Study In Canada for Indian Students – You Need To Know
Table of Contents
Canada is a top destination for both students and professionals seeking higher education and job opportunities. Many are choosing Canada over other countries for better future prospects. With its quality of life and education, Canada attracts international students looking to build their careers. Are you an Indian student planning to study in Canada for Indian students? Here’s a complete guide to assist you.
But, Why Study in Canada? What makes it ideal for so many people?
Whether you’re planning to pursue a Master’s or MBA in Canada for Indian students, it has become increasingly popular for higher education among Indian students. Here’s why:
- Affordable Cost of Studying and Living: Compared to top destinations like the UK and USA, Canada offers more affordable tuition and living expenses.
- High Standard of Living: Canada boasts an excellent quality of life, which is a key reason many students choose it as a study destination.
- Top Global Universities: Home to prestigious institutions like the University of Toronto, McGill University, University of Waterloo, and University of Alberta, Canada offers world-class education.
- No Language Barrier: With English and French as official languages, communication is easy. English is widely spoken, making it convenient for international students.
- High Employability Rate: Canadian universities are globally recognized for their high employability rates and academic excellence. The government also encourages foreign student admissions, fostering a diverse, inclusive learning environment.
- World-Renowned Education System: Canada’s education system promotes innovation and active participation. Students are encouraged to express their ideas freely, and assessments are designed to enhance learning, making Canada an ideal choice for international students.
Study in Canada for Indian Students requirements:
When planning to pursue higher education in Canada as an Indian student, it’s important to understand the general requirements for studying there. While specific colleges and courses may have unique criteria, most universities offering academic master’s degrees to international students require the following:
- A completed application form for the chosen university.
- Documentation confirming the award of a previous degree, along with official transcripts.
- Proof of professional designations, if applicable.
- Two academic reference letters supporting the applicant’s readiness for graduate studies. If there is no recent academic background, employer references detailing relevant experience and analytical skills are acceptable.
- A detailed resume outlining educational accomplishments, work experience, career progression, and any related activities.
- A Letter of Intent (LOI) explaining the reasons for applying and detailing the student’s academic goals.
- Credential evaluation from a recognized service if the degree is from an unrecognized institution or requires further analysis.
- Proof of English language proficiency.
These are the basic prerequisites to get started on your application to Canadian universities.
Cost of studying and living in Canada:
While the cost of studying and living in Canada for indian student isn’t listed as a formal requirement, it is a major concern for many students before deciding to study abroad. Before researching the top universities in Canada and understanding how to apply as an Indian student, it’s essential to evaluate the financial feasibility. The total cost includes tuition fees, accommodation, food, healthcare, and travel.
- Tuition Fees: Tuition is the largest expense and varies depending on the course and institution. On average, you’ll need between CAD 7,000 and CAD 35,000 per year, which is approximately INR 3,50,000 to 19,00,000. The actual amount depends on the course you choose.
- Accommodation: Universities often provide on-campus housing for international students. Alternatively, you can choose off-campus options and share housing with other students. On-campus accommodation ranges from CAD 8,000 to CAD 10,000 annually, while shared off-campus apartments can cost CAD 400 to CAD 700 per month. In prime locations, this may rise to CAD 1,000 to CAD 2,000 per month.
- Living Expenses: General living costs, including communication, transport, books, and daily necessities, can add up. A single student in Canada for Indian typically spends around CAD 6,000 to CAD 10,000 annually.
- Miscellaneous Costs: Visa and study permits cost about CAD 150. Health insurance can range from CAD 300 to CAD 800 annually.
Types of Expenses | Yearly Cost |
Tuition Fees | CAD 7,000 to CAD 35,000 (INR 3,50,000 to 19,00,000) |
Accommodation | CAD 7,200 to CAD 24,000 (INR 3,91,054 to INR 13,03,515) |
Other Living Expenses (Grocery, transportation, etc.) | CAD 6,000 to CAD 10,000 (INR 3,23,881 to INR 5,39,802) |
Miscellaneous | CAD 1,000 (INR 53,980) |
Total (with tuition fees) | Total (with tuition fees) CAD 21,200 to CAD 66,500 (INR 11,44,382 to INR 37,78,620) |
Total (without tuition fees) | CAD 14,200 to CAD 35,000 (INR 7,66,520 to INR 18,89,310) |
Scholarships to Study in Canada for Indian student:
Canadian universities offer scholarships for Indian students who have strong academic records but may face financial challenges in funding their education. When applying for scholarships, keep the following in mind:
Academic Performance: A good academic score is usually required, though criteria may vary depending on the city, subject, and level of study.
Application Timeline: Scholarship amounts differ across institutions, and the process can take time. It’s recommended to start applying 8 to 12 months before your course begins.
