The number of Indian students looking to “study in Canada” had been steadily increasing over the past decade, and the trajectory for 2025 appears set to shatter all expectations. With an estimated 320,000 international Indian students in Canada by the end of 2024, there is no sign of diminishing interest.
Canada’s combination of exemplary education systems within a multicultural social system, low cost of living, and progressive immigration channels has established it as the preferred destination for prospective Indian students. The enhanced post-study work arrangements and an easier path to PR have provided families and students ample opportunities and confidence when choosing with which Canadian institution to partner.
Furthermore, Canada’s excellent immigration policies allow for an open-door policy for immigrants combined with safe cities and an active campus life, ensures that students can continue their private, social, and academic development without interruption.
Canadian Institutions are one of the world’s premier reaches to “study in Canada.” The University of Toronto, University of British Columbia, McGill University, University of Alberta, and McMaster University consistently rank in the top 100 universities in the world.
These institutions emphasize research, innovation, and practical application, not just theoretical knowledge to impart skills expected from a degree.
The industry-affiliated course (business, IT, health science, and engineering) in which graduates participate, therefore positions themselves for work.
- Global Acceptance: Canadian degrees are respected worldwide, giving Indian students an edge in international job markets.
- Industry-Linked Programs: Courses in business, IT, healthcare, and engineering are often created in partnership with industries, ensuring graduates are job-ready.
The combination of “quality education” and “international recognition,” will make Canada a wise investment for prospective Indian students.
In 2025 the “best universities in Canada for Indian students” are adding more niche programs in Artificial Intelligence, Business Analytics, Renewable Energy, and Biotechnology, then offer graduates multiple varied international career pathways.
The immigration policy of Canada is one of the most vital factors encouraging students from India to study in Canada. Canada takes a positive approach toward international graduates and helps them obtain permanent residency, which is very different from other countries.
International students who complete qualifying programs at DLI’s are eligible to apply for Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP) which allows them to work in Canada up to three years after graduation depending on the duration of their study program.
This time frame helps students to:
- Gain valuable Canadian work experience.
- Build connections in their industry.
- Strengthen their eligibility for permanent residency through Canadian work credentials.
PGWP is perhaps the largest bonus and benefit of a Canada Student Visa from India, providing students with ample opportunities to jump start their career soon after graduation.
The primary route for skilled migrants to Canada is through Express Entry, this is where all the recruitment happens. They evaluate the candidates using something called the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).
They also have Canadian education and work experience, which makes a significant difference in obtaining the points needed for CRS and applies for ITA for PR.
What this means for Indian students is that:
- Completing education in Canada not only enhances employability but also increases immigration success.
- Work gained during the PGWP period can push CRS scores even higher.
Many Canadian provinces have their own immigration streams called Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). These are specifically designed to deal with the local labor market and prioritize graduates.
- Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) – Favors graduates in fields like tech, business, and health.
- British Columbia PNP – Has a dedicated International Graduate stream with quick PR processing.
- Manitoba PNP – Encourages students who complete their studies and work in Manitoba to settle there permanently.
By these PNPs, international students can apply for Canada PR after study, even also when their CRS score is low for Express Entry, Showing an alternative and equally dependable path for immigration process.
The “study in Canada for Indian students cost” is much lower than in the US, UK, or Australia, without compromising excellence.
Costs:
- Undergraduate Courses: CAD 15,000 – 30,000 per annum.
- Postgraduate Courses: CAD 18,000 – 35,000 per annum.
- Specialized Courses (MBA, Medicine): CAD 30,000 – 50,000 per annum.
Living Costs:
- Accommodation: CAD 500 – 1,200/month (student residence or shared).
- Food & Groceries: CAD 300 – 600/month.
- Public Transport: CAD 100 – 150/month.
- Health Insurance: Approx CAD 600 – 900 per annum (depending on the province).
Many Canadian provinces have subsidized student health care, subsidized public transit, and provided scholarships specifically for international students – all of which reduce the total costs.
Also, students are allowed to work part time while studying (up to 20 hours/week) which can allow for greater control of their personal expenditures.
