Study in Canada After 12th: A Complete Guide to Courses, Eligibility & Opportunities

Canada has emerged as one of the top destinations for international students, with over 1 million students currently studying there, including 4,27,000 Indians. While it's famous for its master's programs in computer science and IT, Canada is also rising in popularity for undergraduate programs in business, engineering, and humanities. 

A key attraction is its simplified application process, with several universities waiving standardized test requirements for eligible programs. Additionally, Canada's growing job market and well-defined pathway to permanent residency (PR) make it an ideal choice for students planning a long-term career abroad.

Study in Canada After 12th: An Overview

After 12th, you can choose from bachelor's degrees, diplomas, or certificate programs in Canada, depending on your career goals and budget. With Fall, Winter, and Spring intakes, you have multiple chances to apply. 

Admission requirements typically include academic qualifications, English proficiency tests like IELTS or TOEFL, and in some cases, standardized exams like the SAT. 

Before diving into the details, let’s first get an overview of study in Canada after 12th:

Criteria	Details
Eligibility	Minimum 65-70% in 12th grade (varies by program), Subject-specific prerequisites English language proficiency
Intake	Fall (September) Winter (January) Spring/Summer (May)
Standardized Tests	SAT or ACT (for select universities)
English Language Proficiency	IELTS (6.0+) TOEFL (80+) PTE (58+)
Popular Programs	BSc: Computer Science, Biotechnology, Environmental Science BA: Economics, Psychology, Political Science BEng: Mechanical, Civil, Electrical Engineering Diploma: Business Administration, Graphic Design, Hospitality Management Certification: Data Analytics, Digital Marketing, Supply Chain Management
Top Universities	University of Toronto McGill University University of Waterloo
Cost of Studying	CAD 28,600 to CAD 53,000 (INR 17.2L - INR 31.9L)
Scholarships	Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute Scholarship Carleton University Entrance Scholarships York University International Student Scholarship Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship (University of Toronto) University of British Columbia (UBC) International Scholars Program

Beyond academics, studying in Canada also provides students with work opportunities and pathways to permanent residency. Let’s explore what makes Canada an ideal study destination.

Why Study in Canada after 12th? Key Benefits

Benefits include lower tuition costs compared to the US, English as the primary language of instruction, part-time job opportunities, and a clear pathway to PR.

Here’s a breakdown of key benefits of studying in Canada after 12th:

Student-Friendly Environment

Canada’s safe cities, diverse communities, affordable public transport, and student-supportive universities make it a top choice for international students, including Indians.

Here are the key student-friendly features:

• Safe and Inclusive Cities

Canada consistently ranks among the safest countries globally. Cities like Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver offer a secure and welcoming environment, with low (about 5,843 criminals per 100,000 people) crime rates and strong legal protections for international students.

For instance, Montreal has a safety index of 67.09, while New York and San Francisco have a safety index of 49.22 and 38.8, respectively.

• Part-Time Job Opportunities

The government allows international students to work up to 20 hours per week during semesters and full-time during breaks, helping them cover expenses while gaining valuable work experience. 

Salary can range from CAD 12.2 (INR 738) to CAD 20 (INR 1.2K) per hour for off-campus jobs. For roles like resident advisor, you can earn about CAD 7500-9000 (INR 4.5L - 5.4L).

• Affordable Living Options

Students can choose from various housing options, including university dormitories, shared apartments, and homestays. Many institutions also offer on-campus housing, reducing transportation costs. 

For instance, the cost of living in major cities like New York is 70.8% higher than in Canadian cities like Montreal.

• Efficient Public Transport

Major student hubs like Toronto and Montreal have extensive public transport systems, including buses, trains, and subways, with student discounts available for affordable commuting. Using monthly passes can save you up to 20% of college living expenses.

• Multicultural Environment

Canada is home to diverse cultures, with large expatriate communities, including Indian, Chinese, and Middle Eastern populations. South Asians make up 19.3% of Canada's population, with cities like Vancouver having nearly half of their residents from Asia. 

