How to Study in Canada for International Students

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Canada continues to be popular among students as there are a lot of opportunities awaiting there. Aside from the top-level universities, there is a lower cost of living but a great quality of life! You can also look forward to enjoying the beautiful attractions of the country.

When it comes to the choices that are available, Canada currently has 129 universities, from which 109 universities are a part of the public sector and 20 universities are private institutions.

Suppose you’re not just looking for any school but a well-performing school. In that case, the top universities in Canada you should definitely check out are University of Toronto, University of British Columbia, and McGill University.

Being able to study in Canada as an international student starts with planning ahead of time, as the process of researching your institution, filling out forms, and completing your paperwork can take a vast amount of time. In this article, you will find out the application process to study in Canada, along with information on tuition, language requirements, and visa applications. So, let’s dig in!

1. Cost of Studying in Canada

When choosing a university, you also need to consider the tuition fees and your budget. Before applying to a university in Canada, it’s best to have a general knowledge of the tuition fees there. The annual tuition fees for international undergraduate students range from 4,932 CAD to 88,700 CAD, while for master’s degree studies, the yearly tuition fees are between 4,833 CAD and 84,200 CAD.

Cost of Studying in Public Universities in Canada

To give you an idea of how much it costs to study in Canada, here are the tuition fees in these public and private universities:

