Study in Canada Consultants

5 Benefits of Studying in Canada

1) Cost and Lifestyle

Canada can be more value for your money than some other top destinations, but it’s not “cheap.” Costs vary widely based on the province, city and program.

2) Quality of Education

Canada’s institutions are renowned for high standards and teaching that is aligned with the industry. Programs will often offer co-op/internship (where applicable) which can be a huge career boost.

3) Part time Work opportunities

Eligible international students can work up to 24 hours/week off campus during the term time, in addition to unlimited hours during scheduled breaks (like summer/winter holidays or reading week), if they meet IRCC conditions.

4) Easy to Fit In

Canada is among the most multi-cultural countries in the world. Students find active communities, cultural events and support services on campus.

5) Scholarships

Many universities and colleges provide scholarships for international students such as entrance awards, merit-based scholarships and others based on department funding (especially at graduate level). This availability will depend on your course, institution and academic profile.

Canada Education System

Canada’s education is regulated by the provinces and territories, which determine the standards, and institutions must adhere to these regulations. At the post-secondary level, one can choose between universities, colleges and institutes, universities award degrees whereas colleges and institutes commonly provide career-oriented diplomas and certificates. Many schools have two intakes (September, January) with the option of a summer session (May).

Credential	Usually offered by	Typical duration	PAL/TAL requirement
Certificate (Ontario colleges)	College	2 semesters (1 year).	Yes
Diploma (Ontario colleges)	College	At least 4 semesters (2 years).	Yes
Advanced Diploma (Ontario colleges)	College	6 semesters (3 years).	Yes
Graduate Certificate (Ontario colleges)	College	Often 2 semesters (1 year)	Yes
Bachelor’s degree	University (and some degree-granting colleges)	3–4 years.	Yes
Master’s degree (degree-granting)	University	1–4 years.	Not required if it’s a master’s degree-granting program at a public DLI.
Doctoral (PhD) degree	University	Typically, 3–4 additional years after master’s.	Not required if it’s a Doctoral degree-granting program at a public DLI

Popular Study Streams for Good Career Options

Some of the popular study stream in Canada are

Eligible area (IRCC)	Popular programs (Courses that appear on IRCC’s eligible list)
STEM	Computer science, AI, IT, computer programming, network/system administration, information security (e.g., Artificial intelligence, Information technology, Computer science, Computer and information systems security/auditing/information assurance).
Health care & social services	Nursing pathways (e.g., Registered nursing/registered nurse, Licensed practical/vocational nurse training, Nursing assistant/aide and patient care assistant/aide).
Education	Early childhood education and teaching, child development / childcare related programs.
Transport	Logistics, materials, and supply chain management, transportation/mobility management.
Trade	Skilled trades such as Welding technology/welder, machinist, metal fabrication, heavy equipment operation (examples shown on the eligible list).
Agriculture & agri-food	Programs classified under agriculture/agri-food (example: Agriculture, general appears as eligible).

Note: PGWP eligibility is not only dependent on the subject, but also the school + program you are studying at. International students who have graduated from a DLI don’t have a guarantee of being PGWP eligible, you must have graduated from a PGWP eligible program at a PGWP eligible school.

Admission Requirements to Study in Canada

English Language Requirements (IELTS as well as Alternatives)

Most institutions accept IELTS Academic (9-band-marking and individual Listening/Reading/Writing/Speaking bands.) There is no one Canada-wide requirement of the IELTS score, it differ according to the institution and the programs.

Common IELTS Score required:

• College diplomas/advanced diplomas: Overall 6.0 with no individual band below 5.5 – 6.0.
• Undergraduate degrees: 6.5 Overall, with many of the degrees requiring no band below 6.0.
• Graduate certificates/postgraduate programs: Overall 6.5 no band below 6.0
• Master’s programs: Overall score 6.5-7.5, 6.0-6.5 being minimum individual bands required.

Writing heavy programs (thesis/research, law, education, journalism, healthcare communication) will need high scores in Writing, even if your overall score is okay.

Alternatives often accepted: TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, CAEL and Duolingo English Test (few institutions).

Standardized Test(s) (If applicable)

Not everyone has to take these tests, numerous programs in Canada usually emphasize on academics, prerequisites and fit. Some programs might even require:

• GRE (some master’s/PhD): Often optional/waived; more common in departments with a lot of research or that are competitive.
  • Scores: Verbal 130-170, Quant 130-170, Quant scores tend to matter for STEM when it is required more.
• GMAT (MBA and some business programs): GMAT Focus Edition, Total score range: 205-805 (don’t mix up with the older scale).
• SAT (some undergraduate programs): Usually relevant for some programs of study (e.g. American curriculum). Many universities don’t require it for CBSE/State Board but may give it consideration.
• Required Digital SAT score range 400-1600.
• LSAT (JD law programs): Required for entry into law school.
  • Score range: 120-180. Since Aug 2024, it has two sections Logical Reasoning and Reading Comprehension. Schools evaluate applications based on LSAT & GPA.
• MCAT (medicine): Required by many medical schools; international seats in Canada are very limited and the rules vary by school.
• Total score range: 472-528 (midpoint 500). Four sections in science foundations, CARS and behavioural/social sciences. School will set cutoffs and prerequisites as per the requirement of the institution.