Part of the benefit of studying in Canada is that there are great job opportunities for students upon graduation, even if they didn’t study here. If the economy doesn’t fall apart and is booming, there are labour shortages in many sectors which creates endless career opportunities.
The top benefits of studying in Canada via PNPs for students are:
- Working part-time while studying is allowed (up to 20 hours/week) and working full-time when they are on semester breaks.
- Career placement service: Many universities will have employability services which includes: job fairs, internships and resume-writing courses
- In-Demand sectors: are looking to employ graduates in IT, Healthcare, Engineering, Business, Data Analysis, Renewable Energy, and Trades.
Considering that Indian students will get the right to obtain work in the Canadian workforce after the “post-study work visa” (PGWP) for their studies, the fact that they are studying in Canada will facilitate their ability to obtain work.
Furthermore, Canadian work experience is an additional PR point on their eligibility process, so why not for work, and for students that are career-focused, Canada is a good idea!
Canada’s culture of tolerance and acceptance is one of the reasons Indian students feel so comfortable studying in Canada. The cities are rich with diversity and Indian students can find large urban areas with sizable Indian populations.
- Toronto: Home to the largest population of Indians in Canada.
- Vancouver: Diverse, beautiful, and rich with cultural experiences.
- Montreal: A mix of quaint European charm and contemporary diversity.
- Calgary and Edmonton: Newer Indian student centers with a very good job market.
Canada is also consistently ranked one of the safest countries in the world, providing students with a safe environment for their educational experience and living.
Universities also provide very good support services such as:
- International student advisers
- Mental health counseling services
- Academic and language programming
- 24 hour on campus security
Whether “cultural integration” or “personal safety“, Indian students can have complete confidence in their decision to study in Canada.
Canada continues to attract students from all around the world due to its quality of education, friendly culture, abundant career opportunities. As the study destination of choice in 2025, it still lays claim to world-class academic excellence, cutting-edge research facilities, and a pathway to a prosperous future.
Indian students choose Canada due its safety and security, low crime rate, and politically stable environment. This creates an ideal environment for Indian students to study without worrying.
Natural landscape, open spaces, mountains, trees, and lakes.
Free country with basic human rights protected in a Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
Politically stable with viable business opportunities and a reputable banking system.
Free trade with the United-States and Mexico under NAFTA agreements.
Canada is a safe country. We are proud to be a young nation and proud of diversity. You’ll feel at home as an international student in a happy and harmonious country. Canada ranks #3 out of 85 countries as the best country based on quality of life.
The degree certificates issued by Canadian universities and colleges is respected everywhere around the world. You will also enjoy a high quality of life in Canada’s calm and safe environment. Additionally, you can take advantage of opportunities to work during your academic program, which allows you to balance earning with learning. The possibilities are infinite!
158 years is how old Canada will turn in 2025. Canada’s age is calculated from its date of confederation in 1867, when it officially became a country. Having said this, the territory now known as Canada has a captivating history that goes back several millennia.
Canada is the most attractive country for Indian students who want to pursue foreign education as we enter 2025. Because Canada provides an ideal combination of cost, superb academic quality, student-friendly immigration policies, and high living standards, Canada offers not just a degree but a transformation in career and lifestyle.
In terms of academic decisions, it’s a highly educated insight in regard to global competitiveness to “study in Canada.” Canadian education provides students with a practical skill set, educational credentials, and vocabulary as well as relevant work experience that is needed anywhere around the globe. It’s an opportunity to improve in intellect, career, and self in a place filled with safety, warmth, abundant opportunities, and resource rich environment.
At Palanivel Overseas, we understand the dreams, doubts, and decisions that come with studying abroad. That’s why we’re here to guide you at every step — from helping you shortlist the right universities and courses, to assisting with documentation, “Canada student visa from India”, scholarships, accommodation, and even preparing for your life in Canada.
With our expert counsellors, personalized approach, and a proven track record of successful student placements, we make your Canadian dream a smooth and successful reality.