What visa do I need to study in Canada?

Indian students require a Student Direct Stream (SDS). An IELTS score of 6.0 or above is generally required.

Can I work while studying in Canada?

20 hrs/week Post-graduation: PGWP: up to 3 years + PR pathway

What are the top courses to study in Canada?

The most popular courses for Indian students are Engineering, MBA, Computer Science, Nursing, Business.

Study in Canada from India 2026-27 - Universities, PGWP & PR Guide

Capital City	Ottawa
Language of Instruction	English / French
Currency	CAD ($)
Avg Tuition / Year	₹10L – ₹30L/yr
Avg Living Cost / Year	₹8L – ₹11L/yr
Main Intakes	Sep, Jan, May
Student Visa	Student Direct Stream (SDS)
Work During Studies	20 hrs/week
Post-Study Work	PGWP: up to 3 years + PR pathway
IELTS Required	Yes — Min 6.0
Indian Students Enrolled	427,000+ currently
Total Universities	100+ accredited institutions

Capital City

Ottawa

Language of Instruction

English / French

Currency

CAD ($)

Avg Tuition / Year

₹10L – ₹30L/yr

Avg Living Cost / Year

₹8L – ₹11L/yr

Main Intakes

Sep, Jan, May

Student Visa

Student Direct Stream (SDS)

Work During Studies

20 hrs/week

Post-Study Work

PGWP: up to 3 years + PR pathway

IELTS Required

Yes — Min 6.0

Indian Students Enrolled

427,000+ currently

Total Universities

100+ accredited institutions

Cost of Studying in Canada for Indian Students

Annual Budget Breakdown

Tuition Fees ₹10L – ₹30L/yr

Living Expenses ₹8L – ₹11L/yr

Insurance & Miscellaneous ~₹1–2L/yr

Costs vary by university, program, and city. These are indicative ranges for Indian students.

Scholarships for Indian Students — Canada

University Merit Scholarships

Most top universities offer 10–50% tuition waivers for international students with strong academic profiles (GPA 3.5+).

Government Scholarships (ICCR / DAAD / Commonwealth)

Bilateral scholarship programs between India and Canada. Fully funded — covers tuition, living, and airfare.

Departmental Research Fellowships

For PhD and Master's research students. Includes stipend + full tuition waiver for RA/TA positions.

Need-Based Financial Aid

Means-tested grants and bursaries for students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

Browse All Scholarships →

Canada Student Visa — Step-by-Step Guide

Visa Required: Student Direct Stream (SDS) · Min IELTS: 6.0

Receive Official Admission Letter

Apply to and receive your official offer/admission letter from a recognised, accredited university in Canada. This is the mandatory first step before visa application.

Clear English Proficiency Test

Score minimum 6.0 on IELTS (Academic) or equivalent TOEFL iBT score (~90). Start prep 6 months before your target intake.

Prepare Visa Document Kit

Gather: valid passport (6+ months validity), admission letter, financial proof (₹20–35L in a bank statement), academic transcripts and certificates, English test scorecard, health insurance, SOP, and passport photos.

Apply for Student Direct Stream (SDS)

Submit your application at the nearest consulate/embassy or online visa portal. Pay the visa application fee. Allow 4–8 weeks processing time.

Attend Visa Interview (If Called)

Be prepared to explain your course choice, career plans, chosen university, and financial support. Carry all original documents. Be honest, confident, and concise.

Pre-Departure Preparation

Book flights and accommodation early. Get travel forex/multi-currency card. Get vaccinations if required. Attend a pre-departure orientation. Join Indian student community groups for your destination city.

Pro tip: Start your visa application process at least 3–4 months before your course start date. Use a registered education consultant to avoid common documentation errors.

Frequently Asked Questions — Study in Canada

Tuition fees typically range ₹10L – ₹30L/yr. Living costs are approximately ₹8L – ₹11L/yr per year. Total all-in budget for most UG/PG programs: ₹25–80L per year depending on university and city tier.

Indian students require a Student Direct Stream (SDS) to study in Canada. An IELTS (Academic) score of 6.0 or above is generally required. Some universities also accept TOEFL or PTE. Apply at least 3 months before your intake date.

20 hrs/week After graduation: PGWP: up to 3 years + PR pathway Working part-time can offset 20–30% of living expenses.

The most popular courses for Indian students in Canada are Engineering, MBA, Computer Science, Nursing, Business. Research-focused MS programs have the highest ROI in terms of post-study work and PR pathways.

For Sep, Jan, May — start at least 12–18 months in advance. Timeline: IELTS/GRE prep (3–6 months) → university shortlist and applications (3 months) → visa application (3 months) → pre-departure (1 month).

Yes — university merit scholarships (10–50% tuition waivers), government scholarships (ICCR, Commonwealth, DAAD), and departmental research fellowships are available. Students with CGPA 8.5+ and strong profiles can secure partial to full funding. Apply at the same time as university applications.

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Study in Canada from India

Canada — Quick Facts

Top Universities in Canada for Indian Students

Cost of Studying in Canada for Indian Students

Annual Budget Breakdown

Scholarships for Indian Students — Canada

Canada Student Visa — Step-by-Step Guide

Frequently Asked Questions — Study in Canada

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Study in Canada from India

Canada — Quick Facts

Top Universities in Canada for Indian Students

Cost of Studying in Canada for Indian Students

Annual Budget Breakdown

Scholarships for Indian Students — Canada

Canada Student Visa — Step-by-Step Guide

Frequently Asked Questions — Study in Canada

What is the total cost of studying in Canada for Indian students?

What visa do I need to study in Canada?

Can I work while studying in Canada?

What are the most popular courses to study in Canada?

When should I start preparing to study in Canada?

Are there scholarships available for Indian students in Canada?

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