International Students in Canada: Study & Life Guide

Blogs Study in Canada Blogs May 17, 2025

Table of Contents

Introduction

Every year, thousands of Indian students hope to go and study in other countries. While universities like the Ivy League and those from the UK are usually thought of as the best, a lot of students are now starting to pick Canada as a great place to study. Why? Canada makes education affordable, offers job opportunities for students, and has inclusive immigration policies.

International students are welcomed with open arms in Canada, thanks to its multicultural campuses, globally ranked universities, and post-study work permits. According to a recent CIC report (2024), more than 900,000 international students were studying in Canada, and Indian students were the biggest group.

But figuring out all the different programs and the many deadlines can really feel like a lot to handle. Different food needs, having to complete many forms, and changing rules make it hard to keep track.

That’s where Gateway International comes in to help. From confusion to clarity, Gateway International makes it easy for you to plan your Canada study properly. Whether you’re just beginning to explore options or are finalizing applications, this guide will help you discover the right programs and deadlines as international students in Canada.

Let’s get started by learning about the top Canadian university programs, figuring out when you should apply, and what mistakes to try to avoid.

Top Programs for International Students in Canada

When it comes to choosing the right course as international students in Canada, the variety can be both exciting and overwhelming. Canada is known around the world for having a good education system and new ideas in how people are taught. Whether you care about making software, managing healthcare systems, running a business, creating incredible online worlds, or helping with climate issues, Canada offers a program made just for you.

The most popular fields for students applying from outside the United States are areas like Science, Technology, Engineering, Math, Business, Healthcare, Design, Digital Art, and Environmental Sciences. What makes these programs even more attractive is that many colleges and universities in Canada for international students now offer hybrid learning, work-integrated co-ops, and hands-on project-based modules that prepare students for real-world jobs.

Here’s a quick glance at some top program options:

Program	Top Universities in Canada	Duration	Avg. Tuition/year	Primary Intake
Computer Science	University of Toronto, Waterloo	4 years	CAD $40,000	Fall, Winter
Business Administration	UBC, McGill, York (Schulich)	4 years	CAD $35,000	Fall
Nursing	University of Alberta, McMaster	4 years	CAD $32,000	Fall
Graphic Design	Sheridan, Seneca, George Brown	2–3 years	CAD $18,000	Fall, Winter
Environmental Science	University of Calgary, McGill	4 years	CAD $30,000	Fall

These diverse offerings make canada universities for international students a preferred destination for skill-based, career-focused education. Even colleges in Canada for international students offer world-class diplomas and certifications that are globally recognized.

📌News Update: University of Toronto’s new BSc in Sustainable AI now open to international students from 2025.

👉Choosing a program? Gateway International helps you match your skills with Canada’s top offerings.

Also Read: Studying in Canada: Top 7+ Universities for International Students

Application Intakes & Deadlines for International Students in Canada

One of the most important steps for international students in Canada is understanding when to apply. Unlike Indian universities, Canadian institutions offer multiple intakes, each with different advantages. Whether you’re targeting top universities in Canada for international students or exploring diploma programs at practical, skill-based colleges in Canada for international students, knowing the deadlines is your first big win.

Canada offers 3 major intakes

Fall Intake (September): This is the most popular intake with the widest range of programs across top colleges and universities in Canada for international students.
Winter Intake (January): Great for international students in Canada who miss the Fall window, though slightly fewer programs are offered.
Spring/Summer Intake (May): Limited options but quicker starts for diplomas, certifications, and short-term courses.

General Application Timeline

Intake	Application Window	Typical Deadline
Fall	October – January	January 15 – March 1
Winter	April – August	August 1 – October 1
Spring	September – November	November 1 – February 1

Some of the most prestigious Canada universities for international students, like UBC and McGill, have already announced early application cutoffs for 2025:

UBC: Regular deadline – January 15, 2025 | Scholarship deadline – December 1, 2024
McGill: Application deadline – January 15, 2025 (some competitive programs close by early January)

For colleges in Canada for international students, deadlines may vary by province and program but applying at least 6–8 months in advance is highly recommended.

