Why CANADA?

The UK and the US were the most popular international academic destinations, not long ago. This scenario has completely changed. If you walk into any education fair in India, the top recommendation from most experts is to study in Canada. And the reasons for the same are very practical.

Now, let’s talk about the academics.

Toronto features in the world’s top 25. UBC and McGill regularly feature in the world’s best. These degrees are recognised by employers in London, Singapore, and New York.

For Indian students who want international careers, that recognition matters.

And then there’s the social side. Canada has one of the largest Indian diasporas. Brampton, parts of Toronto, and Surrey have Indian stores, restaurants, and places of worship. On some streets, you might hear someone speaking Punjabi and Gujarati. Indian festivals are celebrated with gusto. Energy during these events runs high.

Money is a real consideration, too. Statistics Canada puts the average undergraduate tuition for international students at CAD $41,746 for 2025/26. Compare it with US universities, where $60,000–$70,000 per year is routine.

In addition, Canada offers students the opportunity to work 24 hours a week off campus during their study in Canada course (a new rule set in late 2024) and full-time during breaks. Students can pay a considerable part of their living expenses by working part-time.

The immigration part is what will finally tip the balance for most families.

Canada truly welcomes international students. They want them to settle down here. Many Provincial Nominee Programs, the Post-Graduation Work Permit, and the Canadian Experience Class are structured to help students settle here.

IRCC estimates that a large percentage of new permanent residents in Canada will be on temporary visas. Many are international students. Canada is a nation that warmly welcomes them.

The minimum finances needed:

The minimum evidence of funds for one student as of September 1, 2025, is CAD $22,895 (excluding the province of Quebec). This excludes tuition fees. For two students, this amount is CAD $28,502; for three people, it is CAD $35,040.

Ready to Study in Canada?

Thousands of Indian students begin their academic life in Canada every year. However, getting the right advice and guidance is critical.

Contact Heralds International, a trusted name in this domain.

Our experienced consultants will guide you expertly in areas such as choosing an institution, eligibility, PGWP, and visa criteria.

Universities and Colleges in CANADA

Best Institutions to Study in Canada

A question counsellors get constantly: university or college? The honest answer is that neither is universally better. It depends on what you want to do after graduation, and increasingly, on what the PGWP rules say about your specific study in Canada programme.

Top Universities in Canada for International Students

With their current QS ratings and fields of competence, Indian students prefer these universities. Canada's best colleges, their locations, strengths, and most recent QS World Ratings (2025) are shown in the table below:

University	Location	Known For	QS World Ranking (2025)
University of Toronto	Toronto, Ontario	Medicine, AI, Engineering, Business	#25
University of British Columbia (UBC)	Vancouver, BC	Sciences, Arts, Technology	#38
McGill University	Montreal, Quebec	Law, Medicine, Research	#46
University of Waterloo	Waterloo, Ontario	Engineering, Tech, Co-op	#112
McMaster University	Hamilton, Ontario	Health Sciences, Engineering	#189
University of Alberta	Edmonton, Alberta	Engineering, Energy, Sciences	#111
Queen's University	Kingston, Ontario	Business, Law, Arts	#246
Simon Fraser University	Burnaby, BC	Computing, Communications	#328

A few things worth knowing beyond the rankings.

Waterloo's co-op programme sends students into paid industry placements every other semester. Graduates come out with a degree and 18–24 months of actual work experience, which is why so many end up in Silicon Valley or Toronto's tech corridor.

McGill is over 200 years old and still one of the most respected names in medicine and law globally.

UBC's campus in Vancouver is consistently rated one of the most beautiful in the world, which matters more to daily life than people admit.

Top Colleges in Canada for International Students

Colleges take a different approach, with less theory, more applied skills, and a direct line to employment. This path usually makes more sense for those students who know exactly what they want to do and want to earn faster.

College	Location	Popular Programs
Seneca Polytechnic	Toronto, Ontario	IT, Business, Healthcare, Media
Humber College	Toronto, Ontario	Business, Hospitality, Design, Law
George Brown College	Toronto, Ontario	Culinary, Construction, Nursing
Conestoga College	Waterloo, Ontario	Engineering Tech, Supply Chain
Centennial College	Toronto, Ontario	Aviation, Hospitality, Engineering

Seneca and Humber have strong employer contacts in Toronto. George Brown's location in the city centre ensures that networking is a natural part of the experience. Waterloo's Conestoga is located just adjacent to some of Canada's most active tech centres.

