Study abroad

Study in Canada

Explore subjects, study options, costs, intakes, scholarships and student visa information.

About studying in Canada

Thinking about studying in Canada? The country is in northern North America, with higher education centred on cities such as Ottawa, Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal. Programmes range from bachelor’s degrees to master’s and doctoral study, depending on the institution, and cover fields from engineering and computing to health, business and the arts.

Students interested in digital technology, infrastructure and healthcare may find the local context especially relevant. English is widely used in teaching, which many international students find helpful. The sections below cover subjects, intakes, costs, funding and student visas so you can plan your next steps.

Why study in Canada?

There is no single reason to study in Canada. For some students it is the programme itself; for others it is the setting in northern North America, the language or links to a particular industry. It is worth being clear about what matters most to you before comparing options.

  • Industry context: Digital technology, infrastructure and healthcare matter locally, which can make related courses and projects especially relevant.
  • Academic choice: institutions offer programmes in areas such as Computing & Information Technology, Engineering and Health, Medicine & Veterinary Studies, with options differing between universities.
  • Cities and campus life: Ottawa, Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal each offer a different student experience, from larger cities to smaller campus towns.
  • Culture and language: living in Canada means everyday contact with English and French and local traditions, which many students find valuable in itself.

Education in Canada is managed by the provinces and territories, so admission requirements and calendars can differ across the country, and in Quebec many programmes are taught in French.

Talking to current students and reading official course pages will give you a realistic picture of what studying here is like, beyond what any general guide can say.

Top subjects to study in Canada

Below is an editorial selection of subject areas often worth exploring in Canada. It is not a ranking: the best subject is the one that fits your interests and goals.

Links to digital technology, infrastructure and healthcare mean that related courses may include practical projects or industry examples, although this varies by institution. Each subject has its own page for Canada on this site, with its specializations.

When choosing between these areas, think about what you enjoy studying, the entry requirements for each course and the kind of work you would like to do afterwards. A specialization can matter as much as the broad subject.

Courses to Study in Canada

  • BA Architecture

    McGill University · Undergraduate

    Sample data

    Duration
    4 years full-time (sample)
    Delivery
    On campus
    Intake
    September
    Tuition fee
    Fee information currently unavailable
    Course code
    DEMO-ARC-007

    Entry requirements

    English requirements not listed yet

    View Course DetailsCheck Eligibility

  • BSc Biological Sciences

    University of Toronto · Undergraduate

    Sample data

    Duration
    4 years full-time (sample)
    Delivery
    On campus
    Intake
    September
    Tuition fee
    Fee information currently unavailable
    Course code
    DEMO-BIO-007

    Entry requirements

    English requirements not listed yet

    View Course DetailsCheck Eligibility

  • BSc Business Management

    University of Alberta · Undergraduate

    Sample data

    Duration
    4 years full-time (sample)
    Delivery
    On campus
    Intake
    September
    Tuition fee
    Fee information currently unavailable
    Course code
    DEMO-BUS-019

    Entry requirements

    English requirements not listed yet

    View Course DetailsCheck Eligibility

  • BSc Computer Science

    McMaster University · Undergraduate

    Sample data

    Duration
    4 years full-time (sample)
    Delivery
    On campus
    Intake
    September
    Tuition fee
    Fee information currently unavailable
    Course code
    DEMO-CS-017

    Entry requirements

    English requirements not listed yet

    View Course DetailsCheck Eligibility

  • BSc Public Health

    University of British Columbia · Undergraduate

    Sample data

    Duration
    4 years full-time (sample)
    Delivery
    On campus
    Intake
    September
    Tuition fee
    Fee information currently unavailable
    Course code
    DEMO-HLT-013

    Entry requirements

    English requirements not listed yet

    View Course DetailsCheck Eligibility

  • BSc Software Engineering

    McMaster University · Undergraduate

    Sample data

    Duration
    4 years full-time (sample)
    Delivery
    On campus
    Intake
    September
    Tuition fee
    Fee information currently unavailable
    Course code
    DEMO-CS-022

    Entry requirements

    English requirements not listed yet

    View Course DetailsCheck Eligibility

View all 24 courses

Funding your studies in Canada

Finding funding for Canada takes time, so start looking as soon as you have a shortlist of courses.

