Best Student Cities in Canada in 2024-2025 for International Students
You want to make sure you live in the best area for studying in Canada as an international student who hopes to do so! You can enlist the assistance of the local student population by relocating to one of the best cities in Canada for international students.
Let’s talk more about this since you are looking into the top universities in Canada. You can pick the Canadian city that best suits you after we discuss all the crucial aspects of the best places to study in Canada.
Benefits of Studying in Best Cities in Canada
Any top city in Canada to study can be summed up by the standard of living it provides for its foreign students. Benefits of studying in one of the top cities include:
- A supportive student community to look out for in times of need.
- All the best places in Canada to study provide students with a well-planned lifestyle. Be it by providing you with subsidized public transport or by offering you student discounts.
- Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver and Ontario are among the best place to study and work in Canada.
- For international students, there are part-time job opportunities in these best cities in Canada to study. Living in the cities that the majority of international students favor is thus an additional benefit.
This prompts us to consider which Canadian city is the best for studying and working. Let’s talk about this:
10 Best Student Cities in Canada
Remember that we’ve listed the best Canadian options for you when it comes to where to study in Canada as an international student. However, you might also enjoy visiting some of the other unusual cities. For instance, Toronto, where the majority of Indians live, is the best city in Canada for Indian students. The following Canadian cities also rank highly for students:
- Montreal
- Toronto
- Vancouver
- Ottawa
- Quebec
- Edmonton
- Calgary
- Ontario
- British Columbia
- Waterloo
1-Montreal
The best Canadian city for studying is Montreal. The city establishes itself as a leader in science and technology. especially in information technology and aeronautics. In addition to providing world-class education, Montreal, one of the top student cities in the world, is well known for its innovative culture and thriving entertainment sector.
| Parameter | Description |
| Best study city QS ranking | 9 |
| Best Universities in Montreal | McGill University University of Montréal HEC Montréal Concordia University Polytechnic School of Montreal Université du Québec à Montréal |
| Cost Of Living of Montreal | 2000 CAD- 2500 CAD |
| Things to do in Montreal | Take a stroll at Old Montreal. This experience distinctively takes you back to historic times. Walk into the fantasy land of Quartier Des Spectacles for an entertaining day. Visit Montreal’s Science and Arts Museum. You can also explore Montreal’s underground city. Attend exciting sports events at the Olympic stadium. |
| Is it worth studying in Montreal? | Awarded among the top study destinations in the World, Montreal is definitely the first destination to look out for in Canada. You will be exposed to a pool of opportunities after studying in Montreal. |
2-Toronto
One of Canada’s top cities for international students is Toronto. In contrast to many other cities, Toronto allows students of Science, Business Studies, the Arts, and other disciplines to find courses that are appropriate for them. In addition, Toronto is home to the majority of Indo-Canadians. Consequently, it is the best city in Canada for Indian students to live in.
| Parameter | Description |
| Best study city QS ranking | 13 |
| Best Universities in Toronto | University of Toronto York University Ryerson University Centennial college Humber college |
| Cost Of Living of Toronto | 2200 CAD – 3000 CAD |
| Things to do in Toronto | Can you miss the top view of the majestic Niagara falls? Visit Breweries to taste some of the fine beers made in Toronto. One of the best food markets, St. Lawrence is worth a visit. Enjoy the view of Toronto’s CN tower while you stare at the city skyline. |
| Is it worth studying in Toronto? | Toronto offers a number of degree and certificate programs in English and French. The popular city is also considered the hub of Finance and Business in Canada. Therefore, studying here is worth the experience. |
3. Vancouver
Vancouver is a vibrant and energetic city to live in with a great mix of cultures, languages, people, and more. The beauty of the city exhilarates a lot of international students. It’s a wise decision to enroll in programs like IT, engineering, or digital media in Vancouver.
| Parameter | Description |
| Best study city QS ranking | 18 |
| Best Universities in Vancouver | University of British Columbia Simon Fraser University University of Canada West Vancouver Island University Columbia College Langara college |
| Cost Of Living of Vancouver | 2500 CAD – 3500 CAD |
| Things to do in Vancouver | Enjoy a drive to the Sea-to-Sky Highway Visit the Vancouver Museum Of Anthropology. Indulge yourself in nature at the Stanley Park or Grouse Grind. Grab a glimpse of China at the China Town and the famous garden of Dr Sun Yat Sen. |
| Is it worth studying in Vancouver? | Vancouver is one of the most happening Canadian cities. If you plan to study here, you are up for an adventurous experience. |
4. Ottawa
Ottawa is one of the most beautiful cities in Canada, with beautiful scenery all around. The city provides more than just that, though. Many STEM students receive first-hand exposure to the industry thanks to the best research facilities in science and technology.