Institution Bachelor’s International Tuition Fee Master’s International Tuition Fee
Saint Mary’s University, Halifax 30,100 CAD 26,000 CAD - 53,000 CAD
Red Deer Polytechnic 16,200 CAD - 22,900 CAD
Confederation College 17,200 CAD - 26,000 CAD
St. Lawrence College 22,800 CAD - 22,800 CAD
Durham College 14,900 CAD
Algonquin College 17,300 CAD - 22,000 CAD
College of the Rockies 16,400 CAD
Conestoga College 16,500 CAD - 24,700 CAD
College of New Caledonia 11,300 CAD - 14,200 CAD
Southern Alberta Institute of Technology 17,100 CAD - 27,200 CAD
Northern Alberta Institute of Technology 15,500 CAD - 28,700 CAD
North Island College 12,300 CAD - 20,000 CAD
Yukon University 9,600 CAD - 12,000 CAD
Saint Francis Xavier University 22,100 CAD - 23,000 CAD 9,024 CAD - 16,800 CAD
NSCAD University 8,264 CAD - 12,400 CAD 5,865 CAD - 8,969 CAD
University College of the North 11,500 CAD - 16,900 CAD
Algoma University 21,600 CAD
Canadore College 15,600 CAD - 29,000 CAD
Loyalist College 15,300 CAD - 15,900 CAD
Fanshawe College 13,100 CAD - 26,700 CAD
George Brown College 16,800 CAD - 31,200 CAD
Georgian College 14,800 CAD - 16,200 CAD
Cambrian College 14,100 CAD - 16,400 CAD
Humber College 17,900 CAD - 23,000 CAD
Centennial College 20,700 CAD - 36,200 CAD
Holland College 10,400 CAD - 11,700 CAD
Red River College Polytechnic 8,808 CAD - 10,600 CAD
Saskatchewan Polytechnic 4,932 CAD - 24,100 CAD
Mohawk College 11,400 CAD - 15,400 CAD
Niagara College 21,000 CAD - 22,700 CAD 17,900 CAD - 18,600 CAD
College of the North Atlantic 9,162 CAD - 14,100 CAD
Fleming College 18,700 CAD - 21,500 CAD 16,900 CAD - 33,600 CAD
British Columbia Institute of Technology 49,000 CAD - 64,200 CAD 18,300 CAD - 45,000 CAD
University of Saskatchewan 37,600 CAD - 88,700 CAD 16,500 CAD - 24,700 CAD
University of Regina 27,000 CAD - 34,000 CAD 12,000 CAD - 24,000 CAD
Polytechnique Montréal 22,900 CAD - 44,900 CAD
Royal Military College of Canada 15,500 CAD - 16,700 CAD
Universite Laval 22,100 CAD - 27,500 CAD 17,700 CAD - 22,100 CAD
Université de Sherbrooke 23,200 CAD - 31,300 CAD 32,500 CAD - 42,400 CAD
University of Prince Edward Island 21,900 CAD - 27,300 CAD 10,000 CAD - 15,000 CAD
Alberta University of the Arts 21,100 CAD 31,300 CAD
Bow Valley College 22,700 CAD - 27,100 CAD
Lethbridge Polytechnic 13,400 CAD - 21,400 CAD
McGill University 29,600 CAD - 63,900 CAD 12,600 CAD - 39,600 CAD
HEC Montréal University 31,400 CAD 30,000 CAD - 59,000 CAD
Concordia University 29,100 CAD - 38,900 CAD 9,120 CAD - 21,600 CAD
Bishop’s University 28,700 CAD 20,800 CAD - 28,700 CAD
University of King’s College 35,900 CAD 34,100 CAD - 38,100 CAD
University of Guelph 39,700 CAD - 59,000 CAD 13,400 CAD - 31,400 CAD
Université Sainte-Anne 14,000 CAD
University of Ottawa 42,000 CAD - 65,000 CAD 20,000 CAD - 56,000 CAD
Wilfrid Laurier University 34,900 CAD - 42,300 CAD 15,000 CAD - 37,300 CAD
York University 33,800 CAD - 38,900 CAD 18,900 CAD - 84,200 CAD
Carleton University 37,000 CAD - 69,300 CAD 19,800 CAD - 46,400 CAD
Brock University 29,300 CAD - 30,700 CAD 13,500 CAD - 35,500 CAD
University of Waterloo 54,100 CAD - 69,200 CAD 23,100 CAD - 49,800 CAD
University of Windsor 37,500 CAD - 47,500 CAD 19,700 CAD - 36,000 CAD
Western University – Canada 46,200 CAD - 64,900 CAD 19,600 CAD - 54,700 CAD
Nipissing University 12,100 CAD - 18,100 CAD 12,000 CAD
OCAD University 28,900 CAD - 34,600 CAD 39,100 CAD
Trent University 33,000 CAD 25,700 CAD - 55,300 CAD
Dalhousie University 29,200 CAD - 45,900 CAD 20,600 CAD - 36,800 CAD
Cape Breton University 16,400 CAD - 20,500 CAD 28,600 CAD
NSCAD University 20,900 CAD 21,100 CAD
Saint Mary’s University 30,100 CAD 26,000 CAD - 53,000 CAD
St. Francis Xavier University 22,100 CAD - 23,000 CAD 13,600 CAD - 16,800 CAD
University of Toronto 63,600 CAD - 70,100 CAD 40,000 CAD - 56,400 CAD
McMaster University 47,600 CAD - 59,500 CAD 41,300 CAD - 55,500 CAD
Laurentian University 29,500 CAD 18,700 CAD - 34,800 CAD
Lakehead University 34,000 CAD 24,200 CAD - 32,400 CAD
Toronto Metropolitan University 36,900 CAD - 42,500 CAD 28,100 CAD - 36,000 CAD
Queen’s University 33,400 CAD - 60,900 CAD 13,000 CAD - 43,000 CAD
Ontario Tech University 33,200 CAD 20,200 CAD - 52,300 CAD
Mount Saint Vincent University 19,800 CAD 8,969 CAD - 13,500 CAD
Brandon University 17,200 CAD - 18,700 CAD 6,824 CAD - 7,262 CAD
University of Winnipeg 17,900 CAD - 22,700 CAD 14,500 CAD - 33,300 CAD
Université de Saint-Boniface 13,400 CAD - 15,200 CAD
University of Manitoba 20,400 CAD - 29,700 CAD 27,000 CAD
Memorial University of Newfoundland 22,500 CAD 4,833 CAD - 7,800 CAD
Mount Allison University 21,800 CAD 5,010 CAD
St. Thomas University – Canada 20,400 CAD 9,204 CAD - 13,900 CAD
University of New Brunswick 17,800 CAD - 30,400 CAD 13,000 CAD - 24,000 CAD
Acadia University 24,000 CAD 16,900 CAD - 24,300 CAD
University of Alberta 35,700 CAD - 47,800 CAD 10,600 CAD
Kwantlen Polytechnic University 15,100 CAD - 24,900 CAD
Thompson Rivers University 18,300 CAD - 22,900 CAD 17,000 CAD - 32,000 CAD
Royal Roads University 23,900 CAD - 25,100 CAD 26,900 CAD - 40,400 CAD
Simon Fraser University 36,500 CAD - 43,100 CAD 6,449 CAD - 67,800 CAD
University of Northern British Columbia 23,200 CAD - 28,900 CAD 13,600 CAD - 20,400 CAD
University of British Columbia 49,600 CAD - 64,200 CAD 9,884 CAD - 57,500 CAD
University of the Fraser Valley 19,000 CAD - 28,500 CAD 10,000 CAD - 15,000 CAD
University of Victoria 35,500 CAD - 43,400 CAD 8,403 CAD - 21,300 CAD
Vancouver Island University 24,500 CAD 10,600 CAD - 31,500 CAD
Capilano University 20,700 CAD
University of Calgary 23,700 CAD - 39,900 CAD 10,500 CAD - 31,100 CAD
University of Lethbridge 23,500 CAD 15,700 CAD - 24,000 CAD
Emily Carr University of Art and Design 28,700 CAD 18,500 CAD - 19,800 CAD
MacEwan University 15,500 CAD - 25,700 CAD
Mount Royal University 23,800 CAD
Athabasca University 12,100 CAD - 16,300 CAD 21,000 CAD - 51,900 CAD

