Study in Canada.

The total budget for studying in Canada from India is approximately ₹27-35 Lakhs for the first year. This includes: Tuition Fees (₹12-15 Lakhs), Living Cost GIC (₹14.9 Lakhs which is $22,895 CAD), Air Ticket (₹1 Lakh), Visa Fee (₹25,000), and Other Expenses (₹1-2 Lakhs). After arriving in Canada, you can work 24 hours per week and earn ₹80,000-1,00,000 per month to cover your living costs. This makes Canada very affordable compared to USA or UK.

For Nepali students, the total budget is approximately NPR 42-54 Lakhs (CAD 35,000-45,000) for the first year. This includes: Tuition Fees (NPR 18-23 Lakhs), Living Cost GIC (NPR 22.9 Lakhs), Air Ticket (NPR 1.5 Lakhs), and Other Expenses (NPR 1.5-3 Lakhs). Education loans are available from Nabil Bank, Siddhartha Bank, Global IME, and international lenders like MPOWER Financing who do not require collateral. Part-time work earnings of NPR 1.6 Lakhs per month can cover most living expenses.

For Sri Lankan students, the total budget is approximately LKR 95-120 Lakhs (CAD 35,000-45,000) for the first year. This includes: Tuition Fees (LKR 40-55 Lakhs), Living Cost GIC (LKR 50.4 Lakhs), Air Ticket (LKR 3.3 Lakhs), and Other Expenses (LKR 3-5 Lakhs). Banks like DFCC, Bank of Ceylon, and Seylan Bank offer education loans up to LKR 10 million with repayment periods of 7-10 years. Part-time work can earn you LKR 3.6 Lakhs per month.

The GIC (Guaranteed Investment Certificate) amount is CAD $22,895 as of September 2025. This equals approximately: India - ₹14.9 Lakhs, Nepal - NPR 22.9 Lakhs, Sri Lanka - LKR 50.4 Lakhs. You transfer this money to a Canadian bank like CIBC, SBI Canada, or RBC before filing your visa. When you arrive in Canada, you receive $2,000 immediately, and the rest comes in monthly installments of about $1,700. This money is yours to use for living expenses.

The Canada study permit application fee is CAD $235 (approximately ₹15,000 / NPR 23,500 / LKR 51,700). Additional costs include: Biometrics fee of CAD $85, Medical examination (₹5,000-8,000 depending on hospital), and VFS service charge. Total visa-related costs are around ₹25,000-30,000. These fees are non-refundable even if your visa is rejected, so make sure your application is complete and strong.

Processing times vary by country: India takes 8-12 weeks through Standard Stream, Nepal takes 10-14 weeks, and Sri Lanka takes 10-14 weeks. You should apply at least 4-6 months before your intake date to be safe. During peak seasons (May-August for September intake), processing can take longer. EEC recommends starting your application process 6-8 months before your planned departure.

The overall approval rate is approximately 38-48% (2026 data). Country-specific rates are: India has about 20% approval (80% rejection - highest in decade), Nepal has about 35% approval (65% rejection), and Sri Lanka has about 40% approval (60% rejection). These numbers sound scary, but with proper documentation, genuine study intent, and strong financial proof, your chances improve significantly. EEC has a high success rate because we prepare applications properly.

While some colleges accept alternative tests like PTE, TOEFL, or Duolingo (DET), IELTS remains the safest choice for visa approval. Minimum scores required are: Diploma - IELTS 6.0 (no band below 5.5), Bachelor's/Master's - IELTS 6.5 (no band below 6.0). Important: For PGWP (work permit after study), you now need language scores - CLB 7 for degrees, CLB 5 for diplomas. So even if you get admission without IELTS, you will need it later.

There is no official age limit for Canada student visa, but applicants over 30 face additional scrutiny. Visa officers may question why you are studying at an older age. To succeed, you must demonstrate: Clear study purpose that makes sense for your career, Strong ties to home country (family, property, job), Genuine intent to return after studies, and Sufficient funds. Many students in their 30s and even 40s get visas when their applications are well-prepared.

