Quality Education. Practical Learning. A Study Plan That Needs the Right Course and Institution.
Canada remains a major international education destination for students seeking globally recognised qualifications, practical learning, research opportunities and multicultural campuses.
Students can choose from universities, colleges, institutes and polytechnics offering programmes across Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Engineering, Business, Healthcare, Finance, Data Analytics and many other fields.
Canada also provides opportunities for eligible students to work during their studies and, after completing certain qualifications, potentially gain Canadian work experience through the Post-Graduation Work Permit – PGWP.
But Canada’s rules have changed considerably in recent years.
At Agastya Global, we therefore encourage students to ask:
Is this Canadian course, institution and qualification right for my academics, budget and future plans?
Canada Study at a Glance
| What Students Want to Know | Canada |
|---|---|
| Bachelor's Duration | Usually 3–4 years |
| Master's Duration | Usually 1–2 years |
| Main Intake | September / Fall |
| Secondary Intake | January / Winter |
| Other Intake | May / Summer at selected institutions |
| College Diploma Tuition | Approx. CAD $16,000–$25,000/year |
| Average International UG Tuition | Approx. CAD $41,746/year |
| Average International Graduate Tuition | Approx. CAD $24,028/year |
| 2026 Living-Fund Requirement | CAD $23,448/year for one student, excluding tuition & transport |
| Off-Campus Work | Up to 24 hrs/week during regular study periods |
| PGWP | Up to 3 years depending on programme and eligibility |
| Main Immigration Permission | Canada Study Permit |
Bachelor’s degrees generally take 3–4 years, while Master’s degrees commonly take 1–2 years. Canadian institutions also offer certificates, diplomas, postgraduate programmes and doctoral study.
Top Canada Universities
Why Consider Canada?
Canada’s biggest advantage is not one particular visa benefit.
It is the combination of universities, career-oriented colleges, research institutions and applied learning pathways.
Universities & Colleges Offer Different Learning Experiences
Canadian universities typically focus on:
Bachelor's degrees
Master's degrees
PhD / doctoral programmes
Academic research
Canada also has colleges, technical institutes and polytechnics with a stronger emphasis on applied and career-oriented learning.
Canada offers a wide choice of higher education options, with around 100 public universities and roughly 16,000 university programmes. Students can also choose from publicly funded colleges, institutes and polytechnics that provide a broad range of career-focused and applied programmes.
Agastya Tip
Don’t assume a university is always better than a college—or vice versa.
Choose according to your qualification level, learning goals and career direction.
Practical & Experiential Learning
Canadian programmes can include:
Co-op
Internships
Work placements
Applied projects
Research
Industry collaboration
This is especially common across colleges, polytechnics and many university programmes.
Practical learning is an important part of Canadian higher education, with many university students taking part in co-op, internships, research and other experiential learning opportunities.
Strong Technology, Research & Professional Fields
Canada offers extensive study choices across:
Universities & Colleges Offer Different Learning Experiences
Canadian universities typically focus on:
- Computer Science
- Artificial Intelligence
- Data Science
- Engineering
- Business
- Finance
- Healthcare
- Biotechnology
- Environmental Sciences
- Agriculture
- Supply Chain & Logistics
For postgraduate students, Canada can also provide strong opportunities for research-based Master’s and PhD programmes.
Multicultural Study Environment
Canadian campuses attract students from many countries and offer programmes in both English and French.
For Indian students, this can provide an internationally diverse academic environment while studying primarily in English at most institutions outside French-language programmes.
Is the UK Right for You?
Canada could be a strong choice if you:
- Want a recognised university or college qualification
- Value practical and experiential learning
- Are considering Technology, Engineering, Business, Healthcare or related disciplines
- Want opportunities for co-op, internships or applied projects
- Want the possibility of working part-time while studying, if eligible
- Are carefully selecting a PGWP-eligible programme
- Can realistically fund tuition and living costs without depending on employment
Think carefully if:
You are choosing a programme only because someone says it gives a work permit.
PGWP eligibility now depends on several factors, including your institution, programme, qualification type, language results and—in some cases—the field of study.
