CANADA

For a long time Canada was considered one of the leading countries for studying abroad — affordable prices, good universities, a safe environment and the chance to stay on afterwards. Over the past two years, however, much has changed here: the government sharply reduced the number of international students, introduced quotas on study visas and tightened the entry rules. At the same time, demand for a Canadian education remains high, and the quality of teaching is still world-class.

What people usually come to study

For schoolchildren. People come to Canada for secondary education at private boarding schools and public schools (these are available to foreigners too, but require a study permit). The age range is wide: private schools accept children from 12 to 18. In some boarding schools the share of foreigners exceeds 60%, and they have set up special support programmes, including English classes and cultural adaptation. Canadian boarding schools offer instruction under the local curriculum (for example, the Ontario Secondary School Diploma — OSSD) and the Advanced Placement (AP) programme. The OSSD is recognised at all universities in Canada and many abroad. Boarding schools are located both in big cities (Toronto, Vancouver) and in picturesque rural areas. The school day is packed: lessons, sport, the arts, independent study under the supervision of housemasters. Classes are small — 10–15 people.

For students. Canadian universities have traditionally attracted foreigners with the quality of education, a safe environment and the chance to obtain residency after studies. As of 2025, around 690 000 international students with valid study permits were studying in Canada — 30% fewer than two years earlier (when there were almost 1 000 000). The main flow came from India, China and the Philippines. The most popular fields are engineering, IT, business, medicine and nursing. The decline is linked to new restrictions: in 2024 the government introduced quotas on the number of study visas and also raised the requirements for proof of finances. Even so, Canada remains one of the leaders in attracting international students thanks to the quality of education and immigration prospects.

Features of studying

Secondary education. Canadian boarding schools combine an academic programme with an active extracurricular life. Lessons take place in small classes — 10–12 people. After lessons — sport, the arts, clubs. In the evening — independent study under the supervision of housemasters. Weekends are devoted to excursions, sports tournaments and volunteering. Unlike British schools, where traditions are strong, Canadian boarding schools are more flexible and modern. Many offer full support to foreigners: special English as a Second Language (ESL) classes, advice on choosing a university and help with visa matters. Graduates of Canadian schools go on to universities across the country — the local school certificate is valued on a par with the British or American one.

Higher education. There are two types of institutions in Canada: universities (which provide academic education) and colleges (focused on practical skills, similar to German Fachhochschulen). A Bachelor’s lasts 4 years, a Master’s — 1–2 years. The system is similar to the American one: students choose courses from different disciplines and can change their specialisation. Great attention is paid to practice and research. Canadian universities feature in the world rankings: the University of Toronto, the University of British Columbia and McGill University are traditionally in the top 50. Colleges, for example Seneca College or George Brown College, provide highly sought-after vocational education with a mandatory work placement (co-op).

Canada’s main distinctive feature is a clear division of responsibility: the federal government sets the quotas on study visas, while the provinces manage the education system themselves. As a result, admission conditions and costs vary widely: in Ontario, for example, it is more expensive than in Newfoundland or Saskatchewan.

Visa requirements

Citizens of countries other than Canada need a study permit to study for longer than 6 months. The process of obtaining one consists of several stages.

The main requirements:
- Confirmation of enrolment at a Canadian educational institution (Letter of Acceptance)
- Proof of finances: a sum sufficient to cover the first year of study and living costs (in 2025 a minimum of 20 635 dollars for living, plus tuition and the flight)
- No criminal record (a police certificate)
- Medical insurance (can be arranged after approval)
- A written explanation of the purpose of your studies and your plans after completing them (Statement of Purpose)

New rules from 2025:
- Annual quotas on the number of new study permits have been introduced. In 2025 the cap was about 360 000 nationwide (30–40% less than in 2023).
- For admission to colleges and non-core programmes, additional proof of the link between the studies and a future career is now required.
- Provinces have been given the right to allocate the quotas among institutions themselves.

Timeframes and cost: You should apply for the Study Permit immediately after receiving confirmation from the university (usually 6–9 months before the start of studies). The processing fee is 150 Canadian dollars (plus biometrics — 85 dollars). In 2025 the average processing time for an application from Russia was 12–16 weeks.

Pros and cons

Pros:

• Quality education recognised all over the world. Canadian diplomas are valued by employers and give an advantage when immigrating.
• More affordable than in the USA or the United Kingdom. Studying at a good university costs around 30–40 thousand dollars a year, not 60–70.
• The chance to stay after studies (PGWP and permanent residence). Canada is one of the few countries where a student visa genuinely leads to immigration.
• Safety, multiculturalism, a high standard of living.
• The chance to work part-time during studies up to 20 hours a week, and full days during holidays.

Cons:

• Since 2025 the visa process has become significantly more complicated. Quotas, higher financial requirements, stricter selection.
• The number of new international students fell by 61% in 2025 compared with the previous year. The reason is the introduction of quotas on study visas and the tightening of requirements for proof of finances.
• A high cost of living, especially in Toronto and Vancouver. Rent can eat up half the budget.
• A shortage of housing in big cities. Students complain that finding a room at a reasonable price is very hard.
• Many colleges and universities that depended on international students have found themselves in a difficult financial position — some programmes are being closed and staff are being laid off.
• The climate: Canadian winters are harsh almost everywhere except the south of British Columbia. You have to get used to the snow and the cold.