Why study in Canada?
Canada offers internationally ranked universities, a strong graduate work permit and a long-established pathway from study to permanent residence, though that pathway has become more competitive.
Four Canadian universities sit in the global top 100 of the QS World University Rankings 2027, led by McGill (30th) and the University of Toronto (32nd). Canada also has many smaller universities that are strong in particular fields and considerably cheaper than the big names. Students are drawn by co-op programmes that build paid work experience into the degree, cities consistently rated as safe and diverse, and the chance to study in English, French or both.
The caveat is policy. Since 2024 the federal government has capped study permits, introduced attestation letters, raised financial requirements and tightened work permit rules. None of this closes the door, but it means planning earlier and checking rules carefully.
Canada's higher education system explained
Education in Canada is run by the provinces, so admission rules, tuition and even the application system vary depending on where you study.
A bachelor's degree usually takes four years, though some provinces offer three-year general degrees. Many programmes offer co-op, where you alternate study terms with paid work terms, which can extend the degree to five years but gives you Canadian work experience before you graduate. An honours bachelor's usually means a more specialised four-year degree, often with a research component.
A master's degree takes one to two years. Course-based master's are mostly taught, while thesis-based master's include a research project and are often funded through teaching or research assistantships. Canada also has a large college sector offering diplomas and certificates, which matters later: degree graduates and college graduates face different rules for the post-graduation work permit.
Which are the best universities in Canada?
McGill University is Canada's highest-ranked university in the QS World University Rankings 2027, at 30th in the world, just ahead of the University of Toronto at 32nd.
| University | City | QS World Rank 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| McGill University | Montreal | 30 |
| University of Toronto | Toronto | 32 |
| University of British Columbia (UBC) | Vancouver and Kelowna | 45 |
| University of Alberta | Edmonton | 96 |
Other universities international students often shortlist include the University of Waterloo (known for engineering, computer science and the largest co-op programme in the country), McMaster University (health sciences), Western University (business), Queen's University, the University of Calgary, the Université de Montréal (French-language) and the University of Ottawa (bilingual).
A note on rankings: QS reported that around two-thirds of Canadian universities fell in its 2027 table, and other rankings disagree on the order. Times Higher Education's 2027 table places Toronto first in Canada at 22nd. Rank should be one input among several; course content, co-op options, cost and city matter as much for most students.
Which universities are strongest by subject?
The University of Toronto is Canada's highest-ranked university in every broad subject area of the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026, placing between 12th and 17th in the world across the five areas, with UBC in the global top 30 in all five as well.
Beyond Toronto and UBC, McGill is especially strong in medicine, law and the life sciences. Waterloo is the best-known name in Canada for engineering and computer science, with deep ties to the tech industry through its co-op system. McMaster pioneered problem-based learning in health sciences, Western and Queen's have highly regarded undergraduate business programmes, and Alberta is strong in engineering, energy and AI research.
For subject-specific guidance alongside university selection, see our dedicated guides: Bachelor's in Business and Management, Bachelor's in Law, Bachelor's in Engineering, Bachelor's in Computer Science and Bachelor's in Psychology.
Studying specific subjects in Canada
Several popular subjects work very differently in Canada than in the UK, so check this before applying.
| Subject | How it works in Canada | Where to look |
|---|---|---|
| Medicine | Mostly a postgraduate degree (MD). You complete an undergraduate degree first, then apply. Very few places are open to international students, and some schools accept none. Quebec universities offer some direct entry from CEGEP. | Toronto, McGill, UBC, McMaster, Alberta |
| Law | Outside Quebec, law is a postgraduate degree (JD), taken after a bachelor's in any subject. Quebec teaches civil law as an undergraduate degree, usually in French. McGill offers a combined civil and common law programme. | Toronto, UBC, McGill, Osgoode (York), Ottawa |
| Engineering | Four-year accredited bachelor's (BEng or BASc), often with co-op. Accreditation matters if you want to become a licensed Professional Engineer. | Waterloo, Toronto, UBC, McGill, Alberta |
| Computer science | Very popular with international students; co-op programmes are a big draw. Competitive entry at the top universities. | Waterloo, Toronto, UBC, McGill, Alberta |
| Business | Undergraduate commerce (BCom) or business administration (BBA) degrees, many with co-op or exchange options. | Toronto (Rotman), UBC (Sauder), Western (Ivey), Queen's, McGill |
| Nursing | Four-year BScN; check provincial registration rules if you plan to work in Canada. Limited international places. | Toronto, McMaster, UBC, Alberta |
| Psychology | Widely available as BA or BSc. Becoming a licensed psychologist usually needs a doctorate in most provinces. | Toronto, UBC, McGill, McMaster |
What does it cost to study in Canada?
International undergraduate tuition in Canada averaged CAD 41,746 per year in 2025/26, according to Statistics Canada, with international graduate tuition averaging CAD 24,028.
