Study in Canada

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Study in Canada

In recent years, Canada has witnessed a remarkable surge in Bangladeshi student enrollment, with over 3,800 securing study permits in 2023 alone. This trend closely mirrors the overall growth of international student enrollment in Canada, which reached a record 807,750 in 2021, with higher education accounting for 621,565. This rise parallels a broader trend: Canada’s welcoming embrace of international students, evident in its top-3 ranking for quality of life by U.S. News & World Report and its 7 prestigious universities within the Times Higher Education’s top 200 for 2023.

But what explains this particular appeal for Bangladeshi students? The answer lies in a potent mix of factors. Canada’s reputation as a safe, friendly, and multicultural society resonates deeply, offering a supportive environment for young Bangladeshis embarking on their academic journeys. This, coupled with its world-class educational institutions and thriving job market, creates a perfect storm of opportunity for those seeking a quality education and a bright future.

This is just the beginning of the story. Let’s delve deeper into why Canada is becoming the academic destination of choice for Bangladeshi students and explore the exciting possibilities that await them in this vibrant and welcoming land.

Want to study in Canada? With nearly half a million international students, Canada stands out as a top destination, offering world-class education, affordable tuition fees, and hassle-free visa applications. It offers a superior standard of living, diverse learning environments, quality education, and career opportunities. Canada’s international student population has tripled over the past decade, as many of the prestigious institutions frequently secure top positions in global rankings.

Study in Canada: Key Facts & Statistics

Languages Spoken

English and French

Cost of study

CAD 30 – 40k

Sources of funding

Scholarships, Student Loans, and Part-time Jobs.

Exams Required

IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, GRE and GMAT.

Degrees

Diploma, UG, PG, and Doctorate (PhD).

Intakes

Fall, Winter, and Summer Intakes.

Visa

Canada Student Visa – SDS and Non-SDS

Best Student Cities

Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver, Ottawa, Quebec, and Edmonton.

Top Universities

University of Toronto, McGill University, University of British Columbia, University of Montreal, and University of Alberta

Cost of Living

CAD $600 – 800 per month.

Canada is a popular study destination for international students, including those from Bangladesh, due to its high-quality education system, high standard of living, cultural diversity, and affordable tuition costs. To study in Canada, international students must obtain a study permit, which may be Student Direct Stream (SDS) or non-SDS, depending on eligibility. Students also need to meet English proficiency requirements by submitting test scores from exams like IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE. Additionally, graduate school applicants may need to submit GRE, GMAT, or SAT scores.

Three of the world’s top 50 universities are located in Canada, and Canadian institutions are globally recognized for excellent academics, innovative research, and commitment to education. Canadian colleges and universities offer a wide range of programs catering to diverse interests and career aspirations, whether in fields like engineering, arts, business, or others. The high-caliber education, combined with future career prospects and return on investment, makes Canada an appealing choice for Bangladeshi students seeking to study abroad.

Top 12 Benefits of Studying in Canada

Canada provides a wide range of higher education choices for international students. The country has 15 research institutions, 100 public universities, and 86 private colleges, all contributing to students’ academic growth. Community Colleges are also available for those seeking diploma degrees. Universities offer various full-time and part-time courses like post-secondary diplomas and certificates, post-graduate programs (online/hybrid/offline), short-term training, skills trade training, professional license exam preparation, bachelor’s degree programs, English as a Second Language Training, and French Language Training. Indian students have the option to study in Canada after completing their 12th grade, with various universities and colleges offering education in English. To know why you need to pursue studies in Canada, check out below.

