What Are the Key Facts About Studying in Canada?
The following data is sourced from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and individual Canadian university admissions offices. All figures are for the academic cycle unless otherwise stated.
- Country
- Canada — federal country with 10 provinces and 3 territories
- Teaching medium
- English (majority of universities) and French (Québec province — University of Montréal, UQAM)
- Academic year
- September intake (main); January intake available at most universities
- Tuition fees — undergraduate (international)
- CAD 15,000–30,000 per year (individual university fee schedules, 2025–26)
- Tuition fees — postgraduate / Master's (international)
- CAD 18,000–35,000 per year (individual university fee schedules, 2025–26)
- Living costs — major cities (Toronto, Vancouver)
- CAD 15,000–20,000 per year (IRCC published cost estimates)
- Living costs — smaller cities (Calgary, Halifax, Winnipeg)
- CAD 10,000–14,000 per year (IRCC published cost estimates)
- IELTS requirement
- 6.0–6.5 overall (undergraduate); 6.5–7.0 (postgraduate). No individual band below 6.0 typically. TOEFL iBT 80–100 and PTE Academic also accepted at many institutions.
- Student visa type
- Canadian Student Permit — applied for via IRCC (ircc.canada.ca)
- Part-time work (during studies)
- 20 hours per week during term time; unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, per IRCC regulations (ircc.canada.ca)
- Post-study work permit
- Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) — up to 3 years, any employer (IRCC, ircc.canada.ca)
- PR pathway
- Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker, Canadian Experience Class), Provincial Nominee Programme (PNP). Eligibility subject to IRCC assessment at time of application. (IRCC, ircc.canada.ca)
- HOA service for Canada
- Information resource only. House of Admissions does not apply to Canadian universities. For UK applications, HOA guidance is 100% free.
How Much Does It Cost to Study in Canada From Nepal?
The following cost estimates are for reference. Exchange rates are approximate; verify current rates at Nepal Rastra Bank (nrb.org.np) before any financial planning. At approximately NPR 90–95 per CAD (Nepal Rastra Bank reference rate, 2025).
| Cost Item | CAD (Approx.) | NPR (Approx.) | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition — Master's (1 year) | CAD 18,000–35,000 | NPR 16–33 lakhs | University fee schedules |
| Living — Toronto/Vancouver | CAD 15,000–20,000 | NPR 13.5–19 lakhs | IRCC cost estimates |
| Living — Calgary/Halifax | CAD 10,000–14,000 | NPR 9–13 lakhs | IRCC cost estimates |
| Student Permit fee | CAD 150 | NPR ~14,000 | IRCC fee schedule |
| Biometrics fee | CAD 85 | NPR ~8,000 | IRCC fee schedule |
| Health insurance (est.) | CAD 600–900/year | NPR ~55,000–85,000 | Provincial health plans vary |
| Proof of funds required | Tuition + CAD 10,000 | Varies by tuition | IRCC financial requirements |
Canadian Master's degrees are typically 2 years, meaning approximately twice the cost of a 1-year UK Master's in tuition and living expenses. This is an important factor when comparing total cost of study. See: UK vs Canada comparison guide.
Canadian Student Permit — Requirements for Nepal Students
A Canadian Student Permit is the official document allowing international students to study at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada. All information below is sourced from IRCC (ircc.canada.ca) and subject to change — always verify with the official IRCC website before applying.
HOA does not prepare Canadian Student Permit applications. For Canadian visa guidance, consult a licensed Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) or an authorised Canadian immigration lawyer.
To apply for a Canadian Student Permit, the following documents are typically required (IRCC, ircc.canada.ca):
- Letter of Acceptance from a Canadian DLI
- Proof of financial support: tuition fees plus CAD 10,000 for living costs (IRCC financial requirement)
- Valid Nepali passport
- IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, or Duolingo English Test results (where required)
- Statement of purpose or study plan
- Biometrics (CAD 85 — fingerprints and photo at a VFS or Application Support Centre)
- Medical examination (if required by IRCC for Nepal nationals — check at time of application)
- Completed online application via IRCC portal — Student Permit fee: CAD 150
Processing times vary. IRCC publishes current wait times at ircc.canada.ca.
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) — Canada
The PGWP allows international graduates of eligible Canadian Designated Learning Institutions to work in Canada after graduation. Source: IRCC, ircc.canada.ca.
- Duration
- Up to 3 years — permit length equals programme length (minimum 8 months of full-time study required)
- Employer restrictions
- None — PGWP holders may work for any employer in any sector in Canada
- Province restrictions
- None — work anywhere in Canada
- Eligibility
- Must have completed a programme of at least 8 months at an eligible DLI. Not all Canadian institutions are DLIs. Verify DLI status before applying: IRCC DLI List
- Application window
- Apply within 180 days of receiving final academic transcript or completion letter
- PR pathway after PGWP
- PGWP work experience can count toward Express Entry (Canadian Experience Class) or Provincial Nominee Programme (PNP) eligibility. Immigration policies change frequently — verify with IRCC or a licensed RCIC.
The UK offers a comparable Graduate Route Visa: 2 years of unrestricted work rights post-graduation (3 years for PhD graduates), with no job offer or employer sponsor required (UK Home Office, gov.uk/graduate-visa, 2026). HOA can guide you to UK universities for this route — 100% free.
Which Programmes Do Nepali Students Choose in Canada?
These programmes have historically attracted high numbers of Nepali students at Canadian institutions. This list is for reference only.
