Introduction
At a glance
- Tuition per yearUG C$20,000–60,000 · PG C$10,000–50,000about ₹6.7 lakh – ₹33.5 lakh for a master's
- Living cost per yearC$20,000–30,000about ₹13.4 lakh – ₹20.1 lakh
- IntakesSeptember (Fall), January (Winter), May (Summer, limited courses)
- Part-time work24 hrs/week in term
- Post-study workPGWP: up to 3 years
- Usual IELTS (overall)Bachelor's 6.0–6.5 · Master's 6.5–7.0
Typical figures from this guide, checked 22 Oct 2026. Approximate exchange rates (based on ECB reference rates, March 2026). Actual rates on your payment date will differ. Tap any box for the details and official sources.
Quick read
- Canada plans to issue about 155,000 study permits to new international students in 2026, fewer than in previous years, so admission and visa planning need to start early.
- Most applicants need a provincial or territorial attestation letter (PAL/TAL), but master's and PhD students at public institutions are exempt for programmes starting from 1 January 2026.
- For applications made on or after 1 September 2026, a single applicant must show C$23,448 for living costs, on top of first-year tuition and travel.
- Students can work up to 24 hours a week off campus during term and without an hour limit during scheduled breaks.
- The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) can last up to three years, but it now has language tests and, for most college programmes, a field-of-study rule.
- Refusal rates for Indian applicants rose sharply in 2025, so a clear study plan and well-documented funds matter more than before.
Canada has been the top destination for Indian students for several years. It offers public universities and colleges in every province, co-op programmes that build work experience into the course, and a post-study work permit that can lead to permanent residence for some graduates.
Since 2024, the federal government has cut the number of study permits it issues, added the attestation letter requirement, raised the proof-of-funds amount and tightened post-study work rules. Canada is still open to well-prepared students, but the system now rewards careful course choice and strong documents.
This guide explains the current rules as of October 2026, what studying in Canada costs in Canadian dollars, how work and post-study work operate, and who is likely to find Canada a good fit.
Why Indian students choose Canada
India is by far the largest source country for Canada's international students. In 2024, Indian citizens held about 36% of all study permits in Canada, more than three times the next country. Large Indian communities in the Greater Toronto Area, Vancouver and Surrey make the move easier for many families.
The main draws are the chance to work during and after studies, co-op terms with Canadian employers, and recognised routes from Canadian work experience to permanent residence through Express Entry and provincial nominee programmes. Many students also like that a one-year college certificate or a master's can be a shorter, cheaper route than a four-year degree.
Numbers have fallen since 2024. The study permit cap, a crackdown on fraudulent admission letters and stricter assessment of study plans have led to fewer applications and many more refusals for Indian students. Families should treat Canada as a strong option that now needs more planning, not as an easy one.
| What | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Indian students in Canada (as on 1 January 2025) | 427,085 (about 4.3 lakh), the highest of any country | Ministry of External Affairs, Dec 2025 |
| Study permit holders from India, 2024 | 188,465, or 36.5% of all study permit holders | IRCC Annual Report to Parliament, 2025 |
| Study permits Canada expects to issue in 2026 | 408,000 in total, including about 155,000 for new students (7% fewer than in 2025) | IRCC notice, Nov 2025 |
| Refusal rate for Indian post-secondary study permit applications, August 2025 | 74% (32% in August 2023) | Business Standard (IRCC data), Nov 2025 |
| Indian post-secondary study permit applications, August 2025 | 4,515 (down from 20,900 in August 2023) | Business Standard (IRCC data), Nov 2025 |
Top universities in Canada
Universities Indian students often ask us about. Being listed here doesn't mean Admission Mantra represents the university; we'll tell you plainly how we can help with each application.

