Why study in Canada?
Canada offers university degrees and shorter college diplomas and graduate certificates. Many programmes include co-op, so you can do paid work terms as part of your studies.
To study here you need a study permit. Apply online with a letter of acceptance from a designated learning institution (DLI), proof of funds and, in most cases, a provincial or territorial attestation letter (PAL/TAL).
After you graduate, a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) can let you work in Canada for up to 3 years. Skilled work experience gained after graduation can count towards permanent residence through Express Entry.
- Co-op programmes with paid work terms, e.g. up to two years of work experience in Waterloo's computing degrees
- Work off campus up to 24 hours a week during term, and unlimited hours in scheduled breaks
- A Post-Graduation Work Permit of up to 3 years; a master's of at least 8 months can qualify for 3 years
- Skilled Canadian work after graduation can count towards permanent residence through the Canadian Experience Class
- Choice of universities, polytechnics and colleges, from 8-month graduate certificates to 4-year degrees
Popular universities in Canada
University of Toronto
Toronto · Full-ride Pearson Scholarships for international students
University of British Columbia
Vancouver · 10-month Master of Data Science
University of Waterloo
Waterloo · Co-op computing degrees with up to 2 years of paid work
McGill University
Montreal · Master of Management in Analytics (12 or 16 months)
University of Alberta
Edmonton · International undergraduate tuition guaranteed
York University (Schulich School of Business)
Toronto · MBA and 12-month Master of Business Analytics
Seneca Polytechnic
Toronto · College diplomas and graduate certificates
Popular programmes
- Computer Science (Co-op)
- Data Science
- Engineering
- Business Analytics
- Software Engineering
- Artificial Intelligence
- MBA
Courses from our Course Finder
Computer Science Major (BSc)
University of British Columbia · Vancouver · Bachelor’s
Bachelor of Applied Science (BASc)
University of British Columbia · Vancouver · Bachelor’s
Master of Data Science
University of British Columbia · Vancouver · Master’s · 10 months
Master of Business Analytics (MBAN)
University of British Columbia · Vancouver · Master’s · 12 months
Computer Science (Arts & Science, Computer Science admission category)
University of Toronto · Toronto · Bachelor’s
Engineering (Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering)
University of Toronto · Toronto · Bachelor’s
Cost of studying: financial breakdown
| Expense | Amount |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate tuition | C$39,792–73,000 / yr2026–27 first-year examples: University of Alberta Computing Science to Waterloo Computer Science (incl. incidental fees) |
| Postgraduate tuition | C$59,768–124,019 per programme2026 examples: UBC Master of Data Science (10 months) to Schulich MBA (estimated total) |
| College diplomas and graduate certificates | C$16,809–22,064 / yr2026–27 examples at Seneca Polytechnic |
| Living costs / proof of funds | C$23,448 / yr plus first-year tuition and travelIRCC amount for a single applicant outside Quebec, for applications from 1 September 2026 |
| Study permit fee | C$150 |
| Biometrics fee | C$85 |
| Health insurance | Varies by province and universityExample: University of Toronto UHIP is C$948 for 2026–27 |
Typical tuition in rupees: ≈ ₹14–31 lakh per year (European Central Bank and Bank of Russia reference rates, 9 October 2026).
Application checklist
- 1Letter of acceptance from a designated learning institution (DLI)
- 2Provincial or territorial attestation letter (PAL/TAL), unless exempt; Quebec institutions need a CAQ instead
- 3Proof of funds: first-year tuition plus C$23,448 for living costs (outside Quebec)
- 4Valid passport
- 5English test results, e.g. IELTS Academic 6.5 with no band below 6.0 for many undergraduate degrees
- 6Academic transcripts and certificates
- 7Apply for the study permit online and pay the C$150 fee
- 8Give biometrics (C$85) when asked
- 9Medical exam and police certificate if requested
Student visa: Study Permit
Apply for your study permit online, from inside or outside Canada, with your letter of acceptance, PAL/TAL and proof of funds, then give biometrics. Processing starts once IRCC receives your biometrics.
What you’ll need
- Letter of acceptance from a designated learning institution (DLI)
- Provincial or territorial attestation letter (PAL/TAL); master's and PhD students at public DLIs are exempt from 1 January 2026
- Proof of funds for tuition, living costs (C$23,448 / yr outside Quebec) and travel
- Valid passport or travel document
- Biometrics (C$85)
- Medical exam and police certificate, if needed
- Online application with the C$150 study permit fee
Work and employment options
- While you study
- Up to 24 hrs/week off campus during term; unlimited hours in scheduled breaks
- After you graduate
- Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP): up to 3 years. A master's of at least 8 months can qualify for 3 years; other programmes of 8 months to 2 years get up to the length of the programme, and programmes of 2 years or more can get 3 years. You need CLB 7 for a university degree or CLB 5 for a college programme.
- Canadian Experience Class (Express Entry): at least 1 year of paid skilled work (TEER 0–3) in Canada in the last 3 years
- Work done while studying full time, including co-op terms, does not count towards the Canadian Experience Class, so the PGWP is the usual route to build that experience
- Co-op programmes, such as Waterloo's computing degrees and U of T Engineering's PEY Co-op (up to 20 months), give paid Canadian work experience while you study
- College and non-degree graduates need a programme in an eligible field of study (for study permits applied for on or after 1 November 2024) to get a PGWP
Good to know: Study permits are capped and most applicants need a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL). Master’s and PhD students at public institutions have been exempt since 1 January 2026.
Scholarships to explore
- Pearson Scholarships at the University of Toronto (full-ride, for exceptional international students)
- UBC International Major Entrance Scholarship (C$10,000–25,000 / yr, renewable)
- Ontario Graduate Scholarship
- Graduate teaching / research assistantships
Official sources · checked 10 October 2026
- IRCC: Apply for a study permit (opens in a new tab)
- IRCC: Fee list (opens in a new tab)
- IRCC: Proof of financial support (opens in a new tab)
- IRCC: Post-Graduation Work Permit (opens in a new tab)
- IRCC: PGWP eligibility (opens in a new tab)
- IRCC: Working off campus (opens in a new tab)
Figures are indicative planning ranges and change often. Always confirm fees, funds and visa rules on the university and official government websites before you apply.