Study in Canada
Study in Canada, with honest advice on permits and work.
Strong public universities, paid co-op terms and work rights during study. We help Indian students choose the right universities, apply on time and prepare a complete study permit file.
Canada at a glance
Figures for September 2027 entry. Checked 15 October 2026.
Apply
OUAC for Ontario universities. Directly to UBC and McGill
Deadlines
Mostly 15 January to 1 February 2027
Work
Up to 24 hours a week during term, full time in breaks
After study
Post graduation work permit of up to 3 years after a 2 year or longer degree
Tuition
About CAD 51,530 to CAD 75,000 in the first year
Why Canada
Why families choose Canada
Canada offers good universities and real work experience. It has also cut the number of study permits since 2024, so plan carefully.
Paid co-op terms
At Waterloo, co-op students complete four to six paid work terms and can graduate with up to 24 months of work experience. International students can apply to any co-op programme.
Work during study
Students with a study permit can work off campus up to 24 hours a week during term and without a limit in scheduled breaks.
Work after study
Bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral graduates can apply for a post graduation work permit (PGWP) in any field. After a degree of 2 years or more it can last up to 3 years.
Universities and colleges
Universities award bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees. Colleges and polytechnics mostly award diplomas and certificates, and face stricter PGWP rules.
Class 12 accepted directly
Toronto, McGill, Waterloo and Queen’s publish clear entry rules for CBSE and ISC students.
Generous entrance awards
Some universities give automatic awards to international students, such as Waterloo’s CAD 10,000 entrance scholarship.
Things to weigh honestly
- Fewer permits. Canada planned 155,000 new student arrivals in 2026 and 150,000 a year in 2027 and 2028, down from 305,000.
- More money to show. A single student must show CAD 23,448 a year for living costs, on top of tuition and travel, from 1 September 2026.
- One PGWP only. A student can hold a post graduation work permit only once in their life.
- No promise of immigration. A PGWP is a temporary permit. Permanent residence is a separate application with its own rules and limits. Studying in Canada does not guarantee a job or permanent residence.
Campus and city life
A first look at campus life in Canada
Universities
Leading Canadian universities for Indian students
Five universities with published rules for CBSE and ISC students. Every shortlist is different, so we add others that fit your marks and budget.
| University | How to apply and Class 12 rules | International tuition, first year | Official site |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Toronto | OUAC. CBSE and ISC accepted. Programmes that need Calculus, such as business, engineering and science, need Class 12 Standard Mathematics, not Applied. | CAD 66,110 in Arts and Science, CAD 69,158 with fees and health insurance (Rs 46.3 lakh), 2026 to 27 | India page |
| University of British Columbia | Applies directly, fee CAD 173.25, up to two degree choices. Waives English tests with 75% in CBSE or ISC Class 12 English. | About CAD 51,530 (Arts) to CAD 66,678 (Commerce) for 30 credits, 2026 to 27 | India page |
| McGill University | Applies directly, fee CAD 140.16. Uses Class 10 board results with Class 11 and mid year Class 12 marks. Engineering needs Maths, Chemistry and Physics. | Shown in McGill’s fee calculator | India page |
| University of Waterloo | OUAC. Computer Science needs Standard Maths and one more subject at 90%, an 85% average and the Admission Information Form. Engineering adds an online interview. | About CAD 54,000 (Science) to CAD 75,000 (Software Engineering), 2026 to 27 | India page |
| Queen’s University | OUAC. CBSE and ISC accepted with predicted or pre board marks. Commerce needs 80% in English and Maths and a supplementary application. | Shown on Queen’s fee pages | India page |
Sources: each university’s official India and fee pages. Rupees at Rs 66.98 per Canadian dollar (Bank of Canada rate, 15 October 2026). Checked 15 October 2026.
Admission requirements
Canadian entry requirements for CBSE and ISC students
Canada looks closely at Class 10, 11 and 12 marks in the right subjects. Some programmes add forms, essays or interviews.
School marks
Class 10 results, Class 11 marks and predicted or mid year Class 12 marks.
Waterloo uses Class 10 board results, final Class 11 marks and predicted Class 12 board results. McGill uses Class 10 results with Class 11 and mid year Class 12 marks. Toronto considers state board results only with excellent marks.
Subject prerequisites
Standard Maths matters, and Applied Maths often does not count.
