There are several compelling reasons why people consider moving to Canada from India. Whether these are job opportunities, high-quality education, or standard of living, international students wish to immigrate to the Land of Maple Leaf for better prospects. The average costs of moving to Canada include immigration expenses and the cost of living in the country. Securing funds and understanding visa requirements are also important steps to consider. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you move to Canada for higher education.
| Key Takeaways |
| Moving to Canada from India requires an acceptance letter, study permit, and required proof of funds in a GIC account. |
| Students can expect to spend CAD 30,000 to CAD 30,000 (INR 9.31 lakhs to 12.42 lakhs) annually for higher education in the country. |
| Students can claim non-refundable tax credits for tuition fees, medical expenses, and interest on student loans. |
Table of contents
Choose the Right University & City
Before moving to Canada from India, the first step is to choose the right university. You should explore Canadian universities that align with your academic interests. Consider factors like rankings, reputation, location, and cost of living. Many cheapest courses for international students in Canada can be pursued at the best universities.
The table below helps you navigate through the top 3 cities to live and study in the country for Indians. Check out the best universities and popular courses offered by them.
| City | Top Universities | Best Programs Offered |
| Toronto QS Ranking- 11 | University of Toronto QS Ranking- 25 | Medicine, Business (Rotman School), Engineering, Computer Science, and Humanities |
| York University QS Ranking- 362 | Business (Schulich School), Law, Social Sciences, and Environmental Studies | |
| Toronto Metropolitan University QS Ranking- 801-850 | Media Studies, Business (Ted Rogers School), Engineering, Fashion | |
| Montreal QS Ranking- 13 | McGill University QS Ranking- 31 | Medicine, Law, Business (Desautels Faculty), Arts and Humanities |
| Université de MontréalQS Ranking- 73 | Medicine, Arts, and Engineering | |
| Concordia University QS Ranking- 651-700 | Fine Arts, Business (John Molson School), and Engineering | |
| Vancouver QS Ranking- 18 | University of British Columbia QS Ranking- 34 | Forestry, Engineering, Business (Sauder School), and Arts |
| Simon Fraser University QS Ranking- 239 | Business (Beedie School), Computer Science, and Environmental Science | |
| University of Victoria QS Ranking- 351-400 | Environmental Studies, Humanities, and Law |
Also Read: Check out this blog on the cheapest cities to live in Canada and plan your budget accordingly without compromising your education and living standards.
Analyse the Cost of Living
The next step to consider when moving to Canada from India would involve analysing the costs of living in Canada. The average cost of living ranges from CAD 15,000 to 20,000 (approximately INR 9.31 lakhs to 12.42 lakhs per year), depending on individual preferences and the province of residence.
Besides, many hidden costs of living in Canada are important to consider. These include the English language proficiency test, GIC account, application fee (university and visa), application for study permit, application for medical purposes, and booking flight tickets.
Other monthly expenses related to accommodation, food, transportation, internet and miscellaneous expenses are as follows-
| Accommodation | CAD 400 to 500 |
| Food and Grocery | CAD 200 to 300 |
| Transportation | CAD 100 to 250 |
| Internet | CAD 30 to 50 |
| Miscellaneous | CAD 600 to 700 |
The given costs are subject to vary based on the city to choose to live in. Toronto and Vancouver have higher rents and food costs as compared to other Canadian cities.
Secure Financial Assistance
Now that you have a budget plan for a year for tuition fees and other living expenses, you need to ascertain the amount of financial assistance required to fund your education in Canada. Various ways can help you secure the necessary funds. If you have a family sponsorship, it’s the best. However, those in need of extra funds can apply for education loans and fully-funded scholarships in Canada.
Various banks and NBFCs in India offer loans up to INR 1 crore. They cover tuition fees, travel, accommodation, insurance, and many other expenses. Scholarships available for UG, PG and PhD programs are also available to help you achieve your goals without worrying about repayment of the funds.
| Top Indian Banks for Education Loans in Canada | Top Scholarships for International Students in Canada |
| State Bank of India | Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships – Doctoral Courses |
| Bank of Baroda | Google PhD Fellowship Program– PhD |
| ICICI Bank | Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships– Research |
| HDFC Bank | Lester B. Pearson Scholarship Program– Undergraduate Courses |
| Indian Overseas Bank | Aga Khan Foundation Scholarships– Postgraduate Courses |
Understand Visa Requirements
Moving to Canada from India also involves understanding the visa requirements. To apply for a Canada student visa, you must receive a valid acceptance letter from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) authorised to host international students.
