Public Canadian universities are popular among Indian students in 2026, with over 427,000 new enrolments recorded. Canada's top public universities include McGill (#30 globally, QS 2027), University of Toronto (#32), and UBC (#45). Public universities Canada fees for international students range from CAD 18,000 (INR 12.13 lakh) per year at Université de Montréal to CAD 75,000 (INR 50.58 lakh) per year at the University of Waterloo for Engineering. Top public universities Canada offer a clear PR pathway through the 3-year PGWP and Express Entry system. From January 1, 2026, master's and doctoral students at public universities are fully exempt from Canada's study permit cap.
Here is a quick overview of public universities in Canada for international students:
- 10 top public universities ranked in QS World University Rankings 2027
- UG fees range from CAD 18,000 (INR 12.13 lakh) to CAD 75,000 (INR 50.58 lakh) per year
- PG fees range from CAD 8,000 (INR 5.39 lakh) to CAD 55,000 (INR 37.09 lakh) per year
- No GRE or SAT required for admission at any public university
- 3-year PGWP for 4-year UG and 2-year Master's graduates
- Master's and PhD students fully exempt from study permit cap from January 2026
- Research-based Master's programs often come with CAD 15,000 to CAD 25,000 (INR 10.12 lakh to INR 16.86 lakh) annual funding
- 88.6% of international graduates employed within 3 years of graduation (Statistics Canada)
Key Updates for Indian Students (2026)
- Master's and PhD students fully exempt from study permit cap and PAL requirement from January 1, 2026. IRCC expects to issue 49,000 study permits to master's and doctoral students in 2026 outside the cap.
- UG study permit cap at 155,000 new arrivals for 2026. PAL required for UG students. Ontario has the largest allocation (104,780 PAL-required spaces).
- UBC confirmed 3% annual tuition cap for new international UG students starting 2026 to 2027, providing cost certainty for 4 years.
- University of Alberta froze thesis-based international tuition for Fall 2026 and approved a 5.5% reduction from Fall 2027.
- University of Ottawa confirmed graduate tuition unchanged for 2026 to 2027.
- McCall MacBain Scholarship applications open June to September 2026 for Fall 2027 (full tuition + CAD 25,000 / INR 16.86 lakh stipend per year at McGill).
All currency conversions use CAD 1 = INR 67.44 (July 2026).
- Top Public Universities in Canada
- Public Universities in Canada Requirements
2.1 Undergraduate (UG) Requirements
2.2 Postgraduate (PG) Requirements
- Intakes at Public Universities in Canada
- Public Universities in Canada Fees
- Cost of Living in Canada for International Students
- Scholarships at Public Universities in Canada
6.1 Undergraduate Scholarships
- Jobs and Salary After Studying at Public Universities in Canada
- FAQs
Top Public Universities in Canada
Canada has 10 top public universities ranked in QS World University Rankings 2027. McGill (#30), University of Toronto (#32), and UBC (#45) are the top 3 globally ranked public universities in Canada.
| University | QS Rank 2027 | Location |
|---|---|---|
| McGill University | #30 | Montreal, QC |
| University of Toronto | #32 | Toronto, ON |
| University of British Columbia | #45 | Vancouver, BC |
| University of Alberta | #96 | Edmonton, AB |
| University of Waterloo | #113 | Waterloo, ON |
| Western University | #142 | London, ON |
| Université de Montréal | #162 | Montreal, QC |
| McMaster University | #174 | Hamilton, ON |
| Queen's University | #179 | Kingston, ON |
| University of Ottawa | #228 | Ottawa, ON |
Note: Université de Montréal (#162) offers most programs in French. Indian students without French proficiency (DALF C1 or equivalent) should consider this carefully before applying.
What students say: Indian students on Reddit consistently recommend U of T, McGill, and UBC for the best brand recognition with Canadian employers. Students note that Waterloo's co-op model is unmatched for Engineering and CS students targeting tech companies.
Public Universities in Canada Requirements
Canadian public universities do not require GRE, GMAT, SAT, or ACT for admission at any level. Indian UG students are evaluated on Class 12 board results (CBSE, ISC, or State Board), English proficiency, and supplementary applications. Indian PG students are evaluated on bachelor's degree GPA, English proficiency, SOP, and reference letters.