Cost of Studying in Private Universities in Canada

Institution Bachelor’s International Tuition Fee Master’s International Tuition Fee
New York Institute of Technology Vancouver 15,200 CAD - 22,700 CAD
Yorkville University 17,800 CAD - 19,800 CAD 28,400 CAD - 31,500 CAD
University of Fredericton 7,020 CAD - 9,360 CAD 7,724 CAD - 13,600 CAD
Tyndale University 20,200 CAD 17,000 CAD - 21,100 CAD
St. Stephen’s University 6,900 CAD - 10,400 CAD
Providence University College and Theological Seminary 16,600 CAD 15,800 CAD - 35,000 CAD
Kingswood University 12,000 CAD
Burman University 20,500 CAD
LaSalle College Vancouver 8,880 CAD - 16,500 CAD
Crandall University 18,800 CAD 26,200 CAD - 36,200 CAD
University Canada West 32,100 CAD - 73,100 CAD 36,900 CAD
Langara College 16,000 CAD - 20,000 CAD
Booth University College 9,800 CAD - 12,300 CAD 12,400 CAD
St. Mary’s University – Canada 22,100 CAD - 27,600 CAD 9,000 CAD - 13,500 CAD
Ambrose University 22,700 CAD 6,689 CAD - 10,100 CAD
Redeemer University 9,987 CAD
Canadian Mennonite University 9,216 CAD - 11,600 CAD 5,712 CAD - 8,568 CAD
Trinity Western University 19,200 CAD - 24,000 CAD 7,260 CAD - 20,400 CAD
Concordia University of Edmonton 18,800 CAD - 23,500 CAD 16,100 CAD - 22,900 CAD
King’s University – Canada 23,400 CAD

If you’re looking for the most affordable universities in Canada, check out the Cheap Universities in Canada!

Besides tuition fees, you also need to consider other expenses like books, accommodation, and living expenses.