You believe every Canadian institution automatically gives PGWP eligibility.
It does not.
Graduating from a Designated Learning Institution alone does not automatically mean your programme qualifies for a PGWP.
You expect part-time work to finance your complete education.
Canada requires students to demonstrate sufficient funds without relying on employment in Canada.
You are bringing your spouse because you assume they will automatically receive an open work permit.
Current rules restrict spousal open work permits mainly to spouses of students in Master’s programmes of at least 16 months, doctoral programmes and certain eligible professional programmes.
What Can You Study in Canada?
Agastya Tip
Don’t ask:
“Which Canadian course gives me PGWP?”
Ask:“Which course fits my background and career—and what immigration conditions apply to that exact programme?”
How Much Does It Cost to Study in Canada?
Costs vary considerably by programme, province and institution.
According to the Government of Canada’s EduCanada portal, current approximate figures include:
| Study Type | Indicative Tuition |
|---|---|
| College / Diploma Programmes | CAD $16,000–$25,000/year |
| University Undergraduate | Average approx. CAD $41,746/year |
| University Graduate | Average approx. CAD $24,028/year |
These figures are broad planning estimates rather than fixed fees.
Professional programmes and certain universities can cost considerably more.
Don't Compare Canada Only by Tuition
Parents should calculate:
Tuition + Accommodation + Food + Health Insurance + Transport + Books + Immigration Costs + Travel
A programme charging CAD $25,000 in tuition may not necessarily be cheaper overall than a CAD $30,000 programme in another city.
Location matters.
Toronto and Vancouver may involve very different living costs from smaller Canadian cities.
How Much Money Must You Show for a Canada Study Permit?
This is particularly important because the requirement has recently increased.
For study-permit applications submitted on or after 1 September 2026, one student applying outside Quebec must currently demonstrate:
CAD $23,448 for 1 year of living expenses
This amount does not include:
Tuition feesorTransportation to and from Canada.
You also need to show sufficient funds for the first year’s tuition and explain how you plan to finance the remainder of your programme where it lasts longer than one year.
Important: Visa Funds Are Not Your Complete Budget
The CAD $23,448 figure is an immigration financial requirement.
It should not automatically be treated as the exact amount you will spend.
Your real budget will depend on:
City
Accommodation
Lifestyle
Transport
Food
and other expenses.
Build your study budget from the real cost—not only the visa minimum.
Can I Study in Canada Without IELTS?
Possibly — but there is no Canada-wide “No IELTS” rule.
Each university and college establish its own language requirements.
Institutions may accept tests such as:
IELTS
TOEFL
Cambridge English
CAEL
PTE or other institution-approved evidence
depending on the institution and programme.
Some institutions may accept previous English-medium education or provide a waiver under specific conditions.
But MOI acceptance is institution-specific.
Do not assume:“Canada accepts MOI.”
Instead ask:“Does this specific institution accept my English-language evidence for this programme?”
Canada Intakes: When Should You Apply?
September / Fall Intake
This is generally the largest Canadian intake and usually offers the widest range of programmes.
January / Winter Intake
A popular secondary option with many programmes available.
May / Summer Intake
Available at selected institutions and for selected courses.
Not every programme has all three intakes.
Start early enough to allow time for
Course Research
One Step Students Must Check: DLI & PGWP Eligibility
This is one of the most important sections on the Canada page.
What Is a DLI?
A Designated Learning Institution – DLI is an institution approved by a provincial or territorial government to host international students. You generally need a Letter of Acceptance from a DLI to apply for a Canadian study permit. But:
DLI does not automatically mean PGWP.
A DLI can offer programmes that qualify for a PGWP and programmes that do not. Before paying a deposit, students should confirm:
Is the institution a DLI?
and separately: Is my exact programme PGWP eligible?
What Is the PAL / TAL Requirement?
Canada introduced Provincial Attestation Letters – PAL and Territorial Attestation Letters – TAL for many study-permit applicants.
Most applicants who require one must include it with their study-permit application.
However, there is an important 2026 change.
