Admissions in Canada

Studying in Canada for international students

Canada stands out as an excellent country to pursue higher education because of its combination of top-tier educational opportunities and affordable living costs. In recent years, Canada has seen a dramatic growth in the number of international students applying to its universities.

Table of contents

  • Why study in Canada?
  • Admission requirements in Canada for international students
  • The cost of studying in Canada for inernational students
  • What is the cost of living in Canada?
  • Top universities in Canada 
  • Scholarships for international students in Canada
  • Co-op programs in Canada 
  • Student visa requirements in Canada

Why study in Canada?

The decision to pursue your degree in Canada has many positive effects on your personal, professional, and social life. Let’s see what Canada has to offer:

  • Excellent education system

Students from all over the world flock to Canada to take advantage of its excellent educational system. A degree from a university in Canada is widely recognised as a symbol of credibility and quality. Weigh up the Canadian universities according to their international rankings here.

  • Affordable tuition fees

Compared to other study destinations, the cost of studying in Canada is more reasonable, and when you think about the return on investment, it’s a pretty good choice for international students.

  • Cultural diversity

Students in Canada may look forward to a welcoming community that values diversity. Canada is home to students from all over the world, making it easy to locate authentic cuisine from around the world and culturally significant ways to spend your free time.

Admission requirements in Canada for international students

Admission requirements vary depending on the degree and from one university to the next, although some basic requirements for international students are the same throughout all universities, and include:

  • Official academic transcripts
  • English language proficiency tests like IELTS, or TOEFL.
  • A study permit if the course or program is longer than 6 months.
  • Personal statement or (statement of purpose)
  • Letters of recommendation

The cost of studying in Canada for international students

The cost of studying in Canada will vary based on the degree you pursue and the university you decide to attend. In general, tuition fees will range between $15,000 and $50,000 per year.

Study ProgramAverage Annual Tuition Fees in GBP
Bachelor’s degree15,000 to 50,000
Master’s degree$20,000 to $30,000
Doctoral degree$12,000 to $20,000

 

What is the cost of living in Canada?

You need to keep a little money aside for your grocery shopping, social activities, and emergency situations. You should also consider these common expenses when creating your budget:

Expenses Average cost per month in CAD
Internet/phone $50 to $76
Food and groceries $1200 to $1500
Electricity/gas $200
Transport $100 to $150
 
Please note that all figures are indicative.
Try our handy Cost of Living Calculator to find out more about living expenses according to your circumstances.

Top universities in Canada

When deciding which university to study at, it is crucial that you also look at the world university rankings along with the general fees structure depending on the course you wish to study. This helps you compare and understand where a university ranks, how your desired institution fares on the global map and how the costs of study programs vary across different institutions. Here are some of the top Canadian universities according to the Times Higher Education’s World University Rankings 2023 (THE rankings) along with their average fees requirements:

University

THE ranking

Annual tuition fees in CAD (Undergraduate)

Annual tuition fees in CAD 
(Graduate)

McGill University

18

23,670 – 76,050

4,7880 – 57,000

University of Alberta

14

7,457 – 49,375

7,875 – 10,500

University of Ottawa

46

36,161 – 44,380

16,981 – 299,231

University of Waterloo

85

42,000 – 63,000

14,944 – 416,800

Western University

111

36,208 – 50,613

12,846 – 23,982

 

Please note that all rankings and fees figures are subject to change. Sources: Times Higher EducationMcGill UniversityUniversity of AlbertaUniversity of OttawaUniversity of WaterlooWestern University

Scholarships for international students in Canada

These are some of the most sought-after Canadian scholarships for international students:

Scholarship Name

Value

Mary Edmunds Williams Scholarships

10,000 CAD

Faculty of Engineering Memorial Scholarship

2000 CAD

International Student Leadership Award

1000 CAD

Stollery Family Educational Bursaries

1000 CAD

Douglass Family Bursary

1000 CAD

Co-op programs in Canada

Also known as co-operative education, co-op programs are a popular academic pathway for international students opting to study in Canada. It allows you to combine your studies with a regimented and paid work life.  

Once enrolled, you can impress potential employers for a position while you continue studying. Learn more here.

Student visa requirements in Canada

To clarify, this is not a visa, but rather a study permit granted by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) that will allow you to study in Canada. If you wish to keep your study permit in good standing, you must remain enrolled in your approved course(s) and make satisfactory academic progress toward graduation.

You will need the following documents to apply for your study permit:

  • A letter of acceptance from your chosen educational institution
  • A valid passport or other travel document
  • Proof that you can financially support yourself and any dependents you plan to bring with you to Canada

How much does it cost to study and live in Canada for international students?