Photo: aka Tman from Guelph.........Ontario, CANADA, CC BY 2.0 PublicUniversity of Toronto
Toronto, Canada
Often chosen for Computer Science & IT, Life Sciences, Engineering

Photo: CjayD, CC BY 2.0 PublicThe University of British Columbia
Vancouver, Canada
Often chosen for Life Sciences, Business & Management, Engineering

Photo: JFVoll, CC BY-SA 4.0 PublicUniversity of Waterloo
Waterloo, Canada
Often chosen for Computer Science & IT, Engineering, Data Science & AI

Photo: Krylan22, CC BY-SA 4.0 PublicUniversity of Windsor
Windsor, Canada
Often chosen for Engineering, Business & Management, Computer Science & IT

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC0), CC0 PublicMcGill University
Montreal, Canada
Often chosen for Life Sciences, Engineering, Law

Photo: WinterforceMedia WinterE229, Public domain PublicUniversity of Alberta
Edmonton, Canada
Often chosen for Engineering, Data Science & AI, Life Sciences

Photo: Raysonho @ Open Grid Scheduler / Grid Engine, Public domain PublicYork University
Toronto, Canada
Often chosen for Business & Management, Law, Arts, Design & Media

Photo: JFVoll, CC BY-SA 4.0 PublicConestoga College
Kitchener, Canada
Often chosen for Business & Management, Engineering, Nursing & Allied Health

Photo: RobCA, Public domain PublicUniversity of Ottawa
Ottawa, Canada
Often chosen for Engineering, Law, Business & Management

Photo: MTLskyline, Public domain PublicConcordia University
Montreal, Canada
Often chosen for Engineering, Computer Science & IT, Business & Management

Photo: Canmenwalker, CC BY 4.0 PublicToronto Metropolitan University
Toronto, Canada
Often chosen for Business & Management, Engineering, Arts, Design & Media

Photo: kirsten, CC BY-SA 2.0 PublicSimon Fraser University
Burnaby, Canada
Often chosen for Computer Science & IT, Business & Management, Data Science & AI
- Public
Humber Polytechnic
Toronto, Canada
Often chosen for Business & Management, Hospitality & Tourism, Computer Science & IT

