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Study in Canada — guide for Indian students
Immigration-Friendly with PR Pathway
🔴 PGWP rules tightening
Payback (median, all careers)
1.5 yrs
Median payback for an Indian student studying in Canada is 1.5 years — a fast payback by the J2E benchmark (fast = under 2 yrs, moderate = 2–4 yrs, long = over 4 yrs). Calculated using Canada median graduate salaries against total program cost incl. living.
Overview
Canada is one of the most popular destinations for Indian students, offering a direct pathway to Permanent Residency through the Post-Graduation Work Permi…
Quick stats
Post-study work
PGWP 1–3 years
Work while studying
20 hr/wk
Cost of studying in Canada
- Undergraduate: CAD 20,000 – 40,000 / year
- Postgraduate: CAD 15,000 – 50,000 / year
- Living Costs: CAD 12,000 – 18,000 / year
- Visa Fee: CAD 150
- Health Insurance: Provincial coverage in most provinces
Visa & post-study work
PGWP eligibility restricted in 2025: only specific PGWP-eligible programs from designated learning institutions qualify. Express Entry CRS cutoffs running 540+ in 2026. Spousal open work permits now restricted to PG students in master's or doctoral programs.
- Visa Type: Study Permit
- Work Rights: 20 hr/wk during studies
- PGWP: 1–3 years post-study work permit
- PR Pathway: Express Entry after PGWP