Planning to Study in Canada as International Student can be daunting, with all the policy adjustments every now and then and heaps of documents to work on. If you are a prospective student seeking information on what it takes to study in Canada as an international student, you have come to the right place. This guidebook will take you through every step required—whether you hail from India or any other nation—and assist you in preparing for a hassle-free admission process in 2025.
Why Study in Canada?
Canada is among the favorite countries for overseas students due to its global-class education, multi-cultural population, and post-graduation work permits. With globally accredited universities and numerous courses abroad after 12th, Canada remains one of the preferred destinations for students from around the globe—particularly from India.
Basic Requirements to Study in Canada for International Students
Whether you’re applying for a diploma, undergraduate, or master’s course, following are the general requirements to study in Canada for foreign students:
1. Academic Qualifications
- Completion of at least 12 years of education (for undergraduate courses).
- A relevant bachelor’s degree (for postgraduate courses).
- Strong academic performance, especially in relevant subjects.
2. English Language Proficiency
Most Canadian institutions accept:
- IELTS (minimum overall band of 6.0–6.5)
- TOEFL (minimum 80–100)
- Some also accept PTE Academic or Duolingo English Test.
3. Proof of Funds
You need to demonstrate you can pay for:
- Tuition fees
- Living expenses (approx. CAD 10,000/year)
- Return travel expenses
4. Study Permit (Student Visa)
A valid study permit is mandatory for courses longer than 6 months. You’ll need:
- A letter of acceptance from a Canadian institution
- Proof of funds
- Valid passport
- Medical examination (for certain countries)
- Police clearance certificate
Requirements to Study in Canada for International Students from India
If you are applying from India, the following are some India-specific requirements:
- Indian passport (valid through the course duration)
- Academic transcripts (10th, 12th, and graduation if applicable)
- English language test scores (IELTS is most widely accepted)
- SOP (Statement of Purpose) explaining why you want to study in Canada
- Letter(s) of Recommendation (LOR)
- Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) of CAD 10,000 under the Student Direct Stream (SDS) program
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New Rules in Canada for International Students (2025 Update)
Before applying, t is important to know Canada’s new rules for international students introduced in 2025–2026:
- Increased proof of funds requirement: Students now need to show CAD 20,635 (earlier it was CAD 10,000) for cost of living.
- Tighter rules for private colleges: Ensure your college is a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
- Limit on work hours: As of 2025, international students are allowed to work 20 hours/week during term and full-time during breaks.
- Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility is now restricted for some programs—always check before applying.
Estimated Study & Living Costs in Canada for International Students
| Program | Tuition Fee (Approx.) | City | Cost of Living / Year | Popular Scholarships |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | CAD 15,000 – 25,000 | Toronto | CAD 14,000 – 18,000 | Lester B. Pearson Intl. Scholarship |
| Postgraduate (Master’s) | CAD 17,000 – 30,000 | Vancouver | CAD 16,000 – 20,000 | UBC Graduate Scholarships |
| MBA | CAD 30,000 – 50,000 | Montreal | CAD 13,000 – 17,000 | McGill MBA Entrance Awards |
| Medicine | CAD 25,000 – 60,000 | Edmonton | CAD 12,000 – 15,000 | Ontario Graduate Scholarship |
Requirements to Study Medicine in Canada for International Students After 12th
Several Indian students aspire to study MBBS or medicine overseas. Here’s what you can expect if you are thinking of studying medicine in Canada after 12th:
- Canadian medical schools do not accept international students directly after 12th.
- You must first complete an undergraduate degree (usually 3–4 years) in a related field such as Biology or Life Sciences.
- After that, you can apply for an MD program.
- Additional requirements include:
- High GPA
- MCAT scores
- Strong SOP and LORs
- Clinical or volunteer experience
- Interview round
So, if you’re serious about medicine, consider taking a pre-med undergraduate course in Canada first.
Recommended Abroad Courses After 12th for Studying in Canada
Some of the most popular abroad courses after 12th for international students in Canada include:
- Business Administration
- Computer Science & IT
- Hospitality & Tourism
- Engineering
- Health Sciences
- Media and Communication
- Arts & Humanities
These courses not only offer great academic exposure but also excellent post-study job prospects.
Top Universities in Canada
| S.No. | University Name | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Toronto | Toronto, Ontario |
| 2 | University of British Columbia | Vancouver, British Columbia |
| 3 | McGill University | Montreal, Quebec |
| 4 | McMaster University | Hamilton, Ontario |
| 5 | University of Alberta | Edmonton, Alberta |
| 6 | University of Montreal | Montreal, Quebec |
| 7 | University of Calgary | Calgary, Alberta |
| 8 | University of Ottawa | Ottawa, Ontario |
| 9 | Western University | London, Ontario |
| 10 | Queen’s University | Kingston, Ontario |
Conclusion
Meeting the requirements to study in Canada for international students takes proper planning, attention to detail, and awareness of changing immigration rules. For Indian students and others planning to study abroad, being well-prepared with documentation and timelines can make the process a lot smoother.
And remember, your Statement of Purpose (SOP) is your voice in the application process. A well-written SOP can significantly increase your chances of admission.
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Note: The information above is for general guidance only. Requirements may change, so please check the official university and IRCC websites before applying.