2. Requirements to Study in Canada for International Students

Once you have an idea of how much tuition fees are to study in Canada, it’s time to consider preparing the paperwork to apply to those universities. Academic institutions have varying admission requirements, but the ones you should always prepare in advance are your academic records, such as a transcript of records or diploma from a previous academic level, and travel documents, such as your passport and visa.

Some institutions that offer master’s programs might also ask for a statement of purpose, a curriculum vitae or résumé, and letters of recommendation. There are also degree programs where you need to take an admissions test before you can apply. Besides these, universities might also require you to submit proof of language proficiency.

In Canada, English is the main language of instruction. An academic institution in Canada may require non-native English speakers to prove language proficiency by taking standardized English tests, such as the International English Language Testing System also known as IELTS, and the Test Of English as a Foreign Language or TOEFL. You can also check out if your target university is accepting a Duolingo English Test score because some universities in Canada are accepting Duolingo scores. When you take any of these tests, note that you’ll need to get at least the required minimum score to qualify for your preferred university.

To give you an idea, here are some universities in Canada and their required minimum scores for each program level.

Saint Mary’s University, Halifax

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree

Red Deer Polytechnic

Bachelor’s degree

Confederation College

Bachelor’s degree

Typically, you can find information about language requirements on the admissions requirements page of the university. You can also check out if the university has a dedicated language requirements page for international students.

Application Procedure to Study in Canada

The specific admission process may vary depending on the university. The good news is that most institutions in Canada have online applications available on their websites, like University of Toronto and University of British Columbia. To help you with this, we also compiled the official websites and admission pages of some of the top institutions in Canada.

University of Toronto

University of British Columbia

McGill University

Make sure to gather all the information you need for the admission process. As you apply to these institutions, expect that they may ask for additional requirements depending on your nationality, degree, or program. So, it’s best to keep your lines active.

After completing your academic and language requirements, it’s time to apply!

The admission process in Canada differs from one university to another, so it’s best to contact your chosen school beforehand. Please note that the admission process for international students may take some time, so be sure to know the application dates and apply early.

The application process may take weeks or months, depending on your timing, nationality, degree, and other factors. To make the most of your application, make sure to completely follow the admission steps and submit the necessary requirements to ensure that you’ll be accepted to your chosen university in Canada.

The key to being admitted to your chosen school will depend on your punctuality and the quality of your application. So make sure to complete the requirements beforehand and follow the steps in applying. After this, you’ll wait for a week or a month for the results.

4. Visa Application for International Students in Canada

Now that you’re accepted into your chosen institution, it’s time to apply for a student visa in Canada. A student visa is an essential document for studying abroad. It’s an important government document that you need to present before going to Canada as an international student.

In this section, let’s briefly discuss the requirements needed and how you can apply for a student visa in Canada. If you’re going to stay here for your studies, you will need to obtain a Study Permit .

To start your student visa application in Canada, you will need to present the following:

  1. Valid travel document
  2. Passport-sized photos
  3. Proof of financial capacity to fund studies and living expenses
  4. Letter of acceptance from the university
  5. Medical exam
  6. Letter of explanation indicating the reason for studying in Canada
  7. Quebec Acceptance Certificate issued by the government

Kindly take note that these requirements may vary depending on your nationality. So, please expect that may ask for additional requirements. Moreover, you will be required to pay a student visa application fee. The visa application fee in Canada is 150 CAD.

After preparing your requirements and application fees, it’s time to apply for a student visa! The first steps in getting your student visa are:

  1. Prepare the required documents.
  2. Apply online or by paper. The instructions and other forms are available on the Canadian Government website.
  3. Visit the nearest Visa Application Centre in your home country.
  4. Pay the visa processing fee.

For more information regarding the specific steps in applying for a student visa, visit or contact the nearest embassy or consulate in your home country. They are the ones responsible for processing your student visa application.

That’s it! After getting your student visa, you can now officially study in Canada. Make sure to book a flight early, before your classes start, so that you’ll have ample time to explore and familiarize yourself in your new place!

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