Photo: Enoch Leung, CC BY-SA 4.0 PublicSeneca Polytechnic
Toronto, Canada
Often chosen for Computer Science & IT, Business & Management, Finance & Accounting
Popular courses
Programmes Indian students commonly choose in Canada. Exact course names, fees and entry rules vary by university.
- Diploma / certificatePostgraduate Diploma in Business ManagementBusiness & Management
- Diploma / certificateGraduate Certificate in Project ManagementBusiness & Management
- Diploma / certificateSupply Chain Management (Postgraduate Diploma)Business & Management
- PostgraduateMaster of Engineering in Computer EngineeringEngineering
- PostgraduateMaster of Data ScienceData Science & AI
- PostgraduateMaster of Business Administration (MBA)Business & Management
- UndergraduateBachelor of Science in NursingNursing & Allied Health
- UndergraduateBachelor of Computer ScienceComputer Science & IT
Looking for something specific? Try the Course Finder.
Explore course guides: what each course covers, costs by country and careers
Benefits of studying in Canada
- 01
Post-study work for up to three years
Graduates of eligible programmes can apply for a PGWP. Master's graduates can get up to three years even if the course lasted only one year.
- 02
Co-op and work during studies
Many programmes include paid co-op terms, and students can work up to 24 hours a week off campus in term and full time in scheduled breaks.
- 03
University or college choice
You can choose a research university for a degree, or a public college for a shorter, job-focused diploma or postgraduate certificate.
- 04
Recognised routes to permanent residence
Skilled Canadian work experience can count towards Express Entry and provincial nominee programmes, although permanent residence is never guaranteed.
- 05
Family options for some students
Spouses of students in master's programmes of 16 months or more, doctoral programmes and some professional degrees can apply for an open work permit.
- 06
Large Indian community
Indian food, temples, gurdwaras and community groups are easy to find in Toronto, Brampton, Vancouver, Surrey, Calgary and Edmonton.
Eligibility and English tests
| Requirement | Bachelor's | Master's |
|---|---|---|
| Academic qualification | Class 12 from CBSE, ISC or a state board. Competitive universities and programmes expect high marks. | A bachelor's degree with a good record. Many universities prefer a four-year degree; colleges often accept three-year degrees for postgraduate certificates. |
| Subject requirements | Engineering and science usually need Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics; business and computer science often need Mathematics. | A related bachelor's degree is usually expected. Thesis-based master's and PhDs may need a supervisor to agree to take you. |
| English test (for admission) | IELTS Academic, PTE Academic or TOEFL iBT; universities commonly ask for IELTS 6.5 overall, colleges often 6.0. | IELTS Academic, PTE Academic or TOEFL iBT; often IELTS 6.5 to 7.0 overall with minimum band scores. |
| Entrance tests | Not usually required. Some programmes ask for a supplementary application, essay or interview. | GMAT or GRE for many MBAs and some business or engineering master's; not needed for most college programmes. |
| Supporting documents | Transcripts, Class 10 and 12 mark sheets, passport and sometimes a personal statement. | Transcripts, degree certificate, statement of purpose, two or three references and a CV. |
| Work experience | Not required. | Usually two to three years for an MBA; optional for most other master's. |
English tests commonly accepted
- IELTS Academic
- PTE Academic
- TOEFL iBT
- Duolingo English Test (accepted by some institutions)
- Each institution sets its own entry rules, so always check the programme page before applying.
- Programmes in Quebec may need French for some courses, and Quebec issues its own Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) before the study permit.
- If you plan to apply for a PGWP later, check that your institution and programme are PGWP-eligible before accepting the offer.
- Some institutions ask for a credential evaluation of Indian degrees (for example through WES).
Intakes and application timeline
Main intakes: September (Fall), January (Winter), May (Summer, limited courses).
Shortlist programmes and check study permit requirements
10–12 months before intake
Take an English test
8–10 months before intake
Submit applications
6–9 months before intake
Accept an offer and obtain required letters such as a provincial attestation letter (not needed for master's or PhD at public institutions from January 2026)
4–5 months before intake
Apply for the study permit
3–4 months before intake
Cost of studying in Canada
International tuition in Canada depends heavily on the province, the institution and the programme. Ontario and British Columbia are the most expensive provinces, while Atlantic and Prairie universities are often cheaper. Many institutions raise international fees every year.
| Tuition | In CAD | Approx. in rupees |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's degree, lower-cost provincesFor 2026-27, Memorial University (Newfoundland) lists C$22,500, Mount Royal University (Calgary) about C$24,300 and the University of Regina C$29,348 to C$34,545. | C$22,000–35,000per year | ≈ ₹14.7 lakh – ₹23.4 lakh |
