Study in Canada with AECC!
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in Canada and gain expert advice from our team of counsellors!
Canada is closer than you think!
Learn everything you need to know about studying in Canada and get end to end expert guidance from us.
Turn your Study Abroad Dream to Degrees Abroad in Canada
Why Study in Canada?
For an international student, it can be a rewarding experience to study in Canada. It is a top destination for higher education due to its education system, post-graduation work opportunities, tuition fees, multiculturalism, and government policies. Canada is known for more things than just its excellence in academics. It is the largest nation in the world by landmass, spanning around 10 million square kilometres. Canada has three territories, ten provinces, and an array of landscapes and climates. It is also a place of endless opportunities and great contrasts.
| Key Facts to Study in Canada | |
|
Criteria |
Details |
|
Primary language |
English |
|
Cost of study |
CAD $20,000 to $40,000 |
|
Sources of funding |
Part-time work, Financial grants |
|
Popular Exams |
IELTS, TOEFL, PTE Academic |
|
Qualifications |
Diploma, Certificate, Vocational Training, Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctoral |
|
Intakes |
September, January, May |
|
Visa |
Study Permit |
There are four regions to consider in Canada for foreign nationals who want to study here: Atlantic Canada, Quebec, Western Canada, and Ontario. The Atlantic Provinces region is known for its cultural richness and natural beauty. Ontario is known for its multicultural and diverse population as well as its vibrant student cities. Quebec has prestigious universities and lower living costs as compared to other regions in Canada. Western Canada offers a great education system thanks to its many top colleges and universities. Western Canada also boasts a low unemployment rate.
Benefits of Studying in Canada
There is plenty on offer for foreign nationals in Canada, so much so that it puts the country among the best study destinations in the world. There are many colleges in Canada with world-renowned education systems that offer a wide variety of courses in fields like engineering, business, and medicine.
Sounds cool? Keep reading for more interesting information about what it is like to study in Canada!
The immigration department of Canada has been issuing more study permits to foreign nationals over the last few years than ever before. As of the fourth quarter of 2022, Canada had over 8,00,000 international students with valid study permits. Students come to Canada from more than 180 nations around the globe. The Philippines is one of the highest contributors to Canada’s international student population. In 2022 alone, around 25,000 Filipino students came to Canada for further education.
Now, you may wonder why international students choose to migrate to Canada for further education. The numbers alone tell the story! There are 31 universities in Canada that feature in the QS rankings. Such universities attract foreign nationals from all over the world to study in Canada. Further, higher education is often more affordable in Canada than similar study destinations like the USA and the UK.
It is understandable if you want to learn more about Canada as a study destination. After all, no one wants to make a hasty decision when it comes to a destination to study further. Here, we are putting together facts about higher education in Canada in numbers.
5,50,000+
15000+
2000+
International students and Canadian citizens have almost the same number of rights, making Canada a safe place for individuals from all around the world.
It is cheaper to earn a degree in Canada. On average, you may have to spend between $20,000 and $40,000 CAD on tuition at universities in Canada.
Canada has top educational hubs like Victoria, Vancouver, Montréal, and Toronto that rank among some of the world’s best student cities. These cities offer a high standard of living and education at affordable prices.
The Post Graduation Work Program (PGWP) offers an excellent PR pathway for international graduates in Canada. A PGWP permit allows eligible graduates to work for up to 3 years in Canada.
International students can work for up to 40 hours a fortnight during their academic term in Canada. During scheduled academic breaks, international students are permitted to work for over 20 hours a week in Canada.
Contact an AECC counsellor today!
The Education System in Canada
The postsecondary education system in Canada mainly includes undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral levels. There is an array of courses at each level that allow you to focus your studies on specific disciplines.
The undergraduate level includes advanced qualifications like associate’s degrees and bachelor’s degrees. Grade 12 or an equivalent qualification is the basic requirement to apply for an associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree program in Canada. An associate degree in Canada usually takes two years to complete, whereas a bachelor’s degree requires three to four years of study.
A master’s degree in Canada is a postgraduate-level qualification. Canada is famous for its affordable one-year master’s programs, especially in fields such as business administration. However, the standard duration of a master’s degree program in Canada is two years. A master’s program in Canada requires a bachelor’s degree and/or work experience, depending on the specific university or institute you choose.