Cost of Studying in Canada

Tuition Fees (international students): Tuition Fees Vary by Province and Program International Fees are Higher Than Domestic

• 2025/26 averages (degree granting institutions):
  • Undergraduate: CAD 41,746/year
  • Graduate: CAD 24,028/year

Living expenses: Cost of living varies depending on city, housing.

• As per IRCC CAD 22,895/year ~CAD 1,900/month is required proof of living for applications submitted on or after Sep 1, 2025, the expenses exclude tuition & transportation

Typical monthly budget for students

A very practical range, in many cities: CAD 1,400-2,700/month (more for private housing or downtown areas).

• Housing + utilities: CAD 700-1,600
• Groceries: CAD 250-450
• Local transport: CAD 90-160
• Mobile + internet: CAD 50-120
• Books + supplies: CAD 50-150
• Personal/misc.: CAD 100-250

Visa & biometrics fees

• Study permit: CAD 150
• Biometrics (individual): CAD 85

Intakes in Canada

Most Canadian institutions have 3 main intakes.

• Fall intake (September start) is the primary intake with maximum range of programs and scholarship.
• Winter intake (January start) is widely available but is not as wide as Fall.
• Summer intake (May start) fewer programs and institutions are available.

If you are on a mission to start Fall intake, a reasonable time for planning is between 6-9 months before so that you have time to prepare for the tests, documentation, and visa process.

Employment opportunities in Canada

Working While Studying:

Eligible international students can work off campus up to 24 hours/week when classes are in session. During specified breaks such as summer holidays, winter holidays or reading week, eligible students can work for unlimited hours.

Working more than the permitted hours while classes are in session is a violation of study permit conditions and as such should be taken seriously by students.

After Graduation: PGWP Rules

A Post-Graduation Work Permit can be a way for eligible graduates to work in Canada for up to 3 years – depending on the length and level of the program. The eligibility for PGWP varies according to the institution, program, and history of your study status and you need to apply for PGWP as soon as you complete your studies.

Two major updates between 2024 and 2026 are important to students:

• Most PGWP applicants are now required to provide proof of their language test results when they apply if they are applying on or after November 1, 2024.
• Some graduates need to have a field of study, IRCC says it is a frozen list of eligible fields of study for 2026.

This is why it is not enough to choose a course based on its popularity. And you should ensure that you are eligible for the PGWP and the classification of the program before you finalize your admission.

Canada Student Visa Process

Apply to institutions (DLIs)

• Apply directly to colleges/universities (online portals).
• Timeline: it varies by intake/program, applications take few weeks to a couple of months to receive decisions.

Receive an offer – accept it & pay required deposit/tuition

• Follow the payment amount and deadline which is mentioned in the offer letter.
• In most cases, you need to accept the offer and pay tuition (part/full) before the school issues/initiates your PAL/TAL process.

Gather important documents

• Letter of Acceptance (LOA) is always required and IRCC may ask your school to validate this LOA
• PAL/TAL is required for most applicants and must be submitted together with the application to study (not later).
• If studying in Quebec: you normally must go through a C.A.Q. (Quebec Acceptance Certificate) process too

Arrange proof of funds (GIC is not mandatory, but optional)

• IRCC accepts several proofs like paid tuition, Canadian bank account, GIC, loans, bank statements, etc.
• For applications on or after Sep 1, 2025, the minimum amount of living expenses outside Quebec provided by IRCC is CAD 22,895/year (tuition + travel extra).
• Timeline – depends on your funding method (bank/loan/GIC processing time varies).

Medical exam (If required only)

• You may require it if you’ll be staying longer than 6 months, lived in certain countries, or are planning to work in certain public health sensitive jobs.
• Timeline: a few days to a couple of weeks is typical (appointments + processing)

Apply for the study permit online

Study permits applications are submitted online, and you should submit a full application (LOA + PAL/TAL + required docs).

Note: SDS is closed, applications go through the regular process now

Provide Biometrics

• Pay the biometrics fee during submission and give biometrics as soon as you receive the passport request letter.
• Timeline: book ASAP (VAC availability varies).

IRCC processing + decision

• Processing time: The time IRCC takes to process your application depends on where your file is processed and whether IRCC asks for additional documents/interview.
• If approved, you’ll receive a Port of Entry (POE) Letter of Introduction and an eTA or TRV (depending on your country of origin) and you’ll receive the study permit at the time of entry.