| Bachelor's degree, large Ontario universitiesToronto Metropolitan University lists C$38,693 to C$44,675 for 2026-27. The most selective universities and programmes can cost more. | C$38,000–60,000per year | ≈ ₹25.5 lakh – ₹40.2 lakh |
| Master's degree (course-based)Graduate tuition at the University of Regina is C$9,944 to C$20,486 for 2026-27; Saint Mary's University lists C$52,960 for its whole 16-month Master of Business Analytics. | C$15,000–40,000per year | ≈ ₹10.1 lakh – ₹26.8 lakh |
| College diploma or postgraduate certificateIndicative range only. Fees differ by college and programme, so check the college's international fee page. | C$16,000–26,000per year | ≈ ₹10.7 lakh – ₹17.4 lakh |
Other costs before you fly
| Item | In CAD | Approx. in rupees |
|---|---|---|
| Study permit application fee | C$150one-off | ≈ ₹10,050 |
| Biometrics (fingerprints and photo)C$170 maximum for a family applying together. | C$85one-off | ≈ ₹5,695 |
| Proof of living funds, single applicantFor applications on or after 1 September 2026, outside Quebec. Tuition and travel must be shown on top of this. | C$23,448first year | ≈ ₹15.7 lakh |
| Tuition deposit to secure a seatUsually counted towards first-year fees. BCIT, for example, asks new international students for a C$6,000 commitment fee. | C$2,000–10,000one-off | ≈ ₹1.3 lakh – ₹6.7 lakh |
| Student health insuranceDepends on the province and institution; Memorial University's international health plan is C$524 for 2026-27. | C$500–1,000per year | ≈ ₹33,500 – ₹67,000 |
| One-way flight from IndiaRough estimate; fares rise sharply close to the August and December intake rush. | C$1,000–2,000one-off | ≈ ₹67,000 – ₹1.3 lakh |
All fees are in Canadian dollars and are set by each institution, usually for one academic year at a time. Check the official fee page of your institution before you budget, and expect fees to rise each year. Approximate exchange rates (based on ECB reference rates, March 2026). Actual rates on your payment date will differ.
Plan my monthly living costsCost of living in Canada
Rent is the biggest cost in Canada. A shared room in a big city costs around C$800 to C$1,200 a month, and a one-bedroom flat can cost twice as much. IRCC's minimum of C$23,448 a year for living costs works out to just under C$2,000 a month.
| Per month | In CAD | Approx. in rupees |
|---|---|---|
| Room in a shared flatSeptember 2026 average asking rent for a shared room: about C$810 in Calgary, C$825 in Montreal and C$1,189 in Toronto. | C$800–1,200per month | ≈ ₹53,600 – ₹80,400 |
| One-bedroom apartmentSeptember 2026 averages: about C$1,508 in Calgary, C$2,220 in Toronto and C$2,373 in Vancouver. | C$1,500–2,400per month | ≈ ₹1 lakh – ₹1.6 lakh |
| Groceries and foodEstimate for cooking at home; eating out often costs more. | C$400–600per month | ≈ ₹26,800 – ₹40,200 |
| Public transportMany universities include a student transit pass in fees; UBC's U-Pass is C$43.35 a month compared with C$177 for a regular Vancouver three-zone pass. | C$45–180per month | ≈ ₹3,015 – ₹12,060 |
| Phone and internetEstimate; sharing home internet with flatmates lowers the cost. | C$50–120per month | ≈ ₹3,350 – ₹8,040 |
| Personal costs and winter clothingBudget extra in the first year for a winter coat, boots and gloves. | C$150–300per month | ≈ ₹10,050 – ₹20,100 |
| Rough monthly total | C$2,945–4,800 | ≈ ₹2 lakh – ₹3.2 lakh |
Rents come from Rentals.ca's September 2026 report and change quickly. Smaller cities such as Regina, St. John's or Windsor are usually cheaper than Toronto or Vancouver.
Not sure what your budget covers?A counsellor can match universities and cities to your budget.
Scholarships
Some universities and colleges offer entrance scholarships or awards for international students, and funding is more common for research-based master's and doctoral programmes. Check each institution's awards page and the EduCanada website for current options.
Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship
University of Toronto
Value: Tuition, books, incidental fees and full residence costs for four years
Who it's for: Outstanding international school leavers nominated by their school; about 37 awards a year. School nominations for September 2027 entry closed on 9 October 2026.
Official page (opens in a new tab)International Major Entrance Scholarship and Outstanding International Student Award
University of British Columbia
Value: C$10,000 to C$25,000 (the major entrance award is renewable for up to three more years)
Who it's for: Strong international students entering a UBC bachelor's degree; considered automatically when you apply by the deadline.
Official page (opens in a new tab)Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)
Government of Ontario and Ontario universities
Value: C$5,000 per term: C$10,000 for two terms or C$15,000 for three
Who it's for: Master's and doctoral students at Ontario universities; a limited number of awards are open to study permit holders.
Official page (opens in a new tab)Mitacs Globalink Research Internship
Mitacs
Value: Partial airfare, housing and living stipends and health cover for a 12-week research internship
Who it's for: Indian B.E. or B.Tech students at listed institutions with at least 70%; the summer 2027 call has closed, so watch for the next one.
Official page (opens in a new tab)
Student visa: Study permit (with a temporary resident visa for Indian citizens)