Apply for your visa as early as possible after receiving your acceptance letter from the university. You have to show proof of financial assistance to cover tuition fees, living expenses, and travel expenses. It is ideal to open a GIC account and demonstrate sufficient funds.
- The application process begins by registering yourself on the IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) website to submit your application.
- Gather all important documents. These include a passport, acceptance letter, proof of funds, academic transcripts, language proficiency scores, Statement of Purpose (SOP), medical examination results, and passport-size photographs.
- Submit the Canada visa application fee, which is approximately CAD 150.
- Provide your biometric information online and wait for visa processing.
Confirm Student Accommodation in Canada
Many on-campus and off-campus student accommodation are available in the country. While both have their fair share of advantages and disadvantages, it is important to choose student housing that is fully furnished and well-equipped with modern amenities. This enables all students to enjoy a comfortable and luxurious living away from home.
Fly Homes helps with affordable student accommodation in Canada. Whether you are in Toronto, Vancouver, Westminster, Ottawa, or any other city, you can explore a wide range of room options. Follow the given tips to save on your accommodation costs-
- It is better to choose your accommodation near the university. This helps you save on travelling expenses.
- Make sure to rent shared accommodation with other students to save a significant budget and enjoy an active lifestyle in Canada.
Also Read: Check out this blog on the best cultural and recreational activities in Canada and be a part of the country’s stunning culture and tradition.
Explore Work Opportunities
When you move to Canada from India, exploring part-time employment opportunities in Canada not only lets you gain insightful experience but also covers additional costs in the country.
International students can work part-time (up to 20 hours/week) during academic sessions and full-time during breaks. You can earn CAD 300 to 400 per week, and even higher depending on your profile and the location of the work. Internships, co-op placements, and other part-time roles can be applied for when you have a valid study permit.
After completing your studies, you may apply for a PGWP (Post-Graduation Work Permit), allowing you to work in Canada for up to three years. Opportunities exist in various fields including:
- Healthcare (nurses, healthcare assistants)
- Information Technology (software engineers, web developers)
- Engineering (civil, mechanical)
- Business roles (financial analysts, marketing executives)
Most universities have career centres that assist international students with job placements and resume building. You can also utilize platforms like Indeed, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn to find job openings.
Know about Tax Rules for Students
All those moving to Canada from India must understand the tax rules for international students in Canada that apply to them. Filing taxes can lead to potential refunds and eligibility for various benefits. They include average tax refunds that can be around CAD 998 and access to credits like the GST/HST credit and other provincial benefits.
Before that, understand the residency status/ category-
| You are a Resident | If you have established significant ties with Canada |
| You are a Non-Resident | If you do not have significant ties and stay in Canada for less than 183 days in a year |
| You are a Deemed Resident | If you lived in Canada for more than 183 days but do not have significant ties |
| You are a Non-Deemed Resident | If you have significant ties with another country that has a tax treaty with Canada that classifies you as a resident of that country for tax purposes |
- Most international students are required to file a Canadian income tax return if they earned income in Canada or wish to claim benefits such as the Goods and Services Tax (GST) credit or tuition credits.
- If you did not earn any income during the year, you may still want to file a return to access certain benefits
- You can claim non-refundable tax credits for tuition fees, medical expenses, and interest on student loans. Tuition fees paid can be claimed using the T2202 form.
This was all about moving to Canada from India. I hope students who are planning to study in Canada have a better understanding and picture of important parameters to consider when immigrating to the country.
For booking the best student housing abroad to start your study abroad experience you can contact Fly Homes at 1800572118.
FAQs
Absolutely. Many Indian students are considering moving to Canada because of job opportunities, high-quality education, and better standards of living.
Indian students should budget approximately CAD 30,000 to CAD 30,000 (INR 9.31 lakhs to 12.42 lakhs) for the first year in Canada when considering both tuition and living expenses.
To move to Canada, secure acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution, apply for a study permit and gather necessary documentation like financial proof and medical exams.
Yes, students must file an income tax return if they earn income in Canada. They can help you claim certain tax credits related to tuition and living expenses.
Initially, one can face challenges adjusting to a new city and country, encountering various cultural shocks in Canada. However, gradually, with friendly social support and other benefits related to healthcare and education, settling in Canada is easier.
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