The benefits of studying in Canada are:

World-class education – Canada has some of the top ranked universities globally, with a high quality education system. Students have access to excellent programs and research opportunities.
Multicultural society – Canada is an extremely diverse and welcoming country, especially in large cities. It’s a great way for students to experience different cultures.
Potential immigration – After graduating, international students have options like the Post Graduation Work Permit that can help them gain Canadian work experience and improve immigration prospects.
Safe communities – Canada consistently ranks as one of the safest countries in the world, with stable politics, making it a secure study destination.
Affordable tuition – Compared to other top study destinations like USA and UK, international tuition fees in Canada can be more affordable. Cost of living is also reasonable.
Option to work – International students can work part-time on campus and full-time off-campus, allowing them to gain experience and earn income.
Pathway programs – Canadian colleges and universities offer pathway programs like university transfer and 2+2 degrees as an alternate route for international students.
Ease of getting a study visa – The Canadian student visa process is relatively straightforward compared to other countries. Student success rate is high.
Scholarship opportunities – Both universities and third-party organizations offer generous scholarships for international students based on merit, need etc.
Gain an international outlook – With peers from around the world, students can build global connections and have a direct experience of diversity.
Improve English proficiency – Since the primary language is English, it allows non-native students to hone their language abilities. This is a major asset both education and career wise.
Gateway to global work or study opportunities – A Canadian degree or diploma is recognized worldwide, and can open doors for students to explore options in other leading study destinations or expanding job markets globally.

Avisha Sanjay Kumar Patel

CANADA

I’ve got admission for the Pharmacy Technician Course at Centennial College for the September 2021 intake. I thank Kanan for their great support and hospitality services.

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Education System in Canada

Canada’s affordable yet highly reputable education system draws students worldwide, with international enrollment having grown by 400%. The system comprises elementary, secondary and post-secondary levels. After finishing elementary and secondary schooling around ages 16-18, students can pursue post-secondary education.

While each Canadian province oversees its education administration, credentials are widely recognized globally. Canada offers excellent value, with tuition substantially lower than many countries.

The post-secondary category includes vocational schools, career colleges, technical institutes and universities. Students can enroll in undergraduate or graduate degree programs, professional certifications, diplomas, vocational training and language learning. With quality education and qualifications valued by employers worldwide, Canada continues gaining traction as a preferred study destination.

Qualification

Duration

Certificate

1-year

Diploma

1 – 2 years

Advanced Diploma

2 to 3 years

Bachelor’s Degree

4 years

Post-Graduate Diploma/Cert.

2 – 3 years

Master’s Degree

2 – 3 years

Doctorate or Ph.D.

4 to 7 years

Post-doctoral program

No limit

Popular Courses to Study in Canada

With its stellar education system, Canada provides international students with immense choice across certificate, undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate programs. Offerings span diplomas, Bachelor’s degrees (3-4 years), Associate degrees, Master’s degrees (2 years), Doctoral programs (4-6 years) and 1–2-year post-graduate diplomas.

Canadian institutions emphasize practical, experiential learning where students apply academic concepts in real-world settings. This facilitates deeper understanding and the development of hands-on skills and field experience. The focus on fusing theory with practice equips graduates with well-rounded qualifications that employers value.

From short-term certificates to multi-year doctoral studies, Canada caters to diverse academic and professional goals. The array of high-quality programs combined with practical training continues, making Canada a top global study destination.

The popular courses to study in Canada are:

Computer Science
Business
Engineering
Health Sciences
Physiotherapy
Information Technology
Animation and Gaming
Hospitality Management
International Business Management
Master of Business Administration
Architecture
Culinary Management
Media & Journalism
Agriculture Science

Find the top courses in Canada for international students with average annual tuition fees from the below table.

Course

Avg. Annual Tuition Fee (CAD $)

Avg. Annual Tuition Fee (BDT)

International Business Management

CAD 15,000 - 25,000

INR 850,000 - 1,415,000

Master of Business Administration

CAD 30,000 - 40,000

INR 1,700,000 - 2,260,000

IT & Computer Science

CAD 20,000 - 40,000

INR 1,130,000 - 2,260,000

Engineering

CAD 30,000 - 50,000

INR 1,700,000 - 2,830,000

Health, Biosciences & Pharmacy

CAD 30,000 - 50,000

INR 1,700,000 - 2,830,000

Media & Journalism

CAD 20,000 - 30,000

INR 1,130,000 - 1,695,000

Top Universities to Study in Canada

Canada’s esteemed universities provide premier facilities – including modern libraries, auditoriums and research hubs – that enable a top-tier academic experience. All universities offer safe, comfortable on-campus housing with dorms, residential halls and apartments.