Yes, Canada remains an excellent choice for international students in 2026. Here is why: 3-year PGWP (work permit) is still available, Clear PR pathway through Express Entry exists, High minimum wages of $17-18 per hour, Quality education that is globally recognized, Safe and multicultural environment, and 408,000 study permits are being issued in 2026 (reduced from 437,000 in 2025). The new rules are stricter but they actually benefit genuine students by reducing fraud and improving job market conditions.

PAL is a letter from the province confirming they have space for you as an international student. It is part of Canada's new cap on international students. PAL is REQUIRED for: Undergraduate students, Diploma students, and Certificate students. PAL is EXEMPT for: Master's and PhD students (from January 2026). Your college provides PAL after you pay tuition fees. Without PAL, your visa application will be rejected. The PAL system ensures provinces do not get overcrowded with students.

Essential documents include: Valid Passport (minimum 6 months validity), Letter of Acceptance from DLI (Designated Learning Institution), Provincial Attestation Letter (if required), Proof of Funds (GIC receipt + Tuition payment receipt), Academic Documents (10th, 12th, Degree marksheets), English Test Scores (IELTS/PTE/TOEFL), Statement of Purpose (SOP), Medical Examination Results, Police Clearance Certificate, Bank Statements (last 12 months), Income Tax Returns (last 3 years of sponsor), and Passport-size Photographs. Missing even one document can cause rejection.

Top rejection reasons based on 2026 data are: Insufficient financial proof (40% of rejections) - not showing enough funds or weak bank statements, Doubts about return intent (76% cite this) - officer thinks you will not leave Canada, Incomplete or inauthentic documents (13,000+ cases in 2024), Weak study plan progression - course does not match your background, Low language scores - IELTS below required level, Gap in education not explained - long gaps raise questions, and Previous visa refusals not addressed properly.

Key strategies to get your visa approved: Pay full 1-year tuition (not just 1 semester) to show commitment, Show 12+ months bank statements with consistent balance, Explain any education gaps clearly in your SOP, Choose a course that matches your educational background, Write a strong and genuine Statement of Purpose, Provide complete documentation with no missing papers, Show strong ties to home country (family, property, job offer), and Apply through experienced consultants like EEC who know what officers look for.

SDS (Student Direct Stream) was a faster processing option that was discontinued on November 8, 2024. Now ALL applications go through Standard Stream only. Standard Stream requires: Full documentation (no shortcuts), Complete financial proof (GIC + tuition + additional funds), PAL (if applicable), and Longer processing time (8-12 weeks). The good news is that Standard Stream applications are reviewed more thoroughly, which can actually help genuine students stand out.

Yes, you can reapply immediately after rejection. There is no waiting period. Steps to follow: Request GCMS notes to understand the exact rejection reason (takes 30 days), Address the specific concerns mentioned in rejection, Strengthen weak areas like funds, documents, or SOP, Consider different intake or college if needed, and Apply with an improved and stronger application. Many students get approved on their second or third attempt when they fix the issues properly.

Biometrics include your fingerprints and photograph taken at a Visa Application Centre (VFS). This is required for all applicants aged 14-79 years. The fee is CAD $85 (approximately ₹5,500). Your biometrics are valid for 10 years, so if you apply for another Canadian visa within 10 years, you do not need to give biometrics again. After submitting your online application, you will receive a Biometric Instruction Letter telling you when and where to go.

Medical examination includes: Physical examination by panel physician, Chest X-ray to check for tuberculosis, Blood tests (HIV, Syphilis), and Urine test. You must get this done at an IRCC-approved panel physician. In India, popular options include KD Hospital (Ahmedabad), Apollo Hospital, and Fortis. The medical report is valid for 12 months. Cost is approximately ₹5,000-8,000. The doctor uploads results directly to IRCC - you do not carry any papers.

Your study permit validity matches your program length plus 90 days. For example: 2-year diploma means visa valid for 2 years + 90 days, 4-year degree means visa valid for 4 years + 90 days. If you want to continue studying (like doing Master's after Bachelor's), you can extend your study permit from within Canada. You should apply for extension at least 30 days before your current permit expires.

DLI is a school approved by the provincial government to host international students. Only acceptance letters from DLI schools are valid for study permit applications. All primary and secondary schools are automatically DLIs. For colleges and universities, you must check if they are on the official DLI list. Each DLI has a unique DLI number that you need for your visa application. You can search the DLI list on the official IRCC website at canada.ca.

