Guidance to study in Canada for Indian students
A go-to destination for higher studies among Indian students is Canada. Canada offers a high-quality of education, a multicultural environment, a safe and welcoming society, and a range of opportunities for career and personal growth. According to the Canadian Bureau for International Education, there were more than 220,000 Indian students in Canada in 2020, making India the top source country for international students in Canada.
If you are an Indian student who wants to Study in Canada in 2023, you may be wondering what are the best courses to choose from, what are the requirements to apply, and how to get a study permit and a work permit. In this article, we will answer these questions and provide some useful tips to help you plan your study abroad journey.
Canada has a wide range of courses and programs to suit different interests and goals of Indian students. Some of the most popular undergraduate courses in Canada for Indian students are:
For postgraduate courses, some of the most sought-after fields are:
Canada is also home to some of the world&rsquos top research universities and institutes that offer doctoral degrees and postdoctoral fellowships in various disciplines.
To study in Canada as an international student, you need to meet certain academic and language requirements. You also need to apply for a study permit and a visa (if required) from the Canadian government.
The academic requirements vary depending on the level and type of program you want to enrol in. Generally, you must have completed your 12th grade or equivalent with good grades and relevant subjects for undergraduate programs. For postgraduate programs, you need a bachelor&rsquos degree or equivalent with good grades and relevant subjects from a recognized institution. You may also need to submit standardized test scores such as GRE or GMAT for some programs.
As an Indian student, one of the requirements to study in Canada is your proof of English proficiency. IELTS is the most widely accepted tests for English language proficiency. Apart from IELTS exam, TOEFL exam is also accepted as a standardised score. 
The minimum score required varies depending on the program and institution you choose. Generally, you need to have a score of at least 6.0 overall with no band less than 5.5 for undergraduate programs and at least 6.5 overall with no band less than 6.0 for postgraduate programs.
In India, you are required to apply for a study permit to study in Canada. To gain your student permit, start to apply at least 4 to 6 months before your semester begins. Expect another 35 working days to get your application processed. The application fees are 150 Canadian Dollars, which are approximately INR 8770 as of March 2023.  
You also need to submit the following documents:
One of the benefits of studying in Canada is that you can work while studying and after graduation. As an international student with a valid study permit, you can work up to 20 hours per week off campus during regular academic sessions and full time during scheduled breaks such as winter or summer holidays. You can also work on campus without any limit on hours if you meet certain conditions.
After completing your studies in Canada, you may be eligible to apply for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) that allows you to work in Canada for up to three years, depending on the length of your program. A PGWP is an open work permit that does not require a job offer and lets you work in any occupation and location in Canada.
To be eligible for a PGWP, you must meet the following criteria:
If you want to stay and work in Canada beyond your PGWP validity period, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residence through various immigration programs, such as:
These programs require you to meet certain criteria such as:
You can use the online tool Come to Canada to check your eligibility and explore your options.
Canada is an attractive destination for Indian students who want to pursue higher education and gain valuable work experience. By choosing the right course, meeting the requirements and applying for a study permit and a post-graduation work permit, you can make your dream of studying and working in Canada come true. For more information and guidance, you can contact our experienced counsellors who can help you with every step of your study abroad journey.