• Supportive Academic Institutions

Canadian universities provide extensive student support services, including career counseling, mental health resources, academic mentorship, and networking opportunities to help students adjust and succeed.

Also Read: Most Affordable Cities in Canada for Students in 2025: Top 10 Picks

Affordable Tuition and Scholarship Opportunities

The average tuition fee for international undergraduate students in Canada is CAD 29,714 (INR 17.8L), which is lower than in other English-speaking countries like the U.S. and the UK.

Here’s a comparison of tuition fees:

Country	Average Tuition Fees
United States	$26,290 (INR 22.8L)
United Kingdom	£11,400 - £38,000 (INR 12.8L - INR 42.7L)
Australia	AUD 17,000 - AUD 50,000 (INR 9.3L - INR 27.4L)
Germany	€100 - €20,000 (INR 9.4K - INR 18.9L)
Ireland	€12,000 to €22,000 (INR 11.3L - INR 20.8L)

Indian students can access merit-based, need-based, and university-specific awards such as the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship and the UBC International Scholars Program.

Scholarship	Benefits
Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute Scholarship	Funds undergraduate students pursuing research or exchange programs between India and Canada.
Carleton University Entrance Scholarships	Merit-based scholarship for high-achieving international students, covering partial tuition costs.
York University International Student Scholarship	Provides financial aid to exceptional students based on academic performance and leadership qualities. Amount ranges between CAD 2,500 (INR 1.5L) to CAD 37,500 (INR 22.6L)
Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship (University of Toronto)	Covers tuition, books, and living expenses for outstanding international students.
University of British Columbia (UBC) International Scholars Program	Need- and merit-based financial aid for academically strong students.

Also Read: Fully Funded Scholarships in Canada for International Students (2025 Admissions)

Part-time Job Option

International students can take up part-time jobs like research assistantships, off-campus roles in convenience stores, or freelance work as content writers.

Here are some popular part-time job options:

Type of Job	Details
On-Campus Jobs	Work within the university (libraries, research assistantships, cafes) without needing a separate work permit.
Off-Campus Jobs	Work up to 20 hours per week during academic sessions and full-time during scheduled breaks.
Freelancing & Remote Work	Take up freelance roles in fields like content writing, graphic design, and IT, but must ensure compliance with visa regulations.
Co-op Programs	Work-integrated learning where you can alternate between academic study and paid work placements.

Easy PR Pathway

International students can apply for PR through programs like the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) and provincial programs like Express Entry.

Here are the different PR pathways:

Programs	Details
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)	Enables international graduates to stay and work in Canada for up to 3 years.  Essential for gaining Canadian work experience, which is critical for PR.
Express Entry	A comprehensive immigration system for skilled workers, including students with Canadian work experience.  Candidates are ranked based on points for age, education, and job offer.
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP)	Provinces can nominate graduates based on regional labor needs.  Graduates with job offers can receive additional points for quicker PR processing.
Start-up Visa Program	For entrepreneurial graduates interested in establishing a business in Canada.  Requires backing from a designated Canadian investor or incubator.
Quebec Immigration Programs	Specific pathways for graduates in Quebec, such as the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ). Fast-tracks PR for graduates with work experience in Quebec.

Career Opportunities Post-study

Canada’s growing tech sector offers roles in AI, cybersecurity, and software development. Finance is expanding with fintech and risk management jobs, while healthcare sees rising demand for medical researchers and administrators. 

Here are some top job opportunities:

Job Role	Average Annual Salary
Software Developer	$77K (INR 66.9L)
Financial Analyst	$65K (INR 56.5L)
Nurse	CAD 75T (INR 45.2L)
Architect	$66K (INR 57.3L)
Marketing Specialist	$57K (INR 49.5L)

Source: Glassdoor

Prospective students can gain valuable insights into studying in Canada by attending study-abroad fairs or online webinars. These events will provide firsthand information on Canadian universities, application processes, scholarships, and student life.

These events are often free and can help you make informed decisions about your study abroad journey by interacting with admissions officers, current students, and alumni. 

With these benefits in mind, let's look at the top universities in Canada for students after 12th.