As of 2024, 31 Canadian institutions rank among the QS World University rankings, with the top 11 securing spots within the prestigious global top 250. The highest-ranked Canadian universities for 2023, along with their positions on QS, Times Higher Education (THE) and U.S. News & World Report global ranking lists are:

The top universities to study in Canada are:

University Name

University Known For

QS World University Ranking 2024 (Globally)

Times Higher Education Ranking 2023 (Globally)

Tuition Fee per year (CAD)

Tuition Fee per year (INR)

University of Toronto

Top research-intense university, innovation-driven

40,000

24.51 lakhs

McGill University

Renowned for Engineering courses

27,000

16.54 lakhs

University of British Columbia

Strong in teaching, research, consistent ranking

34,000

20.83 lakhs

University of Montreal

Largest university complex, prominent research

141

111

17,000

10.41 lakhs

University of Alberta

Top in Engineering, Humanities, Health Sciences, Business

111

118

21,000

12.87 lakhs

University of Waterloo

Leading in Computer Science, Engineering, Science, Math

112

201-250

40,000

24.51 lakhs

Western University

Excellence in education, research, healthcare

114

201-250

23,000

14.09 lakhs

University of Calgary

Strong research, diverse university culture

182

201-250

37,000

22.67 lakhs

McMaster University

Research-intense, notable for nuclear reactor

189

45,000

27.57 lakhs

University of Ottawa

Thrives on Excellence, Relevance, and Impact

203

137

30,000

18.38 lakhs

With almost a third of Canada’s universities standing among the best globally, the country continues to set the bar for academic excellence and innovation. State-of-the-art infrastructure and facilities, paired with some of the world’s foremost professors and researchers, make Canada a hub for world-class teaching and life-changing research.

Want to explore more universities in detail? Our NIEC Bangladesh’s Experts offer Free Guidance about the best Canada Universities.

Best Places to Study in Canada

As you consider your university options, examining the top student cities in Canada merits attention. The QS Best Student Cities Rankings for 2024 highlight Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Ottawa, and Quebec City as premier destinations to study. Understanding the defining features of these university towns can aid your decision-making. Get to know the popular cities of Canada in brief.

Toronto: Situated in Ontario, Toronto is home to Canada’s top-ranked University of Toronto. As the largest city, it has a multicultural environment and position as the nation’s financial center with 5 major banks.
Montreal: Montreal is the second largest city with a vibrant academic climate featuring McGill, the Université de Montréal, and Concordia University.
Vancouver: The third largest metro area, Vancouver combines an urban setting with outdoor access. Notable universities are the University of British Columbia, Simon Fraser University, and the University of Victoria.
Ottawa: The capital Ottawa boasts quality universities welcoming international students alongside affordable costs of living with abundant jobs and scholarships.
Quebec City: A friendly Francophone city, Quebec City promotes cultural immersion through affordable education. It has strong career outcomes for graduates and a low unemployment rate.

How to Study in Canada?

International students planning to study in Canada need to consider the following five steps to get started. Find the infographic below to know the process.

Intakes to Study in Canada

Bangladeshi students aiming for a Canadian education face a unique advantage: multiple university intakes. Unlike Bangladeshi’s standard system, Canadian universities welcome applications through three distinct semesters, known as Fall, Winter, and Summer. This flexibility means finding the perfect study journey just got easier.

The Popular Pick: Fall Intake (September)

The Fall intake, commencing in September, is the most popular choice among international students due to its extensive course offerings and generous scholarship opportunities. This period witnesses the highest volume of applications, attracting students from diverse backgrounds. Be prepared for the highest competition during this season.