  • government programmes, including schemes run by your own country or by Canada
  • universities and colleges, through institutional awards or fee reductions
  • foundations, charities and international organisations
  • research funding or assistantships for postgraduate and doctoral students

Funding is never guaranteed: check eligibility, deadlines and what the award includes, and have a plan in case you are not successful. Official scholarship providers and university funding pages are the most reliable sources.

Applications often ask for a personal statement, references and academic transcripts, so prepare these early and tailor them to each award.

Study Abroad Consultants for Canada

  • Demo Campus Bridge Consultants

    Lajpat Nagar, Delhi · +3 more offices

    Sample listingStudy Abroad Consultant

    Study destinations: 🇳🇱 Netherlands · 🇨🇦 Canada · 🇫🇷 France · 🇺🇸 USA · 🇬🇧 UK · +1 more

    Services: University Admissions · Visa · Pre-Departure · Post-Admission

    7 partnered universities (sample data) · Bachelor's, Master's, Diploma

    Sample consultant used to test the directory: supports applications to Netherlands, Canada, France, USA, UK and Germany.

    View Consultant Website Demo Campus Bridge Consultants (opens in a new tab)

  • Demo Global Education

    Lajpat Nagar, Delhi · +3 more offices

    Sample listingStudy Abroad Consultant

    Study destinations: 🇳🇿 New Zealand · 🇨🇦 Canada · 🇩🇪 Germany · 🇮🇪 Ireland

    Services: University Admissions · Visa · Financial Support · Pre-Departure

    5 partnered universities (sample data) · Master's, MBA

    Sample consultant used to test the directory: supports applications to New Zealand, Canada, Germany and Ireland.

    View Consultant Website Demo Global Education (opens in a new tab)

  • Demo Global Pathways

    Indira Nagar, Lucknow

    Sample listingInternational Education Agency

    Study destinations: 🇨🇦 Canada · 🇺🇸 USA

    Services: University Admissions · Visa · Test Preparation · Pre-Departure

    5 partnered universities (sample data) · Bachelor's, Master's, MBA

    Sample consultant used to test the directory: supports applications to Canada and USA.

    View Consultant Website Demo Global Pathways (opens in a new tab)

  • Demo Global Student Services

    Janakpuri, Delhi · +4 more offices

    Sample listingLanguage & Education Consultant

    Study destinations: 🇨🇦 Canada · 🇳🇿 New Zealand · 🇸🇪 Sweden · 🇮🇪 Ireland · 🇮🇹 Italy · +1 more

    Services: University Admissions · Visa · Financial Support · Pre-Departure

    7 partnered universities (sample data) · Bachelor's, Master's, PhD / Doctorate

    Sample consultant used to test the directory: supports applications to Canada, New Zealand, Sweden, Ireland, Italy and USA.

    View Consultant Website Demo Global Student Services (opens in a new tab)

  • Demo Horizon Study Partners

    Patel Nagar, Delhi · +1 more office

    Sample listingInternational Education Agency

    Study destinations: 🇺🇸 USA · 🇳🇿 New Zealand · 🇨🇦 Canada

    Services: University Admissions · Visa · Financial Support · Pre-Departure

    10 partnered universities (sample data) · Bachelor's, Master's, Diploma

    Sample consultant used to test the directory: supports applications to USA, New Zealand and Canada.

    View Consultant Website Demo Horizon Study Partners (opens in a new tab)

  • Demo International Education

    Laxmi Nagar, Delhi · +5 more offices

    Sample listingEducation Consultant

    Study destinations: 🇬🇧 UK · 🇨🇦 Canada · 🇮🇹 Italy · 🇮🇪 Ireland · 🇦🇺 Australia

    Services: University Admissions · Visa · Test Preparation · Financial Support

    12 partnered universities (sample data) · Bachelor's, Master's, Foundation

    Sample consultant used to test the directory: supports applications to UK, Canada, Italy, Ireland and Australia.

