Study in Canada
World-class universities, welcoming immigration pathways, and a Post-Graduation Work Permit that bridges study to PR.
Destination snapshot
Canada at a glance
Canada hosts over 800,000 international students across research universities, polytechnics, and colleges. Graduates benefit from the PGWP (up to 3 years), co-op integrated programs, and Express Entry points for Canadian education and work experience. Cities like Toronto and Vancouver combine global employers with high livability.
800K+
International students
Annual enrolment
Up to 3 yrs
Post-study work
PGWP duration
CAD $18K–35K
Avg. master's tuition
Per year
96%
Visa success (our students)
ScholarBridge cohort
Benefits
Why study in Canada?
Strategic advantages international students gain when choosing this destination.
Post-Graduation Work Permit
Eligible graduates receive an open work permit up to 3 years—critical for Canadian work experience before PR.
Express Entry advantage
Canadian degrees, work experience, and age factors significantly boost Comprehensive Ranking System scores.
Safe, multicultural cities
Consistently top global livability rankings with large South Asian communities and inclusive campus support.
Co-op & applied learning
Many engineering, IT, and business programs embed paid work terms with top employers.
Institutions
Top universities
Leading institutions our counselors shortlist most often for international applicants.
University of Toronto
Toronto
Popular programs
University of British Columbia
Vancouver
Popular programs
McGill University
Montreal
Popular programs
University of Waterloo
Waterloo
Popular programs
Programs
Popular courses
High-demand programs aligned with graduate outcomes and visa pathways.
MS Computer Science
Career outlook: Tech hubs in Toronto & Vancouver; PGWP-eligible
MBA / Management
Career outlook: Consulting, finance, product roles across Bay Street
Healthcare & Nursing
Career outlook: High demand provinces; licensure pathways post-study
Environmental & Sustainability
Career outlook: Policy, ESG, and energy sector growth
Investment
Tuition fees
Typical annual ranges: CAD $15,000 – $35,000 / year (avg. master's)
Undergraduate (arts & science)
CAD $15,000 – $28,000
Varies by province; Ontario & BC at higher end
Postgraduate coursework
CAD $18,000 – $35,000
STEM & business premium at research universities
MBA & professional
CAD $35,000 – $65,000
Top schools may exceed range; scholarships available
Budget
Living expenses
IRCC requires proof of funds (~CAD $20,635/year outside Quebec, 2024 baseline) plus tuition. Toronto and Vancouver sit at the upper band; prairie cities are more affordable.
Accommodation
CAD $700 – CAD $1,400
per month
Food & groceries
CAD $300 – CAD $500
per month
Transport
CAD $90 – CAD $150
per month
Health insurance
CAD $75 – CAD $120
per month
Personal & misc.
CAD $200 – CAD $400
per month
Timeline
Intake calendar
Plan applications backward from these key deadlines.
Fall (Primary)
Apply by
Jan – May (varies by program)
Classes begin
September
Largest intake; maximum program availability & scholarships
Winter
Apply by
Sep – Nov
Classes begin
January
Strong for master's; fewer UG spots
Summer
Apply by
Feb – Apr
Classes begin
May
Limited programs; good for short courses & research
Immigration
Visa guidance
You need a Letter of Acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI), proof of financial support, biometrics, and a clear study plan. ScholarBridge coordinates GIC (where applicable), medical exams, and SOP alignment.
Visa type
Study Permit + TRV/eTA
Processing time
8–12 weeks (varies by country of residence)
Work rights
20 hrs/week on campus & off during term; full-time in breaks
Requirements
- •Valid passport and digital photos meeting IRCC specs
- •LOA from a DLI with approved program length
- •Proof of tuition payment + living costs (GIC or bank statements)
- •Medical exam (if required for your country/residence history)
- •Statement of purpose tying academics to career goals
Documents
- •LOA & DLI number
- •Financial proof (GIC / 4-month bank history)
- •Passport & biometrics receipt
- •Medical IME (if applicable)
- •SOP & academic transcripts
Application timeline
Step 1
Receive LOA & pay deposit
Week 1–2
Step 2
Prepare financials & SOP
Week 2–4
Step 3
Submit study permit online
Week 4–5
Step 4
Biometrics & medical
Week 5–7
Step 5
Decision & TRV issuance
Week 8–12
Funding
Scholarships & financial aid
Combine merit, government, and university awards to reduce total cost.
University Entrance Scholarships
CAD $2,000 – $20,000
Strong GPA (often 80%+), automatic or separate application
Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)
CAD $10,000 / year
Master's & doctoral at participating Ontario universities
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
CAD $50,000 / year × 3
Doctoral research excellence & leadership
Provincial & external awards
Varies
Country-specific; e.g. emerging markets talent programs
Experience
Student life
What daily life feels like while studying in Canada.
Campus communities
International student centres, peer mentoring, and cultural societies at every major university.
Winter-ready cities
Transit-linked campuses, indoor facilities, and co-op housing support for first winters.
Career fairs & co-op
Employers like RBC, Shopify, and Amazon recruit directly on campus for internships.
Support
FAQs — Canada
Answers to the questions students and parents ask us most.
Explore more destinations
Compare pathways across our most popular study hubs.
United States
Home to the world's top research universities, Silicon Valley innovation, and STEM OPT pathways up to 36 months.
- STEM OPT up to 36 months
- Ivy & research unis
- Merit funding
United Kingdom
Russell Group excellence, one-year master's degrees, and the Graduate Route visa for up to two years post-study.
- 1-year Masters
- Graduate Route 2 yrs
- Russell Group
Australia
Group of Eight universities, high graduate employability, and post-study work rights up to four years.
- 2–4 yr post-study work
- Go8 research
- High employability