Second Chance: Winter Intake (January)

For those who missed the Fall application window, the Winter intake presents a valuable opportunity. While course selection may be slightly limited compared to Fall, career prospects, internships, and scholarships remain readily available. This intake offers a fresh start amidst the winter months.

For Focused Studies: Summer Intake (April/May)

For students with specific vocational or diploma program aspirations, the summer intake, offered by select universities, provides a focused pathway. This period, spanning April and May, allows students to delve into specialized studies during the warmer months.

Finding Your Perfect Fit

Choosing your intake is like charting your academic course. Weigh your priorities: course availability, scholarship options, and personal preferences. Remember, each intake has its own charm and challenges. With thoughtful planning, you’ll navigate the Canadian academic landscape with confidence.

Contact the NIEC Bangladesh team to get the best advice to plan your Canada Journey.

Intake

Program

Admission Deadline

September or Fall

Undergraduate and Postgraduate

December - March

January or Winter

Undergraduate and Postgraduate

September - November

May or Summer or Spring

Diploma

January - February

Canada Student Visa Requirements for International Students

International students who want to study in Canada need a study permit. It is a necessary immigration document that validates their stay in Canada and accompanies a visitor visa or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). Alongside the study permit, you need a visitor visa or eTA to enter legally. This permit is essential for Indian students which grants permission to study at Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) in Canada.

Please note that a study permit is not a visa. A student visa will authorize your entry to Canada. To apply for a Canadian Student Visa, it’s best to start the process 4 to 6 months before your classes begin and after you’ve received an Admission Offer from a Canadian Designated Learning Institute. You can apply online using the Government of Canada Key (GCKey) portal or at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) or directly at the entry port if you prefer. The fee for applying for a Canadian Student Visa is $150 CAD, and it also covers a $85 CAD biometrics fee and a $45 CAD service fee.

The study visa processing time will be around 4 to 8 weeks. If you’re in a hurry, the Student Direct Stream (SDS) option processes it in just 20 days. Indian students are eligible for the SDS category and can apply by submitting the necessary documents for their student visa.

Difference between SDS and Non-SDS

Study Permit Extension

Canada Spouse Visa

Canada Visa Rejection

Canada Visa Interview Questions

What are the documents required to apply for a Canadian study visa?

Letter of acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
Valid passport or travel document
Identity proof authorized by the resident’s government
Financial statement demonstrating the ability to cover living costs, return air tickets, and fees
Medical information
Statement of intent and how you contribute to the resources
No criminal record certificate
Canadian bank account
Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC)
Student or education loan proof
Bank draft in Canadian dollars
Proof of payment of Tuition and Housing Fees
Letter from sponsoring school or individual
Proof of scholarship
Attestation of issuance of Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ)
Letter of explanation/SOP

Documents Required for Studying in Canada for Bangladeshi Students

The documents you need to submit while applying for admission to Canadian universities/colleges are:

English language proficiency test scores:TOEFL / IELTS / PTE / Duolingo / CAEL
Standardized test scores –SAT / GRE / GMAT / LSAT
Letter of Recommendation (LOR)
Work experience certificate, if any.
Academic transcripts (school/bachelor’s/master’s degree certificates)
Statement of Purpose (SOP)
CV/Resume
Essay
Copy of your valid passport
Proof of finances

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Cost of Studying in Canada

The cost of studying in Canada ranges from CAD 13,000 to CAD 35,000 in a year based on the type of degree and institution. Humanities, education, and arts programs tend to be more affordable, while medicine and engineering are pricier. On average, undergraduate studies cost around CAD 6,800 (Rs. 4,16,582/-) per year, and master’s programs range from CAD 21,100 annually, as per Statistics Canada (2022). Postgraduate studies have higher tuition fees, with MBA programs being the most expensive, approximately between CAD 30,000 and CAD 42,000. Compared to other developed countries, Canada offers more economical education programs and funding opportunities like scholarships, student loans, bursaries, and assistantships to international students.

