in study permits for 2025. The total cap will be 437,000 compared to 2024’s limit. This follows a 40% reduction in international student arrivals in 2024 to reduce pressure on housing and services.
Master’s and doctoral students must now have Provincial Attestation Letters (PAL) or Territorial Attestation Letters (TAL) with their study permit applications. About 12% of study permit allocations will go to these graduate students. Applications without valid PAL/TAL will return with fees.
The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program changed on November 1, 2024:
- New language requirements: Minimum CLB 7 (English) or NCLC 7 (French) for university graduates; CLB 5 or NCLC 5 for college graduates
- Field of study restrictions: College and non-degree university graduates must complete programs in eligible fields that match labor market shortages (healthcare, STEM, trades, transport, agriculture)
- Spousal work permits: Limited to spouses of master’s students (programs 16+ months), doctoral students, and select professional programs
How to avoid delays and rejections
Students can prevent visa delays and rejections. Here’s what you need to do:
- Read and follow application instructions exactly
- Sign and date all forms correctly
- Submit biometrics within 30 days after receiving the request
- Include every required document from the application checklist
- Pay the right fee through approved payment methods
- Give quick responses to any IRCC information requests
Your application must show genuine study intent. Visa officers may refuse applications without proof of sufficient funds, passed medical exams, or clear intentions to return home after studies.
Tips for a smooth visa interview and documentation
Good preparation leads to successful visa interviews:
- Do mock interviews to boost confidence and communication
- Show deep knowledge of your program and explain your choice
- Connect your course with your career goals
- Know your exact costs and financial support
- Make eye contact and speak with clarity
- Keep your documents ready and well-organized
Visa officers look for genuine students who focus on education. Stay calm and honest during interviews to make a good impression.
Cost of Studying and Living in Canada
Budget planning is the first crucial step for students who want to study in Canada. Each institution and city has different costs. Learning about these expenses helps you make smart decisions about your education investment.
Tuition fees by program type
International undergraduate students pay much higher tuition than domestic students. The average cost reaches INR 3,048,075 per year for 2022/2023 academic year. Graduate programs cost less at about INR 1,781,355 yearly.
Your chosen field affects the program costs. Professional programs charge premium fees. Dentistry (INR 5,021,902), medicine (INR 4,960,726), and veterinary medicine (INR 5,759,472) are the most expensive options for international students. Business, management, and engineering programs also cost more than average.
Students can find better deals at colleges and vocational schools. Yearly tuition ranges from INR 590,663 to INR 1,856,369. Memorial University of Newfoundland (INR 2,150-11,460) and University of Regina (INR 1,715-20,050) offer more affordable education.
Living expenses by city
Your choice of city shapes your overall costs. Monthly living costs without rent average INR 19,998 across Canada, but prices vary by location.
Housing takes the biggest chunk of your budget. Campus housing costs INR 42,190-168,760 monthly. Off-campus options run between INR 36,000-73,000 per month. Rent in Toronto, Vancouver, and Calgary ranges from INR 67,504-211,951 monthly.
Your other monthly expenses include:
- Food: INR 20,251-40,502
- Transportation: INR 6,750-13,163 for a monthly pass
- Utilities: INR 8,438 and up
- Health insurance: INR 6,328-10,125
Budgeting tips for international students
Smart money management starts with housing. Sharing your accommodation can cut your biggest expense dramatically.
Learning to cook saves money compared to eating out. Shop at Canadian Superstore, Walmart, or No Frills to keep food costs low.
Student discounts on transit passes help reduce your commuting expenses.
Your study permit usually allows you to work while studying. Look for jobs on campus to earn extra money.
Scholarships, Loans, and Financial Aid Options
Getting financial support is a vital strategy to manage your education costs in Canada. Students from abroad can cut down their expenses through careful planning, as there are many funding options they can tap into.
Top scholarships for Indian and international students
Canadian institutions offer several prestigious scholarships to international scholars. The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships give doctoral students CAD 50,000 (₹30,41,095) each year for three years. The Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships are a great way to get funding for postdoctoral research that covers living costs, tuition, and other expenses.
York University awards its President’s International Scholarship of Excellence to 20 outstanding undergraduate students. Recipients get up to CAD 45,000 (₹27,36,985) yearly if they maintain at least 80% in their final admission average. The University of British Columbia’s International Leader of Tomorrow Award gives about ₹21,12,640 each year to students who show academic excellence, leadership skills, and financial need.
Students can also look at the University of Alberta’s President’s International Distinction Scholarship (CAD 12,000 or ₹7,29,862 for four years). Humber College offers international scholarships worth CAD 2,000 to eligible undergraduate and graduate students.
How to apply for education loans
Education loans offer another way to finance your Canadian education. Most Indian banks and NBFCs run special study abroad loan programs. These loans typically cover your tuition, housing, travel, and other academic expenses.