Bonus Tip: Applying early increases your chances of receiving scholarships, accommodation priority, and faster visa processing. It also gives you more time to arrange finances, prepare SOPs, and take language proficiency tests.

👉Never miss a deadline again—Gateway International tracks your entire calendar. From profile review to timely submissions, our experts help international students in Canada stay ahead of the curve and land their dream program on time.

Also Read: Masters Degree in Canada: A Comprehensive Guide for Aspiring Students

Canada’s Best Universities and Colleges

For foreign students in Canada, choosing between a university and a college is one of the first things they consider when thinking about quality education. While both is good, the choice will come down to what you need in the long run and how much money you have.

Top 5 Universities in Canada for International Students

University of Toronto’s main campus is in downtown Toronto, while the Scarborough and Mississauga campuses are at their locations. Ranked in the top 20 in the world, the company is known for its research and new ways of doing things.
University of British Columbia (UBC): A leader in making sure businesses are doing well in terms of the environment, new technology, and dealing with the world.
McGill University: It has a high academic reputation and feels like a top school, but it is much lower priced than the Ivy League.
University of Alberta: Strong programs for things like energy, engineering, and health sciences.
University of Waterloo: A tech and co-op heavy university, excellent when it comes to computer science and engineering.

These top universities in Canada for international students offer prestigious degrees, access to research labs, and direct eligibility for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)—essential if you want to stay and work in Canada after your studies.

Top 5 Colleges in Canada for International Students

Seneca College: Known for having many business, aviation, and media courses.
Humber College: Provides real-world experience through having good relationships with various companies.
Centennial College: Awarded for its international programs and new co-op diploma designations, it’s a leading institution for international students in Canada.
George Brown College: Best for hospitality, design, and health science as it is where people learn what they need to work in these areas.
Sheridan College: A favourite among students who study animation or creative arts.

Colleges tend to give you more hands-on training so you can get a job as soon as possible. They often cost less than universities, so a lot of students go this route if they need to find a job quickly.

Here’s a quick visual comparison:

Top Universities	Top Colleges
University of Toronto	Seneca College
UBC	Humber College
McGill	Centennial College
University of Alberta	George Brown College
University of Waterloo	Sheridan College

Whether you choose a college or a university in Canada, PGWP eligibility is usually tied to the length and type of your program—most full-time diploma, degree, and graduate certificate programs are covered.

📢News Alert: Canada’s Centennial College will offer fully-funded co-op diplomas for select international students from Fall 2025.

👉Confused between colleges and universities in Canada for international students? Gateway helps you choose smartly.

Common Confusions in the Journey for International Students in Canada

English Test Confusion: IELTS vs TOEFL vs Duolingo

Students are unsure which test is accepted by their chosen institution.
Universities in Canada for international students (like UBC, McGill) mostly prefer IELTS or TOEFL.
Colleges in Canada for international students often accept Duolingo for diploma and certificate courses.
Taking the wrong test can delay or even cancel admission.

Test Type	Accepted By	Ideal For
IELTS	Most universities & colleges	Degree & PGWP-eligible courses
TOEFL	Top-tier universities	Research-oriented programs
Duolingo	Community colleges, few universities	Short-term or diploma programs

Misunderstanding the Application Steps

Many international students in Canada often think that submitting an online form is enough.
They miss uploading documents like SOPs, LORs, test scores, or proof of funds.
Result: incomplete applications, delays, or rejections.

Essential Documents Checklist

Statement of Purpose (SOP)
Letters of Recommendation (LOR)
Language test scores
Academic transcripts
Proof of funds (bank statement/GIC)
Passport & ID proofs

Financial Planning Gaps

Students underestimate the total cost of studying.
As of 2025, IRCC requires a GIC of CAD $20,000 for visa processing.
Tuition + GIC + emergency funds must be planned 6–12 months ahead.

