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Guide to studying in Canada
Studying in Canada as an international student
A complete guide to studying at Canadian universities: costs, top institutions, the most in-demand courses, scholarships, and work and residency options after graduation — together with the Ibtiaath app, which handles your file from shortlist to offer letter and travel.
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200+
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3 years
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24 hrs
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3
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About Canada
Get to know Canada before you choose it
Canada, one of the world's most developed and multicultural countries, is known for its high academic standards, research excellence and quality of life. With safe cities, scenic landscapes and welcoming immigration policies, Canada attracts thousands of international students each year seeking world-class education and career opportunities.
It is a country with two official languages — English and French — so you can study entirely in English across most provinces, or combine both in Quebec and Montreal.
Country at a glance
- Official languages
- English and French
- Official currency
- Canadian Dollar — CAD / C$
- Population
- Approximately 41 million
- Universities and colleges
- More than 200 recognised institutions
Why Canada
Why do students choose to study in Canada?
Canada stands out as a top study destination for many reasons.
Affordable tuition
Lower tuition fees than the United States and the United Kingdom, at a comparable academic standard.
Post-study work options
The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) lets graduates work in Canada for up to three years, depending on the length of their programme.
Safe and inclusive
Canada is known for its cultural diversity and safety, with communities that are easy to settle into.
Research excellence
Canadian universities lead global innovation in artificial intelligence, engineering and the health sciences.
Immigration opportunities
Clear pathways to permanent residency through programmes such as Express Entry and the Provincial Nominee Programs.
Life in Canada
What does student life look like?
Canada offers a vibrant, student-friendly environment with diverse communities and cultural richness.
Student cities
Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Ottawa and Calgary — each with its own character, cost of living and job market.
Culture and lifestyle
An inclusive, multicultural and friendly atmosphere, with festivals all year round and plenty of outdoor activities.
Cost of living
Moderate overall, varying by province, city and your own lifestyle.
Transport
Reliable public transit, including metro, bus and rail networks in the major cities.
Student perks
Discounts on transport, food and entertainment in most cities.
Costs
How much does it cost to study in Canada?
Estimated figures in Canadian dollars; they vary by university, course, province and year of application.
| Level of study | Approximate tuition per year |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate | CAD 20,000 – 45,000 |
| Postgraduate (master's and doctorate) | CAD 18,000 – 40,000 |
Monthly living costs
Accommodation
CAD 700 – 1,500
Food and groceries
CAD 350 – 600
Transport
CAD 100 – 160
Miscellaneous
CAD 200 – 350
Estimated monthly totalCAD 1,350 – 2,610
Note: study permit applicants must show proof of financial resources covering one year of living costs — CAD 23,448 (outside Quebec) for applications submitted on or after 1 September 2026, up from CAD 22,895 — on top of first-year tuition and travel. The figure is revised every September, so we confirm the amount in force at the time you apply.
Top universities
Canada's top universities
Canada is home to several world-renowned institutions; these are its strongest performers in the global rankings.
University of Toronto
Toronto
University of British Columbia
Vancouver
McGill University
Montreal
University of Alberta
Edmonton
University of Waterloo
Waterloo
Western University
London, Ontario
Queen's University
Kingston
All of these belong to the U15, the group of Canada's leading research-intensive universities. Alongside them are dozens of other Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) that may suit your grades and budget better.
Courses
The most in-demand courses
Canada offers a wide variety of programmes; these are the most popular among international students.
- Computer science and IT
- Mechanical engineering
- Civil engineering
- Electrical engineering
- Business and management
- Health sciences and nursing
- Artificial intelligence and data science
- Environmental studies
- Media and communication
Research strengths Canada is known for
- Artificial intelligence
- Engineering
- Health sciences
Scholarships
Scholarships and financial aid for studying in Canada
Scholarships are funded by the government, universities and private organisations. They are competitive and never guaranteed, but we shortlist the realistic options and prepare your file for them.
Government scholarships
The Canada Graduate Research Scholarships (CGRS), part of the Canada Research Training Awards Suite (CRTAS) launched in 2025, which replaced the Vanier and Banting programmes. The doctoral award pays CAD 40,000 a year for three years and is open to international students enrolled at Canadian universities.
Institutional aid
Every institution offers its own merit-based and need-based awards, ranging from partial fee discounts to full scholarships.
Exchange programmes
Academic exchange programmes run by Canadian universities in collaboration with institutions around the world.
Private foundations
Awards from independent bodies such as the Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute and the Trudeau Foundation, among others.
Tips that improve your chances
- Start applying early — scholarship rounds close months before the semester begins.
- Write a personal statement that clearly links your studies to your career plan.
- Check that you meet every eligibility criterion before submitting.
- Back your file with strong grades, work experience and volunteering.
After graduation
Career and residency pathways
Studying in Canada can be a stepping stone to permanent residency, not just a degree.
Post-Graduation Work Permit
Graduates can apply for the PGWP to stay and work in Canada for up to three years, depending on the length of their programme (master's graduates get three years even from a shorter programme). A language level of CLB 7 for university graduates or CLB 5 for college graduates is required, and non-degree college programmes must be in an eligible field of study — bachelor's, master's and doctoral graduates are exempt from the field-of-study rule.
Skilled job demand
Strong demand for talent in IT, engineering and healthcare across most provinces.
Work while studying
Students may work up to 24 hours a week off campus during the semester and full-time on scheduled breaks, with internships built into many programmes.
The residency pathway in short
- 01
Study at a designated institution
Choose a programme at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) that is eligible for the PGWP. Study permits fall under a national cap (about 155,000 new permits in 2026), and most applicants need a provincial or territorial attestation letter (PAL/TAL) — master's and doctoral students at public institutions have been exempt since January 2026.
- 02
Gain Canadian work experience
Use the Post-Graduation Work Permit to work in your field inside Canada.
- 03
Apply for permanent residency
Through Express Entry or a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), depending on your points and your province.
Canadian immigration rules change from year to year, and the final decision rests with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The above is a general overview of the pathway, not migration advice.
In short
Canada is more than a degree
Canada combines academic excellence, diversity, safety and post-graduation opportunities, making it a top choice for students worldwide. Whether you want to gain international experience or build a global career, Canada offers the perfect foundation for success.
FAQ
Student questions about studying in Canada
How much does it cost to study in Canada?
Can I work while studying in Canada?
How much money must I show for a Canadian study permit?
Are Canadian degrees recognised internationally?
Do I need IELTS to study in Canada?
When does the academic year start in Canada?
Can I get permanent residency after studying in Canada?
What does Ibtiaath do for my Canada application?
Start your Canada file today
Send your file and get your Canadian university shortlist
Download the Ibtiaath app and open the university admissions section — we review your file and shortlist universities in Canada that match your grades and budget, then follow the application through to the offer letter.
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