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Study in Canada
Welcoming, safe and affordable compared with the US, with respected universities and colleges.
Main and well-known universities
Examples of leading and popular universities. Uniaway is independent and listing a university does not mean a partnership.
- University of Toronto
- McGill University
- University of British Columbia (UBC)
- University of Alberta
- McMaster University
- Université de Montréal
- University of Waterloo
- Western University
- Queen's University
- University of Calgary
- University of Ottawa
- Simon Fraser University
- Dalhousie University
- University of Manitoba
- University of Victoria
- York University
- Toronto Metropolitan University
- Concordia University
Popular courses
Computer Science & ITEngineeringBusiness & Supply ChainHealthcare & NursingData AnalyticsHospitalityEnvironmental & Natural ResourcesSkilled trades & applied diplomas (colleges)
Intakes
| Intake | Notes |
|---|---|
| September (Fall) | Main intake. |
| January (Winter) | Second intake at many universities and colleges. |
| May (Summer) | Limited, mostly colleges. |
Typical costs
| Item | Typical figure |
|---|---|
| Tuition – undergraduate (international) | C$25,000–C$60,000 per year (≈ £13,500–£32,500) |
| Tuition – postgraduate | C$20,000–C$50,000 per year (≈ £11,000–£27,000) |
| Living costs (proof of funds) | C$23,448 per year for a single student outside Quebec (applications from 1 Sept 2026) (≈ £12,700) |
| Study permit fee | Check the current fee on canada.ca |
GBP figures are approximate, using rough exchange rates, and are for guidance only.
Typical English requirements
| Test | Typical range |
|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | UG 6.5 overall (6.0 per band); PG 6.5–7.0 |
| PTE Academic | UG ~60; PG ~60–65 |
| TOEFL iBT | UG ~86–90; PG ~90–100 |
| Duolingo English Test | Accepted by many, roughly 110–125 |
Ranges are typical. Each university and course sets its own scores, and some students can be exempt.
Typical academic entry requirements
- Undergraduate: high school completion with good grades in relevant subjects.
- Postgraduate: a recognised bachelor's degree (many prefer 4-year degrees or a strong 3-year degree plus PG study).
- Colleges offer diplomas and postgraduate certificates with more flexible entry.
Post-study work rights
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP): may be up to 3 years depending on your programme length; there are field-of-study and language requirements for some programmes, so check before you choose a course. During study you can usually work up to 24 hours a week off campus in term time.
Visa overview
- Permit: Study permit (plus a visitor visa or eTA to enter).
- You need a Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
- Most students also need a Provincial/Territorial Attestation Letter (PAL/TAL) because of the cap on study permits.
- Proof of funds for first-year tuition, living costs (C$23,448 for one person outside Quebec) and travel; Quebec has its own CAQ requirement.
- Biometrics and, for some, a medical exam.
Official sources
Please note: Information is general, correct as of October 2026 and can change. Please confirm details with a Uniaway adviser and the official government website. This is not immigration or legal advice.