Canada has overtaken the UK as the second-most popular destination (after the UK) for Indian students, with over 400,000 Indian students studying in Canada annually. The combination of high-quality education, post-study work rights, a pathway to permanent residency, and a large Indian community makes Canada uniquely appealing.
Here is everything you need to know about Study In Canada in 2026.
Top Universities in Canada for Indian Students
University | QS World Ranking 2025 | Known For |
University of Toronto | #25 | Engineering, Medicine, Business |
McGill University | #46 | Law, Medicine, Life Sciences |
University of British Columbia | #47 | Sustainability, Computer Science, Business |
University of Alberta | #110 | Energy, Engineering, Medicine |
University of Ottawa | #237 | Law, Social Sciences, Bilingual programs |
McMaster University | #193 | Health Sciences, Engineering |
Brock University | #601–650 | Business, Education, Sports Science |
University of Windsor | #601–650 | Engineering, Law |
Trent University | #801–1000 | Environmental Studies, Arts |
University Canada West | Not ranked | Business, MBA |
Cost of Studying in Canada — 2026 Estimates
Tuition Fees
Program Level | Approximate Annual Tuition |
Undergraduate | CAD 20,000 – CAD 35,000 |
Postgraduate | CAD 15,000 – CAD 30,000 |
MBA | CAD 30,000 – CAD 60,000 |
PhD (funded) | Often fully funded with a stipend |
Community College / Polytechnic | CAD 12,000 – CAD 18,000 |
Living Costs Per Month
Expense | Approximate Monthly Cost |
Accommodation (shared) | CAD 700 – CAD 1,200 |
Food | CAD 300 – CAD 500 |
Transport | CAD 100 – CAD 150 |
Utilities & Internet | CAD 100 – CAD 150 |
Personal & Miscellaneous | CAD 100 – CAD 200 |
Total | CAD 1,300 – CAD 2,200/month |
Cities like Vancouver and Toronto are significantly more expensive than cities like Ottawa, Windsor, or Lethbridge.
Canada Student Visa Requirements 2026
To obtain a Canadian Study Permit, you need:
- Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada.
- Proof of financial support showing you can cover tuition for the first year plus CAD 22,895 for living expenses.
- Valid passport covering your entire study period.
- IELTS score: Minimum overall 6.0 with no band below 6.0 for faster processing via the Student Direct Stream.
- No criminal record (police clearance certificate may be required).
- Medical exam if required based on your country or program length.
- Statement of purpose / Letter of Explanation (sometimes requested).
- Proof of ties to home country (may be required to demonstrate intent to return).
Scholarships for Indian Students in Canada
Government Scholarships:
- Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (for PhD students — up to CAD 50,000/year)
- Canada-ASEAN Scholarships (for eligible students)
- Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)
University Scholarships:
- University of Toronto: Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship (full coverage)
- McGill University: McGill University Entrance Scholarships
- University of British Columbia: International Major Entrance Scholarship (up to CAD 40,000)
- Brock University: Merit scholarships of up to CAD 8,000
- University of Ottawa: Admission Scholarships for international students
Tip: Scholarship applications often have separate deadlines from admissions — research and apply simultaneously.
Part-Time Work Rights for Indian Students in Canada
International students in Canada are permitted to work up to 24 hours per week during term time and full-time during scheduled breaks. This is a significant benefit as part-time income can offset living costs substantially.
After graduation, the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) allows students to work in Canada for up to 3 years, depending on program length. This is the pathway many Indian students use toward Canadian Permanent Residency through Express Entry.
2026 Intake Deadlines
Intake | Application Window | Visa Application |
September 2026 (main) | October 2025 – March 2026 | By May–June 2026 |
January 2027 | May 2026 – September 2026 | By October–November 2026 |
May 2027 | September 2026 – January 2027 | By February–March 2027 |
Note: Canada has introduced application caps on study permits. Apply as early as possible to secure your slot.
Ready to start your Canada study abroad journey? EdMaster, trusted Canada Study Abroad Consultants, offers complete guidance from university shortlisting to visa filing. Contact us at +91 7226933337 or visit edmaster.co
FAQs:
Canada introduced study permit caps in 2024 and has maintained tighter controls in 2025–26. Approval rates have improved for students with genuine financial documentation, strong SOPs, and a well-supported application. Working with an experienced consultant significantly reduces the risk of refusal.
For the Student Direct Stream (SDS), the minimum is 6.0 overall with no band below 6.0. Regular stream applications do not have a set IRCC minimum, but most universities require 6.0–6.5.
Your spouse may be eligible for an Open Work Permit if you are enrolled in a postgraduate program at a DLI. Children can attend Canadian schools.
A refusal letter from IRCC provides the reason for refusal. Common reasons include insufficient financial proof, incomplete documentation, or an unconvincing SOP. You can reapply immediately with a stronger application. EdMaster's visa guidance team reviews refusal letters and strengthens reapplications.
