When it comes to studying in Canada in 2025, there are a lot of moving parts; a lot of things to consider for an Indian student. It is overwhelming. Sometimes downright scary. And more often than not, you don’t even know where to begin.
Well, don’t fret anymore. Cause we are here to take you step by step through this maze.
That’s right. It is a comprehensive guide you have been waiting for. So, without further ado, let’s help you get a Canadian education, shall we?
Why Study in Canada in 2025?
For starters, that’s a fair question to ask. I mean, is it even worth it? And why Canada though? Alright, Canada is known for its inclusivity and diversity. So, when it comes to outsiders, the country is very welcoming. Not to mention that you are very likely to see many friendly Indian faces everyday. But maybe more than that, you are interested in the education system there.
Speaking of which, let’s put it this way. Quality? Check. Well-structured? You bet. Accessibility? You got it. I mean, the country is home to some of the finest institutions in the world. And that really speaks volumes about the standard of education there.
Like we mentioned earlier, Canada is diverse and so are the work opportunities there. Sure, the recent employment growth has been slightly slow however there is still consistency in demand for skilled professionals, especially in the domains of finance, engineering, and other white collar roles.
After the completion of your studies, you will get access to a post-study work permit called PGWP, given that you were enrolled in a program that was at least 8-months long and at a recognized Canadian university.
Now, how long before your PGWP expires depends on the length of your program. Let’s say, you flew to Canada to pursue a two-year masters program. In that case, after you finish your studies, you are looking at a work permit that is valid for at least three years.
Canadian Study Permit: Requirements and Process
Yes, you will need a Canadian Study Permit to study in Canada, which, again, has some requirements you will need to fulfill. Nothing too complicated. Just bear with us and you will know everything.
First things first, you will need a Letter of Acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution based in Canada. It’s required to demonstrate that you have been accepted into a designated college there. Next thing on the list is a Provisional Attestation Letter (PAL). If your college happens to be in Quebec (in case you don’t know, it’s the largest province in the country), you will need a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ).
More importantly, you will need documents proving that you have enough financial support to cover your tuition fees and living expenses for the duration of your course. It goes without saying that you should have no criminal record. Next, you will need acceptance scores from English proficiency tests such as IELTS, TOEFL, or others.
So you have made it this far. At this point, you just need a few additional documents – a valid passport, proof of payment of tuition and accommodation, and if applicable, some medical exam results to demonstrate you are in good health.
The study permit application process is rather straightforward. Just collect all the above documents and head over to the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website. If that’s not an option, you can always apply through a Visa Application Centre.
If needed to verify your identity, provide biometrics (fingerprints). Pay the application fee and you are good to go. As processing times can vary by a significant margin, here is a piece of advice – start applying as soon as you get that Letter of Acceptance. Yeah, you can thank us later.
 Top Canadian Universities and Colleges
If you search online, you will find plenty of Canadian colleges that are recognized worldwide. And most of these prestigious educational establishments have something in common – academic excellence and diverse programs.
Although we suggest you do your due diligence, we have taken the liberty to list some colleges that might be of particular interest to you and your fellow Canadian education aspirants. At the top of this list is the University of Toronto and for good reason, mind you. Ranked nationally at number 1 and 21 globally, this institution has earned a reputation for its contribution to research.
Next is the University of British Columbia (UBC). Ranked at number 2 nationally and at 41 globally, UBC is recognized for its international outlook. Other institutions worth considering are McGill University, McMaster University, University of Alberta, Université de Montréal, University of Waterloo, University of Ottawa, University of Calgary, and Western University.
Financial Planning: Tuition and Living Expenses
It is the part of your planning that probably requires the most attention. Cause, let’s face it, Canada aint cheap. The tuition fees alone in Canada can cost between 15,000 CAD and 50,000 CAD per year. Of course, that depends on the university and the program you are enrolled in. Masters degrees tend to be rather, let’s say, inexpensive for lack of a better word, which makes sense because they are shorter programs.
When considering living expenses, you have to factor in accommodation, food, transportation, books and supplies, and other personal expenses that you may have. It all again can cost 15,000 CAD to 35,000 CAD. Even if you land yourself a part-time job, your university can only allow you to work up to 20 hours a week.
