Do I need a GIC for a Canadian study permit?

A Guaranteed Investment Certificate is required for the Student Direct Stream and is strongly recommended for faster processing on standard applications.

Is a diploma as good as a degree in Canada?

Post-graduate diplomas at public colleges are career-focused, PGWP-eligible and often more affordable, which suits students prioritising work experience and PR.

What is a PAL and do I need one?

Most study permit applicants must include a Provincial Attestation Letter issued by the province of their institution. We obtain this as part of your application.

Study in Canada from India

Canada combines affordable, high-quality education with one of the clearest routes from study to permanent residency. Co-op programs embed paid work terms into the degree, and the Post-Graduation Work Permit lets you stay for up to three years after graduating.

220+

Institutions

Up to 3 years

PGWP

Widely available

Co-op programs

September

Main intake

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Why students choose Canada

PR pathway

Canadian study and work experience counts directly towards Express Entry points for permanent residency.

Co-op and internships

Paid work terms are built into many programs, letting you earn and gain Canadian experience while you study.

Lower tuition

Tuition is typically lower than the USA and UK for comparable program quality.

Safe, multicultural cities

Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal and Calgary consistently rank among the world's most liveable cities.

Cost of studying in Canada

Tuition (per year): CAD 15,000 - 35,000
Living expenses: CAD 15,000 per year
GIC requirement: CAD 20,635
Study permit fee: CAD 150

Intakes

September (Fall) is the main intake, followed by January (Winter) and a smaller May (Summer) intake.

Work rights

Study permit holders can work up to 24 hours a week off campus during terms and full time during scheduled breaks, then apply for a PGWP valid for up to three years.

Top universities and colleges in Canada

A starting shortlist of institutions our counsellors place students into every intake. Your final list is built around your grades, budget, test scores and target career, so treat this as a reference rather than a ranking.

Compare up to

8 of 8 colleges

University of Toronto

Toronto, ON

Canada's top-ranked research university.

University of British Columbia

Vancouver, BC

Excellent for engineering, forestry and CS.

McGill University

Montreal, QC

Lower tuition with global reputation.

University of Waterloo

Waterloo, ON

Best-in-class co-op programs in tech.

University of Alberta

Edmonton, AB

Affordable, strong in AI and energy engineering.

Simon Fraser University

Burnaby, BC

Popular for computing science and business.

Conestoga College

Kitchener, ON

PGWP-eligible diplomas with fast employment.

Humber College

Toronto, ON

Career-focused postgraduate certificates.

Get a personalised university shortlist

Popular courses in Canada

Computer ScienceBusiness ManagementHealth Care AdministrationEngineeringSupply ChainHospitality

Study in Canada, frequently asked questions

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Not sure if Canada is right for you?

Our AI matches your profile, budget and career goals against thousands of programs, then our counsellors refine the shortlist with you.

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