Updated On: 23 January 2025
How to Study in Canada?
Canada's high-quality education, multicultural environment, and abundant opportunities for personal and professional development, the country has grown to be one of the leading choices for international students. In case you are not aware of, the program will guide you step by step to study in Canada and help you become successful in your studies.
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Steps to Study in Canada?
Canada has top-rated education, affordable tuition, and a friendly environment for students from all over the world. Major advantages are:
- World-famous universities: Colleges such as the University of Toronto, McGill University, and UBC are the best in the world.
- Future career opportunities: The Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWPP) gives you the chance to work in a real working environment.
- Vivid cultural exposure: The students are instinctively incorporated into a cultural mosaic that is often a very prejudiced scenario.
Additionally, Canada's favorable immigration laws that make it easier for graduates to get permanent residency and its three-year post-study work rights to add value to its educational programs. Canada's high standards of life, economic opportunities, and excellent educational system make it a popular destination for those seeking higher education.
Read More: Best Careers to Start in Canada
Current Updates on Canada
Study Permit Cap: The IRCC intends to provide 437,000 visas in 2025, which is 10% less than the 2024 goals. In January 2024, a 35% cap was implemented; nonetheless, IDP found no discernible effect on student seat distributions. In order to reduce any possible hazards brought on by the cap, it is recommended that the student application process be accelerated at every level.
Updates to PhD and Master's Programs: Programs at the Master's and above levels now need a Pre-Arrival Letter (PAL). These pupils are the exclusive recipients of 12% of the permits. Universities have simplified the PAL application procedure, which is risk-free for IDPs. PAL is now a required document for Master's program study permit applications.
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP): For a maximum of three years, graduates of public college programs associated with occupations experiencing persistent labor shortages are eligible for a PGWP. All study levels are still served by IDP, which has the ability to get a three-year PGWP in accordance with labor market demands as determined by the federal and provincial governments.
PGWP ELT Requirement: As of November 1, 2024, all applicants for PGWP are required to exhibit a minimum level of language competence. College graduates must achieve CLB Level 5, and university graduates must get CLB Level 7. CLB 7 corresponds to an IELTS score of 6, while CLB 5 corresponds to a score of 4-4.5.
Spouse Work Permit: Spouses of Master's students participating in selected vital programs for 16 months or more may be granted a work permit. In order to allow their wives to work in Canada, students must enroll in qualified Master's programs.
See Also: Canada announces Eligible Programs for PGWPs
Why Study in Canada?
Top Student Destination: Canada is celebrated for its student-friendly atmosphere. In 2025, three Canadian cities made it to the top 50 of the QS Best Student Cities list.
Extended Work Opportunities: After graduation, students can benefit from up to 3 years of post-study work rights, enhancing their career prospects.
World-Class Education: Canadian universities are globally recognised for their quality yet remain affordable. The QS World University Rankings 2025 features three Canadian institutions in the top 50, with 30 universities in total making the list.
Cultural Diversity: Canada's multicultural environment welcomes students from around the globe, providing a rich tapestry of interactions and perspectives.
You might also like: Top 5 Provinces for Easy PR in Canada
Top courses to study in Canada
Here are the popular study abroad courses that you can choose for studying in Canada:
- Computer science
- Business
- Engineering
- Health sciences
- Physiotherapy
- Information technology
- Animation and gaming
- Hospitality
Intakes in Canada
Unlike a single intake in Indian universities, Canadian colleges and universities offer three intakes. In some universities, intakes may also be referred to as a semester. The three intakes available in Canada are:
Fall: A popular intake among Indian students, The Fall intake starts in the month of September
Winter: Starts in January; it’s best if you miss the September intake
Summer: Available for limited programs and colleges, the Summer intake usually starts around April and May.
Read this also: Best Cities in Canada for International Students
Student visa requirements for Canada
To study in Canada, international students must obtain a study permit, which is essential for validating their stay. Alongside the study permit, you'll either receive a visitor visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), which authorizes your entry into the country. It's crucial to stay enrolled and progress reasonably towards completing your course while on a study permit.
Top student cities Canada
Canada is renowned for its high-quality education and welcoming atmosphere for international students. Here are some of Canada’s top student cities, as featured in the QS Best Student Cities Rankings 2025, each providing a unique combination of academic prestige and dynamic lifestyle:
Cost of living in Canada
Indeed, there exists a substantial difference between living in Canada and your home country. It is important to explore the Canadian lifestyle and cost of living of the place where you plan to stay. Quebec makes one of the most affordable Canadian cities with the cost of living far less compared to other cities.
Also, while applying for your student permit, you have to prove to the Canadian government that you have enough money to meet the financial expenses. So, keep that in mind!
When planning your budget, do include the following expenses:
- Communication costs: Always set aside money in your budget for phone and data bills as you’d be calling your friends and family back home frequently. Look for low-cost calling plans as well as student discounts. The average monthly cost will be around CAD 20.
- Textbooks and supplies: Buying textbooks can be costly. Books for engineering courses, for example, might cost anywhere between CAD 250 and CAD 350. The value of courses like law, medicine, and pharmacy can be even higher. You may keep this within your budget by buying used books, purchasing digital versions, or even enrolling in a library membership.
- Personal expenses and incidentals: Laundry, toiletries, clothing, dining out, and so on will be part of your everyday spending. This is largely dependent on the type of lifestyle you select.
See this also: Canada Ends Flag Polling for Border Applications on Post-Grad Work Permits
Apply to study in Canada
Once your school gives you your letter of acceptance, you will need to find out:
- if you need a study permit from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
- how to get your documents ready and apply online with IRCC.
Once IRCC approves your application, they will ask you to send them your passport. They will send it back to you with your permit along with a letter of introduction.
When you travel to Canada, bring this letter with you and show it at the Canada Border Services officer. If you have been approved, the officer will then give you your study permit.
You may like: How Indian students can adapt to Canada new visa regulations?
Conclusion
Reach out to SIEC for Application inquiries and assistance.
Read more insightful articles:
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