Costs
Tuition
CAD 20,000–45,000/year for master's. CAD 7,000–30,000/year for undergraduate. MBA and professional programmes significantly higher.
Living Costs
CAD 1,200–1,800/month. Toronto and Vancouver most expensive. Montreal, Ottawa, Halifax more affordable. Proof of funds: CAD 20,635 (outside Quebec) or CAD 13,134 (Quebec) + tuition.
Total Annual Cost
€25,000–50,000/year depending on programme and city.
Part-Time Work
20 hours/week off-campus during term (was temporarily unlimited, reverted). Unlimited during scheduled breaks. Co-op/internship if part of programme. Average earnings: CAD 800–1,200/month.
Post-Study & Immigration
Post-Study Work Visa
PGWP: 8 months to 3 years based on programme length. 2-year programme = 3-year PGWP. Changed in 2024: field of study now affects eligibility. STEM and healthcare get preference.
Path to Permanent Residency
Express Entry (CRS points system). Canadian education adds 15–30 CRS points. PGWP work experience adds more. Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) offer additional pathways. Typical timeline: study (2yr) + PGWP work (1–2yr) + PR application = 4–5 years total.
Language Requirements
IELTS 6.0–6.5 for most universities. Duolingo widely accepted. French-taught programmes in Quebec (TEF/TCF required).
Visa Processing
8–16 weeks standard. SDS (Student Direct Stream) discontinued in late 2024. Apply online through IRCC portal. Biometrics required. GIC (Guaranteed Investment Certificate) of CAD 20,635 may speed processing.
Top Universities
| University | QS 2025 | Tuition (Int'l) | Known For |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Toronto | #21 | CAD 25,000–60,000 | Engineering, AI, Business, Medicine |
| UBC | #34 | CAD 10,000–50,000 | Forestry, Mining, CS, Sustainability |
| McGill University | #29 | CAD 20,000–55,000 | Medicine, Law, Engineering, Arts |
| University of Waterloo | #112 | CAD 20,000–35,000 | Computer Science, Engineering, Co-op |
| University of Alberta | #96 | CAD 15,000–30,000 | Energy, AI, Engineering, Health |
Scholarships
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship
Award: CAD 50,000/year for 3 years
Eligibility: All nationalities · Deadline: November
Canada's most prestigious doctoral scholarship. Nominated by university.
Eligibility: All nationalities · Deadline: November
Canada's most prestigious doctoral scholarship. Nominated by university.
Lester B. Pearson Scholarship (UofT)
Award: Full tuition + living for 4 years
Eligibility: International undergrads · Deadline: November
University of Toronto's top scholarship. ~37 awards/year.
Eligibility: International undergrads · Deadline: November
University of Toronto's top scholarship. ~37 awards/year.
Canada-ASEAN Scholarships
Award: Full tuition + living + flights
Eligibility: ASEAN nationals · Deadline: Varies
Canadian government scholarships for ASEAN students.
Eligibility: ASEAN nationals · Deadline: Varies
Canadian government scholarships for ASEAN students.
Ontario Trillium Scholarship
Award: CAD 40,000/year
Eligibility: International PhD · Deadline: Varies
For doctoral studies at Ontario universities.
Eligibility: International PhD · Deadline: Varies
For doctoral studies at Ontario universities.
University-specific awards
Award: CAD 5,000–20,000
Eligibility: Varies · Deadline: Varies
Most Canadian universities offer automatic entrance scholarships based on GPA.
Eligibility: Varies · Deadline: Varies
Most Canadian universities offer automatic entrance scholarships based on GPA.
2026 Policy Updates
What changed: Student visa caps introduced (expected 364,000 permits for 2025, continued into 2026). SDS fast-track stream discontinued. DLI compliance requirements tightened — some colleges lost ability to enrol international students. PGWP eligibility now tied to field of study (STEM/healthcare prioritised). Spousal open work permits restricted to master's/PhD students only.
Best For
Students targeting permanent residency. Tech and STEM students (strong job market). French speakers (Quebec advantage for immigration). Students wanting North American credentials with clearer PR path than USA.
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