Toronto, Waterloo Computer Science and Waterloo Computer Engineering do not accept Applied Mathematics where Mathematics is required. Engineering usually needs Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry.
SAT or ACT
Usually not needed for CBSE and ISC students.
Waterloo’s and Queen’s Indian system pages do not ask for the SAT or ACT. Toronto treats scores as optional, and Engineering applicants must report all scores. A strong SAT score can still help a student who is applying to the USA as well.
English
IELTS, or a high Class 12 English mark at some universities.
UBC waives the test with 75% in Class 12 English from CBSE or CISCE. Otherwise UBC asks for IELTS 6.5 with no part below 6.0, and McGill also asks for IELTS 6.5 with 6.0 in each part. Waterloo requires a test if the last four years were not in an English language school system.
Forms, essays and interviews
Extra parts for some programmes.
Waterloo’s Admission Information Form is needed for Engineering, Mathematics and some other programmes, and Engineering adds an online interview. UBC includes a personal profile, and Sauder Commerce adds a video interview. Toronto’s Engineering and Rotman Commerce have supplementary applications.
How to apply
OUAC for Ontario, direct applications elsewhere.
Students in India apply to Ontario universities as OUAC Group B applicants. The base fee is CAD 159 for three choices plus CAD 51 for each extra choice, and each university sets its own deadline. UBC and McGill take applications directly.
Sources: OUAC and each university’s official admissions pages. Checked 15 October 2026.
Costs
The cost of a Canadian degree
Tuition varies by university and programme. Toronto and Vancouver usually need a larger living budget than the legal minimum.
| Cost | In Canadian dollars | In rupees |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition, first year | CAD 51,530 to CAD 75,000 | Rs 34.5 to 50.2 lakh |
| Living funds to show for the study permit | CAD 23,448 a year | Rs 15.7 lakh a year |
| Health insurance in Ontario (UHIP at Toronto) | CAD 948 a year | Rs 63,500 a year |
| Books and supplies (Waterloo estimate) | CAD 1,500 a year | Rs 1 lakh a year |
| Study permit and biometrics, once | CAD 150 + CAD 85 = CAD 235 | Rs 15,700 |
| Example: Toronto Arts and Science, first year | About CAD 92,600 | Rs 62 lakh |
| Four years, estimate | About CAD 370,000 or more | Rs 2.48 crore or more |
Sources: university fee pages and IRCC proof of funds and IRCC fees. Rupees at Rs 66.98 per Canadian dollar (Bank of Canada, 15 October 2026). Checked 15 October 2026.
Scholarships
Entrance scholarships open to Indian students
Several are automatic. The largest need a school nomination and an early application.
Full cost
Lester B. Pearson Scholarship, Toronto
Tuition, books, fees and residence for four years, about 37 awards a year. Needs a school nomination. For 2027 entry, the scholarship application is due 6 November 2026. Official page
Need based
UBC International Scholars
Up to the full cost of the programme and living expenses, for students with financial need who are nominated by their school. Apply by 15 November 2026. Official page
Automatic
Waterloo International Entrance Scholarship
CAD 10,000, automatic for international students admitted to most first year programmes. Official page
Automatic
Waterloo Mathematics awards for India
Up to 15 awards of CAD 20,000 to CAD 40,000 for students from India in select Mathematics programmes. Automatic; some Mathematics awards need a CEMC contest. Official page
Apply
Waterloo Science international awards
15 awards of CAD 25,000 to CAD 80,000. An application is required. Official page
Merit
McGill entrance scholarships
One year CAD 3,000 awards for all applicants automatically. Major Entrance Scholarships of CAD 3,000 to CAD 10,000 a year need an application by 21 January. Official page
Study permit and work
The study permit, work rights and the PGWP
The rules changed several times since 2024. We check them again for every student before the application.
Study permit cap
A national limit on new permits.
For 2026, Canada set a cap of up to 408,000 study permits, including 155,000 for new students. The target for new students is 150,000 in 2027.
Attestation letter
Needed by bachelor’s students.
Most undergraduate applicants need a provincial or territorial attestation letter (PAL or TAL). Students going to Quebec need a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) instead. Master’s and doctoral students at public institutions no longer need a PAL from 1 January 2026.
Proof of funds
CAD 23,448 a year for living costs, plus tuition and travel.
This applies to a single student outside Quebec for applications from 1 September 2026. The Student Direct Stream ended on 8 November 2024, so students now apply through the regular stream.
