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AustraliaStudy in Canada 2026
Complete Guide for Indian Students
SDS visa, PGWP work permit, and clear PR pathway. Your gateway to Canadian education and permanent residency.
Quick Answer: Cost of Studying in Canada for Indian Students
Total cost for 2-year program: ₹15-40 Lakhs. This includes tuition (₹10-25 Lakhs), living expenses (₹8-12 Lakhs/year), and GIC/visa fees. Canadian colleges offer programs at ₹10-16 Lakhs for 2 years, making Canada 30-50% cheaper than USA.
Why Study in Canada?
Canada is the #1 destination for Indian students seeking permanent residency. With clear PR pathways, affordable education, and excellent quality of life, here's why Canada stands out:
Clear PR Pathway
90%+ success rate through Express Entry after 1 year work experience. No lottery system like USA H1B.
Affordable Education
30-50% cheaper than USA. Colleges offer quality programs at ₹10-16L for 2 years.
3-Year PGWP
2-year programs grant 3-year Post-Graduation Work Permit. Work for any employer, any sector.
Family-Friendly
Spouse gets open work permit. Children study for free in public schools. Family can immigrate together.
Canada Study Permit Process: Step-by-Step (SDS Discontinued 8 Nov 2024)
Get Admission to DLI
Apply to Designated Learning Institution (DLI) and receive Letter of Acceptance + PAL/TAL.
Pay First Year Tuition
Pay first year tuition fees and get receipt from the institution.
Purchase GIC (CAD 22,895)
Buy Guaranteed Investment Certificate from approved Canadian bank (Scotia, CIBC, ICICI Canada, etc.). IRCC cost-of-living min from 1 Sep 2025.
Take IELTS (6.0+ all bands)
Score minimum 6.0 in each band (Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking).
Apply Online via IRCC Portal
Submit study permit application via the regular stream (8-12 weeks processing). SDS was discontinued on 8 November 2024.
Study in Canada FAQ
Common questions about SDS, costs, and the PR pathway from Canada.
What is SDS visa for Canada?
IMPORTANT: The Student Direct Stream (SDS) was discontinued by IRCC on 8 November 2024. All Indian students now apply through the regular study permit stream (processing 8-12 weeks). Strong applications still benefit from: IELTS 6.0+ (no band below 6.0), GIC of CAD 22,895 (IRCC cost-of-living minimum from 1 Sep 2025), first-year tuition paid, admission to DLI, PAL/TAL.
How much does it cost to study in Canada for Indian students?
Total cost for 2-year PG Diploma: ₹15-25 Lakhs. For 2-year Master's: ₹25-40 Lakhs. This includes tuition (₹10-25 Lakhs), living (₹8-12 Lakhs/year), and initial costs. Colleges are cheaper than universities.
Can I get PR in Canada after study?
Yes! Canada offers clear PR pathway through Canadian Experience Class (CEC). After 1 year of skilled work experience on PGWP, you can apply for PR through Express Entry. Additional points for Canadian education, French language, and provincial nomination (PNP).