Undergraduate (UG) Requirements
All 10 universities require Class 12 results. No SAT or ACT is required at any Canadian public university. Indian students are evaluated on Class 12 board exam results (CBSE, ISC, or State Board), English proficiency, and supplementary applications.
| University | Min. Class 12 % | IELTS/TOEFL | Other |
|---|---|---|---|
| McGill University | 85 to 90%+ (Engineering/CS: 90%+) | IELTS 6.5 / TOEFL 90 | Personal statement, transcripts |
| University of Toronto | 80 to 90%+ (Engineering/CS: 90%+) | IELTS 6.5 / TOEFL 100 | Personal profile, supplementary app (some programs) |
| University of British Columbia | 80 to 85%+ (Engineering/CS: 85%+) | IELTS 6.5 / TOEFL 90 | Personal profile (required for all applicants) |
| University of Alberta | 75 to 85%+ (program-dependent) | IELTS 6.5 / TOEFL 90 | Transcripts, personal statement (some programs) |
| University of Waterloo | 85 to 90%+ (Engineering/CS: 90%+) | IELTS 7.0 / TOEFL 100 | AIF (Admission Information Form) mandatory |
| Western University | 80 to 85%+ (program-dependent) | IELTS 7.0 / TOEFL 100 | Transcripts, personal statement (some programs) |
| Université de Montréal | 75 to 80%+ | DALF C1 (French) | French proficiency required for most programs |
| McMaster University | 80 to 90%+ (Health Sciences: 90%+) | IELTS 6.5 / TOEFL 92 | Supplementary app required for Health Sciences |
| Queen's University | 80 to 90%+ (Commerce/Engineering: 90%+) | IELTS 7.0 / TOEFL 100 | Supplementary app required for Commerce (Smith) |
| University of Ottawa | 75 to 85%+ (program-dependent) | IELTS 6.5 / TOEFL 86 | Transcripts, personal statement (some programs) |
Postgraduate (PG) Requirements
All 10 universities require a 4-year bachelor's degree. No GRE or GMAT is required at most programs. Indian students are evaluated on bachelor's degree GPA, English proficiency, SOP, and reference letters.
| University | Min. Bachelor's GPA | IELTS/TOEFL | Other |
|---|---|---|---|
| McGill University | 3.0/4.0 (~65 to 70%) | IELTS 6.5 / TOEFL 86 | SOP, 2 to 3 LORs, CV |
| University of Toronto | B+ (~77%) | IELTS 6.5 / TOEFL 93 | SOP, 2 to 3 LORs, CV, writing sample (some) |
| University of British Columbia | 76%+ (B+) in last 2 years | IELTS 6.5 / TOEFL 90 | SOP, 3 LORs, CV, research proposal (thesis) |
| University of Alberta | 3.0/4.0 (~65%) | IELTS 6.5 / TOEFL 90 | SOP, 2 to 3 LORs, CV |
| University of Waterloo | 78% (B+) | IELTS 7.0 / TOEFL 100 | Statement of interest, 3 LORs, CV; supervisor contact recommended |
| Western University | 70% (B) | IELTS 7.0 / TOEFL 100 | SOP, 2 to 3 LORs, CV |
| Université de Montréal | 3.0/4.0 | DALF C1 (French) | French proficiency required for most programs |
| McMaster University | 70 to 75% (B) | IELTS 6.5 / TOEFL 92 | SOP, 2 to 3 LORs, CV |
| Queen's University | 73 to 77% (B+) | IELTS 7.0 / TOEFL 100 | SOP, 2 to 3 LORs, CV |
| University of Ottawa | 70% (B) | IELTS 6.5 / TOEFL 86 | SOP, 2 to 3 LORs, CV |
Note (study permit): Indian students must apply for a Canada study permit after receiving an offer of admission. UG students require a PAL from their university before applying. PG students are fully exempt from PAL and cap requirements from January 2026. Study permit processing for Indian students takes approximately 3 weeks (IRCC, April 2026). Apply at least 3 to 4 months before the program start date.
What students say: Indian students on Reddit note that a strong SOP with specific research interests and professor mentions significantly improves PG admission chances at Waterloo and UBC. Students recommend contacting potential supervisors 3 to 6 months before the application deadline for thesis-based programs.
Intakes at Public Universities in Canada
The Fall intake (September) is the primary and most competitive intake at all 10 universities for both UG and PG. Indian students should apply 3 to 4 months before the deadline to allow time for study permit processing (approximately 3 weeks as of April 2026).
