Tuition Fees

International students typically pay between CAD 15,000 and CAD 40,000 per year, depending on the university and program.

Cost of Living

Approximately CAD 10,000–CAD 15,000 per year.

• Accommodation: CAD 600–CAD 1,500/month
• Food and Groceries: CAD 200–CAD 400/month
• Transportation: CAD 80–CAD 120/month

Climate

• Toronto: -5°C to 27°C (winter to summer)
• Vancouver: 0°C to 23°C
• Montreal: -10°C to 26°C

Emerging Sectors (2025–2028)

• 2025–2027: Artificial intelligence, renewable energy, health sciences, and financial technology (fintech).
• 2028: Quantum computing, clean technology, personalized medicine, and biotechnology.

Fun Facts

• Canada has two official languages: English and French. Quebec is the hub for French speakers.
• It is home to breathtaking natural wonders like Niagara Falls, Banff National Park, and the Northern Lights.
• The maple leaf on the Canadian flag reflects the country’s reputation as the largest global producer of maple syrup.

Finding Student Accommodations

Tips and Tricks

• University Residences: Start with on-campus housing for convenience.
• Shared Rentals: Sharing apartments with other students reduces costs significantly.
• Proximity to Transit: Choose housing near public transportation to save on commuting expenses.

Websites & Apps

• Websites:
  • Kijiji
  • Rentals.ca
  • Student.com
  • Places4Students
• Apps:
  • PadMapper
  • RentFaster
  • Roomi

Social Media Platforms

• Facebook Groups: Join student housing groups for specific cities or universities in Canada.
• Reddit: Explore subreddits like r/CanadaHousing for rental advice and listings.

Tips for Holidays & Cultural Exposure

• Canada Day (July 1st): Attend parades, fireworks, and cultural festivals celebrating Canada’s birthday.
• Thanksgiving (October): Enjoy a traditional Canadian Thanksgiving dinner with friends or host families.
• Winterlude (February): Participate in Ottawa’s winter festival featuring ice sculptures and skating.
• Maple Syrup Festivals (Spring): Visit sugar shacks to learn about syrup production and taste fresh treats.
• National Indigenous Peoples Day (June 21st): Experience cultural events celebrating Indigenous heritage.

Grocery Shopping for Students

Budget Grocery Stores:

• Walmart
• No Frills
• Costco (ideal for bulk shopping)
• FreshCo

Indian Grocery Websites:

• iShopIndian: ishopindian.ca
• India Bazaar: indiabazaar.ca
• South Asian Grocery Store: sagrocerystore.ca

Pro Tip:

• Check local Indian stores or farmers’ markets in cities like Toronto or Vancouver for fresh produce and spices.

Best Banks

• Scotiabank: Offers student-friendly accounts and the popular Scotiabank StartRight Program.
• RBC (Royal Bank of Canada): Known for its extensive branch network and no-fee student accounts.
• CIBC: Provides tailored banking solutions for international students.

Health Insurance Options

• Provincial Health Insurance: Available in provinces like British Columbia, Alberta, and Manitoba (coverage varies by province).
• Private Insurance:
  • Guard.me
  • Allianz Global Assistance

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) in Canada

• Eligibility
  • Must have completed a full-time program of at least 8 months duration.
  • The program must be from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada.
• Validity
  • The permit duration depends on the length of your study program, with a maximum validity of 3 years.
• Application
  • You must apply for the PGWP within 180 days of receiving your final marks or completion letter.

Lotus Study Experts Score Card for Canada

• Affordability: 7.5/10
• Quality of Education: 9.0/10
• Post-Study Work Opportunities: 8.0/10
• Cultural Experience: 8.5/10
• Living Conditions: 8.5/10

Lotus Study Experts Score Card

The Lotus Study Experts evaluates study-abroad destinations based on critical factors for international students. Here's a concise breakdown of the factors considered:

Factors Considered for the Score:

Affordability (1–10):
Average tuition fees, cost of living, and availability of scholarships/financial aid.

Quality of Education (1–10):
University rankings, academic reputation, and research opportunities.

Post-Study Work Opportunities (1–10):
Work visa options, job market demand, and pathways to permanent residency.

Cultural Experience (1–10):
Cultural diversity, international student support, and social activities.

Living Conditions (1–10):
Safety, healthcare, public infrastructure, and environmental factors.

This comprehensive approach ensures that each score reflects the overall suitability of the country for students, helping them make informed decisions.