| Parameter | Description |
| Best study city QS ranking | 53 |
| Best Universities in Ottawa | University of Ottawa Carleton university Algonquin College Dominican University College Augustine College |
| Cost Of Living of Ottawa | 2000 CAD – 2500 CAD |
| Things to do in Ottawa | Skate Visit the Parliament Stroll by the iconic Chateau Visit the beach |
| Is it worth studying in Ottawa? | Ottawa University offers some of the best Science and History courses. The city has many museums that will educate you in your field. |
5. Quebec City
Quebec is Canada’s French-speaking province. You will be exposed to both French and Canadian culture if you decide to study here. For international students, Quebec is one of Canada’s most affordable cities. For Indian students looking to live on a tight budget, this is one of the best cities to live in Canada.
| Parameter | Description |
| Best study city QS ranking | 113 |
| Best Universities in Quebec | Laval University |
| Cost Of Living of Quebec | 1500 CAD – 1800 CAD |
| Things to do in Quebec | Walk along the fortification of Quebec. Zipline at Parc De La Chute Montmorency. Explore the Parc National De La Jacques Cartier. Attend the famous Quebec festival. |
| Is it worth studying in Quebec? | Quebec offers affordable education, post-study work permit also shorter duration courses. These perks make your study in Quebec worth it! |
6. Edmonton
Edmonton, known for its pizzas, provides students with a vibrant cultural life. International university students in Edmonton live affluent lifestyles at reasonable costs. Consequently, this is among Canada’s top locations for higher education.
| Parameter | Description |
| Best Universities in Edmonton | University of Alberta MacEwan University Concordia University of Edmonton Northern Alberta Institute of Technology |
| Cost Of Living of Edmonton | 1200 CAD – 1600 CAD |
| Things to do in Edmonton | Shop at the largest Edmonton Mall Of Canada. Visit the Elk Island National Park. Spend time at the Beaver Hills. Picnic at the Edmonton Park. |
| Is it worth studying in Edmonton? | Studying at Edmonton will allow you to have fun, indulge in nature and pursue your aspirations. This is a good deal to study in Canada. |
7. Calgary
Calgary, Canada, is a well-kept city that emphasizes sustainability innovation, energy research, and renewable energy sources. As a result, this is among the best locations in Canada to pursue a STEM course. Calgary is the city for you if you’re interested in cutting-edge education and training.
| Best Universities in Calgary | University of Calgary Bow Valley College The Southern Alberta Institute of Technology Mount Royal University St Mary’s University |
| Cost Of Living of Calgary | 1800 CAD – 2000 CAD |
| Things to do in Calgary | Enjoy the skyline view and the marvelous Calgary Tower. Visit the Calgary Zoo. Spend a day at the Calgary Stampede. Go to the Entertainment District. |
| Is it worth studying in Calgary? | If you prefer a slightly off-beat place in Canada, Calgary is a good place to study. |
8. Waterloo
One of the top producers of tech and innovation in the field of Science, Waterloo is known as Canada’s tech hub. Additionally, studying here enables you to start working right after graduation.
| Best Universities in Waterloo | University of Waterloo Wilfrid Laurier University St. Paul’s University College |
| Cost Of Living of Waterloo | 2400 CAD – 3200 CAD |
| Things to do in Waterloo | Learn from the Waterloo museums. Go to the iconic kissing bridge. Spread out a picnic at Laurel Creek. |
| Is it worth studying at Waterloo? | Waterloo is a famous Canadian destination for Indian students. IT and technical education are famous in Waterloo. So, if you are planning to be an Engineer, you can consider studying in Waterloo. |
9. Ontario
Another popular place to study in Canada is Ontario. There are six of Canada’s top universities in this city. Because of this, enrolling in any course in Ontario will ensure that you receive quality training and exposure to the realities of your industry. International students living in Ontario have access to a variety of employment opportunities.
| Best Universities in Ontario | University of Toronto McMaster University University of Waterloo Western University Queen’s University |
| Cost Of Living of Ontario | 1500 CAD – 2200 CAD |
| Things to do in Ontario | Visit the famous Grotto. Chill at the Flowerpot Island Explore the underground museum of Diefenbunker. Go to the Cheltenham Badlands. |
| Is it worth studying in Ontario? | The vast Ontario region houses some of the best universities, top companies and most of all a vivid cultural mix. All of these provide you with an opportunity for personal as well as professional growth. |
10. British Columbia
In essence, choosing to study in British Columbia, Canada means choosing a good career in a beautiful environment. High-quality education is also offered by the universities in British Columbia. Consequently, it becomes one of the sought-after locations to study in Canada.
| Parameter | Description |
| Best Universities in British Columbia | University of British Columbia University of the Fraser Valley University of Victoria Simon Fraser University |
| Cost Of Living of British Columbia | 1800 CAD – 2200 CAD |
| Things to do in British Columbia | Go to the Yoho National Park. Enjoy a vacation at the Okanagan Valley and Kelowna. Take a stroll at the Victoria Inner Harbour. |
| Is it worth studying in British Columbia? | British Columbia university opens you up to a variety of options, courses and degrees that you can choose from. The flexibility of learning is one of the positives of studying at BC. |
Overall, studying in Canada is a great experience for students. The best Canadian cities for studying are included in the list above. You will discover the ideal fit for you, though, if you look around a bit more.