Here are some scholarships available for studying in Canada:
- Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
- Ontario Trillium Scholarship
- Ontario Graduate Scholarship
- Go Clean Scholarship
- Humber College International Entrance Scholarship
- Waterloo Merit Scholarship
- UBC International Leader of Tomorrow Award
- Science and Law School Scholarship
- Quebec Provincial Government Scholarship
- University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowships
And many more.
How to apply for a study visa in Canada?
A Study Permit allows international students to study at the designated learning Institutes in Canada. You need to ensure that you have all the required documents before applying for the permit. A study permit is not a visa. You need to apply for a temporary resident visa separately. The duration of a study permit is equal to the duration of your course plus an extra 90 days. This extra time gives you a chance to leave or apply for an extension.
You should ideally apply for a study permit before you come to Canada. A few people can apply for a study permit from Canada. Also, you can apply when you reach Canada at your arrival.
One option for application is, to Apply online. With the online application, the permit gets processed instantly, avoiding any delays. In case they need any extra documents, it can immediately be added online saving the time to courier it instead. You can also be constantly updated about your status of the application through your account.
Following documents are mandatory when applying for a study permit:
- proof of acceptance from the university
- proof of identity; a valid passport, photos and any other identification document
- proof of financial support; a proof of education loan or bank statement of last four months or any other suitable document.
Essential documents for Canadian Student Visa:
You should apply for the student visa once you get an acceptance letter from the college. You should begin with the visa process well in advance. The documents that are essential for this are:
- Valid Passport: You need a Valid Passport to apply for a Study Permit. As of the Canadian High Commission, it is imperative that you have a passport with a validity that covers your intended stay in Canada, i.e. at the least your course duration.
- Proof of Acceptance by the Institute: You would need the university/Institute’s acceptance letter. A Designated Learning Institute is one that is recognized by the Immigration Department.
- Proof of Funds: You would have to show proof of funds. It is to prove that you are capable enough to fund your tuition fees as well as take care of living expenses. The Canadian Immigration requires a student to at least show Canadian $10,000 for every year of your stay.
- Passport Size Photographs: You would need two passport-sized photographs according to the given standards.
- Immigration Medical Examination (IME): Canadian Immigration requires international students from India to undergo a compulsory Immigration Medical Examination from impaneled doctors. It is advisable to book a prior appointment and visit the listed doctors for a medical examination, preferably a week before they start their Visa Application. This gives the doctor enough time to check and upload the required documents.
- English Language Proficiency Exam Score: You need to submit your English language proficiency score for your admission to the Canadian University. TOEFL, IELTS, etc. are all acceptable.
- Statement of Purpose: You are required to submit a document stating the purpose of your travel and the reason for the selection of the particular institute when applying for a Canadian Study Permit.
- Credit Card: The Visa Application Fee for Canada is CAD $160 and has to be paid through an online payment. Only credit cards are accepted by the system.
In case of an online application, you would have to digitally scan all the above-mentioned documents to upload them online. However, in case you wish to fill an offline application, you should have true copies of all the mentioned documents.
A considerable number of Canada’s colleges are famous for having a worldwide perspective, as they give opportunities to students from different backgrounds and countries, which encourages people from all over the world to engage with others, learn from each other and exchange ideas; Resulting in a cosmopolitan culture in the college.
After Graduating from any of the programs of studies, you may be able to work temporarily in Canada to gain some work experience. For this, you will have to apply for a work permit which later on qualifies you for a permanent residence. There are certain norms that have to be followed for this procedure. And, although these are long term plans but if you apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit, you may be allowed to work in Canada for up to three years after you graduate.
Some FAQs on Studying in Canada:
1.Which city is best to study in abroad?
Ans. Toronto, Montreal, Quebec, Vancouver, and Ottawa are some of the best cities in Canada to study.
2.Which is the cheapest University in Canada?
Ans. Some of the cheapest universities in Canada are: University of Manitoba, Dalhousie University, McGill University, University of Alberta and Memorial University.
3.Is studying in Canada expensive?
Ans. Compared to India, studying in Canada for indian student is definitely expensive. However, studying in Canada is much more economical as compared to other top countries like the US and the UK.
4.Are there free universities in Canada?
Ans. No, there aren’t any free universities in Canada. However, Canada has a lot of affordable universities and also offers a lot of scholarships to international students.
5.Can I work while studying in Canada?
Ans. You can be eligible for work while studying in abroad for Indian student if your study permit states a condition saying that you can work. In such a case, you can either work on or off-campus while studying. If your study permit does not have the statement, you can get your study permit amended for free of cost.
6.How many hours can I work in Canada while studying?
Ans. You can work 20 hours a week while studying in Canada.
Canada has a pool of opportunities for study and works for both national and international students. We hope that whatever information we have offered you about applying, studying, living and working in Canada; as a student, helps you with your decisions.