Expense Type	Estimated Cost (Annual)
Tuition Fees	CAD $18,000 – $45,000
GIC (Living Expenses)	CAD $20,000
Flight + Visa + Others	CAD $3,000 – $5,000

PGWP Confusion

Not all programs are PGWP-eligible for international students in Canada.
Some students choose short-term or private programs that don’t qualify.
They risk losing post-study work opportunities in Canada.

Real-Life Example

A student from Indore missed uploading her financial documents.
She couldn’t schedule her visa interview on time.
Her seat was given away. She lost a year due to this oversight.

News Byte: IRCC to launch a document pre-verification tool in 2025 – Will help international students in Canada avoid such costly errors.

👉 Gateway International’s expert advisors simplify every step—from test to travel.

We help you choose the right test, organize your finances, track deadlines, and submit perfect applications on time.

Also Read: List of SDS Colleges in Canada for International Students (2025 Guide)

From Canada to the Ivy League: Stories of International Student Struggles

Visa Rejections Due to Weak SOPs or Financial Gaps

Many international students in Canada are rejected because their SOP lacks a clear connection between goals, program, and country choice.
Incomplete or unclear proof of funds is another major reason.
Most universities in Canada for international students require clear financial documentation, including the updated GIC rule.

Common SOP Mistake	Why It Causes Rejection
No specific goals	Officers can’t assess your purpose
Generic, AI-like writing	Fails to show personal commitment
Financial proof missing	Doubts over ability to support education

GIC Requirement Raised to CAD $20,000

As of 2025, IRCC mandates international students in Canada to show a GIC of CAD $20,000, up from CAD $10,000 previously.
Families must now plan finances more seriously before applying to canada universities for international students.

Expense	Approximate Cost (CAD)
Tuition (Annual)	20,000–45,000
GIC (New Amount)	20,000
Other Essentials	10,000–15,000
Total	50,000–80,000

Language Test Prep Challenges in Small Cities

In many small towns, students sometimes can’t find places that help them with test preparation for IELTS, TOEFL, or Duolingo.
Poor scores can lead to rejections from top colleges in Canada for international students and scholarship ineligibility.

Deadline Misses Due to Delays in Getting Results

Many international students in Canada from India miss application deadlines due to:
Late board or degree results
Delayed IELTS/TOEFL scorecards
Not knowing when important dates for the university come up.
Even colleges in Canada for international students now have stricter, competitive deadlines due to rising demand.

High Application Costs at Ivy League Schools

Applying to Ivy League schools like Harvard or Yale costs USD $85 to $100 for every school you want to join.
Applying to just five universities can easily cost around 50,000–60,000 Indian rupees, and that doesn’t even include getting SOPs ready, submitting scores, or any other added expenses.
In contrast, universities in Canada for international students charge lower fees (CAD $100–150).

Ivy League vs Canadian Universities

Ivy League schools are tough to get into (only a small number of people are accepted) and don’t give much money to help international students pay for school.
A middle-income student who didn’t get accepted into Columbia chose McGill instead because it was cheaper, had work experience programs, and allowed their students to stay and work in Canada after graduation.
Canada universities for international students balance quality with affordability and realistic expectations.

News Update: IRCC increases GIC requirement to CAD $20,000 from 2025 to ensure better financial readiness among international applicants.

👉 Couldn’t make it to the Ivy League? Gateway helps you find equal or better-fit universities in Canada that value YOU.

We help international students in Canada make informed decisions, find affordable programs, and submit strong SOPs that stand out.

Scholarships for International Students in Canada

Why Scholarships Matter for International Students in Canada

The fees for studies in Canada tend to be less than in the United States or the UK. Luckily, lots of Canadian universities have scholarships for international students, and they are awarded on the basis of merit, leadership, and need for financial aid.