Yes! International students can work in Canada without a separate work permit. The rules are: 24 hours per week during academic sessions (classes), Unlimited hours during scheduled breaks (summer, winter holidays), On-campus work has no hour limit. You need a valid study permit and Social Insurance Number (SIN) to work. You cannot work before your classes start. Breaking these rules can result in deportation and ban from Canada.

Minimum wages vary by province in 2026: Ontario is $17.60 per hour, British Columbia is $17.85 per hour, Alberta is $15.00 per hour, Quebec is $16.10 per hour, and Federal minimum is $17.75 per hour. Students typically earn $16-20 per hour in part-time jobs. Some jobs like tutoring, delivery, or skilled work can pay $20-25 per hour. The minimum wage increases every year based on inflation.

Monthly earning potential for students: During classes (24 hours/week at $17.75/hour) = $1,704/month (approximately ₹1,10,760). During breaks (40 hours/week) = $2,840/month (approximately ₹1,84,600). Annual earnings can be $20,000-27,000 CAD. This is enough to cover most of your living expenses! Many students send money home after covering their costs. Your earnings depend on the province, type of job, and your skills.

Popular student jobs in Canada include: Retail stores (Walmart, Canadian Tire, Shoppers), Food service (Tim Hortons, McDonald's, Subway, restaurants), Campus jobs (library assistant, admin, lab helper), Tutoring (especially math, science, English), Delivery services (Uber Eats, DoorDash, Skip), Customer service (call centers, help desks), Warehouse work (Amazon, logistics), and Caregiving (elderly care, babysitting). Campus jobs are easiest to get and most flexible with your class schedule.

PGWP allows you to work in Canada after completing your studies. Duration depends on your program: 8 months to 2 years study = PGWP matching your program length, 2+ years study = 3-year PGWP, Bachelor's/Master's/PhD = 3 years regardless of field, Diploma = 3 years only if in STEM/Healthcare/Trades fields. PGWP is open work permit - you can work for any employer, any job. This is your pathway to PR (Permanent Residence).

Key PGWP changes effective from November 2024: Language requirement added - CLB 7 for degrees, CLB 5 for diplomas (you must submit language test scores with PGWP application), Field of study restriction for non-degree programs - only STEM, Healthcare, Trades, Agriculture, Transport fields eligible, Bachelor's/Master's/PhD graduates are exempt from field restrictions, and 18-month PGWP extension available for some graduates (apply by April 30, 2026). These rules ensure PGWP holders can find jobs in high-demand fields.

Spouse Open Work Permit (SOWP) eligibility changed on January 21, 2025. Now ELIGIBLE: Spouses of Master's students (16+ months program), Spouses of PhD students, Spouses of professional degree students (Medicine, Law, Engineering, Nursing, Pharmacy). NOT ELIGIBLE: Spouses of diploma students, Spouses of certificate students, Spouses of undergraduate students, Spouses of short Master's programs (less than 16 months). If eligible, spouse gets open work permit - can work any job, any employer.

Monthly costs vary by city: Toronto is $3,400-4,100 (most expensive), Vancouver is $3,200-4,000 (expensive), Montreal is $2,700-3,300 (affordable - recommended!), Calgary is $3,000-3,600 (moderate), Ottawa is $3,000-3,700 (moderate), Quebec City is $1,800-2,400 (very affordable). Rent is the biggest expense (50-60% of budget). Sharing apartment with roommates can save $500-800 per month. Montreal and Quebec City offer best value for money.

Yes! Co-op work permits allow you to work as part of your study program. Benefits include: Gain Canadian work experience while studying, Earn money during co-op terms, Build professional network, Boost your resume for PGWP jobs, and Some co-ops lead to full-time job offers. Rules: Co-op must be essential part of your program (not optional), Work cannot exceed 50% of total program time, and You need a separate co-op work permit. Many colleges like Conestoga, Seneca offer excellent co-op programs.