Here’s what you need to do for an education loan:
- Start your application 4-6 months before you plan to leave
- Look at interest rates and terms from different lenders
- Get your documents ready – admission letter, academic records, co-applicant’s income proof, and property papers for secured loans
- Decide between a secured loan (with collateral) or unsecured loan (higher interest rates)
Once approved, you can use your pre-visa loan to set up your Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) of CAD 10,000, which you need for visa approval.
You can cut costs beyond scholarships and loans. Get your student ID card right after arrival to save money at stores, restaurants, public transit, and entertainment spots.
Look for part-time work opportunities on campus while focusing on your studies. You can save money by sharing accommodation with others, which helps reduce your biggest expense.
Cooking your meals instead of eating out and using student transit passes will help you save more. Note that you should start applying for scholarships 8-12 months before your intake since competition for funding is intense.
The Canada student visa process can feel overwhelming. We suggest working with certified education consultants who know Canadian student visas inside out.
Visa Process and Work Opportunities During Study
International students can study and work in Canada while offsetting their costs. Success depends on understanding visa processes and work regulations that shape your educational experience.
Step-by-step guide to Canada student visa
We processed most international student applications for study permits online before their arrival in Canada. The process starts after you get your acceptance letter from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). Your application needs several documents: an acceptance letter, proof of financial support, and the Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL).
The system will tell you to provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo) within 30 days after submitting your application. Processing times differ based on your country. You should apply 8-12 weeks before your program begins.
Your approval comes as either a Port of Entry Letter, an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), or a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) based on your citizenship. Note that border officials will check these documents when you arrive in Canada.
Working hours and job options for students
Starting November 8, 2024, you can work off-campus up to 24 hours weekly during regular academic sessions. During scheduled breaks like summer vacation, there’s no limit on working hours.
You need to meet all these requirements to work without a separate permit:
- Be a full-time student at a designated learning institution
- Be enrolled in a post-secondary program (or vocational program in Quebec)
- Have a program at least 6 months long leading to a degree/diploma
- Have started your studies
- Have a Social Insurance Number (SIN)
Working beyond permitted hours breaks your study permit conditions. You might lose your student status. All but one of these students who study part-time cannot work off-campus unless it’s their final semester.
Recent updates to PGWP and work eligibility
A newer study, published in 2024 by Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) shows substantial changes. You now need language proficiency scores: CLB 7 for university graduates and CLB 5 for college graduates.
Your field of study affects eligibility beyond language requirements. Bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs have no field restrictions. Other university and college programs must be in eligible areas: agriculture, healthcare, trades, transport, or STEM.
PGWP length varies with your program duration. Programs lasting 2 years or longer get up to 3 years. Shorter courses match their program length. Your PGWP matches your passport’s validity if it expires sooner.
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Conclusion
Canada ranks as one of the best places to study, with its excellent education system and opportunities for international students. Recent policy changes for 2025 include new requirements like PAL/TAL. These changes show how Canada wants to grow sustainably while keeping its high academic standards.
Students who pick Canada can attend top universities, live in diverse cities, and find great work opportunities. Canadian education costs less than other popular destinations. Many scholarship options make it easier for international students to afford their studies.
Your success in Canada depends on good preparation. You need to understand visa requirements, manage your money well, and meet language standards to improve your approval chances. On top of that, you can work during your studies and after graduation to gain experience and help with expenses.
Want to study in Canada? Our expert team at Elite Overseas Education has helped hundreds of students get their Canada Student Visa and admission to leading Canadian universities. We offer tailored guidance, free counseling, and help with visa applications to help make your Canadian education dreams come true.
Studying in Canada might look complicated at first. With the right planning and guidance, you can join other successful international students who now call Canada their educational home. Note that early preparation for the 2025 intake with its new requirements will help you achieve your academic goals in Canada.
FAQs
Q1. What are the new requirements for studying in Canada in 2025?
The key changes include a cap of 437,000 study permits, mandatory Provincial Attestation Letters (PAL) for most applicants, and new language proficiency requirements for post-graduation work permits. Master’s and doctoral students now also require PALs with their study permit applications.
Q2. How much does it cost to study in Canada as an international student?
Tuition fees for international undergraduate students average around INR 3,048,075 per year, while graduate programs cost approximately INR 1,781,355 annually. Living expenses vary by city but typically range from INR 36,000 to 73,000 per month for off-campus housing, plus additional costs for food, transportation, and health insurance.
Q3. Can international students work while studying in Canada?
Yes, international students can work up to 24 hours per week during regular academic sessions and full-time during scheduled breaks. To be eligible, students must be enrolled full-time in a post-secondary program at a designated learning institution and have a valid Social Insurance Number.
Q4. What scholarships are available for international students in Canada?
Several scholarships target international students, including the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships for doctoral students (CAD 50,000 annually), York University’s President’s International Scholarship of Excellence (up to CAD 45,000 annually), and the University of British Columbia’s International Leader of Tomorrow Award.
Q5. How has the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program changed?
As of November 1, 2024, PGWP applicants need minimum language proficiency scores (CLB 7 for university graduates, CLB 5 for college graduates). Additionally, college and non-degree university graduates must complete programs in eligible fields linked to labor market shortages to qualify for a PGWP.
