Education System in Canada
There are ten provinces and three territories in Canada. Each province follows a different education system. The study levels may vary across these provinces. The students can enroll for the following programs.
Canada is one of the most popular study abroad destinations in the world. Every year the country welcomes nearly 5,00,000 students from across the globe. Canada is currently considered the #1 country in the world in terms of quality of life and social purpose. Academic excellence, agility, entrepreneurship, and business opportunities are a few more factors that attract international students to this country.
1. Most Peaceful Country
As per Global peace Index 2024, Canada scores 1.35%. The government has always worked in favour of its residents, evident with the facilities they offer, such as free healthcare, affordable education facilities, etc.
2. Supports International Students
Canada has always been in the limelight regarding supporting international students by taking proactive measures to implement policies and provisions benefiting international students. By incorporating such measures, Canada remains one of the most helpful and friendly study-abroad destinations for international students globally.
3. Home to Recognised Educational Institutions
Canada has a list of widely recognised institutions whose degree holds a high value. Whether you enroll in a university or college, the quality of education remains high. As per QS World University Rankings 2024, over 31 Canada universities have been ranked. These institutes have been popular for years due to their well-enhanced learning environment, unique teaching methods, and the range of courses available.
Here is the List of the Top Highly-Ranked Canadian Universities:
Universities | Ranking |
University of Toronto | Ranked 21 |
McGill University | Ranked 30 |
University of British Columbia | Ranked 34 |
University of Alberta | Ranked 111 |
University of Waterloo | Ranked 112 |
4. Hub For Indian Students
Did you know that most of the international students in Canada are Indians?
As per the IRCC (Immigration Refugees Citizenship Canada) data, 2,26,450 students went to Canada from India in 2022. The top reason why most Indian students prefer to go to Canada is the warmth the country offers.
Canada has always been open to immigrants from across the globe. There is no discrimination or lack of opportunities for international students. In fact, Canada has introduced multiple law-enforced policies such as Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) extension and much more to retain bright minds in the country.
On the positive side, since multiple Indian students are travelling to Canada, it becomes easy for the new Indians to adjust to this new place.
5. Retains Students After Graduation
Canada has always worked to retain the best talents in the country. With solutions such as post-graduation work permits, the country enables international students to find professional opportunities there. Eventually, when a student stays for long in Canada, applying and availing for a Permanent Resident (PR) becomes easy.
There are ten provinces and three territories in Canada. Each province follows a different education system. The study levels may vary across these provinces. The students can enroll for the following programs.
It is a two-year undergraduate program offered by colleges. It provides practical training and skills in business, arts, science, and applied sciences, preparing students for entry-level positions or further studies. Examples include Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, and Associate of Business.
They are short-term programs offering specialised training. Certificates are shorter, typically ranging from a few months to a year, while diplomas are more comprehensive and generally take one to two years to complete. Examples include Medical Office Assistant Certificate and Graphic Design Diploma.
It is an undergraduate program that provides foundational knowledge in a specific field. Bachelor's degree programs usually take three to four years of full-time study. Examples include Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Psychology, Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Computer Science, and Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com.) in Business Administration.
It is an undergraduate program that signifies a higher level of academic achievement. It involves advanced coursework and research opportunities. It generally takes four years of full-time study to complete. Examples include Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Biology and Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in History.
This program is designed for postgraduate students seeking specialised training beyond their bachelor's degree. It provides focused knowledge and skills in a specific field, enhancing career prospects. Graduate diploma programs typically last around one year of full-time study. Examples include Graduate Diploma in Project Management and Graduate Diploma in Human Resource Management.
This program is for postgraduate studies and requires a bachelor's degree as a prerequisite. It deepens knowledge and expertise in a specific field through coursework and research. Master's degree programs usually take one to two years of full-time study. Examples include Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Computer Science and Master of Business Administration (MBA).
These are programs designed to prepare students for specific careers. They combine academic coursework with practical training and internships. Program completion time varies by field. Law and medicine take 3-4 years, while education takes 1-2 years. Examples include Juris Doctor (J.D.) for law and Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) for medicine.
They are the highest level of academic pursuit. They involve advanced research in a specific field, leading to the development of original contributions to knowledge. PhD programs usually take four to six years of full-time study. Examples include PhD in Physics, PhD in Psychology, and PhD in English Literature.
Students can earn their degrees or diplomas by enrolling to the following:
The grading system in Canada differs across provinces. So, you need to check them before starting your course.