SIN is a 9-digit number required to work in Canada. It is like Aadhaar in India or National ID. How to get SIN: Visit any Service Canada office with your study permit, acceptance letter, and passport. It is completely FREE. Processing takes 1-2 weeks (you get a paper with your number). Your SIN starts with 9 (temporary resident). Keep your SIN confidential - do not share it unnecessarily. Without SIN, no employer can legally pay you.

PR pathways after graduation: Express Entry (Canadian Experience Class) - most popular, need 1 year Canadian work experience, Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) - province nominates you, adds 600 CRS points, Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) - for Atlantic provinces with job offer, and Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP) - for smaller communities. Most students follow this path: Study 2+ years → Get 3-year PGWP → Work 1 year → Apply Express Entry → Get PR in 6 months.

Express Entry is Canada's main immigration system using CRS (Comprehensive Ranking System) points. Maximum 1,200 points possible. Key factors: Age (best 20-29 years) - up to 110 points, Education (PhD highest) - up to 150 points, Language (IELTS/CELPIP) - up to 136 points, Work experience - up to 80 points, and Provincial nomination - 600 points bonus. You create online profile, enter the pool, and wait for invitation based on your CRS score. Current CEC draws are around 509-511 points.

Recent CRS cut-offs in 2026: Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draws: 509-511 points, Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draws: 711-749 points (but PNP gives you 600 bonus points, so you only need 111-149 base score!). For students, typical CRS breakdown: Age 25 = 110 points, Bachelor's degree = 120 points, IELTS 7.0 each = 124 points, 1 year Canadian experience = 40 points, Canadian education bonus = 30 points. Total = 424 points. Add PNP nomination = 1,024 points - guaranteed invitation!

Yes! Diploma students can absolutely get PR in Canada. Path: Complete 2-year diploma (choose STEM/Healthcare/Trades for 3-year PGWP), Work 1 year in skilled occupation (NOC 0, A, or B level), Score CLB 7 in language test, Apply through Express Entry or PNP. Diploma gives you 98 CRS points for education. Canadian diploma + Canadian work experience gives significant bonus points. Many diploma graduates get PR within 3-4 years of arriving in Canada.

PNP allows Canadian provinces to nominate candidates for PR based on local labor needs. Popular PNPs: Ontario (OINP) - largest province, most jobs, British Columbia (BC PNP) - tech hub, Alberta (AINP) - oil and gas, lower cost, Saskatchewan (SINP) - easier requirements, and Manitoba (MPNP) - good for students. PNP nomination adds 600 CRS points - this almost guarantees you will get PR invitation! Each province has different streams and requirements. Choose your study province wisely.

Typical timeline for students: Study program: 2-4 years, PGWP work experience: 1 year minimum, Express Entry application processing: 6 months, Total: 3-5 years from start of study. Faster options: Some PNP streams process in 3-6 months, Atlantic Immigration Program is faster, RNIP for rural areas can be quicker. If you plan well and choose the right province and program, you can get PR within 3 years of landing in Canada.

CEC is an Express Entry program for people with Canadian work experience. Requirements: Minimum 1 year skilled work experience in Canada (in last 3 years), Language: CLB 7 for NOC TEER 0/1 jobs, CLB 5 for NOC TEER 2/3 jobs, No minimum education requirement (but education gives CRS points), Must be living in Canada or have valid status. CEC is the most popular pathway for international students because you already have Canadian experience from PGWP work.

Yes! Most PR pathways do NOT require a job offer. Express Entry (CEC, FSWP) - no job offer needed, Many PNP streams - no job offer needed, You can apply while working any job on PGWP. Job offer adds bonus CRS points: NOC TEER 0 job offer = 200 points, Other skilled job offers = 50 points. But even without job offer, students with good CRS scores (480+) regularly get PR invitations. Focus on improving language scores and getting Canadian experience.

International students have very high PR success rates because: Canadian education gives 15-30 bonus CRS points, Canadian work experience gives 40-80 points, Age advantage (most students are 20-29 - maximum points), Language proficiency (you already passed IELTS for study), Familiarity with Canadian system. Statistics show over 60% of international students eventually get PR. Students who complete 2+ year programs and work 1+ year have even higher success rates - close to 80%.