Every Canadian town is well-known for its uniqueness and scenic beauty. Canada is a country that the people have chosen because it readily accepts immigrants and offers them benefits. So, if you’re eager to study in Canada, pick one of its top student cities and submit an application. You can continue to live in Canada after you graduate by obtaining a post-study work visa.
Frequently Asked Questions: Best Student Cities in Canada
In Canada, postsecondary formal education, whether academic, vocational, technical, or professional education, is referred to as tertiary education. These programs are primarily provided by universities, colleges, and specialty institutes.
You no longer need to worry about whether your home country’s government will recognize your high school diploma as valid when you apply for admission to a Canadian university if you have a government-accredited high school diploma.
Academic issues related to the curricula, methodologies, and teaching techniques are handled independently by universities. Universities have the authority to establish academic, admission, and graduation policies and standards, hire faculty, and carry out academic planning. Private universities, on the other hand, are out-of-province institutions that are permitted to award degrees following a meticulous quality assessment process by the designated governmental authorities that approve certain degrees.
Whether it is an undergraduate or postgraduate program, there are prerequisites that students must meet in order to be admitted to a Canadian institution of higher learning. The level of competition can change depending on the study area, programs, and other important factors. However, high school grades and performance as well as language abilities—whether they be English (in the majority of provinces) or French (in francophone ones)—remain the two key requirements.
After earning a BA from a Canadian postsecondary institution, you are more than welcome to pursue postgraduate studies here with full legal backing from the Canadian government’s immigration policies.
Commonly, master’s degrees take a full academic year to complete, with the required internship lengthening the overall time frame. Depending on the curriculum and the sensitivity of the program, a Master’s degree may occasionally take two academic years to complete.
The majority of the time, PhD degree programs are two to three years in length, separately funded, and viewed as job positions (not always).
While private universities are frequently under the state gathered education council’s scrutiny, public universities are typically unaffected by governmental oversight and do not need accreditation.
International students must submit an essay, a personal statement outlining why they believe they are qualified to enroll in the chosen program, as well as documentation of their employment history (if any) to date. Documents like reference letters, certificates for extracurricular activities, and other evidence of skills are always a plus and greatly appreciated.
No matter if they are applying for an undergraduate or postgraduate program, students must fulfill certain requirements in order to be admitted to a Canadian institution of higher learning. The level of competition can change depending on the study area, programs, and other important factors. Professional fields are typically much more competitive, including those requiring talent as a fundamental qualification, such as engineering and medicine (arts, music, sports).
Five of the highest ranked Canadian universities are listed among the top 100 universities in the world as follows:
-University of Toronto
-University of British Columbia
-McGill University
-McMaster University
-University of Alberta
Not always, if your target province is an English-speaking province, you must provide proof of your English language proficiency; however, if you still plan to study in a francophone province, you must provide proof of your French language proficiency.
Even though a bachelor’s degree is typically required to continue with postgraduate studies, this may not always be the case. Since graduate degrees frequently involve research on a particular subject, not having a degree does not automatically disqualify you from the program as long as you have all the necessary background in theory and literature. In a postgraduate program, you typically have a mentor who oversees all of your activities and is responsible for determining, through interviews and other methods, whether you are qualified to participate in the program.
Regardless of your nationality, there are a number of options available to help students finance their education. On the other hand, Canada also provides bank loans, credit lines, and student loans in addition to scholarships and bursaries.
15- Which Canadian province is more cost friendly for international students?
Following is a straightforward breakdown of university costs for foreign students attending classes in various Canadian provinces:
| Province | Undergraduate Students | Graduate Student |
| Quebec | $9,168 – 10,518 | $8,268 – 20,000 |
| Ontario | $6,900 – 16,204 | $5,432 – 29,000 |
| Manitoba | $4,940 – 6,900 | $3,795 – 9,685 |
| Saskatchewan | $7,779 – 10,890 | $5,313 |
| Alberta | $6,293 – 11,078 | $5,298 – $19,200 |
| British Columbia | $4,462 – 15,870 | $2,272 – $17,499 |
16- What does it cost to be an international student in Canada, approximately?
The table below shows a general estimate of the cost of living for an international student spending a full year living and studying in Canada, along with some typical expenses that face all students. You’ll see that the type of housing has a significant impact on the total cost of living for a student in Canada.
| Criteria | Amount |
| Accommodation | $7300 – $14 000 |
| Food | Min. of $3600 |
| Clothing | $1200 – $2000 |
| Local Transportation | $1272 ($106 per month) |
| Miscellaneous | $1200 – $2400 |
| Books, Supplies and Instruments | $1,000 |
| University Health Insurance Plan | $684 (as of Sept. 2013) |
| TOTAL | $16 656 – $26 856 |
If you apply for a work permit, you can work while studying in Canada; otherwise, international students are limited to on-campus employment.
Leave a Reply
Want to join the discussion?Feel free to contribute!