Study in Canada: Requirements, Costs, Intakes & Scholarships

Introduction

When you picture your future as an international student, what do you see? A vibrant campus life, a degree that opens doors worldwide, or a safe and welcoming society? For many, Canada embodies all of these dreams.

However, before taking this leap, it’s important to understand the study in Canada requirements. From academic standards and financial planning to study in Canada intake months, everything must align. This guide unpacks the requirements to study in Canada for international students, how to check your eligibility for Canada study, and the practical steps for anyone asking: “How to study in Canada?”

Why Study in Canada for International Students?

Unlike many destinations, Canada is known for balancing academic rigor with cultural inclusivity. Here’s what sets it apart:

• Top-ranked universities: Institutions like University of Toronto, McGill, and University of British Columbia are consistently in the global top 50.
• Affordable compared to peers: The requirements to study in Canada for international students often cost less than studying in the US, UK, or Australia, especially in tuition fees.
• Safety and diversity: With nearly 25% of Canada’s population being immigrants, international students quickly feel at home.
• Pathways to work and residency: Meeting the eligibility for Canada study can also open doors to post-graduation work permits and immigration options.

Many alumni share that Canada gave them not just a degree, but a “second home.”

Study in Canada Requirements

Understanding the study in Canada requirements is the first step to success. These fall into three categories: academic, language, and visa.

Academic Requirements

• Undergraduate programs: Completion of high school equivalent to Grade 12 in Canada.
• Postgraduate programs: Bachelor’s degree with GPA ranging from 2.7–3.0/4.0.
• PhD programs: Master’s degree plus significant research experience.

Some universities add unique criteria: for example, engineering schools may request portfolios, while MBA programs often expect GMAT scores.

Language Requirements

 

Test Type	Purpose / Recognition	Typical Score Range
IELTS Academic	Widely accepted for all universities and colleges	6.0 – 7.5 overall
TOEFL iBT	Accepted by most institutions and visa programs	80 – 100 overall
PTE Academic	For academic study at universities and colleges	50 – 70+ overall depending on program
PTE Core	For immigration, PR, and work visa pathways (IRCC)	Accepted by IRCC for visa and migration purposes

These scores aren’t just paperwork—they represent your eligibility for Canada study, ensuring you can thrive in lectures, group projects, and daily life.

Visa Requirements

Canada requires all international students to hold a valid Study Permit. Key documents include:

• Letter of Acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
• Proof of funds: Tuition + CAD 10,000 per year for living costs.
• Language test results.
• Police certificate and medical exam.

Without these, your application for how to study in Canada cannot move forward.

Costs of Studying in Canada

When planning how to study in Canada, cost is often the biggest concern. Let’s break it down.

Tuition Fees

Program	Average Tuition per Year (CAD)
Undergraduate	15,000 – 25,000
Postgraduate	20,000 – 30,000
PhD	7,000 – 15,000

Living Costs

• Housing: CAD 600–1,000/month. 
• Food: CAD 300–500/month.
• Transportation: CAD 80–120/month.
• Miscellaneous: CAD 200–400/month.

On average, the total cost for international students ranges from CAD 25,000–35,000 annually.

Tip: Some provinces, like Quebec and Manitoba, are known for lower living costs compared to Ontario or British Columbia.

Study in Canada Intake Months

One unique feature of Canada’s system is its multiple intake seasons. Understanding the study in Canada intake months is critical to planning your academic year.

Intake	Months	Notes
Fall	September	Largest intake with the broadest range of programs.
Winter	January	Ideal for students who need more prep time.
Summer	May	Smaller intake, limited program availability.

Most international students prefer the Fall intake because it offers the most options and aligns with global academic calendars.

Scholarships in Canada

Scholarships are a lifeline for international students, helping reduce the financial study in Canada requirements.

Government Options

• Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships: CAD 50,000/year for doctoral students.
• Canada-ASEAN Scholarships: For students from ASEAN countries.

University-Specific Awards

• University of Toronto International Scholar Award.
• UBC International Leader of Tomorrow Award.
• McGill Entrance Scholarships.

Scholarship	Coverage	Eligibility
Vanier Graduate Scholarships	CAD 50,000/year	Doctoral students
UBC International Leader Award	Tuition + living	High-achieving internationals
University of Toronto Scholar	Partial tuition	Undergraduate students

Applying early increases your chances of securing funding.

