Many international students prefer Canada as their study destination. With its high-quality education, top universities, job opportunities, and way of life, Canada welcomes more than a thousand international students every year.
Canada is home to many top Universities, including the University of Toronto, McGill University, and the University of British Columbia. The main allure for international students other than the top universities in Canada is its part-time work opportunities. These allow the students to gain real-time experience while earning cash for themselves.
In this article, we will discuss the top universities in Canada and their fees, placements, intakes, and other aspects.
Why Study in Canada?
Canada hosts millions of international students worldwide and offers high-quality education. But what makes Canada a favourable place to study? The reasons are many: a high standard of living, flexible and quality education choices, diversity and inclusiveness, cost-effective educational opportunities, and long-term return on investment for students.
According to U.S. News & World Report 2023, Canada ranks 3rd globally for having the best quality of life.
Some strong reasons to study in Canada are:
- Academic Excellence: It is no secret that Canada is home to a few of the top colleges and universities in the world. The Canadian government has tried to consistently maintain the top-notch quality of education, making it the ideal location for international students to study in Canada. Students also have a wide range of degrees and courses to choose from.
- Part-time work opportunities: Students can work part-time for 20 hours per week. Besides financial independence, this opportunity in Canada exposes students to the real world, thus allowing them to have real-time experience.
- Post-graduate work permit: After studying in Canada, you can apply for a three-year post-work permit. The duration of the work permit depends on the duration of the course. To qualify for the PGWP, the minimum duration of the course must be eight months.
- Immigration Opportunities: The Canadian government offers permanent residency to international students via IRCC after they have completed their education at a Canadian university and have worked there for three or more years (PGWP).
Study in Canada: Key highlights
The highlights for studying in Canada include:
| Parameter | Statistics |
| No. of universities in Canada | 154 |
| Tuition fees of universities in Canada | Up to INR 11 L: 116 Universities Up to INR 41 L: 154 Universities |
| Top Streams in Canada | Engineering, IT & Computer. Business, Media Science |
| English language exams required | IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo |
| Entrance exams required | GMAT, GRE |
Education System in Canada
The provincial government governs Canada’s education system. There are various study levels and educational stages in Canada. A detailed look is given in the table below:
| Qualification | Duration |
| Certificates and Diplomas | 1-2 years |
| Associate Degree | Two years |
| Bachelor’s degree | 3-4 years |
| Post-graduate diploma | 1-2 years |
| Master’s degree | 1-2 years |
| PhD or Doctorate | 4-7 years |
| Post-doctoral program | No time limit |
Admission Requirements to Study in Canada
The eligibility requirements to study in Canada will vary depending on the course and the University you have selected. Some of the basic eligibility requirements are :
- Academic transcripts
- Standardised test scores (SAT)
- Standardised test scores (GMAT / GRE / LSAT)
- English language proficiency test scores(TOEFL / IELTS / PTE / Duolingo / CAEL)
- Statement of Purpose
- Essay
- Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL)
- Letter of Recommendation
- Copy of your valid passport
- Proof of finances (Guaranteed Investment Certificate)
List of Top Universities in Canada
Below is the list of top universities in Canada, along with their QS and THE ranking for 2024
| University | QS World Ranking 2024 | THE Ranking 2024 |
| University of Toronto | #20 | #22 |
| McGill University | #31 | #47 |
| University of British Columbia | #35 | #42 |
| University of Alberta | #112 | #108 |
| University of Waterloo | #111 | #157 |
| Western University | #115 | #202-250 |
| University of Montreal | #142 | #112 |
| University of Calgary | #183 | #202-250 |
| McMaster University | #185 | #104 |
| University of Ottawa | #202 | #176 |
Entrance Exams Accepted by Universities in Canada
Most colleges in Canada ask for your GRE or GMAT results along with English-level proficiency test scores (IELTS, PTE, Duolingo):
| Entrance Exam | Count of Universities |
| GRE | 35 |
| GMAT | 31 |
Top Courses in Canada
Canada is the most popular destination for undergraduate and postgraduate studies. Canadian universities offer all types of degrees/Certificates/ Diploma courses.
Below is a list of some high-demand courses in Canada that remain in high demand.
- Business Management
- IT & Computer Science
- Engineering
- Health, Biosciences & Pharmacy
- Media & Journalism
- Agriculture Science
- Architecture
- Culinary Management
- Hospitality Management
Intakes in Canada
Canadian Universities generally have three intakes:
- September or Fall Intake
- January or Winter Intake
- May or Spring/ Summer Intake
Top Cities Preferred by Students in Canada
According to numerous global ranking platforms, Canada is home to many universities ranked among the world’s best. These universities are located in famous cities like Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, etc. Many big and small towns exist where students can study in Canada. The lifestyle in these cities is akin to that in the U.S. Plus, they offer student jobs.