Top Universities to Study in Canada After 12th

Canada is home to world-class universities consistently ranked among the best globally. Whether you aim to study business, engineering, or humanities, here are the top universities in Canada after 12th.

Institutions like McGill University and the University of Toronto are well-placed in both QS rankings and THE rankings, reflecting their quality. They offer bachelor’s programs in fields such as applied science, humanities, and business.

Here’s a list of top-ranked Canadian universities, their global rankings, and popular bachelor’s programs:

University	Global Ranking	Program
University of Toronto	QS Ranking: 25  THE Ranking: 21 US.News Ranking: 17	BSc in Computer Science
McGill University	QS Ranking: 29 THE Ranking: 45 US.News Ranking: 56	BSc in Nursing
University of Alberta	QS Ranking: 96 THE Ranking: 116 US.News Ranking: 150	Bachelor of Science in Agriculture
McMaster University	QS Ranking: 176 THE Ranking: 116 US.News Ranking: 127	BA in Philosophy
York University	QS Ranking: 362 THE Ranking: 401-500 US.News Ranking: 466	BFA in Film Production
University of British Columbia (UBC)	QS Ranking: 38 THE Ranking: 41 US. News Ranking: 39	Bachelor of Commerce

Also Read: Top 10 Best Universities in Canada for International Students

Now, let’s explore some top programs to study in fields like business, engineering, and humanities in Canada.

Top Programs to Study in Canada After 12th

Institutions like the University of Toronto, McGill University, and York University are known for their undergraduate programs in fields such as engineering, business, and humanities. After graduation, you can explore diverse job opportunities such as Software Engineer, Business Analyst, and Academic Counsellor, depending on your qualifications.

Here’s a breakdown of the top programs to study in Canada after 12th:

Engineering and Technology

Institutions like McGill University and the University of Waterloo are well-known for their engineering programs, such as Civil Engineering and Software Engineering. Graduates can pursue roles like Civil Engineer or Software Developer after completing their studies.

Here’s a breakdown of top engineering programs and their associated job roles:

Top engineering courses:

University	Program	Annual Tuition Fees
University of Toronto	Engineering Sciences	CAD 67,370 (INR 40.8L)
University of British Columbia	Mechanical Engineering	CAD 7,497.68 - CAD 8,003.47 (INR 4.5L - 4.8L)
McGill University	Civil Engineering	CAD 62,637 (INR 37.9L)
University of Waterloo	Software Engineering	CAD 73,000 (INR 44.2L)
University of Alberta	Petroleum Engineering	CAD 191,025.60 (INR 1.1CR) complete course

Job roles:

Job Role	Average Annual Salary
Software Engineer	$91K (INR 79L)
Mechanical Engineer	CAD 74T (INR 44.8L)
Civil Engineer	$72K (INR 62.5L)
Electrical Engineer	$74K (INR 64.2L)
Biomedical Engineer	CAD 63T (INR 38.2L)

Source: Glassdoor

Business and Management

You can explore undergraduate programs like BCom at McGill University and BBA at the University of Toronto. After graduation, you can apply for roles like Financial Analyst and Business Consultant.

Here’s a breakdown of top business programs and their associated job roles:

Top business and management courses:

University	Program	Annual Tuition Fees
Carleton University	Bachelor of International Business	CAD  36,017.07 (INR 21.8L)
Toronto Metropolitan University	B.Com in Business Technology Management	CAD 40,374 (INR 24.4L)
University of Toronto	Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)	CAD 61,720 - CAD 71,560 (INR 37.4L - 43.4L)
York University	BA Business Economics	CAD 40,370 (INR 24.4L)
McGill University	B.Com	CAD 67,572.30 (INR 40.9L)

Job roles:

Job Role	Average Annual Salary
Financial Analyst	$65K (INR 56.4L)
Investment Banker	CAD 87T (INR 52.7L)
Business Consultant	$72K (INR 62.5L)
Marketing Manager	$71K (INR 61.6L)
Supply Chain Analyst	$59K (INR 51.2L)

Source: Glassdoor

Health Sciences and Medicine

You can pursue health sciences programs such as the BMSc at Western University and the Bachelor of Health Sciences at the University of Calgary. After graduation, you can explore job roles such as Physiotherapist and Medical Doctor.