Best provinces depend on your goals: Ontario - largest job market, most diverse economy, highest salaries but expensive, British Columbia - tech hub, beautiful weather, good for IT students, Alberta - lower cost of living, oil/gas/trades jobs, easier PNP, Saskatchewan - lower CRS requirements, good for agriculture/trades, Manitoba - student-friendly PNP, lower cost, and Quebec - separate immigration system, need French. For most Indian/Nepali/Sri Lankan students, Ontario or BC offer best job opportunities, while Alberta/Saskatchewan offer easier PR path.

To apply for Canadian citizenship, you need: 1) Physical presence of 1,095 days (3 years) in the last 5 years, with at least 730 days as a permanent resident. Time as a student or worker counts as 0.5 days per calendar day (max 365 days credit). 2) File taxes for 3 of the 5 years if required. 3) Language proof: CLB 4 (adults 18–54). 4) Citizenship test (18–54). 5) Oath of citizenship. Application fee is CAD $649.75 (processing $530 + right of citizenship $119.75). Source: IRCC canada.ca citizenship eligibility.

The Express Entry (economic immigration) PR fee is CAD $1,525 for the principal applicant. This includes: Processing fee $950 + Right of Permanent Residence fee (RPRF) $575. If you include a spouse or partner, add $1,525 per person. Dependent children are $260 each. Fees are from IRCC official fee list (ircc.canada.ca). You can pay the RPRF when you apply or when your application is approved.

High-demand courses that help with PR: Nursing and Healthcare (highest demand, easy PR), Computer Science and IT (tech jobs everywhere), Engineering - Civil, Mechanical, Electrical (always needed), Data Science and AI (growing field), Skilled Trades - Electrician, Plumber, Welder (shortage of workers), Business Analytics (corporate jobs), Cybersecurity (high paying), Early Childhood Education (easy PR in most provinces), Supply Chain Management (post-COVID demand), and Environmental Science (green jobs growing). Choose based on your interest AND job market demand.

Key differences: Colleges offer Diplomas and Certificates (1-3 years), focus on practical skills, fees $15,000-22,000/year, and are better for quick job placement. Universities offer Degrees - Bachelor's, Master's, PhD (4+ years), focus on academic/research, fees $25,000-45,000/year, and are better for professional careers. For PGWP: University degrees get 3-year PGWP in any field, College diplomas get 3-year PGWP only in STEM/Healthcare/Trades. For budget-conscious students, college is often smarter choice.

Popular colleges with strong Indian student community: Seneca College (Ontario) - 200+ programs, good Toronto location, Humber College (Ontario) - excellent co-op programs, George Brown College (Ontario) - downtown Toronto, great for hospitality, Conestoga College (Ontario) - known for engineering and trades, Centennial College (Ontario) - diverse programs, affordable, Fanshawe College (Ontario) - good for healthcare, BCIT (British Columbia) - best for technical programs, and SAIT/NAIT (Alberta) - excellent for trades, lower cost. These colleges have high employment rates and good PR pathways.

Three main intakes in Canada: Fall Intake (September) - Application deadline June, Classes start September, MAXIMUM options available - most programs open, Winter Intake (January) - Application deadline September, Classes start January, Limited programs but less competition, Summer Intake (May) - Application deadline February, Classes start May, FEW programs available. Recommendation: Apply for Fall intake for maximum choices. Start your process 8-10 months before intake date.

Minimum IELTS requirements: Diploma programs - 6.0 overall (no band below 5.5), Bachelor's programs - 6.5 overall (no band below 6.0), Master's programs - 6.5-7.0 overall (varies by university), PhD programs - 7.0 overall (no band below 6.5). For PGWP (work permit after study): Degrees need CLB 7 (IELTS 6.0 each band), Diplomas need CLB 5 (IELTS 5.0 each band). Higher IELTS scores improve visa approval chances. EEC recommends targeting 6.5 overall for safety.

Yes, you can change college but with conditions: Complete at least 1 semester at your original college first, Get acceptance letter from new DLI (Designated Learning Institution), Apply for study permit amendment through IRCC, New college should ideally be in same province (for PAL compliance), Inform your original college about transfer. Warning: Changing college BEFORE arriving in Canada may require completely new visa application. Plan your college choice carefully from the start.

