Why Canada Is One of the Best Study Abroad Destinations
Canada has become one of the most popular choices for Indian and international students. The country offers high-quality education, globally ranked universities, safe cities, and an affordable lifestyle compared to the US, UK, or Australia.
Some major reasons why students prefer to study in Canada:
- Canadian degrees are recognized worldwide.
- Tuition fees are reasonable compared to other top countries.
- Canada is known for safety, student diversity, and a peaceful environment.
- Students get plenty of internships and part-time work opportunities.
- The country offers strong career prospects after graduation.
For these reasons, more Indian students are choosing Canada than ever before.
Latest Statistics About Indian Students in Canada
- Over 226,000 Indian students received study permits in 2022 (record high).
- Indians make up almost 40–41% of all international students in Canada.
- Canada hosts more than 550,000+ international students every year.
These numbers show how popular Canada is among Indian students looking for affordable and quality overseas education.
Types of Courses in Canada
Canada offers many study options for international students. You can choose according to your interest, budget, and future goals.
1. Undergraduate (Bachelor’s Degree)
Duration: 3–4 years
Suitable for: Students after Class 12
Popular fields: Engineering, Computer Science, Business, Nursing, Hospitality, Arts.
2. Postgraduate (Master’s Degree)
Duration: 1–2 years
Popular fields: Management, Data Science, Engineering, Finance, Public Health, IT.
3. Diploma & Advanced Diploma
Duration: 1–3 years
Cost-effective option for students who want faster career entry.
4. Postgraduate Diploma / Certificate
Duration: 8 months – 1 year
Best for students who want to upgrade skills quickly and affordably.
5. Professional Courses
Courses in technology, healthcare, business, hospitality, creative industries, etc.
You can easily choose a program that suits your career plan and financial situation.
Top Universities in Canada
Canada has some of the world’s best universities. Many of them rank in the Top 100 and Top 200 globally.
Here are the top choices:
- University of Toronto (UofT)
- University of British Columbia (UBC)
- McGill University
- University of Alberta
- McMaster University
- University of Calgary
- Western University
- Queen’s University
These universities are known for academic excellence, strong research output, and high employability rates.
Admission Requirements to Study in Canada
Although exact requirements vary by college or university, the common eligibility criteria include:
1. Academic Requirements
- Class 12 marks for undergraduate programs
- Bachelor’s degree marks for master’s programs
2. English Language Requirements
Most universities accept:
- IELTS (typically 6.0–7.0 band)
- TOEFL
- PTE
Some universities allow admission without IELTS if:
- Medium of instruction was English, or
- You complete an English pathway program.
3. Entrance Exams
Some programs may require:
- GRE / GMAT (mostly for MBA or technical courses)
4. Documents Required
- copyright
- Academic transcripts
- English proficiency proof
- LORs (Letters of Recommendation)
- SOP (Statement of Purpose)
- Resume (for PG programs)
Cost of Studying in Canada
Studying in Canada is more affordable than in countries like the US or UK. However, it still requires proper planning.
1. Tuition Fees
| Program Type | Average Fee (per year) |
| Undergraduate Degree | CAD 28,000 – 40,000 |
| Postgraduate Degree | CAD 20,000 – 35,000 |
| Diploma / PG Diploma | CAD 12,000 – 18,000 |
2. Living Expenses
Living cost depends on the city.
On average, students need:
CAD 12,000 – 18,000 per year
(includes rent, food, transport, utilities, books, personal expenses)
3. Total Annual Cost
CAD 30,000 – 52,000 per year
This varies by course, city, and your personal lifestyle.
Top Student Cities in Canada
1. Toronto
- Best for: Business, IT, Finance, Media
- Vibrant multicultural city with many job opportunities
2. Vancouver
- Best for: Film, Arts, IT, Environment Studies
- Beautiful, safe, scenic
3. Montreal
- Affordable city
- Popular for Engineering, Arts, Business
4. Calgary & Edmonton
- Best for budget students
- Strong job market in Engineering and Energy sector
5. Ottawa
- Canada’s capital
- Safe, peaceful, and great for families & students
Scholarships for International Students
Canada offers many scholarships for international students. These help reduce the financial burden significantly.
Some popular scholarships are:
- Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship Program
- Ontario Graduate Scholarship
- University-specific scholarships (UofT, UBC, McGill, etc.)
- Private and government-funded scholarships
Many colleges also provide entrance scholarships based on academic performance.
Part-Time Jobs & Work Opportunities
International students can work up to 20 hours per week during classes and full-time during holidays.
Common part-time jobs include:
- Retail jobs
- Food service
- Campus assistant roles
- Customer service
- Delivery & hospitality
Working part-time helps students manage living expenses comfortably.
Career Opportunities After Studying in Canada
Canada offers excellent job opportunities for graduates. Many fields have strong demand:
- Software & IT
- Engineering
- Healthcare
- Business & Management
- Finance
- Data Science
- Hospitality & Tourism
Students can also apply for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), which allows them to work in Canada for up to 3 years after their studies.
This helps them gain Canadian experience and build a stable career.
Benefits of Studying in Canada
Here are the biggest advantages:
1. High-quality education
Degrees are globally recognized and valued worldwide.
2. Affordable compared to other countries
Canada offers one of the best balances between cost and quality.
3. Safe and friendly environment
Canada is one of the safest countries for students.
4. Multicultural society
You’ll meet people from all cultures, especially large Indian communities.
5. Strong job opportunities
Canada’s job market is growing in many sectors.
6. Chance to work after graduation
PGWP gives students a great career boost.
Challenges to Consider
Like any other country, Canada also has some challenges:
- High competition for some courses
- Rising rent in big cities like Toronto and Vancouver
- Visa process requires proper documentation
- Weather can be extremely cold in some regions
However, with proper planning, these challenges can be managed easily.
Is Studying in Canada Worth It? – Final Conclusion
Yes. Studying in Canada is absolutely worth it for Indian and international students.
You get:
- A world-class education
- A safe and comfortable environment
- Excellent job opportunities
- A multicultural lifestyle
- A globally recognized degree
If your goal is to gain a high-quality education and build a successful international career, Canada is one of the best study abroad destinations to choose.