A main aspect of pursuing any course in Canada is the rewarding academic learning experience you receive. The country ensures international students receive two educational benefits: a wide variety of courses to choose from irrespective of any study programs selected and a uniquely designed course structure whose learnings will impact your job role tasks. Courses offered at leading Canadian universities are taught with a student-focused learning approach. Due to this, graduates here tend to be more skilled and knowledge-equipped when entering the real job market.
Pursuing a course in Canada has multiple benefits, such as:
With the list of course options available, Canada has secured a few in-demand courses over the years due to the futuristic growth in certain academic fields. Here is an overview:
1. Business
2. Technology
3. Engineering
4. Healthcare
5. Media & Journalism
Apart from the above, there are also several other courses which you can pursue in Canada, such as:
All courses offered in Canada have been curated, keeping in mind that graduates should be well-equipped to cater to the evolving needs of the job market. Due to this, graduates here find it easy to secure their dream job globally.
There are several popular universities in Canada that regularly feature in various world rankings. Below listed as some of the best colleges in Canada:
University Name | QS World Ranking 2023 |
University of Toronto | 21 |
McGill University | 30 |
University of British Columbia | 34 |
University of Alberta | 111 |
University of Waterloo | 112 |
Western University | 114 |
Universite de Montreal | 141 |
University of Calgary | 182 |
McMaster University | 189 |
University of Ottawa | 203 |
In addition to the universities, the following are some popular colleges for pursuing diploma, graduate diploma, and MBA in Canada:
PG Diploma | MBA |
Durham College | Alberta School of Business |
Columbia College | Schulich School of Business |
Humber College | Beedie School of Business |
Luther College | HEC Montreal |
Dawson College | Rotman School of Management |
Niagara College | Sauder School of Business |
Seneca College | Desautels Faculty of Management |
Algonquin College | Edwards School of Business |
University of Waterloo | Ivey Business School |
North Island College | |
George Brown College | |
Nova Scotia Community College | |
Centennial College of Applied Arts & Technology | |
Confederation College of Applied Arts & Technology |
IELTS is one of the requirements to study in Canada. However, some universities in Canada may admit students without IELTS/TOEFL. Does that mean English language proficiency is not an important requirement to get admitted to these colleges or universities? No, language proficiency is still an essential requirement, but you can submit alternate test results. The following are a few Popular Universities in Canada accepting alternative English proficiency scores.
University | Alternate Exam Scores Accepted |
The University of Saskatchewan | Cambridge C1 Advanced, Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL), Duolingo English Test (DET), Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) |
University of Winnipeg | Cambridge C1 Advanced, Cambridge C2 Proficiency, Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL), Duolingo English Test (DET), Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic), Academic English Program for University and College Entrance (AEPUCE), English Language Program at The University of Winnipeg (ELP) |
Brock University | Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL), Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic), Can Test for Scholars and Trainees, Cambridge Assessment English |
University of Regina | Cambridge C1 Advanced, Cambridge C2 Proficiency, Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic), Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL), Michigan EnglishLanguage Assessment Battery (MELAB), Duolingo Online English test |
Carleton University | Canadian Academic English Language Test (CAEL, CAEL-CE), Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) |
Concordia University | Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL), Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE) & Cambridge C2 Proficiency (CPE), Duolingo English Test (DET), Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) |
Cambrian College | Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) |
Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador | Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL), Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE) & Cambridge C2 Proficiency (CPE), Duolingo English Test (DET), Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic), Michigan English Test (MET) |
Education in Canada is expensive, however, many leading Canadian universities offer affordable education. The following are a few prominent ones among them:
Universities Name | QS Top University Rankings |
Brandon University | Public University |
Universite De Saint - Boniface | Public University |
University of Guelph | Public Research University |
Canadian Mennonite University | Private University |
Memorial University of Newfoundland | Public University |
University of Northern British Columbia | Public University |
University of Calgary | Public Research University |
Simon Fraser University | Public Research University |
University of Saskatchewan | Public Research University |
Want to get admitted to a leading Canadian university? The following steps will simplify the process:
The universities in Canada follow the following intakes:
This intake starts in September and is the most popular among international students. The students can apply to a wide range of courses across well-known universities and colleges. If you are eyeing this intake, let’s look at the timeline.
It starts in January and usually, students who miss their Fall intake opt for this intake. If you are eyeing this intake, let’s look at the timeline.
This intake usually begins in April and May, and is only available for limited programs. If you are eyeing this intake, let’s look at the timeline.
Here we have included the average annual cost of education in CAD ($). Actual values may differ across cities and universities in Canada.
