Explore the top institutions to study in Canada with insights on top universities, courses, scholarships, fees, and career options. Perfect for Indian and international students.

Mbbs 28 Jul, 2025

Top institutions to study in Canada: Canada remains one of the most preferred destinations for international education, known for its excellent academic institutions, high standards of living, multicultural society, and post-study work opportunities. With an outstanding list of globally ranked universities and practical colleges, the country welcomes students from over 180 countries every year.

In the section below, we highlight the top institutions to study in Canada, exploring their strengths, course offerings, tuition fees, eligibility, scholarships, and much more to help candidates make an informed decision.

Why Choose Canada for Higher Education?

Canada is one of the most desirable study destinations in the world, offering internationally recognized degrees, flexible immigration policies, and a high quality of life. From top-ranked universities to affordable public colleges, Canada provides a wide range of opportunities for Indian and international students. Below are some points why candidates should choose Canada for higher education:

World-Class Education with global recognition
Affordable tuition fees compared to the US and UK
A multicultural society offering global networking
Safe cities and excellent quality of life
Post-study work options like PGWP
Pathways to Permanent Residency (PR) for international graduates

Top Universities in Canada

Canada is home to some of the world’s best universities that offer globally recognized degrees and vibrant campus experiences. The table below lists the top-ranked Canadian universities along with their tuition fees and popular programs:

University Name	QS Global Rank 2025	Top Courses	Fees (INR/year)
University of Toronto	21	Engineering, Medicine, Business, CS	INR 27 lakh –INR 42 lakh
University of British Columbia	34	Forestry, Arts, Law, Environmental Studies	INR 24 lakh–INR 39 LAKH
McGill University	30	Medicine, Life Sciences, Arts	INR 15 - INR 33 lakh
University of Alberta	96	AI, Petroleum Engineering, Health Sciences	INR 15,- INR 27 lakh
McMaster University	103	Health Sciences, Engineering, Business	INR 18 lakh – INR 30 lakh

Top Public Colleges in Canada

Canada's public colleges are known for their practical learning approach, affordable tuition, and strong industry connections. These institutions offer diploma, advanced diploma, and post-graduate certificate programs ideal for skill-based education and employment options.

College Name	Popular Programs	Fees (INR/year)
Seneca College	Business, IT, Fashion, Aviation	INR 8.4 lakh - INR 12 lakh
Humber College	Engineering Tech, Media, Hospitality	INR 9 lakh–INR 13.2 lakh
George Brown College	Culinary Arts, Health Sciences, Design	INR 8.4 lakh - INR 12.6 lakh
Centennial College	Biotech, Automotive, Media	INR 7.8 lakh – INR 12 lakh
Fanshawe College	Nursing, Aviation, Business	INR 7.8 lakh – INR 10.8 lakh

Admission Requirements

Before applying to Canadian universities or colleges, it's important to understand the admission criteria. These requirements may vary by institution and program level (undergraduate or postgraduate), but the table below outlines the most common eligibility requirements for international students.

Requirement	Undergraduate	Postgraduate
Academic Qualification	70–85% in Class 12	Bachelor’s degree with 70–80%
English Language Proficiency	IELTS 6.5+, TOEFL iBT 90+	IELTS 6.5–7.5, TOEFL iBT 90–100
SOP	Sometimes required	Mandatory
LORs	Usually not required	2–3 required
Portfolio (Design courses)	Required	Required
Work Experience	Not needed	Preferred for MBA and PG diploma programs

Average Cost of Studying

Understanding the average cost of studying in Canada helps students budget efficiently. The table below outlines the estimated annual tuition fees for different institution types and average living expenses:

Institution Type	Tuition Fees per Year
Universities	INR 20 lakh - INR 45 lakh
Public Colleges	INR 8 lakh - INR 15 lakh
Design Schools	INR 6 lakh - INR 18 lakh
Living Expenses	INR 6 lakh - INR 10 lakh/year

Scholarships for International Students

Canada offers various scholarship opportunities to reduce the financial burden for international students. These scholarships are provided by the government, institutions, and private organizations and are based on academic merit, leadership potential, or financial need. Below are scholarships for international students:

Government Scholarships

Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship: INR 30 lakhs/year
Canada-ASEAN Scholarship: Varies for short-term programs

University Scholarships

Lester B. Pearson Scholarship (U of T): Full tuition + living
UBC International Scholars Program: Full/partial tuition
McGill Entrance Scholarships: INR 6 lakh- INR 7 lakh for high achievers

Indian-Specific Scholarships

Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute Programs
IC-IMPACTS Fellowship for Indian Researchers

Post-Study Work and Immigration in Canada

Canada offers excellent post-study work opportunities for international students. With a work permit system, high demand across multiple sectors, and immigration-friendly policies, students can gain valuable work experience and even transition to permanent residency.

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP): Up to 3 years
Top Hiring Sectors: IT, Healthcare, Finance, Engineering, Education
Permanent Residency Pathways: Express Entry, CEC, PNP programs

Studying in Canada offers a unique mix of quality education, cultural diversity, and career prospects. Whether candidates choose a renowned university or a practical polytechnic college, the top institutions to study in Canada are designed to prepare candidates for global success.

Plan early, prepare thoroughly, and take advantage of the many opportunities available in Canada. With the right institution, candidates' dreams of studying abroad can become a rewarding reality.