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Studying in Canada for international students
Studying in Canada can open the door to world-class education and a promising future. Find out everything about studying there.
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.
- Why Study in Canada?
- Admission Requirements
- Cost of Studying
- Cost of Living
- Top Universities
- Scholarships
- Visa Requirements
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 Program | Average Annual Tuition Fees in GBP |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s degree | 15,000 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 Education, McGill University, University of Alberta, University of Ottawa, University of Waterloo, Western 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 |
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