Okay, that doesn’t sound very exciting. But hey, let’s find a silver lining here. I know, it won’t cover all your expenses. But it is still something you can rely on.
Thankfully, things are looking better with tuition fees. Yeah, you heard that right. There are scholarships and financial aids that can curtail those hefty tuition fees by a significant margin. Now, that’s some really good news. If you come from a financially-challenged family, chances are pretty good that you will get your hands on some sort of financial aid or grants.
Life as an International Student in Canada
International student life in Canada is quite vibrant, thanks to cultural diversity, academic opportunities, and a very welcoming and supportive environment. You will be surprised to see people from different cultural backgrounds coexist in such harmony. And this diversity can be seen firsthand in various festivals, cuisines, or everyday life.
As an international student in Canada, you will find yourself celebrating Diwali and also partaking in Chinese New Year festivities. Pretty cool, right? Wait until I tell you about the food scene.
Well, thanks to a large portion of the Canadian population being immigrants, you will find yourself enjoying cuisines from our country, europe and Middle East. And since you are in Canada, you can’t expect your Canadian experience to be whole without a little dose of Ice Hockey.
On campus, you will have a supportive learning environment. Most Canadian universities have modern facilities and resources. Also, they have orientation programs for international students. Other support services you can count on are academic counselling and language assistance.
Post-Graduation Opportunities
After graduating from a Canadian University, PGWP is your best friend. As mentioned earlier, the duration of its validity depends on the length of your program. You can submit an application for PGWP within 180 days of receiving some sort of confirmation that you have completed your graduation there in Canada.
However, some new eligibility criteria for PGWP have been introduced last year, especially in terms of language proficiency and field of study. So, make sure you adhere to those after you graduate.
In broad strokes, you have two options. Either you can work towards a PR (Permanent Residency) or return to India with a qualification that guarantees high salaries.
Express Entry and PR
If you have longer plans in Canada, then you are looking for a PR. In that case you have several pathways you can pursue. The first and foremost is Express Entry. It also happens to be the most popular one for skilled workers. The idea is to accumulate points in the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). How, you might ask? Well, it’s on the basis of your work experience under PGWP, qualification level, and, last but not least, language proficiency.
Another option is Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). These are programs in some Canadian provinces where they can nominate candidates for PR, considering the news of the local market, of course. With a Canadian degree, you, my friend, will have an upper hand here.
And finally, there is the Bridging Open Work Permit. If you are a graduate working on PGWP, you are eligible for applying for this permit. It will allow you to continue to work in Canada while your PR application is processed.
Bottom Line
Simply put, Canada is the land of opportunity where your dreams may come true. So, studying in Canada not only gives you access to quality education and exposure to a rich, vibrant culture but it also gives you the opportunity to work in a robust economy with potential for massive growth. A win-win, some might say.
So, what are you waiting for? You now know everything there is to know. Start researching some universities and send those applications. And if you have some questions of your own, drop them in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
FAQs
- What are the requirements to study in Canada?
Nothing too fancy. You need a few of these things: –
- A valid passport
- An acceptance letter (LoA) from a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada
- Proof of sufficient funds to cover tuition and living expenses for the whole duration
- Medical examination report (not always required)
- Language proficiency test scores (IELTS or TOEFL)
- Is it expensive to study in Canada in 2025?
Well, it depends, really. The tuition fees can cost somewhere between 15,000 CAD to 50,000 CAD a year. But hey, if you land a scholarship or financial aid, you are much better off.Â
- Can I study in Canada without IELTS?
Frankly, most universities require international students to take language proficiency tests such as IELTS. But there are less expensive options like TOEFL or Duolingo, except you will have to see if your university accepts them.Â
- What are the top universities in Canada for Indian students?
There are quite a few prestigious universities in Canada. Here are some of the best: University of Toronto, University of British Columbia (UBC), McGill University, McMaster University, University of Alberta, Université de Montréal, University of Waterloo, University of Ottawa, University of Calgary, and Western University.