How to Study in Canada: Step-by-Step

For anyone asking how to study in Canada, here’s a practical roadmap:

1. Research programs: Shortlist based on your career goals.
2. Check eligibility for Canada study: Match academic and language requirements.
3. Prepare documents: Transcripts, recommendation letters, and essays.
4. Apply online: Submit directly to universities or via centralized portals.
5. Secure admission: Receive a Letter of Acceptance.
6. Apply for Study Permit: Upload financial proof, English test, and health documents.
7. Plan arrival: Book flights and housing ahead of your intake month.

Following these steps ensures you meet the requirements to study in Canada for international students smoothly.

Tips for International Students

• Apply early: Especially for Fall intake, spots fill up quickly.
• Budget carefully: Beyond tuition, factor in winter clothing and health insurance.
• Leverage work opportunities: Canada allows up to 20 hours/week of part-time work during semesters.
• Adapt to cultural shifts: Join clubs and societies to feel at home.
• Stay informed: Immigration policies may shift, so always check official updates.

These insights will make meeting the study in Canada requirements more achievable.

FAQ

Question	Answer
What are the study in Canada requirements?	Academic qualifications, English/French test, proof of funds, and a study permit.
What are the requirements to study in Canada for international students?	Completion of high school/degree, language scores, and visa documents.
What is the eligibility for Canada study?	Meeting academic, language, and financial standards.
How to study in Canada as an international student?	Apply to a university, secure admission, and then apply for a Study Permit.
What are the study in Canada intake months?	September, January, and May.

 

Future Opportunities After Meeting the Study in Canada Requirements

Meeting the study in Canada requirements does more than open the classroom door—it sets the stage for future success. For international students, completing the requirements to study in Canada for international students creates opportunities that extend well beyond graduation.

Post-Graduation Work Opportunities

Graduates who meet the eligibility for Canada study can apply for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), giving them the chance to work in Canada for up to three years. For many, this is the most rewarding part of learning how to study in Canada strategically.

Pathways to Permanent Residency

Students who fulfill the study in Canada requirements and gain Canadian work experience often qualify for permanent residency through programs like the Canadian Experience Class. This makes the requirements to study in Canada for international students not just academic but also life-changing.

Global Recognition and Career Growth

A Canadian degree is valued worldwide. Completing your program after meeting the eligibility for Canada study provides credentials that employers recognize globally, while understanding the study in Canada intake months helps you align your studies with career opportunities.

ABOUT PTE MAGIC

PTE MAGIC is not just a training center – it’s a global community built on passion, innovation, and proven success. Since its establishment, PTE MAGIC has empowered thousands of students worldwide to achieve their dream PTE scores and reach study or migration goals in Australia, the UK, and beyond. With a strong focus on quality coaching and technological excellence, PTE MAGIC stands as a pioneer in modern English test preparation.

Expert Coaching with Real Results

• Whether you’re preparing for university admission or Express Entry immigration, PTE MAGIC offers personalized programs that align with Canada’s official PTE acceptance criteria.
• Our course modules are regularly updated to reflect Pearson’s new test format, ensuring you train with the most accurate and effective materials.
• Our success rate speaks for itself: thousands of students achieve top-tier scores every year and secure their university or visa goals with confidence.

AI-Powered Practice & Real-Time Feedback

• As one of the first PTE learning platforms to integrate AI-powered evaluation, PTE MAGIC offers instant, detailed performance insights on every attempt.
• Learners receive immediate analysis for oral fluency, pronunciation, and grammar accuracy – mirroring the official PTE test’s criteria.
• This technology ensures every student knows exactly where to improve and how to do it efficiently.

Global Community & Support Network

• With students from over 58 countries, PTE MAGIC has created an inclusive learning environment that connects test takers all over the world.
•  Live group discussions, community seminars, and mentorship provide learners with motivation and accountability.
•  PTE MAGIC is more than simply a study center; it is where students develop lasting skills and form connections that last beyond exam performance.

Proven Success Pathway

• PTE MAGIC’s learning pathway combines personalized study plans, AI-based tracking, and professional coaching to guide students from beginner to advanced proficiency.
• Each milestone is measurable – from practice test analytics to mock exam performance – ensuring consistent improvement.
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PTE MAGIC Today:

• 100,000+ active learners worldwide

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• Innovative AI practice platform aligned with 2025 PTE Academic updates

Conclusion

Canada offers not just a degree, but an experience that shapes careers and lives. By preparing for the study in Canada requirements, checking your eligibility for Canada study, and planning around the study in Canada intake months, you can confidently take your first step abroad.

For those still wondering how to study in Canada, the answer is simple: research, prepare, and seek the right guidance. With support from PTE MAGIC, international students can meet all the requirements to study in Canada and begin an unforgettable journey.