Here’s a breakdown of top health sciences programs and their associated job roles:

Top health sciences and medicine courses:

University	Program	Annual Tuition Fees
Western University	Bachelor of Medical Sciences (BMSc)	CAD 7,916.88 (INR 4.8L)
University of Alberta	Bachelor of Kinesiology	CAD 35,666.40 (INR 21.6L)
McGill University	B.Sc Medicine Preparatory Program (Med-P Program)	CAD 46,000 (INR 27.9L)
University of Calgary	Bachelor of Health Sciences	CAD 72,872 (INR 44.2L)
McMaster University	Honors Health Sciences	CAD 1,768.31 (INR 1L) per unit

Job roles:

Job Role	Average Annual Salary
Nurse	CAD 75T (INR 45.4L)
Physiotherapist	$85K (INR 73.8L)
Medical Doctor	CAD 1L (INR 60.6L)
Epidemiologist	$83K (INR 72L)
Researcher	$58K (INR 50.3L)

Source: Glassdoor

Arts and Humanities

If you’re interested in humanities, you can enroll in programs like a BA in Political Science at McGill University and a Bachelor of Journalism at Carleton University. After graduation, you can apply for jobs such as Journalist and PR Specialist.

Here’s a breakdown of top humanities programs and their associated job roles:

Top arts and humanities courses:

University	Program	Annual Tuition Fees
University of British Columbia	Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Creative Writing	CAD 49,548 (INR 30L)
McGill University	Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Political Science	CAD 44,000 (INR 26.6L)
Western University	BA in Media, Information & Technoculture (MIT)	CAD 47,434 (INR 28.7L)
Carleton University	Bachelor of Journalism	CAD 7,641 (INR 4.6L)
Queens University	BA in Art History	CAD 7,518 (INR 4.5L)

Job roles:

Job Role	Average Annual Salary
PR Specialist	$54K (INR 46.8L)
Journalist	$52K (INR 45.1L)
Policy Analyst	$73K (INR 63.3L)
Social Media Manager	$53K (INR 46L)
HR Specialist	$67K (INR 58.1L)

Source: Glassdoor

Computer Science and IT

Canadian institutions offer programs such as the Bachelor of Information Technology at Carleton University and the BSc in Computer Science at the University of Toronto. After graduation, you can explore job roles such as Software Engineer and Data Analyst.

Here are the top computer science programs and potential job roles after graduation:

Top computer science and IT courses:

University	Program	Annual Tuition Fees
Carleton University	Bachelor of Information Technology	CAD 9,111.07 (INR 5.5L)
Simon Fraser University	BSc in Computing Science	CAD 1,167.61 (INR 70.8K) per unit
University of Alberta	BSc in Computing Science	CAD 36,175 (INR 21.9L)
University of Waterloo	Bachelor of Computer Science	CAD 73,000 (INR 44.2L)
University of Toronto	BSc in Computer Science	CAD 65,110 (INR 39.4L)

Job roles:

Job Role	Average Annual Salary
Software Engineer	$91K (INR 78.9L)
Data Analyst	CAD 64T (INR 38.8L)
AI Engineer	$99K (INR 85.9L)
Web Developer	$60K (INR 52L)
Cybersecurity Analyst	CAD 75T (INR 45.4L)

Source: Glassdoor

Education

Education programs include the Bachelor of Education (BEd) at the University of Alberta and the Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Educational Studies at Queens University. After graduation, you can explore job roles such as Teacher and Academic Advisor.