Learn about the cost of study, living expenses and most affordable universities in Canada

Studying in Canada can be an expensive affair. However, an efficient budget plan can help you manage your living expenses more effectively. Check out our comprehensive guide about the cost of study, tuition fees, living expenses and the most affordable Canadian universities to help you plan well for your new life in Canada!

How much does it cost to study in Canada?

Your expenditure on the tuition fee depends on the type of qualification and university or school you opt for. To cover this, you will need between CAD 13,000 and 40,000 annually.

Study programAverage annual fee in CAD
Undergraduate program$13,000 to $20,000
Postgraduate master’s degree$17,000 to $25,000
Doctoral degree$7,000 to $15,000
MBA$30,000 to $40,000
Most commonly, courses in humanities, education and arts are a little cheaper, while subjects such as medicine and engineering are likely to be more expensive. Check out below the cost of some of these subjects at the undergraduate level:
SubjectAverage cost in CAD
Business & Management$29,000
Engineering$34,000
Medicine$33,000
Pharmacy$41,000
Dentistry$57,000
Veterinary Medicine$63,000

*Please note that all figures are indicative

If you want to bring down your educational expenses, it is best to apply to various scholarships in Canada.

What’s the cheapest university in Canada for international students?

If you’re asking this question, then you should know that the answer depends on many factors, such as your preferred field of study, type of program or qualification, and the university. However, some universities offer lower tuition fees than others.

These are the top 5 most affordable Canadian universities for international students:

UniversityAverage Annual Fees in CAD
University of Prince Edward Island$10,000
Cape Breton University$18,000
University of Canada West$21,000
University of the Fraser Valley$21,000
University of Northern British Columbia$22,000

Accommodation costs in Canada

Most universities in Canada offer on-campus residence facilities called the Halls of Residence to international students. Living as a resident on-campus is a very affordable option. However, you need to apply for it separately, and well ahead in time to secure a slot for yourself. The average cost is usually between CAD 8,000 and CAD 10,000 per year.

There are also other popular accommodation options in Canada for international students:

Accommodation typeAverage cost per month in CAD
Hostels$300 – $600 ($10 – $20 per night)
Private apartment$400-$1500
Shared rental$250 – $700
Homestay$400 – $800

All prices are indicative only. You can explore more about the accommodation options available to you in Canada here.

Cost of Canada Student Visa

In order to study in Canada, the first step is to secure a valid student visa. Canada student visa is called a Study Permit and the cost of this permit is approximately CAD 150.

Can I bring my family to Canada while studying?

Yes. According to Immigration and Citizenship Canada (CIC) website, you’re allowed to bring your spouse and dependent children with you to Canada if you’re applying for a study permit through the Student Direct Stream. They may be eligible for a study or work permit, or a visitor visa. You must submit their applications online when you apply for your study permit.

What’s the cost of living in Canada?

You need to keep a little money aside for your grocery shopping, social activities and emergency situations. You should also consider these common expenses when creating your budget:

ExpensesAverage cost per month in CAD
Internet/phone$50- $76
Food and groceries$1200- $1500
Electricity/gas$200
Transport$100 – $150
Check out the complete guides of these top Canadian cities: Ottawa, Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver.
Remember! When living in a foreign country as a student, it is better to keep a track of your expenditures so that you don’t overspend. Here are some tips to help you save your money when living abroad!

What’s the cost of the health insurance?

It is mandatory for all students travelling to Canada to get medical insurance before the commencement of their program. In Canada, international student health insurance is priced between $600 and $900 per year (indicative). In British Columbia, Quebec, Alberta, Newfoundland, Manitoba, Labrador or Saskatchewan, you will be insured under the respective provincial health plans as per the length of your stay.

Read more about health and support services in Canada

Can I work in Canada while studying?

Yes. In fact, this is a good way to earn some money for your expenses and get valuable work experience while studying in Canada. As an international student in Canada with a study permit of full-time enrolment in a Designated Learning Institution (DLI), you can work for a total of 20 hours per week during academic year, and full-time during the summer break. You can work for any employer in any occupation anywhere in Canada.

Kick start your journey to Canada! Book yur free counselling session now with Qasmi Consultants Education Counsellor to turn your study ambition into action!

OUR SERVICES

Qasmi Consultant offers a comprehensive range of services tailored to meet your international education needs. From assisting with study visas and admissions to providing guidance on scholarship opportunities and extended support services.

Qasmi International Consultant  offers a range of services including assistance with study visas, foreign admissions, scholarship opportunities, and comprehensive support for individuals aspiring to pursue education abroad.

Why Choose Qasmi Consultant:

Qasmi International Consultant  is your trusted partner in navigating the intricate landscape of international education. With a commitment to excellence and personalized service, we specialize in guiding students through every aspect of their journey towards studying abroad.

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