You need a study permit for any programme longer than six months. Indian citizens apply online to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). If approved, you receive a visa in your passport and a letter of introduction; the border officer issues the actual study permit when you land.
| Key fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Fees | C$150 study permit fee plus C$85 biometrics |
| Living funds to show | C$23,448 for one person from 1 September 2026 (outside Quebec), plus tuition and travel |
| Attestation letter | Required for most students; not needed for master's or PhD programmes at public institutions starting from 1 January 2026 |
| Medical exam | Needed for most Indian applicants planning to stay more than six months |
| Processing time | Varies by country and season; check IRCC's processing times tool and apply as early as possible |
How to apply
- Get a letter of acceptance from a designated learning institution (DLI) and check that the programme is PGWP-eligible if you want to work after graduating.
- Accept the offer and pay the deposit so the institution can request your provincial or territorial attestation letter, unless you are exempt. For Quebec, apply for the CAQ first.
- Arrange and document your funds: first-year tuition, C$23,448 for living costs (single applicant) and travel, for example through a GIC, paid tuition, an education loan or bank statements.
- Book an upfront medical exam with an IRCC panel physician in India, since most Indian applicants staying more than six months need one.
- Apply online through your IRCC account, upload documents and pay C$150 plus C$85 for biometrics.
- Give your fingerprints and photo at a visa application centre in India when IRCC asks.
- If approved, send your passport for the visa and keep the port of entry letter of introduction to show at the border.
Documents checklist
- Letter of acceptance from a designated learning institution
- Provincial or territorial attestation letter (or proof that you are exempt), or a CAQ for Quebec
- Valid passport and two recent passport-size photos
- Proof of funds: tuition receipts, GIC certificate, education loan sanction letter and six months of bank statements with income sources
- Letter of explanation (study plan) setting out why you chose this course and how it fits your career
- Academic transcripts, degree certificates and English test results
- Upfront medical exam confirmation from a panel physician
- Sponsor documents if a parent is paying: their letter, ID, income tax returns and pay slips or business proof
Working while you study
Full-time students at a DLI on a programme of at least six months can usually work off campus without a separate work permit, as long as their study permit includes work conditions and they have a Social Insurance Number. Work should not be relied on to pay tuition.
| Rule | What it means |
|---|---|
| During term | Up to 24 hours a week off campus, across all jobs combined |
| Scheduled breaks | No hour limit during official breaks such as summer and winter holidays or reading week |
| Minimum wage | Set by each province: C$17.95 an hour in Ontario from 1 October 2026 and C$18.25 in British Columbia from 1 June 2026 |
| Co-op placements | If a work term is a required part of your programme, you need a co-op work permit, usually issued with your study permit |
| Spouse or partner | Can apply for an open work permit only if you study a master's of 16 months or more, a doctorate or certain professional degrees |
Post-study work visa: Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
The PGWP is an open work permit for graduates of eligible programmes at eligible DLIs. You can work for almost any employer, and skilled work experience gained on it can later help with permanent residence applications. You can only get one PGWP in your lifetime.
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Length | Up to 3 years for master's graduates (programme of at least 8 months) and for programmes of 2 years or more; otherwise it matches the programme length |
| Language test | CLB 7 in all four skills for bachelor's, master's and PhD graduates; CLB 5 for college and other non-university programmes |
| Field of study | No field rule for bachelor's, master's or PhD; most college programmes must be in a listed eligible field |
| When and cost | Apply within 180 days of completing your programme; the fee is C$255 plus C$85 biometrics |
| Not eligible | Most programmes delivered by private colleges under curriculum licensing with public colleges, and non-credit courses |
| What it can lead to | Canadian skilled work experience that may count for Express Entry or a provincial nominee programme; permanent residence is not guaranteed |
Announced changes
Jobs and career opportunities
Canada has steady demand in healthcare, skilled trades, technology and some engineering fields, but the job market for new graduates has been tough since 2023. Co-op experience, networking and a Canadian-style CV make a large difference to early job offers.
| Sector | Typical roles | Typical salary |
|---|---|---|
| Software and IT | Software developer, QA analyst, cloud and DevOps engineer | Around C$65,000–C$85,000 a year (starting) |
| Data and analytics | Data analyst, business intelligence analyst, junior data scientist | Around C$55,000–C$75,000 a year (starting) |
