The Complete Bachelor's Student Guide to Studying in Canada in 2025

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There should be an international standard stating that "If you want everything to be great in your life, you should just go and study in Canada." Besides its awesome Prime Minister, the kind and friendly citizens, and its polar bear-shaped license plates, Canada is the world’s most educated country, with over half of the population having a college degree.

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Is there any wonder, then, that so many international students decide to come to this (rather cold) heaven? Still, in order to start studying here, you need to get a bit of bureaucratic information.

I know, I’m sorry, but I promise I’ll make it easy for you. So, without further ado…

What and where to study in Canada?

If Canada were a person, it would be the soul of the party, who knows everybody and makes everyone feel welcome and appreciated.

That’s why international students everywhere choose Canada as their study destination, with its 125 public and private universities, and over 3,000 Bachelor’s programmes.

Still, in the spirit of fairness, and based on our research, we can tell you that some of the most popular study options in Canada are:

If you’re undecided which field you should follow, then remember to check out some of the most popular destinations for students, like:

Also, Canada has many top-ranked universities. And, because we are super helpful, you should also know that some awesome universities you should definitively check out for your Bachelor’s degree are:

You can also check out online Bachelors offered by Canadian universities.

How to apply to a Canadian university

Applying to a university in Canada can be quite tricky because each programme and university can have its own set of rules and requirements.

And I’m not exaggerating here: from the grading system, to the number of programmes you can apply to, even to the structure of the academic year (you may have 2 semesters or 3 trimesters), each university and geographical region has its own standard. So, if you want to stay informed, be close to your university and answer/read your e-mails as if your life depended on it.

And, before you take the whole list of Bachelors and start applying to each, you should consider the application fee that can range from 100 to 250 CAD.

Once you apply, you will receive an e-mail confirming your application. This e-mail will either ask for more information or documents or give you a personal number, which you will have to memorise and chant before you go to sleep just like Arya did with her list of names.

Still, to end on a happier note, you should know that a “typical” university runs:

  • From September to December, for the first semester
  • From January to April, for the second semester
  • The whole summer, if your course has a third semester

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Living costs and university tuition fees in Canada

Get ready for some insanely ranging numbers, because this will be a tough one.

Depending on the region you wish to study in, on your university, or even on your Bachelor’s or Master's degree, tuition fees can stretch from 500 to 30,000 CAD/year. Yes, we realise what an insane range that is. But keep in mind that tuition at private universities can be even higher (sometimes over 50,000 CAD/year).

Of course, because you won’t be living in the university, like a geeky Phantom of the Opera, you will have to take into account all the other living expenses, like:

  • Housing
  • Public transportation
  • Food expenses
  • Books and studying-related supplies

These expenses in Canada can add up to 800 - 1,500 CAD/month. In more expensive cities, you might need around 2,000 CAD/month.

You can use the Numbeo website to learn more about the costs of living in Canada.

How to apply for a Canadian student visa

Canada has an online visa application process, which makes it one of the most convenient countries you can apply to.

A general overview of the Canadian student visa is that:

  • You can apply either online or in person
  • The general fee for international students is around 150 CAD
  • You may be required to submit your biometrics, which can amount to 85 CAD

Also, the Holy Trinity of documents you will have to submit, in order to be accepted, is:

  • An acceptance letter from a Canadian institution
  • Proof of identity (an ID card or your passport)
  • Proof of financial support

What we've listed above isn’t the end of the application process, but it gives you an idea of the requirements and the documents you will have to submit. Some of the countries we researched and made easy to understand for you are:

Working in Canada during and after your studies

Hurrah: Canada lets you work during your studies! Hurroo: it only lets you work part-time!

Because Canada understands the value of time and the importance of having an education, it included in its study permit the right to work, but only part-time, during your studies. This means that, for up to 20 hours a week, while classes are in session, you can work on or off campus.

Also, during breaks and holidays, you are allowed to work full time, so rejoice!

And, although we may be talking about your plans on the long run, you should know that you may work in Canada for up to three years after you graduate, but only if you apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit.

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Final advice, before you go

Now that you know everything that is to know about applying, studying, living, and working in Canada as a student, all we can do is wish you good luck and hope you won’t forget to send us a postcard.

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