Check the following table to know the program level and the estimated tuition fee.

S.no

Study Program

Average Annual Fee in Canadian Dollars (CAD)

Average annual Fee in Indian Rupees (INR)

01 Undergraduate Program

$13,000 - $20,000

₹7,00,000 - ₹10,75,000

02 Postgraduate Master's Degree

$17,000 - $25,000

₹9,25,000 - ₹13,50,000

03 Doctoral Degree

$7,000 - $15,000

₹3,75,000 - ₹8,00,000

04 Masters of Business Administration (MBA)

$30,000 - $40,000

₹16,25,000 - ₹21,75,000

05 Foundational Courses

$20,000

₹10,75,000

Scholarships to Study in Canadian Universities

Scholarships are essentially monetary rewards granted to eligible students based on academic excellence, and they don’t require repayment. Meritorious students with strong academic and extracurricular records can apply for these scholarships. These scholarships, provided by both the Canadian government and external organizations, aim to ease the cost of education abroad. Need-based scholarships are also accessible.

Find the list of popular scholarships in Canada for Indian students from the table below.

S.no

Scholarship Name

Description

Amount

01 Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships

Postgraduate scholarships in science and healthcare

$54,219/year (taxable)

02 Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships

Scholarships for doctoral study

$50,000/year

03 Queen’s University International Scholarships

Scholarships for international students with high grades

$6,969

04 University of Calgary International Entrance Scholarship

Scholarship for international UG applicants

Up to CAD 15,000

05 Canada-ASEAN Scholarships and Educational Exchanges for Development 2021

Scholarships for Bachelor's and Master's

Up to CAD 15,900

06 CGSP Postdoctoral Fellowships 2017

Scholarships for postdoctoral study

$45,000/year

07 Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute

Fellowships at various levels for research and training

Varies

08 Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan

Scholarships for advanced study and research

Varies

09 Ontario Graduate Scholarship Program

Scholarships for graduate students

Varies

10 National Research Council of Canada (NRCC)

Research associateship for Master's and Ph.D. holders

Variable

Education Loan for Studying in Canada

The total expenses for studying in Canada are influenced by factors like the chosen program, university, course duration, and living costs. To assist students who struggle to afford to study and live in Canada, various banks and financial institutions extend education loans for Canada. Before applying for an educational loan, reviewing the eligibility criteria is important to ensure loan approval. Since different loan schemes cover different expenses, it’s advisable to consult the banks to understand the specific expenses and loan schemes that are applicable. Educational loans typically cover various expenses, including.

Admission fees
Tuition fees
Transportation charges
Books, stationery, and other study materials
Laboratory fees
Hostel fees including food
Purchase of a laptop with the necessary configuration (If required for the course)
Expenses for project work or study tours

Cost of Living in Canada

The cost of living in Canada ranges from CAD 15,000 to CAD 20,000 per year. There’s a notable contrast in the budget of living in Canada and in one’s home country. That’s why it is essential to understand the lifestyle and the cost of living in Canada. Quebec stands out as an affordable Canadian city with comparatively lower living costs. The cost of living in Canada involves factors like food, housing, clothing, books, transportation, and recreation, with an average of approximately CAD 19,000 (INR 11,62,173). All Canadian residents enjoy free healthcare services, a benefit extended to permanent migrants.

Expenses

Cost in CAD per month

Cost in INR per month

Accommodation

$800 - $2,500

₹42,000 - ₹1,31,000

Utilities (electricity, water)