From 1 January 2026
Students entering a degree-granting Master's or doctoral programme at a public DLI no longer need to submit a PAL or TAL with the study-permit application. Other exemptions also exist.
Quebec Has Separate Requirements
Students planning to study in Quebec must also check applicable provincial requirements, including the Quebec Acceptance Certificate – CAQ, where required.
Can International Students Work While Studying?
Yes — if you meet the eligibility requirements.
Eligible international students can currently work off campus:
Up to 24 Hours Per Week
during regular academic sessions.
During qualifying scheduled breaks, eligible students may work unlimited hours off campus.
You cannot begin working before your programme starts.
What About On-Campus Work?
Eligible students can also work on campus.
Canada currently does not impose the same 24-hour weekly limit on qualifying on-campus employment, although students must continue to satisfy the conditions of their study permit.
Important
Student work should be treated as:
Work experience + supplementary income
not: Your primary tuition-funding plan.
Co-op & Internship Update for 2026
Canada made another significant change on:
1 April 2026
Eligible post-secondary international students no longer need a separate co-op work permit for student work placements such as co-ops and internships. Students must still meet the applicable eligibility and study-permit conditions.
What Happens After Graduation?
Eligible graduates may be able to apply for Canada's:
Post-Graduation Work Permit – PGWP
A PGWP is an open work permit that allows eligible graduates of qualifying Canadian programmes to gain Canadian work experience.
But PGWP eligibility must be checked before choosing your course.
Graduating from a DLI alone does not guarantee eligibility.
How Long Can a PGWP Be?
Master's Degree
Since February 2024, an eligible Master's graduate can potentially receive a:
3-Year PGWP
even where the Master's programme was less than two years, provided it was at least 8 months long and all other requirements are satisfied.
Master's Degree
Since February 2024, an eligible Master's graduate can potentially receive a:
3-Year PGWP
even where the Master's programme was less than two years, provided it was at least 8 months long and all other requirements are satisfied.
Programmes of 8 Months to Less Than 2 Years
The PGWP may generally be issued for up to approximately the same duration as the programme.
For example:
1-year eligible programme → potentially up to 1-year PGWP
Programme of 2 Years or More
An eligible graduate may potentially receive:
Up to a 3-Year PGWP.
Important
The actual permit duration can also be limited by passport validity.
New PGWP Language Requirements
Students should also know that PGWP rules now include language requirements.
For PGWP applications under the current system:
Bachelor's, Master's & Doctoral Graduates
Generally need at least: CLB 7 in English or NCLC 7 in French in all four language abilities.
Other College / Polytechnic / Non-University Graduates
Generally need at least: CLB 5 / NCLC 5 subject to the programme category and other requirements.
Admission English and PGWP English are separate issues.
Being admitted to university does not automatically prove you satisfy the later PGWP language requirement.
The PGWP Field-of-Study Rule
This is one of the biggest recent changes.
Bachelor's, Master's & Doctoral Degrees
Graduates of these degree programmes currently do not have a PGWP field-of-study requirement.
Certain College, Polytechnic & Other Non-Degree Programmes
Students whose study-permit application falls under the newer rules may need to graduate from an eligible field of study linked to occupations facing long-term labour shortages. Canada uses the programme's:
CIP Code — Classification of Instructional Programs
to determine whether the field is eligible. Current eligible categories include areas connected with:
- Agriculture & agri-food
- Education
- Healthcare & social services
- STEM
- Trades
- Transport
Canada has frozen the eligible field-of-study list for 2026, meaning no additions or removals are planned during this year.
Why This Matters Before You Pay a Deposit
If you are considering a Canadian college or non-degree programme, ask:
What is the programme’s six-digit CIP code?
Then check:
Is that CIP code currently PGWP eligible?
Do not rely only on:
Course title
Agent advertisementor“PGWP Available” written in a brochure
Confirm it against current official information.
What About Bringing Your Spouse?
This is another area where old Canada content is often misleading. A spouse or common-law partner does not automatically qualify for an open work permit simply because you are an international student. Since January 2025, eligibility is mainly restricted to spouses of students enrolled in: Master's programmes of at least 16 months Doctoral programmes or Certain specified professional / eligible programmes.