Many Indian students who came through the college route, the two-year diploma, PGWP, and Canadian work experience, are now well into their PR process and earning good salaries.

Want to know more about the study in Canada process?

Contact Heralds International now.

Courses and Opportunities in CANADA

Courses, Fees & Opportunities to Study in Canada

Tuition Fee Structure (2025/26)

If you want to study in Canada, the fees vary by province and degree. Ontario costs the most of all the provinces. Newfoundland and Labrador are more affordable.

Here are the 2025/26 figures:

Study Level	Annual Tuition (CAD) – 2025/26	Program Range (CAD)	Notes
Undergraduate (University)	~$41,746 (national avg.)	$18,000 – $60,000+	Ontario highest; NL lowest
Postgraduate / Master's	~$24,028 (national avg.)	$12,000 – $50,000+	STEM & MBA programs higher
College Diploma (2-yr)	$14,000 – $22,000	$7,000 – $22,000+	Shorter duration; PGWP eligible
PhD / Doctorate	$8,000 – $18,000	Varies widely	Funding/fellowships common

One-time Charges:

Study Permit: CAD $150 plus CAD $85 for biometrics.
Health Insurance: CAD 600–1,000 annually (province-based variations)
Student Services and Activity Fees: CAD $500–$1,000 annually.
Books and Tools: CAD $1,000 to $2,000 annually (curriculum-based)

Cost of Living in Canada for International Students (2025/26)

In September 2025, the proof-of-funds rules were changed. A student applying from outside Québec must have CAD $22,895 in living funds per year, apart from tuition. That is up from CAD $20,635 previously, the government's acknowledgement that cities like Toronto and Vancouver have gotten more expensive.

Students who prefer Hamilton, Halifax, Calgary, or Waterloo to Vancouver or Toronto will save money without compromising educational standards.

Expense Category	Toronto / Vancouver (CAD/month)	Smaller Cities (CAD/month)
Accommodation (shared/on-campus)	$1,300 – $2,000	$700 – $1,200
Food & Groceries	$400 – $600	$300 – $500
Transport (transit pass)	$120 – $160	$80 – $120
Phone & Internet	$80 – $120	$60 – $100
Books & Stationery	$100 – $200	$80 – $150
Miscellaneous / Entertainment	$150 – $300	$100 – $200
Estimated Total / Month	CAD $2,200 – $3,380	CAD $1,320 – $2,270

In-Demand Course to Study in Canada

Since 2024, PGWP eligibility for college students is connected to the study in Canada field. A programme outside the eligible list may not qualify students for a post-graduation work permit.

Canadian businesses are hiring in regions where PGWP eligibility is high, and the immigration route is clear.

Toronto and Waterloo are among the most active tech employment corridors in North America, thanks to technology and artificial intelligence. Demand has exceeded regional supply for years.
Healthcare: Many provinces have staffing shortages. Provincial immigration streams specifically target healthcare graduates.

Engineering: There is a steady demand in the infrastructure and energy fields.
Business & Finance: These programmes map well onto the Express Entry points system, which matters for PR planning.
Construction Management: Housing and infrastructure targets are creating demand for qualified project managers. This field has grown faster than expected.

The Three Intakes:

September (Primary): The widest choice of programmes and the most straightforward academic year alignment.
January (Strong Alternative): Works well for colleges. Students who need extra time to strengthen their English scores or resolve a visa issue often use this intake deliberately.
May (Limited): Fewer programmes are available. It is a good choice, depending on circumstances, but not the first one for most students.

Ready to Study in Canada? Start Your Journey Today.

Every year, thousands of Indian students make the move to study in Canada. Those who plan well, with the right support for course selection, PGWP eligibility, and visa documentation, tend to have a far stronger position.

If you are at the research stage, or you already have a university shortlist and want a second opinion about study in Canada, contact Heralds International.

Call us now to book a counselling Session. Ask for our personalised plan.

Our counsellors work specifically with Indian students on study in Canada permits, university shortlisting, and PR pathways.

+918386968386

Study in CANADA

Why CANADA?

Universities and Colleges in CANADA

Courses and Opportunities in CANADA

Leading Universities