UG Intakes and Deadlines
| University | Available Intakes | Fall 2027 Deadline | Application System |
|---|---|---|---|
| McGill University | Fall (Sep), Winter (Jan, limited) | January 15, 2027 | Direct to McGill |
| University of Toronto | Fall (Sep) only | January 15, 2027 | OUAC |
| University of British Columbia | Fall (Sep) only | January 15, 2027 | Direct to UBC |
| University of Alberta | Fall (Sep), Winter (Jan, limited) | March 1, 2027 | Direct to UAlberta |
| University of Waterloo | Fall (Sep) only | February 1, 2027 | OUAC |
| Western University | Fall (Sep) only | February 1, 2027 | OUAC |
| Université de Montréal | Fall (Sep), Winter (Jan, limited) | February 1, 2027 | Direct to UdeM |
| McMaster University | Fall (Sep) only | February 1, 2027 | OUAC |
| Queen's University | Fall (Sep) only | February 1, 2027 | OUAC |
| University of Ottawa | Fall (Sep), Winter (Jan, some programs) | March 1, 2027 | OUAC |
PG Intakes and Deadlines
| University | Available Intakes | Fall 2027 Deadline | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| McGill University | Fall, Winter, Summer | January 15, 2027 | Some programs: December 1, 2026 |
| University of Toronto | Fall, Winter | December to January 2027 (program-specific) | Check graduate unit website |
| University of British Columbia | Fall, Winter (program-dependent) | November to January 2027 (program-specific) | All deadlines program-specific |
| University of Alberta | Fall, Winter, Spring | December to February 2027 (varies) | Supervisor confirmation required for thesis |
| University of Waterloo | Fall, Winter, Spring | February 1, 2027 (Fall) | Currently accepting Fall 2027 applications |
| Western University | Fall, Winter (program-dependent) | January to February 2027 (varies) | Rolling admissions; apply early |
| Université de Montréal | Fall, Winter | February 1, 2027 | French proficiency required |
| McMaster University | Fall, Winter, Spring | January to March 2027 (varies) | Rolling admissions for many programs |
| Queen's University | Fall, Winter (program-dependent) | January to February 2027 (varies) | Some programs: December 1, 2026 |
| University of Ottawa | Fall, Winter, Spring | February 1, 2027 (Fall) | Graduate tuition unchanged for 2026 to 2027 |
How to apply for Fall 2027, step-by-step timeline for Indian students:
- Now to September 2026: Research programs, shortlist universities, contact potential supervisors (for PG thesis programs)
- August to September 2026: Request LORs; allow 4 to 6 weeks for recommenders
- October to November 2026: Submit early PG applications (some programs have December 1 deadlines)
- January 2027: Submit UG applications (McGill, U of T, UBC deadline: January 15)
- February 2027: Submit UG applications (Waterloo, Western, McMaster, Queen's deadline: February 1)
- February to April 2027: Receive offer letters; accept offers and pay deposits
- March to May 2027: Secure PAL (UG students); apply for Canada study permit
- September 2027: Begin Fall 2027 intake
Note for Indian students: Ontario universities (U of T, Waterloo, Western, McMaster, Queen's, Ottawa) use the OUAC (Ontario Universities' Application Centre) system for UG applications. McGill, UBC, and Alberta use direct application portals. PG students apply directly to each university's graduate portal regardless of province.
What students say: Indian students on Reddit recommend applying to 5 to 8 universities simultaneously to maximise chances. Students note that early applications (October to November for PG) significantly improve funding and scholarship consideration at all universities.
Public Universities in Canada Fees
Public universities in Canada charge lower fees than comparable institutions in the USA or UK. Average international UG tuition is CAD 41,746 (INR 28.15 lakh) per year and average PG tuition is CAD 24,028 (INR 16.21 lakh) per year (Statistics Canada, 2026). Fees vary by university, program, and province.
Undergraduate (UG) Fees
UG fees at public Canadian universities range from CAD 18,000 (INR 12.13 lakh) per year at Université de Montréal to CAD 75,000 (INR 50.58 lakh) per year at the University of Waterloo for Engineering and CS programs. McGill and Alberta are the most affordable among top-ranked options.
| University | UG Fees (CAD/year) | UG Fees (INR/year) |
|---|---|---|
| McGill University | CAD 22,000 to CAD 55,000 | INR 14.84 lakh to INR 37.09 lakh |
| University of Toronto | CAD 48,090 to CAD 70,060 | INR 32.43 lakh to INR 47.24 lakh |
| University of British Columbia | CAD 51,530 to CAD 66,678 | INR 34.75 lakh to INR 44.96 lakh |
| University of Alberta | CAD 28,000 to CAD 40,000 | INR 18.88 lakh to INR 26.98 lakh |
| University of Waterloo | CAD 51,000 to CAD 75,000 | INR 34.40 lakh to INR 50.58 lakh |
| Western University | CAD 32,000 to CAD 70,040 | INR 21.58 lakh to INR 47.24 lakh |
| Université de Montréal | CAD 18,000 to CAD 30,000 | INR 12.13 lakh to INR 20.23 lakh |
| McMaster University | CAD 45,000 to CAD 56,000 | INR 30.35 lakh to INR 37.77 lakh |
| Queen's University | CAD 44,810 to CAD 63,324 | INR 30.22 lakh to INR 42.70 lakh |
| University of Ottawa | CAD 35,000 to CAD 50,000 | INR 23.60 lakh to INR 33.72 lakh |
Note (UG fees): University of Waterloo is the most expensive for Engineering and CS (CAD 73,000 to CAD 75,000 / INR 49.23 lakh to INR 50.58 lakh per year). Université de Montréal and University of Alberta are the most affordable. UBC confirmed a 3% annual cap on tuition increases for new international UG students starting 2026 to 2027.