Agastya Tip
If travelling with your spouse is important to your study plan, check family eligibility before choosing the programme.
Canada Study Permit
Indian students planning post-secondary studies generally need a:
Canada Study Permit
Before applying, you normally need:
Letter of Acceptance – LOA from a DLI
PAL / TAL where required
Proof of identity
Proof of financial support
and other supporting evidence required for your circumstances.
Typical Study Permit Considerations
The immigration process may involve:
- University / college acceptance
- Financial evidence
- Tuition payments
- Biometrics
- Medical examination where applicable
- Academic documentation
- Study-plan explanation
- Family information
- Previous travel / immigration history
A 2026 Canada Rule Students Should Know
Canada continues to operate an international student cap. For 2026, the Government has set a national study-permit issuance target and allocated PAL/TAL-required applications across provinces and territories. At the same time: Public-DLI Master's and doctoral degree students are exempt from PAL/TAL requirements from 1 January 2026. This makes programme type and institution selection especially important when planning graduate study.
You don't need a list of every Canadian college and university.
Your Canada Study Journey With Agastya Global
We understand your academics, experience, budget and future goals.
We compare universities, colleges and programmes according to academic fit, cost and career relevance.
Where post-study work is important, we help you understand whether the institution and programme need additional PGWP review.
We help organise university or college applications and supporting documents.
We help you understand current financial requirements and the applicable study-permit process.
We help prepare you for travel, accommodation and your transition to student life in Canada.
Before Choosing a Canadian Programme, Ask These 5 Questions
Not Sure Whether Canada Is Right for You?
Canada can offer an attractive combination of:
- Recognised university degrees
- Career-focused college education
- Research opportunities
- Co-op and experiential learning
- Technology & Engineering programmes
- Healthcare & Business options
- 24-hour eligible off-campus work rights
- Potential PGWP opportunities
But today’s Canada also requires students to understand:
- DLI status
- PGWP programme eligibility
- CIP codes
- Language requirements
- PAL / TAL rules
- Proof of funds
- Family work-permit restrictions
At Agastya Global, we help you compare the:
- Course
- Institution
- Province
- Tuition
- Total budget
- Academic eligibility
- PGWP considerations
- Study Permit requirements
Study in Canada: Your Questions Answered
Is Canada a good option for Indian students?
Canada can be suitable for Indian students seeking recognised university degrees, applied college education, research opportunities and programmes in areas such as Technology, Engineering, Business and Healthcare. The right choice depends on your profile, budget and the exact programme.
How much does it cost to study in Canada?
The cost of studying in Canada depends on the institution, programme and level of study. College and diploma programmes may cost around CAD $16,000 to $25,000 per year, while average international tuition is approximately CAD $41,746 per year for undergraduate study and CAD $24,028 per year for graduate study. Actual fees can vary significantly, so students should always check the tuition fee for their specific programme and institution before applying.
How much money must I show for a Canadian Study Permit?
For applications submitted on or after 1 September 2026, one applicant outside Quebec currently needs CAD $23,448 for one year of living expenses, excluding tuition and transportation.
Can international students work while studying in Canada?
Eligible students can currently work up to 24 hours per week off campus during regular academic sessions and unlimited hours during qualifying scheduled breaks.
Is every Canadian college programme eligible for a PGWP?
No.
You must check both the institution and the programme. Graduating from a DLI does not automatically make you eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit.
Can I get a 3-year PGWP after a 1-year Master's degree?
Potentially yes. An eligible Master’s programme of at least 8 months can qualify for a 3-year PGWP, provided you satisfy all other PGWP requirements.
Do Bachelor's and Master's programmes need to be in an eligible field for PGWP?
Currently, graduates with a Bachelor’s, Master’s or doctoral degree do not have a field-of-study requirement for PGWP eligibility. Other programme types may need to satisfy the eligible CIP-code requirement.
Can my spouse work in Canada while I study?
Not automatically. Current open work-permit eligibility is mainly available to spouses of students in Master’s programmes lasting at least 16 months, doctoral programmes and certain eligible professional programmes, subject to the applicable conditions.