Costs vary widely by province. Ontario has the highest average international undergraduate tuition, at CAD 49,802 in 2025/26, while Newfoundland and Labrador is among the cheapest, at under CAD 20,000. Engineering, computer science, business and health programmes generally cost more than arts and humanities, and top universities in Toronto and Vancouver sit well above the national average. International fees have risen every year for a decade, while domestic fees have stayed fairly flat.
For your study permit, you must also show you can cover living costs. From 1 September 2026, a single applicant studying outside Quebec needs at least CAD 23,448, on top of first-year tuition and travel. Quebec sets its own figure, CAD 24,617 for a single applicant from 1 January 2026. Real living costs in Toronto and Vancouver are typically higher than the minimum.
Work out your own numbers: pick your study level, province, city and how many family members are coming with you, and the calculator below shows the official proof-of-funds minimum alongside a realistic rent-based budget, with a source and date for every figure.
| Proof of funds for the study permit IRCC proof of funds — applicants outside Quebec, applying on or after 1 September 2026 — living costs only, for 1 person Source: official source · checked 2026-10-11 | $23,448 |
|---|---|
| Tuition Ontario average, international undergraduate tuition, 2025/26 — the most expensive province Source: official source · checked 2026-10-11 | $49,802 |
| Realistic living cost estimateEstimate Simple average across Toronto, Vancouver, Montréal, Ottawa, Calgary, Edmonton and Halifax (CMHC Fall 2025 Rental Market Report) — a city not on that list, especially a smaller one, is often cheaper, for a year — rent only. Food, transit, phone and other living costs are on top of this, so your real cost will be higher. Separate from the official minimum above. Source: official source · checked 2026-10-11 | $22,308 |
| What you need to show for the permit Tuition + official proof of funds. Doesn't include travel, which IRCC and MIFI also require but don't publish a fixed figure for. | $73,250 |
| What you should realistically budget Tuition + a full year of average rent in your chosen city — a planning figure, not an official requirement. | $72,110 |
How do you apply for a bachelor's or master's degree in Canada?
How you apply depends on the province. Ontario universities use a central system, the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC), while most other universities take applications directly through their own portals.
For a bachelor's degree, Canadian universities assess your school qualifications (A-levels, the IB or your national certificate) against their own requirements, and competitive programmes may ask for supplementary essays, personal profiles or interviews. Deadlines for September entry usually fall between November and February, but some scholarship deadlines are much earlier: the University of Toronto's admission deadline for Pearson Scholarship consideration was 16 October 2026 for 2027 entry. For a master's degree, you apply directly to each graduate programme, usually with a statement of purpose, references and transcripts, and thesis-based applicants should contact potential supervisors early.
The study permit, the cap and the PAL: what you need to know
Most international students need a study permit, and since 2024, most undergraduate and college students also need a Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter (PAL/TAL) confirming they fit within their province's share of the national cap.
For 2026, the government planned to issue up to 408,000 study permits, including 155,000 for new arrivals. Here is how the main rules apply:
| You are applying for | Need a PAL/TAL? | Counted in the cap? |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's degree or college programme | Yes | Yes |
| Master's or PhD at a public university (from 1 January 2026) | No | No |
| Master's or PhD at a private institution | Yes | Yes |
| Extension at the same institution and level | No | No |
Your university provides the PAL after you accept your offer, so you usually cannot apply for your permit until you have one. Doctoral applicants applying from outside Canada now have a 14-day processing standard.
Other requirements include a letter of acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI), proof of funds, biometrics, and for Quebec, a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) before you apply. Proof of funds is the most common reason for refusal. Since July 2026, officers must assess where your money comes from in every application, not just in higher-risk cases, so expect to document the source of your funds clearly.
Important: Canada's study permit rules have changed repeatedly since 2024 and continue to change. Confirm current fees, cap rules and requirements on the IRCC website (canada.ca) before applying.
Can you work while studying in Canada?
Yes. Eligible full-time students can work up to 24 hours per week off campus during academic sessions without a separate work permit, and full-time during scheduled breaks such as the summer.
The limit rose from 20 to 24 hours in November 2024. On-campus work does not count towards the 24 hours. Your study permit must include a condition allowing off-campus work, and working more than 24 hours per week during term breaks your permit conditions. Co-op work terms that are a required part of your programme are covered by a separate co-op work permit.
What happens after you graduate? The PGWP
The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is an open work permit that lets eligible graduates work for any Canadian employer for up to three years.
| Programme completed | PGWP length | Field of study restriction? | Language requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's degree (2 years or longer) | 3 years | No | CLB/NCLC 7 |
| Master's degree (at least 8 months) | 3 years | No | CLB/NCLC 7 |
| PhD | 3 years | No | CLB/NCLC 7 |
| College diploma or certificate | Length of programme, up to 3 years | Yes, must be on the eligible list | CLB/NCLC 5 |
Since February 2024, master's graduates get a three-year PGWP even if their programme was shorter than two years. Since November 2024, all applicants need a language test result, and non-degree programmes must be in an eligible field of study; that list was frozen for 2026. University degree graduates are exempt from the field of study rule, which is a strong reason to choose a degree over a college diploma if staying in Canada matters to you.
