Canada is a popular choice for international students wanting to study in a different country. Universities in Canada offer world-class education with affordable tuition fees. Known for its kind nature, Canada is endlessly welcoming to international students. You will find high standards of research and teaching, as well as a great study experience in a beautiful and diverse country.
With high measurements in quality of life and education, Canada has been ranked by the UN as one of the best places to live in the world. It is a developed country with a high-income economy and successful government, making it a fantastic place to live and study in!
There are more than 350,000 international students choosing to move to Canada for their studies each year, adding to the diversity of the universities. You will be able to study degrees at the traditional three levels. These are bachelors, masters and doctorate. The duration of your course will depend on your institution of choice.
Canada is home to private and public research universities, as well as polytechnics and institutes of technology, which are similar to universities of applied sciences. Many of Canada’s universities are highly ranked in the yearly QS World University rankings, particularly those in the U15 Group of Universities.
Across Canada there are many exciting cities for international students to choose from. These include Toronto, Vancouver, Ottawa, Calgary, Edmonton and Whistler, among others.
| Language(s) of tuition | English, French |
|---|---|
| Universities on StudyLink | 53 universities |
| Major Student Cities | Ottawa (capital), Toronto, Vancouver |
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Applying to a Canadian university as an international student can be done either directly to your chosen institution, or through a centralised application system (if your province has one). International students are usually required to pay an application fee for each university.
Common admission requirements for a bachelors or masters degree in Canada include:
You can find out more about applying to study at Canadian universities on our Degrees and Masters in Canada pages.
Canada uses the Canadian Dollar (CAD) as its currency.
Tuition fees at universities in Canada vary between universities. Although Canada has public and private universities, both types can set their own fees for international students. EU/EEA students will pay the same amount as international students.
In general, you should expect that a bachelors degree costs between 30,000 CAD and 80,000 CAD per year. Specialised degrees, such as medicine or an MBA, will be on the higher end of that scale.
While these costs might seem overwhelmingly high, there are many financial aid options available to international students. Applying for a scholarship or grant can make studying in Canada more accessible, as it helps with the financial costs. It is important that you research the scholarships that you are eligible for before applying to a Canadian university.
In terms of living costs, these will depend on where you want to study and live. The Canadian government recommends that you budget for around 15,000 CAD per year. This should cover all necessities, such as rent, groceries and bills.
As an international student you will also need to consider health insurance. You will be required to prove that you have the funds to cover health and hospital insurance whilst you are in Canada. If you already have health insurance, you should check that it covers Canada.
If you are an international student who wishes to study in Canada, you will need to obtain a valid student visa. You will need to apply for a visitor visa and study permit. For more information about Canadian student visas and how to apply, see our Canada Student Visa Guide.
Canada has two official languages; English and French.
Most Canadian universities offer courses in English, with universities in Quebec offering French taught courses. Regardless of which language you choose to study in, you may have to prove your proficiency if it is not your first language. If you do not meet the required language standards, your university might offer short language courses to help you improve.
Throughout Canada you will hear many different languages being spoken, thanks to the multicultural communities. Learning alongside students from different countries and cultures is an excellent opportunity, and if you can pick up any extra language skills, this will look good on your CV or resume.
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