Top Scholarships You Should Know

Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships

For PhD students with academic excellence, research potential, and leadership.
Value: CAD $50,000/year for up to 3 years.
Deadline: November 1 (nomination by institution required)

UBC International Leader of Tomorrow (ILOT) Award

For international students in Canada pursuing undergraduate studies with strong academics and leadership skills.
Covers tuition and living expenses, depending on financial need.
Application deadline: December 1.

Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)

For master’s or PhD students in Ontario-based universities.
Value: CAD $15,000 for one academic year.
Deadline: Varies by university, typically in March

Also Read: Scholarships in Canada for International Students 2024-25

Scholarship Comparison Table

Scholarship	Level	Amount	Deadline
Vanier CGS	PhD	CAD $50,000/year	Nov 1
UBC ILOT	Undergraduate	Full Tuition	Dec 1
Ontario Graduate Scholarship	Masters/PhD	CAD $15,000	March (varies)

Global Comparison

Macquarie University (Australia) recently announced a AUD $40,000 scholarship for Indian students.
But top Canada universities for international students offer similar or better opportunities, often linked to long-term work options via PGWP.

👉Need help applying for funding? Gateway International helps you prepare scholarship-worthy SOPs and identify the best-fit scholarships based on your academic profile and goals.

Gateway International: Your Trusted Study Abroad Partner

For many international students in Canada, starting the application process can feel like entering a maze. What course should I choose? Is this program PGWP-eligible? Can I afford it? When should I apply? These questions are overwhelming—but they don’t have to be.

Gateway International is more than a consultancy—we’re your end-to-end solution.

Whether you’re planning to apply to universities in Canada for international students like UBC, McGill, or the University of Toronto, or looking at practical, career-ready colleges in Canada for international students like Seneca or Humber, we offer personalised guidance for your entire journey.

Here’s how Gateway International supports you:

Course & university selection aligned with your background and goals
SOP & LOR crafting that reflects your strengths and ambitions
Scholarship assistance, including Vanier, UBC ILOT, and college-specific bursaries
Visa guidance with document prep, interview coaching, and real timelines
Deadline tracking tools so you never miss an intake window again

We’ve helped students who felt lost and overwhelmed land at top Canada universities for international students—with scholarships and PGWP-ready programs.

👉With experts guiding you, Canada isn’t a dream—it’s your destination. Gateway International helps you turn that dream into a plan—and then into a reality.

Conclusion

If you’re reading this, chances are you’re serious about becoming one of the many successful international students in Canada. And that’s a powerful goal. The key is to act early, stay informed, and choose a path that’s realistic, affordable, and aligned with your future.

Whether you’re applying to world-class universities in Canada for international students or practical colleges in Canada for international students, planning makes all the difference. The right course + the right intake + the right documents = a successful start. And remember—you don’t have to go through it alone.

👉Canada is calling. Let Gateway International walk every step with you—from your first query to your first class.

From helping you shortlist Canada universities for international students to preparing SOPs and securing funding, Gateway is your partner in the entire journey.

For further assistance or queries students can contact us, study abroad consultancy, and avail of our wide range of services for students on destinations like Study in USA, study in UK, study in canada, study in France and many other countries.

FAQs

1. What are the best universities in Canada for international students?

Top-ranked ones include University of Toronto, UBC, McGill, Waterloo, and Alberta.

2. Can international students work part-time in Canada?

Yes, international students in Canada can work up to 20 hours per week during academic sessions and full-time during scheduled breaks like summer or winter holidays.

3. What’s the difference between colleges and universities in Canada?

Universities in Canada for international students offer degrees and research programs; colleges in Canada for international students focus on hands-on, career-oriented diplomas.

4. When should I apply for Fall 2025 intake?

Start your application by October 2024 and submit by January 2025 to meet deadlines and qualify for scholarships.

5. How can I get a scholarship as an international student in Canada?

Apply early, craft a strong SOP, and target awards like Vanier CGS, UBC ILOT, and Ontario Graduate Scholarships.

Discover Programs and Deadlines as International Students in Canada