Study in Canada: Requirements & Costs for 2024
Canada is one of the top study destinations in the world, offering high-quality education, a diverse environment, and numerous opportunities for international students. With world-class universities, affordable tuition fees compared to other Western countries, and a welcoming immigration system, studying in Canada is an attractive option for students worldwide.
Why Study in Canada?
📌 Globally recognized universities (30+ ranked in the top 300 worldwide).
📌 High-quality education with practical training.
📌 Affordable tuition fees compared to the U.S. and U.K.
📌 Pathway to permanent residency after graduation.
📌 Safe and multicultural environment.
📌 Work opportunities during and after studies.
According to recent statistics, Canada accepted over 400,000 international students in the last year, with the majority coming from India, China, Iran, Vietnam, Nigeria, France, the U.S., South Korea, and Brazil.
Latest Updates on Studying in Canada (2024)
✅ Canadian universities are open for admissions for Fall 2024 (September) and Spring 2024 (May-June) intakes.
✅ IRCC (Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada) is expediting student visa processing to accommodate international students.
✅ Students can now complete online studies from outside Canada without affecting their eligibility for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
Age Limit for Studying in Canada
Canada has no official age limit for student visas. However, universities generally prefer applicants between 18 to 35 years old.
📌 Undergraduate applicants under 35 years old have a higher chance of acceptance.
📌 Older applicants may need to provide a strong justification for their study plans.
General Admission Requirements for Canadian Universities
| Degree Level | Academic Requirements | English Proficiency |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree | Minimum GPA of 12/20 in high school | IELTS 6.5+, TOEFL 79+ |
| Master’s Degree | Bachelor’s degree with GPA 13+/20 | IELTS 6.5-7+, TOEFL 85+ |
| PhD Programs | Master’s degree + Research experience | IELTS 6.5+, TOEFL 90+ |
| Postdoctoral Studies | PhD + Research projects | English proficiency required |
📌 Some universities offer conditional admissions for students with lower IELTS/TOEFL scores, allowing them to take an English course before starting their degree.
Study in Canada Without IELTS
Yes, it’s possible! Many Canadian universities accept alternative English proficiency tests, such as:
✅ TOEFL – Minimum score 79-90
✅ PTE Academic – Minimum score 50-65
✅ Duolingo English Test – Minimum score 100-115
✅ CAEL (Canadian Academic English Language Test) – Minimum score 70
Some universities also waive English proficiency tests if:
✔ You have completed previous education in an English-speaking country.
✔ You have studied in English-medium schools for at least 4 years.
Cost of Studying in Canada (2024)
Compared to other Western countries, Canada offers affordable tuition fees.
📌 Average Tuition Fees (per year):
| Program Level | Tuition Fee (CAD/year) |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate (BSc, BA, BEng) | $20,000 – $30,000 |
| Postgraduate (MSc, MA, MBA) | $10,000 – $65,000 |
| PhD Programs | $7,000 – $20,000 |
| Medical & Engineering Degrees | $30,000+ |
📌 Living Costs in Canada:
| Expense | Cost (CAD/month) |
|---|---|
| Rent (Shared apartment) | $500 – $1,500 |
| Food & Groceries | $300 – $500 |
| Transportation | $80 – $150 |
| Health Insurance | $50 – $100 |
| Miscellaneous | $150 – $300 |
💰 Total Estimated Living Cost: $15,000 – $20,000 per year.
Scholarships for International Students
Canadian universities offer scholarships to international students based on academic merit and financial need.
📌 Top Scholarships Available:
✔ Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (for PhD students)
✔ Lester B. Pearson International Scholarships (for undergraduate students)
✔ Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)
✔ University-specific scholarships (UBC, Toronto, McGill, etc.)
💡 How to apply? Most scholarships require high academic grades, recommendation letters, and a strong personal statement.
Work While Studying in Canada
✅ Students can work up to 20 hours per week during semesters and full-time during holidays.
✅ No work permit required for on-campus and off-campus jobs.
✅ Common jobs include teaching assistant, research assistant, customer service, tutoring, and retail work.
✅ Average hourly wage: $15 – $25 per hour.
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) – Work After Graduation
After completing their studies, international students can apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), which allows them to work in Canada for up to 3 years.
📌 PGWP Eligibility:
✔ Must have completed a full-time study program of at least 8 months.
✔ Studied at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
✔ Applied for PGWP within 180 days of graduation.
💡 Benefit: A PGWP can lead to permanent residency (PR) under programs like Express Entry.
Top Universities in Canada
📌 Best Universities in Canada (2024 Rankings):
| University | QS Ranking 2024 | Times Ranking |
|---|---|---|
| University of Toronto | 21 | 18 |
| University of British Columbia (UBC) | 34 | 37 |
| McGill University | 31 | 46 |
| University of Alberta | 111 | 125 |
| University of Montreal | 116 | 88 |
| McMaster University | 152 | 80 |
| University of Waterloo | 154 | 191 |
How to Apply for a Canada Student Visa?
1️⃣ Get Admission – Apply and receive an offer letter from a Canadian university.
2️⃣ Prepare Documents – Passport, academic transcripts, financial proof, and English test scores.
3️⃣ Apply Online for Study Permit via IRCC (www.canada.ca).
4️⃣ Biometrics & Medical Exam – Submit fingerprints and health reports.
5️⃣ Receive Study Permit & Travel to Canada! 🎉
📌 Processing Time: 6-12 weeks
Common Reasons for Canada Student Visa Rejection
🚫 Insufficient financial proof – Must show enough funds to cover tuition & living expenses.
🚫 Weak Statement of Purpose (SOP) – Need a strong study plan and career goals.
🚫 Poor Academic Records – GPA must meet university standards.
🚫 Unclear travel history – Previous refusals may raise concerns.
📌 Solution: Ensure all documents are complete, authentic, and well-presented.
Final Thoughts – Is Canada the Right Choice for You?
Canada is an ideal study destination due to its affordable education, strong economy, work opportunities, and high standard of living. With a welcoming immigration policy, students have a clear path from studying to permanent residency (PR).
💡 Need Help with Admission & Visa? Contact Elite Education Consultants for expert guidance! 🚀