University Intake Periods in Canada
There are three intakes at universities in Canada: Fall, Winter, and Summer. Some schools in Canada also call an intake a 'semester'. Fall and Winter intakes are the two principal intakes at schools in Canada.
The Fall intake in Canada typically begins in September, giving students enough time to be ready for the upcoming academic year. Enrolling at a university in Canada during the fall semester lets you experience the academic year in its entirety, including extracurricular activities, opportunities to take part in internships and research, and cultural events.
The Winter intake in Canada is smaller and less common as compared to the one in fall. It usually begins in January, making it an appropriate option for a student who misses out on the Fall semester and/or requires more time to be ready for the upcoming academic year. It also paves the way for more personalised attention for the student and allows them to start studying in the new year.
There are also colleges in Canada that invite applicants in the summer, but it is not as common as the fall or winter intake. Scroll down for a table with some general information about university intake deadlines in Canada:
| Intake Name | Month | Deadline |
| Fall | September | December to March |
| Winter | January | September to November of the previous year |
| Summer | May | January or February |
The right intake period for you in Canada ultimately depends on your requirements and situation. It is worth considering your schedule, program availability, preferences regarding the weather in Canada, and other such factors when determining your best intake.
Do not miss out on a deadline for entry into a university in Canada. Feel free to reach out to our counsellors at AECC for the latest information at any time!
Popular Courses in Canada
There are over 100 private and public universities in Canada that offer more than 15,000 courses. Universities in Canada also offer programs in an array of fields, but some disciplines are relatively more well-known than others among foreign nationals. It is potentially tricky for you to choose the best course from the wide variety of options available in Canada. Scroll down for a list of high-demand fields of study in Canada to simplify your choice.
- Computer science and IT
- Business and finance
- Engineering
- Hospitality management
- Economics
- Law
- Health and medicine
- Media and journalism
- Agriculture science and forestry
Many MBA programs in Canada also feature at the top of global rankings. Some universities in Canada are more suitable for courses in certain disciplines than others.
Contact a counsellor at AECC for help choosing the best course for you in Canada. Our counselling team is always on hand to respond to your questions and help streamline your study abroad journey.
Best Universities in Canada
If you want to study in Canada, you should be aware of the best schools in the country. Canada has many world-class universities that fare well in global rankings. If you are seeking to pursue a bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD in Canada, the rankings provide a picture of whether a specific school is right for you. The likes of QS and Times Higher Education are internationally recognised ranking service providers. It pays to check out the QS and THE rankings while you do your research before applying to study in Canada.
According to the latest Times Higher Education Rankings, there are 31 top universities in Canada for international students. This means that you have many options to choose from as a prospective international student in Canada.
The best schools in Canada are spread across the nation, from Atlantic Canada to Ontario. You are certain to find one or two top-notch universities in Canada, no matter where you go. To help you narrow down your options, here is a table showing some of the finest universities in Canada for international students.
|
University Name |
Best Known For |
Popular Courses |
QS Rankings 2025 |
THE Rankings |
|
Western University |
|
|
120 |
201 to 250 |
|
The University of Guelph |
|
|
456 |
401 to 500 |
|
The University of Northern British Columbia |
|
|
- |
801 to 1000 |
|
The University of Regina |
|
|
951 to 1000 |
801 to 1000 |
|
York University |
|
|
362 |
351 to 400 |
|
The University of Saskatchewan |
|
|
340 |
351 to 400 |
Requirements for Studying in Canada
Do you intend to study in Canada? If so, you should first understand what skills and qualifications you require to apply for a particular program in the country. Scroll down for the basic criteria for studying in Canada at virtually any level:
Bachelor’s Level:
- To qualify for a bachelor’s degree program in Canada, you must hold a high school diploma or equivalent qualification. You must have a score of 65% or above in high school to get into a top university in Canada.
- English proficiency. Almost every university in Canada requires an overall IELTS band score of 6.5 or above for an undergraduate degree program. There are also universities accepting alternative tests to the IELTS, such as the TOEFL, to name one.
