How to Study in Canada

Studying abroad is an exciting prospect but it does require preparation—and your journey starts with deciding where to go. Canada has historically been among the top five destinations for international students globally.

In 2024, there were almost one million international students at Canadian universities. They were attracted to the country’s top-ranked institutions, breathtaking natural landscapes, and the promise of working at some of the world’s biggest companies that are headquartered in the country.

Recent changes to Canada’s study permit rules have changed the picture. A two-year cap on the number of new study permits issued to international students by Canada’s immigration ministry has led to 90,000 fewer being issued in 2025 than the previous year, and a decline in student visa applications since the change was announced in early 2024.

However, business schools in the country are still very much welcoming applications, and if you’re considering jetting off to study business abroad, it’s best to be prepared. This guide on how to study in Canada will outline everything you need to know, including:

• Why Canada is a desirable destination for students
• How to apply to universities in Canada
• The process for getting a Canadian student visa
• The cost of studying in Canada
• How to get a scholarship to study in Canada

Why Study Abroad in Canada?

According to one survey, the main reasons students choose Canada are its reputation as a safe country and tolerant society, and the quality of the education system. 

The majority of international students in Canada head for the province of Ontario, home to major cities such as Toronto, London, and Ottawa. However, a significant number of students also choose British Columbia and Quebec.  

Many students who study abroad in Canada enjoy exploring the unique culture, from French-speaking provinces to vibrant, multicultural cities. Outside of the urban areas, there are also incredible national parks to explore, from the idyllic landscapes of Banff to the sandy beaches of Prince Edward Island.

Is Canada Good for Business Students? 

Canada is home to several top-ranked business schools. Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto takes the top spot among Canadian business schools in the Financial Times Global MBA Ranking. The MBA programs at Queen’s University Smith School of Business, Western University: Ivey, and McGill University: Desautels rank among the top 100 globally.

As one of the world’s largest economies, Canada is an ideal place to start your career. There are career opportunities for business students in both global multinationals and exciting startups; large companies with headquarters in the country include Lululemon, Shopify, and Thomson Reuters.

In general, the biggest industries in Canada are banking, energy, FMCG, and IT. However, there are also fast-growing startup scenes in innovative areas such as cleantech, big data, and AI. Startup hubs in Canada include Montréal, Québec City, and Edmonton.

Canada is also one of the leading countries for quality of life; it gains particularly high scores for the quality of its education system, jobs market, and public health system. 

Additionally, five Canadian cities  appear in the top 30 of the Mercer Quality of Living City Ranking 2024: Vancouver, Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, and Calgary. This is despite Canada’s reputation as a relatively expensive country. 

How Do I Start the Application Process for Studying in Canada? 

The application process in Canada is the same as for other international business schools. You’ll apply directly through your chosen university or business school, and while individual application forms may differ slightly, they all have similar requirements, including: 

• Academic transcripts
• CV
• Letter of intent or personal statement
• Two academic or professional references 

If English isn’t your first language, you’ll also need to prove that you have sufficient English language skills to study in the country. The most popular English language exams for entrance to Canadian universities and business schools are IELTS Academic, PTE Academic, C1 Advanced, and TOEFL iBT. 

Remember that Canada is a bilingual country, so there’s the option to take your business course in French (3% of international students in Canada hail from France).

You also need to be aware that for graduate business programs like an MBA, your application will likely require a GMAT https://www.mba.com/exams/gmat-exam or GRE score. Even if they don’t, a high GMAT score can increase your application competitiveness. You can take your GMAT at one of the global testing centers.

How Do I Apply for a Student Visa to Canada?

Once you’ve been accepted to an approved Canadian institution, you need to apply for your Canadian student visa, which is called a study permit, and costs CA$150 (approximately US$110). 

At this stage, most student visa applicants will also need a provincial attestation letter (PAL) or a territorial attestation letter (TAL), provided by your school, to prove that you have a place at a Canadian institution.

As part of your student visa application, you must also prove that you have enough money to pay for your tuition fees and living expenses while in Canada. For institutions outside Quebec, this figure is CA$22,895 (US$16,500) per year, while in Quebec, the figure is CA$15,508 (US$11,200).

Applicants for institutions in Québec will also need a Québec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ), issued by the government of Québec.

How Much Does It Cost to Study in Canada?

While Canada certainly isn’t the cheapest study abroad destination, it’s still more affordable than destinations like the United States, Singapore, and Switzerland. 

Inevitably, living in a city is more expensive than in a small town; some of the most costly places to live in Canada are Vancouver, Toronto, Hamilton, and Ottawa. However, these cities are home to some of Canada’s top business schools, so you’ll have to weigh up your budget against your requirements for your study program.

International students in Canada are also required to take out health insurance; the type of insurance, coverage, and cost will depend on the province in which you study. For instance, in Ontario, the mandatory University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP) has an annual fee of CA$792 (approximately US$575). 

To give you an idea of the cost of living in Canada as an international student, here are some approximate monthly costs for everyday items and bills:

• Rent: CA$500-2,000
• Groceries: CA$240-480
• Transport: CA$80-156
• Restaurant meal: CA$15-40 
• Gym membership: CA$60

Data gathered from educanada.ca and numbeo.com.

What are the Tuition Fees for International Students in Canada?

Tuition fees in Canada for international students are approximately in line with those in other study destinations. However, they can vary depending on the university or business school you choose to study at and the province in which you study. 

On average, tuition fees for postgraduate business programs vary between CA$15,000-CA$55,000 per year. If you’re aiming for one of the best Master’s in Management programs in Canada, such as at the number-one-ranked Queen’s University Smith School of Business, expect to pay close to CA$60,000 (US$45,000) for your program. 

The cost of an MBA is typically much higher, and many Canadian MBAs come with a price tag of over CA$100,000 per year. For example, estimated fees for the top-ranked MBA program at the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management are CA$139,140 (US$101,200). 

What Types of Scholarships are Available for International Students in Canada?

When faced with high tuition fees, you might be wondering what kinds of Canadian scholarships and loans you can apply for to relieve the financial pressure. 

Your first stop should be your chosen university or business school, as they might provide some financial assistance for international students in need, including full and partial scholarships.

The Canadian government provides some scholarships to international students, such as the Study In Canada Scholarships (SICS), which are for students from select countries such as Bangladesh, Ukraine, and quite a few African countries. 

International student loans are more difficult to find than scholarships, but some companies offer loans to students without co-signers. For example, you could inquire with MPOWER or Prodigy Finance, both of which offer finance for students at Canadian universities.

TL;DR: How to Study Abroad in Canada

• Canada offers world-class universities, cultural diversity, and excellent career opportunities in cities including Ottawa, Toronto, and Vancouver.

   

• To apply to Canadian universities and business schools, you’ll need academic transcripts, a CV, a personal statement, references, and proof of English or French language proficiency (plus GMAT/GRE for graduate business programs).

   

• A study permit (CA$150) is required to study in Canada, along with proof of sufficient funds – living costs average CA$22,895 per year outside Quebec. Recent caps on study permits make it imperative that you start your research and application early, keeping a close eye on information from the Canadian province in which you wish to study.

   

• Tuition fees at business schools in Canada can vary, but they are generally comparable to those at other global institutions. Postgraduate business programs range from CA$15,000–55,000, while top MBAs can exceed CA$100,000.