Study in Canada 2026 – Top Universities, Courses, Eligibility, Fees & Visa
Canada has announced the 2026 new study permit cap and allows up to 408,000 permits in total, including 155,000 new students and 253,000 extensions. This change is the exemption of Master’s and doctoral students at public universities from the Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL/TAL) requirement and federal caps.
There are some eligibility changes also made for Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), which increase rejection rates and stricter rules for international students. If you want to study in Canada, then you should be updated on the latest visa trends, post-study work rights, costs, etc.
Why Study in Canada?
Here are the reasons why to study in Canada
- World-class education – Indian students get access to world class education and learning opportunities by studying in Canada.
- Top-ranked universities- There are various highly recognized institutes with global rankings in Canada. So it provides quality education with a recognized degree to students.
- High quality of life- The students enrolled in courses in Canada will live a high-quality of life, and elevate their personality.
- Great research opportunities – Canadian universities have equipment for research and advanced technologies, and provide research opportunities to students to excel in their careers.
- Career opportunities – Canada provides you with a wide range of career opportunities with high earning potential after completing studies. A Canadian-recognized degree will also boost your career growth in Canada, India, and anywhere in the world.
Why Do Indian Students Still Prefer Canada Despite Changing Post-Study Policies?
Canada is a popular study destination for Indian students because of the range of job prospects in high-demand sectors, a multicultural community, and PR pathways through the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program. But the recent policy changes have restricted visa access. PGWP trends for Indian students show the tighter eligibility, processing delays, and shifts in program focus.
The students eligible for the PGWP program can get the work rights up to 24 hours a week during academic sessions in Canada. It helps them to manage their tuition fees and living costs and gain valuable work experience in the Canadian environment.
What Are the University Requirements for International Students in Canada?
To enrol in Canadian study programs, here are the basic requirements you should meet, as per degree type you are applying
Degree | Requirements |
Associate degree | High school transcript or equivalent with an average of a C grade, or 2.0 on a 4.33 scale. IELTS – 6.5 or above TOEFL iBT score 60 |
Bachelor degree | 12th standard certificate with a minimum 65 % IELTS – 6.5 TOEFL – 80 to 100 SAT/ ACT scores |
Master degree | Bachelor’s degree with a minimum CGPA of 7.0-7.5 IELTS – 6.5 or above TOEFL – 80 to 100 SOP, References, CV Good GRE/GMAT scores |
Doctorate degree | Master’s degree in the related field Proven research abilities IELTS – 6.5 TOEFL – 90 Good GMAT/ GRE scores |
How Much Does It Cost to Study in Canada?
The average cost of studying a UG program and PG program in Canada is CAD 29,714 and CAD 17,744 per year. Below we show you the estimated tuition fees, living costs, accommodation fees, and other charges associated with study in Canada
Type of Expense | Avg. Yearly Cost (CAD) |
Tuition Fees | 15000.00 |
Living and accommodation | 10000.00 |
Airfare | 1100.00 |
Visa + biometric | 255.00 |
Total | 26355 |
How Can You Manage Your Budget While Studying in Canada?
Following the given financial tips helps you to manage your expenses while studying in Canada and reduce stress.
- Create your budget on how much money you have and how much you spend
- Use student discounts in buses, movies, and even on shopping by showing your student ID
- Cook at home rather than order from restaurants
- Share accommodation with other students to reduce living expenses
- Work part-time for some hours, and get extra money to pay for your daily expenses
Moreover, you can also apply for the education loan for study in Canada and get funds to manage your studies.
What Scholarships Are Available for International Students in Canada?
Scholarships help international students to finance their studies in Canada and reduce their financial burden. Here are the scholarships to study in Canada
Scholarship
Benefits (Approx.)
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
CAD 50,000 (INR 30 L) per year for 3 years
Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)
CAD 15,000 (INR 9.5 L) per year
University of Toronto Lester B. Pearson Scholarship
Full tuition, books, and residence support
University of British Columbia (UBC) International Leader of Tomorrow Award
Full tuition + living expenses
Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute Scholarships
CAD 500–1,000 (Short-term programs)
Canada-India Research Centre of Excellence Scholarships
CAD 10,000+ (INR 6 L) (Research-specific aid)
What Are the Types of Canada Study Visas?
Canada provides different types of student visas to students on the basis of their educational pursuits and specific circumstances. Here are the visa types with application fees given below
Visa Type | Application Fee |
Study Permit | CA$150 |
PGWP (Post-Graduation Work Permit) | CA$255 |
Co-Op Work Permit | CA$150 |
Student Direct Stream (SDS) | CA$150 |
What Are the Canada Intake Seasons?
Canadian education stands out because of three intakes, called semesters. It allows the students to start their educational journey as per their preferences.
Intakes in Canada | Program Availability | Application Deadline | Duration |
Fall Intake | Widest range of programs | November-April | September to December |
Winter Intake | Fewer programs compared to the fall intake | May-October | January to April |
Summer Intake | Short-term courses and diplomas only | October – February | May to August |
Which Are the Top Universities in Canada?