IT & Computer Science
Software Engineering, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Computer Networks
Business & Management
MBA, Accounting, Finance, Supply Chain Management, Business Analytics, International Business
Engineering
Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Petroleum, Mining, Environmental Engineering
Healthcare
Nursing (NP/RN), Healthcare Administration, Public Health, Medical Laboratory Technology
Media & Design
Graphic Design, Animation, Film Production, Digital Media, Game Design
Hospitality & Tourism
Hotel Management, Tourism Management, Event Management, Culinary Arts
How Does Canada Compare With the UK?
HOA works exclusively on UK admissions and can guide Nepal students through this comparison. The following is a factual overview of key differences. Full analysis available at the UK vs Canada comparison guide.
UK vs Canada — Side by Side
United Kingdom — HOA Specialisation
- Master's duration: 1 year (cost advantage)
- Graduate Route Visa: 2 years unrestricted work
- IELTS waiver (MOI) at 25+ universities for TU/KU/PU graduates
- Tuition: £9,000–£28,000/year (~NPR 17.5–54.6 lakhs at NPR 195/GBP)
- Chevening Scholarship — fully funded
- HOA guidance: 100% free — 153 partner universities
Canada — Reference Information
- Master's duration: 2 years (higher total cost)
- PGWP: up to 3 years post-graduation work
- No MOI route — IELTS or equivalent required at most institutions
- Tuition: CAD 18,000–35,000/year (~NPR 16–33 lakhs at NPR 90/CAD)
- PR via Express Entry/PNP — pathway exists but subject to IRCC policy
- HOA does not apply to Canadian universities
Considering UK Universities Instead?
House of Admissions places Nepali students in 153 UK universities — free of charge. 99% UK visa success rate (internal tracking data, 2016–2026). Offices in Putalisadak, Kathmandu and Trade Mall, Chipledhunga, Pokhara.
Questions About Studying in Canada From Nepal
No. House of Admissions (HOA) is a UK-exclusive education consultancy in Nepal. HOA provides admissions support, visa preparation, and scholarship guidance exclusively for UK universities. For Canadian universities, HOA provides factual reference information to help Nepali students compare UK and Canada — but does not submit applications to Canadian institutions. For UK university applications, HOA's service is 100% free.
Tuition fees at Canadian universities range from approximately CAD 15,000 to CAD 35,000 per year for international students, depending on the institution and programme. Living costs in major cities (Toronto, Vancouver) are estimated at CAD 15,000–20,000 per year; smaller cities such as Calgary or Halifax are lower at approximately CAD 10,000–14,000 per year. Total annual cost: approximately CAD 25,000–55,000. Sources: individual Canadian university fee schedules and IRCC published cost estimates.
Most Canadian universities require an IELTS Academic score of 6.0–6.5 overall for undergraduate programmes and 6.5–7.0 for postgraduate programmes, with no individual band below 6.0. Some institutions also accept TOEFL iBT (minimum 80–100), PTE Academic, or Duolingo English Test. Requirements vary by institution and programme; check directly with the university admissions office.
The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) allows international graduates of eligible Canadian Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) to work in Canada for up to 3 years after graduation. The permit duration equals the length of the study programme (minimum 8 months of study required). PGWP holders can work for any employer in any sector. Source: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), ircc.canada.ca.
Yes. Canadian study followed by PGWP work experience can qualify graduates for Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker or Canadian Experience Class) or Provincial Nominee Programme (PNP) pathways to permanent residency. Eligibility depends on work experience, language scores, age, education, and other factors. Source: IRCC, ircc.canada.ca. Note: immigration policies change frequently; always verify current eligibility with a licensed Canadian immigration consultant (RCIC).
Key differences: (1) Duration — UK Master's degrees are typically 1 year; Canadian Master's are 2 years, meaning an extra year of tuition and living costs. (2) Work permit — UK Graduate Route Visa gives 2 years; Canada PGWP gives up to 3 years. (3) Tuition — comparable at postgraduate level; both range from £9,000–£28,000/year (UK) and CAD 15,000–35,000/year (Canada). (4) HOA expertise — HOA specialises exclusively in UK admissions and cannot apply to Canadian universities. See the full UK vs Canada comparison at houseofadmissions.com/study-in-uk/compare/uk-vs-canada-nepal/.
A Canadian Student Permit (study visa) requires: acceptance letter from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI); proof of funds (IRCC recommends CAD 10,000 per year for living costs beyond tuition); valid passport; IELTS or equivalent; statement of purpose; biometrics; medical examination (if required); and criminal record check (if applicable). Source: IRCC, ircc.canada.ca. Requirements vary by nationality and individual circumstance.
Frequently cited Canadian universities for international students include the University of Toronto (QS World Ranking #25, 2024), University of British Columbia (UBC, #34), McGill University (#46), McMaster University, University of Alberta, and University of Waterloo. Rankings sourced from QS World University Rankings 2024. Note: HOA does not partner with Canadian universities and provides this information for reference only.
Sources & Further Reading
- IRCC — Study in Canada as an International Student
- IRCC — Student Permit (study visa) requirements
- IRCC — Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
- IRCC — Proof of Funds for Canadian Student Permit
- IRCC — Express Entry permanent residency pathway
- QS World University Rankings 2024
- HOA — UK vs Canada Comparison Guide (internal)
Considering the UK Instead?
Page last updated: · Source data: IRCC, ircc.canada.ca