You must apply within 180 days of completing your programme, the fee is CAD 255, and you can only receive one PGWP. Your permit cannot run past your passport's expiry date, so renew your passport first if needed.
What scholarships are available to study in Canada?
Scholarships in Canada are mostly offered by individual universities rather than the federal government, and the largest ones are extremely competitive.
| Scholarship | Who it's for | What it's worth | How to apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship (University of Toronto) | Exceptional international students entering their first undergraduate degree | Tuition, books, incidental fees and full residence for four years; around 37 awarded each year | School nomination (deadline 9 October 2026), then scholarship application by 6 November 2026, for 2027 entry |
| UBC International Major Entrance Scholarship and Outstanding International Student Award | High-achieving international students entering UBC | Merit awards worth thousands to tens of thousands of dollars; IMES is renewable | Automatic consideration when you apply by the deadline |
| UBC International Scholars Program | International students with strong academics, leadership and financial need | Tuition, fees and living costs, minus what your family can contribute | Separate application; you cannot be considered for merit awards as well |
| Canada Graduate Research Scholarships (Doctoral) | Doctoral students, with a share of awards open to international students | Around CAD 40,000 per year for three years | Through your university's nomination process; this programme replaced the Vanier Scholarships |
| University entrance scholarships | Most international undergraduates | Usually a one-off or renewable partial award, often automatic | Considered with your admission application |
| Graduate funding packages | Thesis-based master's and PhD students | Tuition support plus teaching or research assistantships | Offered with admission at many universities |
The honest picture: fully funded undergraduate scholarships for international students are rare, and most international undergraduates pay full fees with a modest entrance award. Thesis-based graduate study is where funding is most realistic.
For a wider view of funding across countries, see our scholarships guide and the scholarship directory.
What are the best cities to study in Canada?
Canada's main student cities differ a lot in cost, language and job market, so the city can matter as much as the university.
| City | Major universities | Good for | Cost of living |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toronto | University of Toronto, York, Toronto Metropolitan | Finance, tech, biggest job market | Very high |
| Vancouver | UBC, Simon Fraser | Tech, film, Pacific Rim business, outdoor lifestyle | Very high |
| Montreal | McGill, Concordia, Université de Montréal | Lower rents than Toronto or Vancouver, bilingual city, AI research | Moderate |
| Ottawa | University of Ottawa, Carleton | Government, policy, bilingual study | Moderate |
| Waterloo | University of Waterloo, Wilfrid Laurier | Engineering, computer science, co-op | Moderate |
| Edmonton and Calgary | Alberta, Calgary | Engineering, energy, lower costs | Moderate |
| Halifax | Dalhousie | Smaller, friendly student city, lower costs | Lower |
What are employment prospects like after studying in Canada?
Canada still offers one of the clearest routes from study to work, through the three-year PGWP, but permanent residence is now more competitive than it was a few years ago.
Many graduates use their PGWP to gain Canadian work experience, then apply for permanent residence through the Express Entry system (often via the Canadian Experience Class) or a Provincial Nominee Program. Canadian education and work experience, strong English or French scores and in-demand occupations all improve your chances, but none of them guarantee an invitation. Immigration levels and targets change each year, so treat this as orientation rather than immigration advice and speak to a licensed immigration consultant (RCIC) or check IRCC directly for your situation.
Curious what studying abroad is actually like day to day? Read real Student Experiences from current students, in their own words.
Ready to compare courses? Browse Canadian courses on StudyDecidr by subject and university, or try the free course matching tool to build a shortlist based on your grades.
Sources and methodology
Dated statistics used in this guide: rankings are from the QS World University Rankings 2027 (published June 2026) and the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026, with the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2027 used for comparison. Tuition averages are from Statistics Canada's Tuition and Living Accommodation Costs survey for 2025/2026. The CAD 23,448 proof of funds figure applies to applications submitted on or after 1 September 2026. Study permit cap figures are from the 2026 to 2028 Immigration Levels Plan. Work and PGWP rules reflect IRCC's published position at the time of writing. Scholarship details are from the University of Toronto and UBC.
Why the visa figures carry extra caution: Canada introduced a study permit cap and attestation letters in 2024, changed off-campus work hours and PGWP rules in late 2024, exempted public-university graduate students from the cap in January 2026, tightened financial checks in July 2026 and raised proof of funds in September 2026. Confirm every figure on canada.ca before applying.
General claims (subject structures, city comparisons, typical scholarship values) reflect publicly available university information rather than a single official source, so always check directly with the university.