Types of Expenses (Annual) | Expenses in CAD |
Tuition Fees | CAD$17,000 – $25,000 for graduate degrees; CAD$12,000 – $ 30,000 for undergraduate courses;CAD $24,150 – $66,210 for professional programs |
Accommodation | CAD$8,000 – $10,000 for on-campus accommodation; CAD $400 -$700 per month for off-campus accommodation |
Travel Costs | CAD$80 – CAD$110 per month using public transport systems |
Health Insurance | CAD$300 – CAD$800 depending on your area |
Food | CAD$300 – CAD$400 per month depending on your food preferences and habits |
Entertainment | CAD$750 monthly depending on your personal choices |
The Canadian Study Permit allows Indian nationals to study in designated learning institutions (DLIs) in Canada. You will need a student VISA to enter the country. You can apply for the study permit by paying a fee of CAD 150. The processing time can vary across the country. If you are an Indian, you can obtain your Canadian Study Permit faster through the Student Direct Stream by following the below link.
Eligibility requirements and application requirements for undergraduate and graduate courses vary in Canada.
The admission requirements vary across universities. These may include documents proving your academic proficiency, language proficiency, and personal information. The documents to be submitted include:
The following is a list of popular scholarships available for Indian students to study in Canada
Name of Scholarship | Description and Eligibility | Amount in CAD |
Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship Program | Awarded to 37 deserving students who demonstrate academic excellence by the University of Toronto | Variable |
Education Future International Scholarship | Awarded by many universities to students who demonstrate academic excellence | CAD$3299 – $16,517 |
Ambedkar Overseas Vidyanidhi Scholarship | It is community-based scholarship, which is fully funded by the Social Welfare Department | CAD$16,517 |
Scotiabank International Partner Entrance Scholarships | This is a Partially-funded scholarship by Scotiabank, which is offered to all students of George Brown College of Applied Arts & Technology | CAD$6398 |
Global Citizen Scholarship | This fully funded scholarship by MPOWER Financing is offered to students studying in Bachelor’s disciplines | CAD$12,797 |
Name of Scholarship | Description and Eligibility | Amount in CAD |
Narotam Sekhsaria Scholarship | Awarded by Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation to students who demonstrate excellent academic excellence. | CAD$32,974 |
International Peace Scholarship for Women | Awarded by P.E.O Sisterhood, female students across all Canadian universities can apply to this scholarship. | CAD$15,985 |
Shastri Research Student Fellowship | This scholarship is awarded to students enrolled in bachelors, masters, and M. Phil courses. | Amount is variable |
Canada is known for its metropolitan cities that welcome thousands of international students annually. These cities assure a well-planned lifestyle, including subsidized public transport systems, part-time work opportunities, healthcare facilities, and so on, which most students find appealing. The following are a few popular best student cities in Canada.
Name of the City | Best Student Cities QS Ranking 2022 | Cost of Living (CAD$) |
Montreal | 9 | CAD$ 2000 -2500 |
Toronto | 13 | CAD$ 2200 – 3000 |
Vancouver | 18 | CAD$ 2500 – 3500 |
Ottawa | 53 | CAD$ 2000 – 2500 |
Quebec City | 113 | CAD$ 1500 – 1800 |
Diploma vs degree has been a point of consideration for many students going to Canada for higher studies. The following differences will ease the confusion.
Core Area | Degree | Diploma |
Types | Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate/PhD | Regular Diploma, Advanced Diploma, Graduate Diploma |
Duration | Bachelor’s Degree: 3 to 4 Years | Regular Diploma (Undergraduate): 2 Years |
Master’s Degree: 1 to 2 Years | Advanced Diploma ( Undergraduate): 3 Years | |
Doctorate/PhD: 3 to 7 Years | Graduate Diploma (Graduate): 1 to 2 Years | |
Admission | Annually | Half Yearly |
Cost | Approximately CAD$30,000 for Master’s Degree Programs | Approximately CAD$20,000 for PG Diploma |
Awarded By | Universities | Colleges, universities, and private institutions |
Career Prospects | A structured degree program covers a wide range of topics and offers several career opportunities. | A diploma program may be subject specific, which allow students to enter into a highly specialized job sector. |
Popular Courses |
Undergraduate Degree Courses in Canada Business Studies and Finance Hotel Management Engineering Art and Design Health Construction Management Media Studies Computer Science Accounting Music Graduate Degree Courses in Canada Computer Science Civil Engineering Public Health Finance Human Resource Mechanical Engineering Pharmacy Electrical Engineering Psychology International Relations |
Undergraduate Diploma Courses Engineering Information Technology Business Management Pharmacy Technician Hospitality Management Graduate Diploma Courses Biological Sciences Engineering (Electronics and Mechanical) Health Sciences Networking & Information Technology Business, Tourism and Hospitality Management Pharmacy, Nursing, and Midwifery Early Childhood Studies |
Leading Institutions |
Undergraduate Courses The University of British Columbia University of Toronto McGill University Université Saint-Anne York University Graduate Courses Royal Roads University Thompson Rivers University York University Athabasca University University of Winnipeg University of British Columbia |
PG Diplomas Durham College Sheridan College George Brown College Algonquin College Seneca College Humber College Centennial College of Applied Arts & Technology |
Students applying to Canadian universities are required to submit scores of language proficiency and standardized tests.
