Higher Education in Canada: Type of Degrees, Colleges/Universities, Admissions, Fees, Funding

Higher Education in Canada: Types of Degrees, Colleges/Degrees, Admissions, Fees

Canada is one of the top choices for Indian students who want quality education and great career opportunities. It offers more than 16,000 university programs and 8,000 college courses in fields like engineering, healthcare, and business. Some of the top universities are the University of Toronto, McGill University, and the University of British Columbia (UBC).

Canada also ranks #4 globally for education quality (U.S. News & World Report, 2024). As a student, you can work up to 20 hours a week during classes and full-time during breaks, making it easier to manage expenses. Tuition costs range from CAD 15,000–40,000 (INR 9–14 lakhs) per year, and scholarships or financial aid can further reduce costs. After graduation, the Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) allows you to stay, work, and even explore permanent residency options.

Why Study In Canada?

Canada is renowned for its high-quality education and globally recognized degrees. Indian students are drawn to Canada for several reasons like:

  • There are over 8,000 college programs and 16,000 university programs available. Students can find courses according to their interests and career aspirations.
  • Canada ranks #4 globally for education (U.S. News & World Report, 2024).
  • International students have access to many scholarships, internships, and work opportunities.
  • Canadian universities offer over 3,000 co-op programs and work placements. Co-op programs provide hands-on experience and income while studying.
  • Working while studying helps reduce financial burdens and helps in gaining valuable experience.

Why study in Canada

Also Check: Why Is Studying in Canada Better than Studying in USA?

Popular Courses For Indian Students In Canada

Once you have decided to study in Canada, the next step is to choose the right course. There are many courses offered by the top universities in Canada. The most popular courses among Indian students include:

  • Computer Science
    • Some of the top universities for computer science are in Canada such as University of Toronto, the University of Waterloo and the British Colombia University.
    • Job opportunities after the completion of this course includes software development, artificial intelligence and cyber security.

Also Check: Top Data Science and Analytics Colleges in Canada

  • Business
    • There are various business programs available to study in Canada such as Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), Bachelor of Commerce and Master of Business Administration (MBA).
    • Some of the top business colleges in Canada include the University of Toronto, McGill University and Queen’s University.
  • Engineering
    • Canada is one of the top destinations for engineering students. Engineering offers many specializations like civil engineering, electrical engineering and mechanical engineering.
    • Some of the top engineering universities in Canada include University of Toronto, University of Alberta and University of British Columbia.
  • Health Sciences
    • The healthcare system of Canada is one of the best in the world. There are various disciplines like medicine, pharmacy and nursing.
    • Top universities and colleges include Dalhousie University, McGill University and University of British Columbia.

Also Check: Top Medicine Schools in Canada

Top Universities In Canada

There are 4 universities in Canada that are in top 10 universities worldwide (QS World University Ranking). The universities in Canada are known for their academic excellence, innovation and research. Some of the top universities in Canada include:

University QS World University Ranking (2025) THE Times Higher Ranking (2025)
University of Toronto #25 #21
McGill University #29 #45
University of British Columbia #38 #41
University of Alberta #96 #=116
University of Waterloo #115 #=163
Western University #=120 #201-250
University of Montreal #=159 #125
McMaster University #=176 #=116
University of Ottawa #189 #=191

Also Check: Top Universities and Colleges in Canada

Cost of Education In Canada

Tuition fees in Canada vary depending on where you study and your program. And there are many scholarships and part-time job options that can help with finances. Here is a breakdown of cost of living in Canada for international students:

  1. Tuition Fees:
    1. For international undergraduate students, it can be CAD 36,000 (INR 21.6 lakhs) per year
    2. For international graduate student,s it can be CAD 21,100 (INR 12.6 lakhs) per year
  2. Living Expenses: Students can expect to spend CAD 10,000–15,000 (INR 6 - 7 lakhs) annually on housing, food, and transportation.
  3. Financial Aid: Scholarships, grants, and part-time work opportunities help ease the financial burden.

Scholarships For Indian Students In Canada

There are various government scholarships available for Indian students in Canada like Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships. Then there are University-Specific Awards. Institutions like UBC and McGill offer scholarships for international students.