- Statement of Purpose: This is a formal document expressing your keenness on studying at a university in Canada, along with your achievements, hobbies, qualifications, and so forth.
Master’s Level:
- A bachelor’s degree or an equivalent undergraduate qualification.
- English proficiency. Nearly every university in Canada requires an overall IELTS band score of at least 6.5 for a master’s degree. However, colleges in Canada also accept English proficiency tests such as TOEFL, CAEL, PTE, and so on.
PhD:
- A master’s in a relevant discipline, with proven research capability and potential as well as strong grades.
- English proficiency.
- A solid score in an admission test for graduates, such as the GMAT.
Under exceptional circumstances, you are likely to qualify for a PhD in Canada with the “accelerated admission” option or with no master’s degree. In this case, you will have to demonstrate that you have exceptional academic potential through your bachelor’s degree grades and/or research publications.
It is worth noting that admission criteria vary by university. So, consider the aforementioned just a basic guideline for you.
AECC’s free assistance and end-to-end services are only a click away. Avail yourself of our FREE services and simplify your study abroad journey!
Documents Required for University Admission in Canada
Your study level and specific course determine what specific documents you need to submit as part of the process of admission to a university in Canada. Here are some of the documents that you will most likely have to submit for entry to a bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD program in Canada:
- Academic transcripts
- Previous educational certificates
- Proof of English proficiency
- Statement of purpose
- Application fee payment receipt
Documents like recommendation letters will help you express your interest in the specific program. Most master’s courses have work experience certificates as an optional requirement. On the other hand, a PhD program in Canada may require you to submit your writing samples, resume, and GPA certificate.
Cost of Studying in Canada
| Level of Study | Annual Tuition Fees (in CAD) |
| Bachelor’s Degree | $25,000 to $30,000 |
| Master’s Degree | $6,000 to $70,000 |
| VET Courses | $10,000 to $60,000 |
| Diploma | $10,000 to $23,000 |
| Doctoral Degree | $8,000 to $20,000 |
Cost of Living in Canada
The cost of living will contribute a lot to the total amount of money you will have to spend to complete a degree in Canada. Housing is among the biggest components of the expenses you incur when you stay in the country for further education. It is advisable to look at each type of accommodation and how much it will cost to determine the best one for your financial situation. With this in mind, here is a breakdown of the major contributing factors to the cost of living in Canada for international students.
| Expenses | Approximate Monthly Cost (CAD) |
| Internet | $30 to $50 |
| Accommodation | $400 to $600 |
| Student Visa | $150 |
| Food and Grocery | $200 to $300 |
| Transportation | $100 to $250 |
| Miscellaneous | $500 to $700 |
The place where you live and the specific type of housing you choose determine your rental amount. Many schools in Canada offer on-campus housing for foreign nationals who pursue degrees. You should choose the type of housing in Canada that is right for you, comfortable, and convenient.
Need any help determining your living expenses in Canada? Reach out to a counsellor at AECC to get expert assistance and avail yourself of our FREE services!
Post-Study Work Opportunities in Canada
There is also a large number of opportunities available to international graduates in Canada. The number of post-graduate work opportunities in Canada has been on the rise over the last few years. This is among the best aspects of deciding to pursue higher education in Canada.
After you complete your eligible program in Canada, you can apply to IRCC for a work permit within 180 days. There are certain requirements to qualify for a Post-Graduation Work Permit, including the completion of a program after at least 8 months of study for an eligible qualification. The qualifications that count for the permit include a certificate, a diploma, and a degree.
| Canadian Qualification | Minimum Program Length | Maximum Permit Validity |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 8 months | 3 Years (program duration-dependent) |
| Master’s Degree | 8 months | 3 Years (program duration-dependent) |
| Doctoral Degree | 8 months | 3 Years (program duration-dependent) |
| Certificate | 8 months | 3 Years (program duration-dependent) |
| Diploma | 8 months | 3 Years (program duration-dependent) |
After staying and working for three years in Canada with the permit, you can qualify for PR in Canada. A full-time work opportunity with an employer in Canada will turn you into a Federal Skilled Worker and pave the way for permanent residency. Having PR status allows you to access all types of jobs in Canada.
Contact an AECC expert for any specific query about post-study work opportunities in Canada.