| Engineering | Engineer-in-training in civil, mechanical or electrical roles | Around C$60,000–C$75,000 a year (starting); a provincial licence is needed to practise as a professional engineer |
| Finance and accounting | Staff accountant, financial analyst, audit associate | Around C$50,000–C$65,000 a year (starting) |
| Healthcare | Registered nurse, practical nurse, personal support worker | Around C$35–C$45 an hour for newly licensed registered nurses; provincial nursing registration is required |
| Supply chain and logistics | Logistics coordinator, purchasing assistant, inventory analyst | Around C$45,000–C$60,000 a year (starting) |
Salaries are rough indications for entry-level roles and vary by province, city and employer. Check the Government of Canada's Job Bank for current wage data for a specific job and region.
Planning to study in Canada?Get a free shortlist of universities and courses that fit your marks, budget and timeline.
Best student cities in Canada
Toronto (Ontario)
Canada's biggest city and job market, with many universities and colleges and the largest Indian community in the country.
Shared room about C$1,189 a month; one-bedroom about C$2,220 (September 2026 averages).
Vancouver (British Columbia)
Strong technology, film and port-related industries, with the mildest winters of the big cities.
Shared room about C$1,163 a month; one-bedroom about C$2,373, the highest in Canada.
Montreal (Quebec)
Large student city with major universities and lower rents, but French is widely used at work and Quebec has its own immigration rules.
Shared room about C$825 a month; one-bedroom about C$1,746.
Calgary (Alberta)
Energy, engineering and growing technology jobs, with no provincial sales tax and lower rents.
Shared room about C$810 a month; one-bedroom about C$1,508.
Ottawa (Ontario)
The capital, with government, technology and research employers and bilingual workplaces.
Shared room about C$1,035 a month; one-bedroom about C$1,969.
Waterloo and Kitchener (Ontario)
A technology hub known for co-op education, home to the University of Waterloo, Wilfrid Laurier and Conestoga College.
One-bedroom about C$1,884 in Waterloo and C$1,709 in Kitchener.
Canada vs other study destinations
| Canada | UK | Australia | Germany | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Master's tuition (per year) | About C$15,000–C$40,000 | About £15,000–£35,000 | About A$30,000–A$55,000 | Often no tuition at public universities |
| Living cost guide | C$23,448 a year to show | About £1,100–£1,500 a month | A$29,710 a year to show | Blocked account of about €12,000 a year |
| Typical master's length | 1–2 years | 1 year | 1.5–2 years | 2 years |
| Part-time work in term | 24 hrs a week | 20 hrs a week | 48 hrs a fortnight | 140 full or 280 half days a year |
| Post-study work | PGWP up to 3 years | Graduate Route 2 years (18 months from Jan 2027) | Temporary Graduate visa, 2–3 years | 18-month job-seeker permit |
| Typical English test | IELTS, PTE or TOEFL | IELTS, PTE or TOEFL | IELTS, PTE or TOEFL | IELTS or TOEFL for English-taught courses |
| Main intakes | September, January, May | September, January | February, July | October, April |
| Cap on student numbers | Yes, national cap | No cap | Planning levels for new students | No cap |
Figures for the UK, Australia and Germany are broad guides as of October 2026; see each country's guide for details. Costs are in each country's own currency.
Challenges to plan for
- Higher refusal ratesIRCC data showed about three in four Indian post-secondary applications refused in August 2025. A weak study plan, unclear funds or a course that does not match your background can lead to a refusal.
- Fewer places under the capThe national cap and attestation letter quotas mean some colleges and programmes fill early or offer fewer seats to international students.
- Expensive and scarce housingRents in Toronto and Vancouver are among the highest in North America, and good student housing near campus goes quickly.
- Tough graduate job marketEntry-level jobs are competitive, and regulated careers such as nursing, engineering and accounting need Canadian licensing before you can practise fully.
- Long winters and frequent rule changesMost cities have cold, dark winters, and immigration rules have changed several times since 2023, so plans need regular checking.
Is Canada right for you?
A good fit if you…
- You want a master's or degree with co-op or work experience built in.
- You can show the full first-year tuition plus about C$23,448 in living funds from clear, traceable sources.
- You are open to studying outside Toronto and Vancouver, where costs and competition are lower.
- You hope to gain work experience after graduating and understand that permanent residence is possible but not guaranteed.
- Your chosen course clearly builds on your previous studies or work.
Think twice if you…
- You plan to pay most of your fees and rent from part-time work.
- You are choosing a college course mainly for immigration, with no clear career link to your background.
- Your course is at a private college or in a field that is not PGWP-eligible.
- You need a quick, certain route to permanent residence.
- You are not prepared for long winters or for living far from family for several years.
About Canada