Work during study
Up to 24 hours a week off campus during term.
Full time students in a programme of at least six months can work without a limit in scheduled breaks. A social insurance number is needed.
Post graduation work permit
Up to 3 years after a programme of 2 years or more.
Degree graduates have no field of study limit but need CLB 7 English in all four skills. College graduates need CLB 5 and must meet field of study rules. Apply within 180 days of graduating; the fee is CAD 255. A student can hold only one PGWP.
A PGWP does not lead to permanent residence by itself, and immigration is never guaranteed.
Sources: IRCC study permit cap, IRCC attestation letter, IRCC work off campus and IRCC PGWP. Checked 15 October 2026.
Application timeline
For September 2027 entry
For a student in Class 12 in 2026 to 27. Always confirm each date on the university’s own site.
By October 2026
Shortlist
Check subject rules, especially Standard Maths. UBC applications open in early October.
November 2026
Scholarships first
Pearson scholarship application by 6 November, Toronto’s early date 7 November, UBC International Scholars by 15 November.
15 January 2027
Main deadlines
UBC, Toronto, McGill and Waterloo Engineering.
1 February 2027
Waterloo and Rotman
Waterloo deadline for other programmes, Waterloo Engineering forms, Rotman Commerce supplementary.
February and March 2027
Documents
Waterloo forms by 15 February, McGill documents by 1 March, UBC documents by 15 March.
March to June 2027
Offers
Offers arrive. UBC asks for a reply by 1 May or 1 June.
May and June 2027
Funds and PAL
Accept an offer, get the attestation letter, and prepare proof of funds of tuition plus CAD 23,448.
June to August 2027
Permit and travel
Apply for the study permit, give biometrics, then book housing and travel.
Sources: official deadline pages of Toronto, UBC, Waterloo and McGill. Checked 15 October 2026.
How Tathastu helps
From the shortlist to the study permit
Canada rewards early, careful applications. We keep every form, award and document on time.
University and programme list
Universities and co-op programmes that match your marks, subjects and budget, with a careful check of Maths rules.
Applications and forms
OUAC and direct applications, Waterloo’s Admission Information Form, UBC’s personal profile and supplementary applications.
Scholarships
We plan early for nomination based awards such as Pearson and UBC International Scholars.
Interviews
Practice for Waterloo Engineering, Sauder and other programme interviews.
English test
We check whether Class 12 English counts, and teach IELTS when it does not. IELTS coaching
Study permit file
Attestation letter, proof of funds and the full study permit application, led by CA Jogender Singh.
Comparing Canada with the USA? Many families apply to both.
Student results
Canadian universities our students have joined
University names only. A student’s name or story appears here only with written permission, and a parent signs for students under 18.
Our students joined
- University of Toronto
- University of British Columbia
- McGill
- University of Waterloo
- McMaster
Admission letters are kept on file. Past results do not guarantee future admissions.
Questions
Questions parents ask about Canada
Have another question? Call +91 95998 45444 or message us on WhatsApp at +91 81301 34242.
Does my child need the SAT for Canada?
Usually not for CBSE and ISC students. Waterloo and Queen’s do not ask for it on their Indian system pages, and Toronto treats it as optional.
Is Applied Maths accepted?
Often not for programmes that need Mathematics. Toronto and Waterloo require Class 12 Standard Mathematics for these programmes.
Can students work while studying?
Yes. Under current rules, up to 24 hours a week off campus during term and without a limit in scheduled breaks.
Does studying in Canada lead to permanent residence?
Not automatically. The post graduation work permit is temporary, and permanent residence is a separate application with its own rules and limits. No one can guarantee it.
How much money must we show for the study permit?
The first year’s tuition and travel, plus CAD 23,448 a year for living costs for a single student outside Quebec, for applications from 1 September 2026.
Should we choose a university or a college?
Universities award degrees, and degree graduates have no field of study limit for the PGWP. College programmes have stricter PGWP rules. We help you compare both honestly.
Counselling
Planning to study in Canada?
Book a counselling session. We will check your child’s marks and subjects and suggest Canadian universities and programmes that fit.
- A first look at your child’s marks, tests and goals
- A balanced shortlist of universities in Canada
- A clear plan for tests, documents and deadlines
Book a counselling session
Call or message us now, or send an enquiry. We reply within one working day.
Call +91 95998 45444 WhatsApp us
Email info@tathastuedu.com