Studying in Canada for Overseas 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.
The decision to pursue your degree in Canada has many positive effects on your personal, professional, and social life
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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
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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.
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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 vary depending on the degree and from university to university, although some basic requirements for students are similar across all universities and include:
- Academic transcripts
- Health insurance for overseas students
- English language test, such as IELTS or TOEFL
- A study permit if the course or program is longer than 6 months.
- Statement of purpose (Personal statement)
- Letters of recommendation
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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.
Sr No Study Program Average Annual Fees in CAD 1. Undergraduate program $13,000 to $20,000 2. Postgraduate master's degree $17,000 to $25,000 3. Doctoral degree $7,000 to $15,000 4. MBA $30,000 to $40,000 -
What is the cheapest university in Canada for 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 students:University of Sunshine Coast Average annual cost 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
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 Type | Average cost per month in CAD |
Hostels | $300 - $600 ($10 - $20 per night) |
Private apartment | $400-$1500 |
Shared rental | $250 - $700 |
Homestay | $400 - $800 |
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 |
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Internet/phone | $50 to $76 |
Food and groceries | $1200 to $1500 |
Electricity/gas | $200 |
Transport | $100 to $150 |
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) |
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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 |
These are some of the most sought-after Canadian scholarships for international students:
Scholarship Name | Value |
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Mary Edmunds Williams Scholarships | Up to 50% of fees |
Trinity College Residential College Scholarships | Up to 30,000 AUD |
Director’s Scholarships for Academic Excellence | Up to 7,500 AUD |
DOOLEYS Lidcombe Catholic Club Undergraduate Scholarship | Up to 4,000 AUD |
ASTRO 3D Science PhB Advanced Studies Course Award | Up to 3,000 AUD |
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.
To apply for a student visa to study in Canada, you will typically need the following:- 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