Canada is the world's second-largest country by area, with most people living in cities close to the border with the United States. It has two official languages, English and French; most universities teach in English, while Quebec, home to Montreal, is mainly French-speaking. Students can choose between universities, which award degrees, and colleges, which offer practical diplomas and postgraduate certificates.
Canada has a large and well-established Indian community, especially around Toronto and Vancouver, so families will find Indian food, temples, gurdwaras and community groups in most big cities. Winters are long and very cold in much of the country, and immigration rules for students have changed several times recently, so check IRCC guidance before applying.
| Canada | At a glance |
|---|---|
| Official language(s) | English and French |
| Population | about 41.8 million (1 July 2026 estimate, Statistics Canada) |
| Climate | Four distinct seasons; cold, snowy winters in most regions (often below -10 C in Toronto, Montreal and Edmonton), with milder, wetter winters in Vancouver and warm summers |
| Time difference with India | IST is 9 hrs 30 min ahead of Toronto (10 hrs 30 min from November to March) and 12 hrs 30 min ahead of Vancouver (13 hrs 30 min in winter) |
| Flight time from Delhi | about 14-15 hours direct to Toronto; about 15-16 hours direct to Vancouver |
| Largest cities | Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Ottawa |
| Currency | Canadian dollar (C$, CAD) |
| Indian community | South Asians are Canada's largest racialised group, about 2.6 million people (2021 Census, Statistics Canada), and India has been the top source country of new immigrants |
Studying in Canada: FAQs
Is Canada still a good option for Indian students after the cap?
Yes, for well-prepared students. Canada still plans to issue about 155,000 study permits to new students in 2026, and master's and PhD students at public universities do not need an attestation letter. The bar is higher, so choose a course that fits your background and show your funds clearly.
How much money do I need to show for a Canadian study permit?
For applications on or after 1 September 2026, a single applicant studying outside Quebec must show C$23,448 for living costs, plus first-year tuition and travel. Many students use a GIC from a Canadian bank and pay part or all of the first-year tuition in advance.
Do I need a provincial attestation letter (PAL)?
Most college and undergraduate students do. Master's and doctoral students at public institutions are exempt for programmes starting from 1 January 2026. Your institution arranges the PAL after you accept the offer and usually pay a deposit.
How many hours can I work, and can work cover my costs?
You can work up to 24 hours a week off campus during term and without a limit in scheduled breaks. At around C$18 an hour, part-time work can help with living costs, but it is not enough to pay tuition and rent in a big city.
Which English test do I need for the PGWP?
Your university or college may accept IELTS Academic, PTE Academic or TOEFL for admission, but the PGWP needs results from an IRCC-approved test, such as CELPIP-General, IELTS General Training or PTE Core. You need CLB 7 for a university degree or CLB 5 for a college programme.
Should I choose a college or a university?
Universities award degrees and their bachelor's, master's and PhD graduates have no field-of-study rule for the PGWP. Public college programmes are shorter and job-focused, but most must be in an eligible field to qualify for a PGWP, and the language requirement is lower.
Can my spouse come with me and work?
Your spouse can usually come with you as a visitor, but an open work permit is only available if you study a master's of 16 months or longer, a doctorate or certain professional degrees such as nursing, engineering or law.
Can I get permanent residence after studying in Canada?
Some graduates do, usually after gaining skilled Canadian work experience on a PGWP and applying through Express Entry or a provincial nominee programme. It depends on your job, language scores and the draws held at the time, so it is never guaranteed.
Sources
- IRCC: Proof of financial support for a study permit (opens in a new tab)
- IRCC: Documents for a study permit application (opens in a new tab)
- IRCC: Provincial or territorial attestation letter (opens in a new tab)
- IRCC notice: 2026 provincial and territorial allocations under the international student cap (Nov 2025) (opens in a new tab)
- IRCC: Work off campus as an international student (opens in a new tab)
- IRCC: Post-graduation work permit eligibility (opens in a new tab)
- IRCC: How to apply for a post-graduation work permit (opens in a new tab)
- IRCC: Open work permits for spouses of international students (opens in a new tab)
- IRCC: Fee list (opens in a new tab)
- IRCC: Annual Report to Parliament on Immigration 2025 (opens in a new tab)
- Ministry of External Affairs: Data on Indian students abroad (Dec 2025) (opens in a new tab)
- Government of Ontario: Minimum wage (opens in a new tab)
- Rentals.ca: National Rent Report (September 2026) (opens in a new tab)
- Business Standard: Canada rejects 74% of Indian student visas (Nov 2025) (opens in a new tab)
- CIC News: IRCC freezes list of PGWP-eligible fields of study for 2026 (Jan 2026) (opens in a new tab)
Rules and fees change
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