Know why Canada is so popular with Indian students.
Hosting nearly half a million international students, Canada is known to offer high quality education at affordable tuition fee with degrees that are globally recognised. Add to it, an excellent quality of life, immense post-study work and immigration opportunities - Canada stands out as a popular country to study among Indian students.
Here are the top 8 reasons why Canada could be a great choice:
1. Academic excellence
One of the most important reasons why students choose to study in Canada is because of the high quality of education. When a student receives a degree from a Canadian university, it acts as a mark of trust and excellence.
2. Ample research opportunities
One of the biggest reasons why Canadian education stands unique is because of its strong focus on research and development. If you’re a research scholar, there can be no country better than Canada. The government of Canada offers great support to research in the disciplines of medicine, telecommunication, agriculture, environmental science and technology.
3. Affordable, falls in budget
Tuition fee in Canada, when compared to universities in the US and UK, is fairly cheaper. And when considering the return on investment, it is quite a viable option for Indian students. ??You can also apply to a range of scholarships to cut down on your educational expenses.
4. Cultural diversity
In Canada, you’ll find extremely warm and welcoming people who come from varied ethnic groups with different cultures and lifestyle. The multicultural environment in Canada promotes friendliness and peaceful living like no other country. In fact, you will find a lot of Indians studying, working and living here. You can also experience festivals and rituals such as:
- The Montreal International Jazz Festival
- Calgary Stampede
- NHL Hockey
- Experience “Poutine Week” – The blend of French fries, delicious gravy and cheese curd.
- Just for Laughs comedy Festival in Montreal
5 Safe and peaceful
Canada has been consistently ranked as one of the safest nations in the world. In 2018, the Global Peace Index*, listed Canada as the sixth peaceful country across the globe. As international student, you’ll enjoy the same rights as any other Canadian.
6. Earn while you learn
Thanks to its special regulations, Canada provides all its international students with an opportunity to work for up to 20 hours every week during their semesters and full-time during the summer and winter breaks. To work on-campus or as an intern in any company, you would not require any additional work permit as your study permit is enough to help you find a part time job.
7. Vibrant and lively campus life
At all Canadian campuses you can expect events, fests, and other activities being conducted all through the year. This creates a happy and lively environment for all the students, helps you network and meet new people besides keeping the homesickness away.
8. Immigration opportunities
Canada’s Post-Graduation Work Permit allows students to stay and work in Canada for up to three years after completion of their graduation. You can gain some international work experience and apply for permanent residency later on.
Here’s a comprehensive guide for all Indian students who want to study in Canada
High on academic quality but affordable tuition fee – Canada is one of the best study destinations for students. Until August 2019, Canada experienced almost 70,000 international students studying at all levels in the country; which explains its popularity across the globe.
| 1 | Do a good deal and get a positive ticket. The police in Canada can give you a "positive ticket" if they sight you doing something positive. |
| 2 | And you thought you had seen enough lakes? Canada has more lakes than all the lakes combined in the world. |
| 3 | Planning to study in Canada? Good choice; it is the most educated country in the world with more than half of its population having college degrees. |
| 4 | Canada hosts almost five million international students. |
| 5 | Play hockey on the Atlantic Ocean. In Newfoundland, Canada, the Atlantic Ocean sometimes freezes and that’s what the locals choose to do with it. |
| 6 | The license plate in the north-western territories of Canada are shaped like polar bears. |
Ease your financial expenses with our budget guide.
Studying abroad can be an expensive affair, but thankfully, Canada is one country where quality education is available at tuition rates lower than many other countries. But before you depart from India, ensure that you consider expenses like accommodation, food, health coverage and travel along with your tuition fee when calculating the estimated cost of studying in Canada. This will help you plan your budget more effectively.
1. Tuition fee is your prime expenditure
Your expenditure on tuition fee depends on the type of qualification and institution you opt for. To cover this, you will need approximately between CAD 7,000 and CAD 29,000 a year.
Most commonly, courses in humanities, education and arts are a little cheaper, while subjects such as medicine and engineering are likely to be more expensive. If you wish to study at a postgraduate level, the tuition fee is typically higher and the costs vary depending on the program. As with most other countries, MBA programs are often the most expensive. The average cost for these programs is around CAD 42,000.
S.no. | Study program | Average annual fee (in CAD*) |
1 | Undergraduate program | $12,000 to $25,000 per year |
2 | Postgraduate master's degree | $14,000 to $35,000 per year |
3 | Doctoral degree | $7,000 to $10,000 per year |
Applying for a Canadian student visa?
The Canadian Government provides an opportunity to all Indian students to study in the country but as a prerequisite, you’ll have to obtain a Study Permit and a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV).
What is a study permit?
This is not a visa, it’s a permit or a document issued by the Citizen and Immigration (CIC) which allows you to study in Canada. If you hold a study permit, you must remain enrolled and make reasonable and timely progress towards completing your course.
Along with your study permit, you will also need a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) for your entry in Canada. Please note that a study permit is a document that allows you to study in Canada while a TRV is a visa that allows you to enter in Canada. Your counsellor will help you access the latest information and connect you with authorised migration experts.
Documents required for your study permit
To apply for your study permit, you will need:
- An acceptance letter from your education institution, and
- A valid passport or travel document
You must also:
- Prove that you have enough money to pay for your:
- tuition fees
- living expenses for yourself and any family members who come with you to Canada, and
- return transportation for yourself and any family members who come with you to Canada
- Be a law-abiding citizen with no criminal record and not be a risk to the security of Canada (you may have to provide a police certificate)
- Be in good health (you may need to complete a medical exam)
You will also be required to appear for a personal interview at the Canadian embassy or consulate.
To prove you can financially support yourself and any accompanying family members, you may be asked to provide:
- Documentation of a Canadian bank account in your name, if money has been transferred to Canada
- Documentation of a student/education loan from a financial institution
- Bank statements
- A bank draft in convertible currency
- Proof of payment of tuition and accommodation fees
- A letter for the person or institution providing your funding
Proof of funding paid from within Canada if you have a scholarship or are enrolled in a Canadian-funded educational program
*Please note that these are the basic requirements.
Student Direct Stream
As an Indian student, you can get your study permit faster through the Student Direct Stream (SDS). If you choose to apply through SDS, you may need certain additional documents in this case.
Applying for your visa online
You’ll have to apply for your student visa application online using the CIC official website. You can apply up to three months before your intended date of travel to Canada. Remember, your application date is the date when your application fee is paid.
Study permit fee
As an applicant from outside Canada, you will have to pay CAD150 as your visa fee (do check the latest fee at https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/study-permit.html).
English language requirements
To gain your Canadian visa, you’ll have to provide with an evidence of proficiency in the English language. This usually means passing a secure English language test to be able to prove your communication and correspondence skills.
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is the world’s most popular high-stakes English language proficiency test for study, work and migration, with more than three million tests taken in the past year. The IELTS results are recognised by more than 10,000 organisations, including educational institutions, employers, professional associations and governments, in 140 countries around the world.