For diploma and certificate students (permits issued after November 2024), PGWP-eligible fields are: STEM - Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, Healthcare - Nursing, Medical Lab, Pharmacy Tech, Dental, Skilled Trades - Electrician, Plumber, Welder, Carpenter, HVAC, Agriculture and Agri-food - Farming, Food Science, Horticulture, and Transport - Aviation, Logistics, Supply Chain. Important: Bachelor's, Master's, and PhD graduates are eligible for PGWP regardless of their field of study. No restrictions for degree holders.

Consider these factors when choosing: Program availability - does college offer your desired course?, Location and cost of living - Toronto expensive, smaller cities cheaper, Co-op/internship opportunities - practical experience matters, Graduate employment rate - check college statistics, PGWP eligibility - is your program in eligible field?, PR pathway support - does college help with immigration?, Student support services - especially for international students, Campus facilities - library, labs, housing, and Fees - compare tuition across colleges. Visit college websites and attend virtual info sessions.

Tuition fees for international students in 2026: College Diploma - CAD $15,000-22,000 per year (₹10-14 Lakhs), University Bachelor's - CAD $25,000-45,000 per year (₹16-29 Lakhs), Master's programs - CAD $20,000-35,000 per year (₹13-23 Lakhs), MBA programs - CAD $30,000-60,000 per year (₹20-39 Lakhs), PhD programs - Often funded with stipend. Public colleges are generally cheaper than private. Ontario and BC are most expensive provinces. Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan have lower fees.

Yes! Available scholarships: Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships - CAD $50,000/year for PhD students, Lester B. Pearson Scholarships - Full tuition for undergrad at University of Toronto, Ontario Trillium Scholarship - CAD $40,000/year for PhD, Study in Canada Scholarships - Government funded, deadline March 31, 2026, and University-specific scholarships - Each university offers merit-based awards. Tips: Apply early (8-12 months before intake), Maintain high grades, Write strong scholarship essays, and Check eligibility for your country (India, Nepal, Sri Lanka all eligible for most scholarships).

Step-by-step process for Nepali students: Take IELTS exam (target 6.0-6.5 overall), Choose your course and college carefully, Apply for admission through EEC, Receive offer letter (1-6 weeks), Pay tuition fees to college, Get PAL (Provincial Attestation Letter) if required, Open GIC account - deposit NPR 22.9 Lakhs ($22,895 CAD), Complete medical examination at panel physician in Kathmandu, Submit visa application online through GCKey portal, Give biometrics at VFS Kathmandu. Processing time is 10-14 weeks. Start process 6-8 months before intake.

Loan options for Nepali students: Nabil Bank - Collateral-based, 10-12% interest, established bank with good service, Siddhartha Bank - Collateral-based, 10-12% interest, education loan specialist, Global IME Bank - Property or guarantor required, 11-13% interest, MPOWER Financing - NO collateral needed, 12-14% interest, international lender, and Prodigy Finance - NO collateral, NO cosigner, variable interest, covers living expenses too. For students without property, MPOWER and Prodigy are best options. They approve based on your future earning potential, not current assets.

Step-by-step process for Sri Lankan students: Take IELTS exam (target 6.5 overall), Research and select university/college, Apply for admission with required documents, Receive acceptance letter, Pay tuition fees to institution, Get PAL (if required for your program), Open GIC account - deposit LKR 50.4 Lakhs ($22,895 CAD), Complete medical examination at approved clinic in Colombo, Submit visa application online, Give biometrics at VFS Colombo. Processing time is 10-14 weeks. Apply 6 months before your intake date.

Loan options for Sri Lankan students: DFCC Bank - Flexible amounts based on course, up to 10 years repayment, quick processing, Bank of Ceylon - Maximum Rs. 10 million (80% of fees), up to 7 years repayment, 4-year grace period, government bank, Seylan Bank - Maximum LKR 7.5 million, Seylan Scholar program, dedicated support, NDB Bank - Varies by case, education specialist, and Commercial Bank - Established bank with student support. Most Sri Lankan banks require collateral or guarantor. Compare interest rates and repayment terms before choosing.