$50 - $150

₹2,600 - ₹7,900

Internet

$50 - $150

₹2,600 - ₹7,900

Groceries

$50 - $150

₹2,600 - ₹7,900

Transportation

$50 - $150

₹2,600 - ₹7,900

Eating Out

$10 - $25

₹520 - ₹1,300

Mobile Phone

$50 - $100

₹2,600 - ₹5,200

Textbooks and Supplies

$500 - $1,000

₹26,000 - ₹52,000

Health Insurance

$600 - $1,000

₹31,200 - ₹52,000

Food

$300 - $400

₹15,600 - ₹20,800

Entertainment

$150

₹7,800

Post-Study Work Opportunities in Canada

Canada offers a wide array of job opportunities catering to students at various educational levels, graduates, and professionals. Canada annually offers around 300,000 work permits to foreign students. International students have plenty of work-study options including on-campus and off-campus jobs, co-op positions, and internships. Students are eligible to work after graduation, requiring a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) which costs $255 CAD to apply for. A post-graduation work permit in Canada enables graduates to gain work experience after their studies and serves as a pathway to Permanent Residency (PR) through the Express Entry system. The PGWP is usually issued for the same duration as the study program, with a maximum of 3 years.

To be eligible for the Canadian Post-Graduation Work Permit, having a job offer is crucial. Benefits for those with a job offer include unrestricted work in Canada, family sponsorship under a Dependent Visa, earning in Canadian dollars, unrestricted travel within the country, applying for PR after one year of work, and exposure to top-tier companies and their work culture. Students with employment offers qualify for an Open Work Permit, allowing them to work for any employer in Canada for up to 3 years. The permit also allows job changes if desired.

The documents required to apply for the open work permit are:

Proof of identity
Proof of employment
Proof of relationship
Valid visa with a six-month duration
Letter from your Designated Learning Institution (DLI) confirming study completion
Certificate of degree completion
Recent passport-size photographs (2)
Academic transcripts
Medical certificate

Job Prospects in Canada

In recent years, Canada has welcomed a large number of international students, offering them various work opportunities during and after their studies. Forbes and US News rankings highlight Canada as the best G20 country for business operations. The Economist Intelligence Unit predicts Canada will be the 3rd best G7 country for business from 2018 to 2022. According to Statistics Canada (2021), about 60% of international students employed during or after their studies became landed immigrants within 10 years of their first study permit.

With a Canadian student visa, students can work up to 20 hours per week in paid jobs while studying. Part-time jobs in Canada are typically paid by the hour, averaging around $13-16. As per a recent update, international students with off-campus work authorization on their study permit aren’t limited to 20 hours per week, they can work full-time during school breaks.

Get to know the highest paying jobs in Canada. The average salary of graduates in Canada is $74,819 per year or $38.37 per hour. Find the job roles and their average annual salary from the table below.

Job Roles

Average Salary in CAD per year

Business Intelligence Analysts

$77,870

Cloud Architects

$121,555

Cloud Systems Engineer

$120,000

IT Project Manager

$91,300

Data Scientists

$91,300

Developers (Web, Software, Mobile)

$91,300

DevOps Engineers

$91,300

Full-Stack Developers

$91,300

IoT Specialists

$91,300

Security Specialists (Data, Info, Network, Cloud)

$91,300

Airline

$167,000

Executive Management & Change

$86,000

Financial Services

$79,000

Legal & Paralegal

$66,000

Legal Department

$64,000

Finance Control & Strategy

$60,000

Avisha Sanjay Kumar Patel

CANADA

I’ve got admission for the Pharmacy Technician Course at Centennial College for the September 2021 intake. I thank Canada for their great support and hospitality services.

Do you wanna be next?

Connect with our experts now

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to study in Canada?

Tuition fees in Canadian Universities differ based on the program and institution you opt for. On average, international undergraduate students can expect to pay around $36,100 per year, while international graduate students may pay tuition costs of $21,100 per year (Statistics Canada, 2022).

Can I study in Canada free of cost?

Canadian universities do not provide tuition fee waivers, which means getting a free education in Canada is not possible. However, a few Canadian universities like the University of Toronto, and the University of Alberta offer fully funded scholarships for international students.

How much bank balance is required for a Canada student visa?

For obtaining a Canada student visa, a minimum bank balance of $10,000 CAD is necessary. If you want to study in Canada, you'll be required to demonstrate that you possess a minimum of $25,000 CAD.

Who can sponsor me to study in Canada?