Here are some top education programs and their associated job roles:

Top education courses:

University	Program	Tuition Fees
McGill University	Bachelor of Education (Bed)	CAD 27,447 (INR 16.6L)
University of Toronto	Honours Bachelor of Arts Education Studies	CAD 62,950 (INR 38.1L)
Queens University	Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Educational Studies	CAD 1218 (INR 73.8K) per unit
University of Alberta	Bachelor of Education (BEd)	CAD 35,666 (INR 21.6L)
Simon Fraser University	Bachelor of Education (BEd)	CAD 1,167.61 (INR 70.8K)  per unit

Job roles:

Job Role	Average Annual Salary
Educational Consultant	$57K (INR 49.4L)
Teacher	CAD 66K (INR 40L)
Academic Advisor	$56K (INR 48.6L)
Curriculum Developer	CAD 65T (INR 39.4L)
Corporate Trainer	$49K (INR 42.5L)

Source: Glassdoor

Now that you know the eligibility criteria, let’s walk through the step-by-step application process to secure admission to a Canadian university after 12th.

Eligibility and Application Process to Study in Canada After 12th

Eligibility includes 60% in Grade 12, English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS), and subject prerequisites like Mathematics and Physics for engineering and science programs.

Here are the eligibility requirements to study in Canada after 12th:

Criteria	Details
Academic Requirements	Minimum 60% in Grade 12 (higher for competitive programs).
Course-Specific Requirements	STEM programs: Mathematics & Science required. Business programs: Mathematics preferred. Arts & Humanities: Flexible entry requirements.
English Language Proficiency	IELTS: 6.0-6.5 TOEFL: 80-90 PTE: 58+ Duolingo: 110+
Financial Proof	Proof of funds for tuition & living expenses (CAD 20,635 per year).
Student Visa & Study Permit	Offer letter from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). Visa application, medical exam, biometrics.
Age Limit & Study Gap	No strict age limit. Gaps over 2 years may need justification (like work experience).

With eligibility requirements covered, let’s move on to the application process.

Application Process to Study in Canada

The application process begins with checking eligibility (academic scores), preparing essential documents like academic transcripts, and applying online through university portals. Once you get the admission letter, you can proceed with the student visa application.

Here are the steps involved in the application process:

1. Choose a Program and Institution

• Select an undergraduate program (BSc, BA, BEng, Diploma, Certification) aligned with your career goals.
• Ensure the institution has been named a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) to qualify for a student visa.

2. Check Eligibility Requirements

• Minimum 60% in Grade 12 (varies by program and university).
• English proficiency tests like IELTS (6.0-6.5), TOEFL (80-90), or PTE (58+).
• Some programs require Math, Physics, or other subject prerequisites.

3. Prepare Required Documents

• Academic transcripts (10th & 12th mark sheets).
• Statement of Purpose (SOP) explaining study goals.
• Letters of Recommendation (LORs) if required.
• Valid passport and standardized test scores.
• Proof of funds (tuition + CAD 20,635 for living expenses).

4. Apply to Universities/Colleges

• Submit online applications through university portals or centralized systems (e.g., OUAC for Ontario universities).
• Pay application fees (CAD 70–250 per institution).

5. Receive Letter of Acceptance (LOA)

• Universities review applications and issue LOAs to selected students. It is usually provided within 2 to 8 weeks, depending on the institution and program.
• This document is compulsory for the student visa application.

6. Arrange Finances

• Secure scholarships, education loans, or self-funding.
• Deposit tuition fees as required by the institution.
• Purchase a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) of CAD 20,635 for living expenses.

7. Apply for a Student Visa (Study Permit)

• Submit visa application via the Student Direct Stream (processing in 20–45 days) or Regular Stream (4–12 weeks).
• Provide Letter of Acceptance, financial proof, medical exam results, and biometric details. You have 60–90 days to submit the required documents, depending on the application stream.

8. Undergo Medical Examination & Biometrics

• Complete a medical exam with an IRCC-approved panel physician.
• Submit your biometric data at a Visa Application Center (VAC).

9. Receive Visa Approval & Travel to Canada

• If approved, receive a Port of Entry (POE) Letter.
• Book flights, arrange accommodation, and plan travel.

Also Read: Requirements to Study in Canada for International Students

Now, let's break down the costs to understand the total expenses of studying in Canada.

Cost of Studying in Canada

The cost of studying in Canada depends on the university, program, and city. Major hubs like Toronto and Vancouver have higher tuition and living expenses compared to cities like Winnipeg or Halifax.