Monthly costs in Indian Rupees (INR): Toronto - ₹2.2-2.7 Lakhs per month (most expensive), Vancouver - ₹2.1-2.6 Lakhs per month, Montreal - ₹1.8-2.2 Lakhs per month (recommended - affordable!), Calgary - ₹2.0-2.4 Lakhs per month, Ottawa - ₹2.0-2.4 Lakhs per month, Quebec City - ₹1.2-1.6 Lakhs per month (cheapest major city). Your part-time work earnings of ₹80,000-1,00,000 per month can cover 40-60% of these costs. Sharing accommodation saves ₹30,000-50,000 monthly.

Monthly costs in Nepali Rupees (NPR): Toronto - NPR 3.4-4.1 Lakhs per month, Vancouver - NPR 3.2-4.0 Lakhs per month, Montreal - NPR 2.7-3.3 Lakhs per month (best value!), Calgary - NPR 3.0-3.6 Lakhs per month, Ottawa - NPR 3.0-3.7 Lakhs per month, Quebec City - NPR 1.8-2.4 Lakhs per month (cheapest). Part-time work earnings of approximately NPR 1.6 Lakhs per month help significantly. Many Nepali students choose Montreal or smaller cities to save money while studying.

Monthly costs in Sri Lankan Rupees (LKR): Toronto - LKR 7.5-9.0 Lakhs per month, Vancouver - LKR 7.0-8.8 Lakhs per month, Montreal - LKR 5.9-7.3 Lakhs per month (affordable option), Calgary - LKR 6.6-7.9 Lakhs per month, Ottawa - LKR 6.6-8.1 Lakhs per month, Quebec City - LKR 4.0-5.3 Lakhs per month (most affordable). Part-time work can earn you approximately LKR 3.6 Lakhs per month, covering about 50% of living costs. Budget carefully given current LKR exchange rates.

Scholarships available for Nepali students: Study in Canada Scholarships (Government) - Nepal is listed as eligible country, deadline March 31, 2026, covers tuition, University of Toronto Lester B. Pearson - Full tuition + living for exceptional students, UBC International Scholars - Up to CAD $20,000, renewable, York University International Entrance Scholarship - Merit-based, and Various university-specific scholarships - Check each university website. Tips: Apply early, maintain excellent grades, write compelling essays about your goals, and highlight community involvement.

Scholarships available for Sri Lankan students: Study in Canada Scholarships (Government) - Sri Lanka eligible, Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships - CAD $50,000/year for PhD students, Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation - Doctoral scholarships, Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship - University of Toronto, full funding, and University-specific scholarships at UBC, McGill, Waterloo. Note: Sri Lanka-Canada Scholarship Foundation (SLCSF) focuses on secondary education in Sri Lanka, not university study in Canada. For Canada study, apply directly to Canadian universities.

Top rejection reasons for Nepal and Sri Lanka students: Insufficient funds (40% of rejections) - bank balance too low or inconsistent, Weak return intent demonstration - officer doubts you will come back, Incomplete documentation - missing papers or wrong format, Education gap not explained - long gaps between studies raise questions, Course not matching background - why studying something unrelated?, Low language scores - IELTS below required level, Previous refusals not addressed - must explain past rejections, Weak Statement of Purpose - generic or unconvincing SOP. Solution: Work with experienced consultants like EEC who understand these issues and prepare strong applications.

For Bangladeshi students, the total budget is approximately BDT 35-45 Lakhs (CAD 35,000-45,000) for the first year. This includes: Tuition Fees (BDT 13-18 Lakhs), Living Cost GIC (BDT 20.1 Lakhs which is $22,895 CAD), Air Ticket (BDT 1.2 Lakhs), Visa Fee + Biometrics (BDT 28,000), Medical & Insurance (BDT 60,000), and Other Expenses (BDT 1.5-2.5 Lakhs). After arriving in Canada, you can work 24 hours per week and earn approximately BDT 1.5 Lakhs per month to cover your living costs. Education loans are available from BRAC Bank, Sonali Bank, Eastern Bank, City Bank, and international lenders like MPOWER and Prodigy Finance.