Language Proficiency Tests: English and French are two official languages of Canada. Most universities would require you to submit scores of these languages depending on the program.
As proof of English language proficiency, the students must submit scores of:
As proof of French language proficiency, the students must submit scores of:
A Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) allows international students graduating from Canadian colleges and universities to work for up to 3 years. The students who have completed a degree, certificate, or diploma lasting at least 8 months can apply for PGWP.
A student has up to 180 days to apply for a PGWP after graduation. During the application, the candidate must confirm the program’s name, duration, and completion status.
If the study permit expires before you apply for PGWP, you have two options – you can leave Canada and apply for PGWP or apply for a visitor record to extend your stay in the country.
You Cannot Apply for PGWP if:
Your income would depend on your knowledge, skills, and the type of the organization you work for.
Average Annual Salary | |
Cardiologist | CAD$91,000 - $585,000 |
Psychiatrist | CAD $69,000 - $384,000 |
Physician | CAD $61,000 - $361,000 |
Chief Marketing Officer | CAD$78,000 - $290,000 |
Software Engineer | CAD $55,000 - $112,000 |
Pharmacist | CAD$80,000 - $116,000 |
Corporate Controller | CAD $67,000 - $147,000 |
Data Scientist | CAD$57,000 - $113,000 |
Studying in Canada can be a life-changing experiences for most Indian students. There are various things that students need to know to pursue their education. Here, we have included some common questions and their answers for students planning to leave for Canada for their higher studies.
Yes, 10+2+4 is required to study in Canada for Indian students, especially if you wish to pursue a master’s degree. However, some universities may allow students to pursue a master’s degree and graduate diploma with 10+2+3. However, you need to check the university or college website to know more.
Yes, you can arrive in Canada anytime before the start of the course. However, you cannot take any part-time job until you begin your studies.
Yes, you can. If you have already received a study permit to study in Canada and later realize that you want to change your designated learning institution, you can do so. However, you need to submit a new study permit and the new letter of acceptance and follow the process repeatedly. This new application may require you to pay fresh fees, too.
Yes, you can pursue higher secondary education in Canada. Most Canadian universities accept students who have completed their high school diplomas from government-recognized study institutions in their country.
Most Canadian designated learning institutions (DLIs) require students to submit their IELTS scores to seek admission. A minimum score of 6 in each section and an aggregate score of 6.5 is a standard set by many leading universities in Canada. However, many Canadian DLIs may still accept your alternative English proficiency test scores, but you need to verify it.
Yes, you would require student insurance to study in Canada. You can purchase private insurance policies to cover your healthcare costs for the duration of your course.
No, you do not require a separate work visa; rather you can find on-campus and off-campus jobs while on a study permit. The only requirement is you must pursue a full-time course at any DLI.
No, most Canadian universities accept a gap of 2 years for undergraduate studies. However, students can apply for postgraduate courses after a 5-year gap.
Yes, you can re-apply for a study permit. Get in touch with us and our experts will guide you through the same.
Yes, you need GRE to apply for master-level courses in Canada. Many programs require a high GRE score for admission.
Most Canadian universities admit students with a score of 60% and more.
Yes, you can take your spouse/dependent to Canada.
Yes, a spouse or dependent can work in Canada; however, they must possess an open work permit. This permit is usually awarded for the duration of your course. You can check the eligibility requirements on Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship website to know more.
Yes, you can seek a sponsor to study in Canada. This sponsor can be anyone from your spouse, conjugal partner, relatives, parents, or any Canadian citizen.
It would depend on the institution you plan to apply to. Generally, transfer credits are only allowed between institutions in India and Canada that have credit transfer agreements.
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Address: Office No. 204, 2nd Floor, ML Spaces, Dashrathlal Joshi Rd. Opp. Old Jain Mandir, Vile Parle West, Mumbai – 400056.
Email: info@collegepond.com
Call Us: 022-46003655
Copyright © 2002 – 2024 | All Rights Reserved | Collegepond Counsellors Pvt. Ltd.