Some of the cities preferred by students in Canada are:
- Montreal
- Toronto
- Vancouver
- Ottawa
- Quebec
- Edmonton
- Winnipeg
- Calgary
- Saskatoon
Cost of living in Canada
The cost of living in Canada depends on the University and city you have selected. A detailed breakdown of the average cost of living is mentioned below:
| Expenses | Monthly Cost in India | Annual Cost in India |
| Health Insurance | INR 4,330 | INR 51,967 |
| Textbooks | – | INR 37,119 |
| On-campus Rent | INR 37,119 | INR 445,428 |
| Mobile phone (basic package) | INR 1,856 | INR 22,271 |
| Public Transit Pass | INR 2,474 | INR 29,695 |
| Groceries/Food | INR 18,559 | INR 222,708 |
| Entertainment/Clothes/Gifts | INR 4,949 | INR 59,390 |
| Car: Insurance | – | INR 92,798 |
| Car: Fuel | INR 12,373 | INR 148,476 |
Scholarships to Study in Canada
When deciding to study abroad, one thing that generally lingers in the minds of international students is the cost of learning. However, the tuition fee in Canada is affordable as compared to other countries such as the U.S. and the U.K. Some scholarships are available for deserving students who want to study in Canada. Need-based scholarships are also available for students. Some of the scholarships in Canada for Indian students are given below:
- QS Undergraduate Scholarship: Maximum scholarship per student is INR 4,18,177.75
- Jared J. Davis Grant: Maximum scholarship per student is INR 83,635.55
- Hani Zeini Scholarship: The maximum scholarship amount per student is INR 83,635.55
- University of Calgary International Entrance Scholarship: The maximum scholarship amount per student is INR 9,11,347.18
- UBC Karen Mckellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award
Education Loan for Studying in Canada
Before applying for an educational loan to study in Canada, check the eligibility criteria beforehand to approve your loan. Remember that various expenses are covered under different schemes; therefore, consult with the banks to know what fees are included in the education loan scheme. Some of these expenses covered by educational loans are:
- Tuition fees
- Travel expenses
- Cost of study materials
- Hostel fee
- Laboratory fee
- Purchase of laptop
- Expenses for study tours or project tours
Part-time Work Options for International Students in Canada
With a student visa in Canada, students can work 20 hours/week on a paid job while studying. Students are usually paid by hours for part-time jobs in Canada. The typical rate of pay is $13-16 per hour.
However, international students with an off-campus work authorisation on their study permit can work more than 20 hours per week. Such students can work full-time when they have a break from school.
Post-Study Work Permit in Canada
Obtaining a work permit in Canada after graduation while studying there is straightforward. It depends on the course and its length. Usually, a work permit given through PGWP Canada is valid for the duration of your study program. The maximum length one can have PGWP Canada is three years.
Students who have graduated can remain in Canada with a post-graduation work permit. This lets them acquire some work experience after they complete their studies. In the future, having skilled Canadian work experience via PGWP makes graduates eligible for PR in Canada within Express Entry.
Job Opportunities after Study in Canada
Canada also offers ample job opportunities for international students. The table below mentions the tuition fees and ROI (Salary) of the top colleges in Canada.
| Business Schools in Canada | Tuition Fees (1st year) | Salary after MBA |
| Toronto (Rotman School of Management) (Rank 1) | INR 4,176,000 | INR 6,460,000 |
| Western (Ivey Business School) (Rank 2) | INR 7,831,000 | INR 6,671,000 |
| McGill (Desautels Faculty of Management) (Rank 3) | INR 6,156,000 | INR 5,767,000 |
| Queen’s (Smith School of Business) (Rank 4) | INR 6,600,000 | INR 6,221,000 |
| York (Schulich School of Business) (Rank 5) | INR 6,844,000 | INR 6,173,000 |
Conclusion
Canada is the top choice of study destination by students globally, especially in India. Its top-quality education standards, robust economy, part-time work opportunities, PGWP, and job opportunities make it the ideal study-abroad location for international students. The Universities in Canada provide you with great ROI, thus giving you worth of your money.
Canada also offers many scholarships for Indian students, relieving them of the financial burden.
With all this said, if you’re still considering pursuing your future at a college in Canada, just go for it!
Contact us at Admissify, as we are the best study abroad consultant in Delhi and can help you bring your study abroad streams to reality.
FAQs
- Is studying in Canada costly?
Canada is considered the most affordable study location compared to other countries. The Universities in Canada offer financial aid options to international students, and the cost of living is also low compared to other countries. In addition to this, it also allows students to work part-time, helping them improve their finances.
- Does Canada have any top universities?
Yes, Canada is home to many top Universities, such as the University of Toronto, McGill University, University of Alberta, University of Waterloo, etc.
- Does Canadian Universities accept IELTS?
Yes, universities in Canada accept IELTS as proof of English proficiency.