Step-by-step process for Bangladeshi students: Take IELTS exam (target 6.0-6.5 overall), Choose your course and college carefully, Apply for admission through EEC, Receive offer letter (1-6 weeks), Pay tuition fees to college, Get PAL (Provincial Attestation Letter) if required, Open GIC account - deposit BDT 20.1 Lakhs ($22,895 CAD), Complete medical examination at panel physician in Dhaka, Submit visa application online through GCKey portal, Give biometrics at VFS Dhaka. Note: The Student Direct Stream (SDS) was discontinued on November 8, 2024. All applications now go through the standard stream with processing time of 8-12 weeks. Start your process 6-8 months before intake.

Loan options for Bangladeshi students: BRAC Bank Agami Personal Loan - Up to BDT 20 Lakhs, 8-10% interest, NO collateral required, 5-year repayment, Sonali Bank - Government bank, 9-11% interest, property collateral required, up to 10 years repayment, Agrani Bank - Government bank, competitive rates, grace period available, Eastern Bank Limited (EBL) - Up to BDT 25 Lakhs, quick approval, City Bank - Up to BDT 30 Lakhs, fast processing, Bank Asia - Student loan specialist, quick disbursement, Shahjalal Islami Bank (SIBL) - Shariah-compliant Islamic financing. International options: HDFC Credila, Prodigy Finance, and MPOWER Financing offer loans up to $100,000 without collateral - they approve based on your future earning potential, not current assets.

Monthly costs in Bangladeshi Taka (BDT): Toronto - BDT 3.0-3.6 Lakhs per month (most expensive), Vancouver - BDT 2.8-3.5 Lakhs per month, Montreal - BDT 2.4-2.9 Lakhs per month (best value - recommended!), Calgary - BDT 2.6-3.2 Lakhs per month, Ottawa - BDT 2.6-3.3 Lakhs per month (large Bangladeshi community), Quebec City - BDT 1.6-2.1 Lakhs per month (cheapest major city). Part-time work earnings of approximately BDT 1.5 Lakhs per month can cover 50-60% of living costs. Many Bangladeshi students choose Ontario (Toronto, Ottawa) or Manitoba due to existing Bangladeshi communities. Sharing accommodation saves BDT 40,000-70,000 monthly.

No. The Student Direct Stream (SDS) was officially discontinued by IRCC on November 8, 2024. All study permit applications from Bangladesh (and all countries) now go through the standard stream, with processing time of 8-12 weeks. Requirements for Bangladeshi students: Valid Letter of Acceptance from a DLI (Designated Learning Institution), IELTS score of 6.0 or higher in all bands (or equivalent), GIC of CAD $22,895 deposited in approved Canadian bank, PAL (Provincial Attestation Letter) if required, Financial proof and medical examination. Prepare a strong application with complete documentation. EEC can guide you through the process for maximum success.

Popular provinces for Bangladeshi students: Ontario (Toronto, Ottawa) - Largest Bangladeshi community in Canada, most job opportunities, top universities like University of Toronto, York University, Ryerson. 60%+ Bangladeshi students choose Ontario. Manitoba (Winnipeg) - Second most popular destination, 16% of Bangladeshi students choose Manitoba, lower cost of living, easier PR pathway through MPNP, University of Manitoba is popular. British Columbia (Vancouver) - Mild climate, tech hub, beautiful environment, UBC and SFU are top choices. Alberta (Calgary, Edmonton) - Lower cost of living, strong engineering and business programs, good PR pathway. Quebec (Montreal) - Most affordable major city, need some French for daily life but English programs available. Choose based on your budget, career goals, and community preference.

Top rejection reasons for Bangladeshi students applying to Canada: Insufficient financial proof - bank balance too low or inconsistent, not showing 12+ months of funds, Weak return intent demonstration - officer doubts you will return to Bangladesh after studies, Incomplete documentation - missing papers, wrong format, or unverified documents, Education gap not explained - long gaps between studies raise questions about your intentions, Course not matching background - studying something completely unrelated to your previous education, Low language scores - IELTS below required level (need 6.0 minimum), Previous refusals not addressed - must explain past visa rejections clearly, Weak Statement of Purpose - generic or unconvincing SOP that does not explain your genuine study plans. Solution: Since SDS was discontinued (Nov 2024), focus on thorough standard stream preparation — pay full tuition upfront, show strong financial documents, obtain PAL, and work with experienced consultants like EEC.