Canada continues to be one of the most preferred study-abroad destinations for Indian students, driven by strong academic institutions, post-study work opportunities and clear migration pathways. The country has also emerged as one of the fastest-growing destinations for international students, with enrolment rising by 48.7 per cent, from 3,26,120 in 2014 to around 4,85,000 in 2024.
Official data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) shows that in 2023 alone, Indian students accounted for 42.9 per cent of all international students in Canada, with 2,33,272 Indians receiving study permits.
International education has become a major pillar of Canada's economy. In 2022, it contributed CAD 30.9 billion (approximately Rs 1.92 lakh crore) to the country's GDP, accounting for nearly 1.2 per cent of total economic output. A key attraction for international students is Canada's favourable post-study ecosystem. Graduates can work for up to three years under the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), while Indian applicants also benefit from faster visa processing through the Student Direct Stream (SDS).
While the Canadian government has introduced certain caps to regulate study permits, universities across the country continue to welcome international applicants, with most institutions reporting adequate capacity for qualified students.
However, navigating the application process can still be challenging, especially for students applying to multiple universities simultaneously. Managing admission forms, English proficiency tests, documentation and visa timelines can become overwhelming without proper planning. Understanding requirements early and staying organised can make the process far smoother.
To help international applicants, admissions leaders who review thousands of applications each year have shared practical advice.
Ann MacDonald, Director of Recruitment and Admissions at Dalhousie University, and Karin J'Bari, Senior Admissions Officer at McGill University, recently offered guidance in a conversation with the Duolingo English Test.
Key Things To Keep In Mind While Applying To Canadian Universities
Admission requirements differ widely:
There is no single, uniform admission process in Canada. Each university, and often each programme, sets its own eligibility criteria. Requirements can vary by province, level of study and discipline. Application deadlines, tuition fees and entry conditions are often different for domestic and international students. Applicants are advised to carefully review the official eligibility criteria for every university rather than assuming a standard process.
Rely on trusted and official sources:
Students should always verify information directly from official university websites. National platforms such as EduCanada, UniversityStudy.ca and StudyinCanada.com also provide reliable guidance on programmes, eligibility, costs and scholarships. Depending on unofficial or third-party sources can lead to misinformation and missed deadlines.
Choose the right English proficiency test:
English language proficiency is a critical part of the application process, as universities want students who can actively participate in lectures, discussions and academic work. Unless a university specifies a preferred test, most accept qualifying scores from multiple recognised exams. Students should choose a test based on accessibility, cost, result timelines and personal test-taking comfort.
For those looking for flexible options, the Duolingo English Test (DET) has emerged as a widely accepted alternative. It can be taken online from anywhere, with results delivered within 48 hours. Priced at USD 70 (around Rs 6,000), it is more affordable than many other tests.
The DET is accepted by over 6,000 institutions worldwide, including more than 480 Canadian programmes, and is recognised by all U15 undergraduate universities in Canada such as the University of Alberta, University of British Columbia, University of Calgary and Dalhousie University. The test uses adaptive technology to assess language ability and offers unlimited free practice tests to help students prepare.
Pro Tips For A Smooth Application Process
Admissions experts recommend starting the application process at least six to eight months in advance. Early planning allows students sufficient time to prepare for English proficiency tests, refine their Statement of Purpose (SOP) and gather required documents. Maintaining a simple checklist for each university, covering deadlines, documents and test scores, can help avoid last-minute errors.
Students are also encouraged to contact university admissions offices directly with specific queries instead of relying on assumptions. Beyond meeting minimum eligibility criteria, applicants should focus on demonstrating academic readiness and genuine interest in the programme. A well-researched SOP, tailored to each institution, plays a crucial role in showcasing how the chosen programme aligns with long-term career goals.