Here are the Top universities to study in Canada and achieve academic excellence, career growth, and job opportunities
| Best Universities in Canada | QS World University Ranking 2026 | THE World University Ranking 2025 |
| McGill University | #27 | #45 |
| University of Toronto | #29 | #21 |
| University of British Columbia (UBC) | #40 | #41 |
| University of Alberta | =#94 | =#116 |
| University of Waterloo | #119 | =#163 |
| Western University | #151 | 201–250 |
| Université de Montréal | #168 | #125 |
| McMaster University | #173 | =#116 |
| Queen’s University, Ontario | #191 | 301–350 |
| University of Calgary | #211 | 201–250 |
What Are the Best Courses to Study in Canada?
The Canadian courses in business management, data science, and healthcare sectors are highly appealing for Indian students because of their demand, strong career outcomes, and PR pathways. Here are the best courses to study in Canada
| Course Name | Duration | Average Annual Tuition Fee (CAD/INR) |
| Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) | 4 Years | $20,000 – $50,000 (₹12.7L – ₹31.7L) |
| Bachelor of Computer Science/IT | 4 Years | $22,000 – $55,000 (₹13.9L – ₹34.9L) |
| Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng) | 4 Years | $25,000 – $60,000 (₹15.8L – ₹38.1L) |
| Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) | 4 Years | $20,000 – $40,000 (₹12.7L – ₹25.3L) |
| Bachelor of Hospitality Management | 4 Years | $18,000 – $30,000 (₹11.4L – ₹19L) |
| Bachelor of Arts in Media/Communications | 4 Years | $18,000 – $32,000 (₹11.4L – ₹20.3L) |
| Diploma/Advanced Diploma in Hospitality | 2 – 3 Years | $15,000 – $22,000 (₹9.5L – ₹13.9L) |
| Master of Computer Science/IT | 1.5 – 2 Years | $18,000 – $35,000 (₹11.4L – ₹22.2L) |
| Master of Public Health (MPH) | 1.5 – 2 Years | $18,000 – $30,000 (₹11.4L – ₹19L) |
| Master of Business Administration (MBA) | 1 – 2 Years | $30,000 – $60,000+ (₹19L – ₹38L+) |
| PG Diploma in Management | 1 – 2 Years | $15,000 – $25,000 (₹9.5L – ₹15.8L) |
| PG Diploma in Data Science/AI | 1 – 2 Years | $17,000 – $30,000 (₹10.8L – ₹19L) |
| Master of Engineering (M.Eng) | 1 – 2 Years | $20,000 – $40,000 (₹12.7L – ₹25.3L) |
| Master of Arts in Media/Communications | 1 – 2 Years | $17,000 – $28,000 (₹10.8L – ₹17.7L) |
What Jobs Can You Get in Canada After Graduation?
Canada provides you with amazing post-study work opportunities. After graduation, you can apply for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) and get the right to work in Canada for up to 3 years, on the basis of your study duration. Here are the high-demand fields that provide you with reputed jobs and handsome salary packages
| Field | Job Roles | Average Annual Salary (INR) |
| Technology | Software Developer, Data Analyst, AI Engineer | INR 40L – 65L |
| Healthcare | Registered Nurse, Physiotherapist | INR 35L – 70L |
| Engineering | Civil, Mechanical, Electrical Engineer | INR 40L – 70L |
| Business | Financial Analyst, Marketing Specialist, HR Manager | INR 30L – 55L |
| Skilled Trades | Electrician, Welder, HVAC Technician | INR 28L – 45L |
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Are you ready to pursue your educational journey in Canada? Choose the right university, right course, apply for a study visa, and get expert guidance now to ensure a smooth and successful journey.
Feel free to reach via contact us form.
Have a question?
The study in Canada varies, as per university, courses, your academic qualifications, etc. The estimated tuition fees range between $10,000 to $40,000 CAD per year and living expenses are around estimated $15,000 CAD annually.
To start studying in Canada, you should choose the study program, get a Letter of Acceptance from a Canadian school, a provincial attestation letter from the province or territory, and a study permit. These steps make you ready to pursue higher studies in Canada.
The Canadian universities prefer the candidates with at least 12 months of work experience with a GMAT score of 500- 700 out of 800 to enroll in popular courses.
The students who dream to pursue their education in Canada must apply for study visa. The different types of study visa options available for candidates are the Study Permit, PGWP (Post-Graduation Work Permit), Co-Op Work Permit, and Student Direct Stream (SDS)
Yes, several courses and universities like the University of Toronto and UBC provide 100% scholarship assistance to international students on the basis of financial need, merit, and other criteria.
Yes, you can apply for PR after completing your studies in Canada.
Studying in Canada offers you a range of opportunities and career benefits. From the safe study environment to post-graduation work rights, quality education to PR pathways, Canada makes your dream come true. By properly exploring programs, universities, and scholarships to study in Canada, you can start your education journey abroad and transform it into a successful career path.
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