    View Consultant Website Demo International Education (opens in a new tab)

View all consultants

Listings are not rankings or endorsements. Check services and fees directly with each consultant.

Intakes to study in Canada

Many programmes in Canada start around September, which is the main entry point for most new students. Some institutions also admit students around January, although this second intake is usually available for fewer courses. Exact dates vary by institution and programme.

Plan early. Popular courses can close well before the start date, and international applicants usually need extra time for translations, language tests, scholarship applications and visas. Each institution publishes its own deadlines, so check them for every course on your list.

Postgraduate research programmes may have more flexible start dates, agreed with a supervisor.

A simple planning checklist:

  • shortlist courses and note each start date and deadline
  • prepare transcripts, references and any language test results
  • apply for scholarships alongside your course applications
  • allow time for the visa and for arranging accommodation

Intake dates and deadlines vary by university and course. Always check them with the university.

Cost of studying in Canada

Before you commit to a course in Canada, work out the full cost of the programme, not just the first year’s tuition.

When you compare options, look beyond the tuition fee:

  • application and registration fees
  • course materials, equipment or laboratory costs for some subjects
  • health insurance and any visa or permit costs
  • accommodation, travel and living expenses for the whole programme

Longer programmes, foundation years and placements all affect the total you will need, so build your budget from the institution’s current published fees.

It is also worth asking how and when fees are paid, whether a deposit is required to secure your place, and how exchange rates could affect the amount you pay from home.

Fees change and differ by university, course and level. Check current fees with each university.

Student visa requirements to study in Canada

Studying in Canada usually involves an immigration step as well as an admission step, and the two often depend on each other.

Requirements can differ by nationality, programme and length of stay. Depending on the rules, you may be asked for:

  • an offer or confirmation of enrolment from a recognised institution
  • a valid passport and passport photos
  • evidence that you can cover tuition and living costs
  • health insurance and, in some cases, medical checks
  • proof of language ability or previous qualifications

Visa rules and fees change, so always check the current requirements with official government sources before you apply. Official information: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada: study in Canada (official government website).

Visa rules change. Always check the official government immigration website before you apply.

Cost of living in Canada

Day-to-day costs in Canada are shaped by where you live, the type of accommodation you choose and how you get around. Costs in Ottawa can differ noticeably from those in Toronto, Vancouver or Montreal and smaller towns.

The main costs to plan for are:

  • Accommodation: university housing, shared flats or private rentals, plus deposits
  • Food: groceries, cooking at home and eating out
  • Transport: local travel and occasional trips home
  • Utilities and phone: energy, internet and mobile data
  • Insurance and health: any required health cover
  • Personal spending: study materials, clothing and social life

Current cost estimates from your institution and official sources will help you build a realistic budget for the whole course.

Living costs depend on the city and your lifestyle, and they change over time.

FAQs about studying in Canada

Why should I study in Canada?

It depends on your goals. Canada offers programmes across many subjects, a location in northern North America and study in English and French. Students interested in digital technology, infrastructure and healthcare may find the local context especially relevant.

What subjects can I study in Canada?

Institutions offer a wide range of subjects, including Computing & Information Technology, Engineering, Health, Medicine & Veterinary Studies and Business & Management. The subjects page for Canada lists every subject available here with its specializations.

When should I apply to universities in Canada?

Many programmes start around September. Apply well ahead of the start date, especially if you need a visa, and check the deadline for each course on the institution’s website.

How much does it cost to study in Canada?

Costs depend on the institution, programme, level of study and sometimes your nationality. Budget for tuition as well as application fees, insurance, accommodation and living costs, and use the current fees published by each institution.

Do international students need a visa to study in Canada?

Most international students need a student visa or residence permit. Requirements depend on your nationality and programme, so check the current rules with official government sources, such as Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada: study in Canada.

Are scholarships available for international students in Canada?

Some funding is available from governments, universities and other organisations, but awards are competitive and eligibility varies. Check official provider websites and apply early.

Where do international students live in Canada?

Ottawa, Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal are among the places students often consider. Living costs, housing and the student experience can differ between cities, so compare them alongside your course options.

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