Study in Canada

Public universities with world-class research, co-op built into the degree, and a Post-Graduation Work Permit of up to three years — in one of the safest, most welcoming countries to study in.

Canada runs on public universities — so quality is consistent from coast to coast and tuition sits well below the US and UK for comparable degrees.

Co-op is woven into hundreds of programs: paid, credit-bearing work terms with real employers. After graduation the PGWP lets you work anywhere in the country for up to three years — one of the clearest routes from a degree to permanent residency. Since 2024 Canada caps study permits and asks for a provincial attestation letter with most applications, so an early, complete file matters more than it used to. Gradsy tracks the PAL step for you.

Universities
142
Intl students
800k+
Pgwp work
3 yrs
Study permit
Permit

Why canada

  • Consistent quality: Government-funded universities, coast to coast (Public)
  • Work in the degree: Paid work terms with employers, for credit (Co-op)
  • Open work permit: PGWP after graduation, no sponsor needed (3 yrs)
  • A route to stay: Study and work count toward Express Entry (PR)

Intakes

  • Fall — starts September — apply Oct – Mar of the prior year — The main intake — nearly every program opens here, and most entrance scholarships are decided.
  • Winter — starts January — apply Apr – Sep of the prior year — A solid plan B for master’s and college programs — fewer scholarship rounds.
  • Summer — starts May — apply Sep – Jan same academic year — Mostly colleges and select professional master’s — check availability early.

What it costs: TUITION C$18–45K · LIVING C$14–22K · + INSURANCE C$0.7–1.2K

  • Bachelor’s tuition: C$22 – 45k / yr — Research universities in Ontario and BC sit at the top; Atlantic and Prairie provinces lower.
  • Master’s tuition: C$18 – 40k / yr — Course-based degrees cost more; thesis master’s are often funded.
  • Living costs: C$14 – 22k / yr — Toronto and Vancouver drive the top of the range — the proof-of-funds figure sits near C$21k.
  • Health insurance: C$0.7 – 1.2k / yr — Provincial plan in some provinces, university plan elsewhere — billed with fees.

Scholarships and funding

  • Entrance scholarships: C$1K – FULL TUITION — Automatic at many universities on admission — no separate application for most.
  • Funded research master’s & PhD: TUITION + STIPEND — Thesis programs routinely fund through TA/RA work — confirm with your supervisor early.
  • Government awards: C$17.5K – 50K / YR — Vanier, Banting and provincial awards — competitive, nominated through your university.

Tests you may need

  • English proficiency: Most programs — IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, CAEL or Duolingo — minimums set per program and intake.
  • Graduate entry: Few programs — GRE or GMAT mostly for business and some engineering — usually optional.
  • French proficiency: Quebec only — TEF or TCF for French-taught programs; many Quebec universities also teach in English.

Most Canadian programs skip GRE and SAT entirely — each program page lists exactly what its intake asks for.

Study permit · four steps

  1. Letter of acceptance: Issued by your university once you accept the offer — it must be from a designated learning institution.
  2. Provincial attestation letter: Requested by your university from the province on your behalf — required for most permits since 2024.
  3. Proof of funds: One year of tuition plus about C$21k living — a GIC of that amount is the fastest way to show it.
  4. Apply online + biometrics: The C$150 permit fee, biometrics and a medical if required. Keep each document in your vault so it is ready when you apply.

Work while you study and after

  • Off-campus work: Up to 24 hours a week during term, full-time in scheduled breaks — no separate permit.
  • Co-op work terms: Paid, full-time placements built into co-op programs, with a co-op work permit.
  • Post-Graduation Work Permit: Open permit after graduation — length follows your program length.
  • Express Entry: Canadian education and skilled work experience boost your CRS score.

Typical graduate salaries

  • Software engineering: C$75k – 120k
  • Data & AI: C$80k – 125k
  • Engineering: C$65k – 100k
  • Business & finance: C$55k – 90k

Student cities

  • Toronto: Canada’s largest student city — finance, tech and media headquarters
  • Vancouver: Tech and film careers with mountains and ocean on the doorstep
  • Montreal: The lowest big-city costs, world-class AI research, bilingual life
  • Waterloo: The co-op capital — a startup corridor right next to campus
  • Calgary: Energy and engineering careers with the lowest rents of the big four
  • Ottawa: The capital — government, telecom and cybersecurity employers

Questions students ask

Can I work while I study in Canada?

Yes — up to 24 hours a week off campus during term and full-time during scheduled breaks, with no separate work permit. Co-op programs add paid, full-time work terms on a co-op work permit.

What is the provincial attestation letter (PAL)?

A letter from the province confirming your spot fits its study-permit allocation. Your university requests it for you after you accept the offer — most study-permit applications now need one. Gradsy tracks the step in your journey.

How much money do I need to show?

First-year tuition plus C$23,448 in living costs (applications from 1 September 2026), plus travel. A Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) for the living amount is the most widely accepted way to show it.

How long is the Post-Graduation Work Permit?

It matches your program length up to a maximum of three years — a two-year master’s usually earns a three-year permit. Eligibility now depends on your program and language level; every program page on Gradsy shows its current PGWP status.

Search 142 Canada universities · Find your best-fit programs