 Apart from tuition, students must budget for health insurance, course materials, and personal expenses. Below is a detailed breakdown of costs to help you plan your budget.

Here’s a breakdown of the cost of studying in Canada:

1. Tuition Cost

University Name	Tuition Fee	Tuition Fee (INR)
University of Toronto	CAD 69,390	INR 42L
University of British Columbia	CAD 63,653.69	INR 38.6L
McGill University	CAD 62,637	INR 37.9L
University of Waterloo	CAD 73,000	INR 44.2L
Western University	CAD 63,385.21	INR 38.4L

2. Living Cost

Cost	Purpose	Cost (CAD)	Cost (INR)
Pre-Arrival Cost	Application Fees	$50 – $250 per university	INR 3K - 15.1K
	IELTS/TOEFL/PTE Exam Fees	US$200 – US$250	INR 17.3K - 21.6K
	Visa Application	$150	INR 9K
	GIC (Guaranteed Investment Certificate)	$20,635	INR 12.4L
	Medical Examination	$140 – $280	INR 8.4K - 16.9K
	Flight Ticket	$800 – $1,500	INR 48.5K - 90.9K
Post-Arrival Cost	Tuition Fees	$16,000 –  $59,000	INR 9.6L - 35.6L
	Accommodation	$8,400 – $18,000	INR 5L - 10.9L
	Food & Groceries	$2,400 – $4,800	INR 1.4L - 2.9L
	Public Transport	$1,260	INR 76.1K
	Health Insurance	$600 – $960	INR 36.3K - 58.2K
	Utilities (Electricity, Internet, Phone Bill)	$1,200 – $2,400	INR 72.7K - 1.4L
	Books & Study Materials	$600	INR 36.2K

3. Cost of Living in Cities

City	Cost (USD)	Cost (INR)
Toronto	$5,305	INR 4.6L
Vancouver	$5,693	INR 4.9L
Montreal	$3,893	INR 3.3L
Halifax	$4,911	INR 4.2L
Ottawa	$4,872	INR 4.2L
Winnipeg	$4,241	INR 3.6L

Want to study in Canada for free? Explore How to Study in Canada for Free in 2025? guide for scholarships, grants, and affordable universities to minimize costs. 

While studying in Canada can be costly, scholarships and part-time work opportunities can help ease the financial burden. Let’s explore these options.

How to Reduce Cost of Studying in Canada?

Costs can be reduced by working part-time, securing scholarships from universities, and opting for shared housing instead of expensive apartments.

Here’s how you can save on expenses:

Cost Reduction	Details
Part-time Work	Work up to 20 hours per week during semesters and full-time during holidays to cover living expenses.
Scholarships	Merit-based (Lester B. Pearson Scholarship), need-based, and program-specific scholarships can reduce tuition fees.
Student Discount	Discounts on transportation, food, software, and entertainment are available through student ID programs like ISIC and SPC.
Shared Housing	Renting with roommates lowers accommodation costs compared to on-campus or private rentals.

Now, let’s explore how upGrad can help you secure admission to top universities in Canada.

How upGrad Supports Your Study Abroad Journey in Canada?

Studying in Canada is a big step, and upGrad is here to make it easier. From helping you choose the right university to guide you through applications, test prep, and visa processes, upGrad ensures you’re ready for success.

Here’s how upGrad will help you:

• Personalized University & Course Selection: Get expert guidance to choose the right program and institution based on your career goals.
• Application & Documentation Support: Assistance with preparing and submitting university applications, including SOPs and LORs.
• Test Preparation: Guidance for standardized exams like IELTS, TOEFL, and SAT to meet admission requirements.
• Blended Learning Programs: Access to online courses that can be combined with on-campus programs for flexible study options.
• Scholarship & Financial Aid Guidance: Help in identifying and applying for merit-based and need-based scholarships.
• Visa Assistance & Pre-Departure Support: Guidance on securing a student visa, arranging accommodation, and settling in Canada.

Planning to study in Canada after 12th? Get expert guidance on choosing the right university, preparing for entrance exams, and handling the admission process. Book a free counseling session with upGrad’s advisors today!