Some of the scholarships available for Indian students are:

Scholarship Eligibility Value & Duration
Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships Canadian citizens, Permanent residents of Canada, Foreign citizens - CAD 70,000 (INR 42 lakhs) per year (taxable)- 2 years (non-renewable)
Vanier Graduate Scholarships Enrolled in an eligible doctoral program, Permanent citizen of Canada or international student - CAD 50,000 (INR 30 lakhs) per year for 3 years during doctoral studies
Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarships A Canadian student , an international student - CAD 50,000 (INR 30 lakhs) per year for 3 years to cover tuition fees- Additional, CAD 20,000 (INR 12 lakhs) per year for 3 years for research

Note: 1 CAD = INR 60 as on 12-12-2024

Application Process For Universities In Canada

Application processes vary by area of choice. In some areas, students can apply through a central application service. In others, you have to apply directly to the university. The application process includes:

  1. Choosing a Course and University: Research programs that align with your career goals.
  2. Have a budget: To cover the tuition fees and living costs while studying in Canada.
  3. Application Deadlines: Most Canadian universities have two intakes: Fall (September) and Winter (January). Apply to colleges or universities timely.
  4. Study permit: You will need a study permit if planning to stay in Canada for more than 6 months.
  5. Required Documents: Transcripts, language proficiency scores (IELTS/TOEFL), SOPs, and LORs.

Also Check: Admission in Canada: Eligibility & Admission Process

Canada Visa Requirements For International Students

To study in Canada, applicants need to apply for a student visa and a study permit. It allows international students to study and apply for jobs while studying. Here is a list of documents you need to apply for Canada study permit:

  • Letter of Acceptance: From a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
  • Provincial attestation letter or territorial attestation letter (PAL/TAL).
  • Proof of identity: This can include a valid passport.
  • Proof of Funds: To cover tuition and living expenses. You can prove your funds with at least one of the following:
    • a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) from a participating Canadian financial institution
    • proof of a student or education loan from a bank
    • your bank statements for the past 4 months
    • proof you paid tuition and housing fees
  • Language Proficiency: IELTS or TOEFL scores.

Also Check: Exams to Study in Canada: IELTS, TOEFL,CAEL,PTE, SAT, GMAT

Job Opportunities In Canada

Canada offers numerous part-time job options for students, such as retail, food service, and on-campus positions. Post-graduation industries like IT, engineering, and healthcare provide excellent job prospects. Co-op programs allow students to gain real-world experience while studying.

Work While Studying

Most international students in Canada are eligible to work part-time during their studies and full-time during breaks.

  • On-Campus Work: Work within the premises of your designated learning institution (DLI).
  • Off-Campus Work: Students can work off-campus without a work permit if they:
    • Are full-time students at a DLI.
    • Are enrolled in a post-secondary or vocational program lasting at least 6 months that leads to a degree, diploma, or certificate.
    • International students can work up to 20 hours per week during regular school sessions and full-time during course breaks (e.g., winter, summer holidays).

Also Check: Part-Time Jobs in Canada for Indian Students

Co-Op Placements and Internships

Co-op programs integrate work experience into your education. It allows you to gain professional skills in your field of study.

Post-Graduation Work Opportunities

After completing your studies, you can apply for a Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) to gain professional experience in Canada. The minimum wage in Canada is CAD 15 (INR 899.99) per hour. After graduation, international students can work in fields like IT, Data analytics and software development.

Also Check: Top Paying Professions in Canada: Roles & Salaries

Canada is a great place for Indian students to study. It has a diverse range of programs to choose from. There are many financial aids available for Indian students in Canada. Canada has many job opportunities for Indians and universities provide excellent placement support.

FAQs

Ques. Can Indian students apply for a work permit in Canada after completing their studies?

Ans. Yes, Indian students can apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) after completing their studies in Canada. This permit allows them to gain work experience in Canada, which can help in securing permanent residency.

Ques. How does the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) benefit international students in Canada?

Ans. The PGWP allows international students to stay and work in Canada after completing their studies. This work experience can help them in applying for permanent residency through programs like Express Entry.

Ques. Can international students transfer to a different university in Canada after starting their program?

Ans. Yes, international students can transfer between Canadian universities, but they must meet the specific transfer requirements of the new institution. It's essential to check with the university’s admissions office for detailed procedures and credit transfer policies.

Ques. What is the duration of undergraduate and graduate programs in Canada?

Ans. Undergraduate programs in Canada typically last 3 to 4 years, while graduate programs, such as master's degrees, generally take 1 to 2 years to complete.

Ques. What are the popular cities in Canada for international students?

Ans. Popular cities for international students in Canada include Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Ottawa, and Calgary. These cities offer vibrant student communities, excellent universities, and various work opportunities.

Comments


No Comments To Show