Also Read: Study in Canada Fees
Postgraduate (PG) Fees
PG fees range from CAD 8,000 (INR 5.39 lakh) per year for thesis-based programs at UBC to CAD 55,000 (INR 37.09 lakh) per year at the University of Toronto. Research-based Master's programs at Alberta and UBC are the most affordable.
| University | PG Fees (CAD/year) | PG Fees (INR/year) |
|---|---|---|
| McGill University | CAD 18,000 to CAD 30,000 | INR 12.13 lakh to INR 20.23 lakh |
| University of Toronto | CAD 25,000 to CAD 55,000 | INR 16.86 lakh to INR 37.09 lakh |
| University of British Columbia | CAD 8,000 to CAD 50,000 | INR 5.39 lakh to INR 33.72 lakh |
| University of Alberta | CAD 16,000 to CAD 28,000 | INR 10.79 lakh to INR 18.88 lakh |
| University of Waterloo | CAD 18,000 to CAD 32,000 | INR 12.13 lakh to INR 21.58 lakh |
| Western University | CAD 18,000 to CAD 28,000 | INR 12.13 lakh to INR 18.88 lakh |
| Université de Montréal | CAD 16,000 to CAD 25,000 | INR 10.79 lakh to INR 16.86 lakh |
| McMaster University | CAD 17,000 to CAD 41,000 | INR 11.46 lakh to INR 27.65 lakh |
| Queen's University | CAD 20,000 to CAD 35,000 | INR 13.49 lakh to INR 23.60 lakh |
| University of Ottawa | CAD 20,000 to CAD 30,000 | INR 13.49 lakh to INR 20.23 lakh |
Note (PG fees): UBC and Alberta offer the most affordable thesis-based Master's programs. McMaster's course-based programs (CAD 41,000 / INR 27.65 lakh per year) are significantly more expensive than research-based ones (CAD 17,000 / INR 11.46 lakh per year). Research-based Master's programs typically include funding packages of CAD 15,000 to CAD 25,000 (INR 10.12 lakh to INR 16.86 lakh) per year, making them effectively free or net-income-positive for strong applicants.
Cost of Living in Canada for International Students
Monthly living costs range from CAD 1,400 (INR 94,416) in Kingston (Queen's) to CAD 3,200 (INR 2.16 lakh) in Toronto and Vancouver. Kingston, Hamilton, London, Edmonton, and Waterloo are the most affordable cities for Indian students.
| University | City | Monthly Cost (CAD) | Monthly Cost (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| McGill University | Montreal, QC | CAD 1,800 to CAD 2,500 | INR 1.21 lakh to INR 1.69 lakh |
| University of Toronto | Toronto, ON | CAD 2,200 to CAD 3,200 | INR 1.48 lakh to INR 2.16 lakh |
| University of British Columbia | Vancouver, BC | CAD 2,200 to CAD 3,200 | INR 1.48 lakh to INR 2.16 lakh |
| University of Alberta | Edmonton, AB | CAD 1,500 to CAD 2,200 | INR 1.01 lakh to INR 1.48 lakh |
| University of Waterloo | Waterloo, ON | CAD 1,600 to CAD 2,300 | INR 1.08 lakh to INR 1.55 lakh |
| Western University | London, ON | CAD 1,500 to CAD 2,200 | INR 1.01 lakh to INR 1.48 lakh |
| Université de Montréal | Montreal, QC | CAD 1,800 to CAD 2,500 | INR 1.21 lakh to INR 1.69 lakh |
| McMaster University | Hamilton, ON | CAD 1,500 to CAD 2,200 | INR 1.01 lakh to INR 1.48 lakh |
| Queen's University | Kingston, ON | CAD 1,400 to CAD 2,000 | INR 94,416 to INR 1.35 lakh |
| University of Ottawa | Ottawa, ON | CAD 1,700 to CAD 2,500 | INR 1.15 lakh to INR 1.69 lakh |
Note for Indian students: International students in Canada can work 24 hours per week during academic sessions. Working 20 hours per week at Canada's minimum wage of CAD 17.30 (INR 1,167) per hour generates approximately CAD 1,400 to CAD 1,500 (INR 94,416 to INR 1.01 lakh) per month to offset living costs.
What students say: Indian students on Reddit consistently recommend Kingston (Queen's), Hamilton (McMaster), and Waterloo as the most affordable cities. Students in Toronto and Vancouver report spending CAD 2,500 to CAD 3,000 (INR 1.69 lakh to INR 2.02 lakh) per month on rent and living expenses alone.
Scholarships at Public Universities in Canada
Canada's top public universities offer a wide range of scholarships for Indian students at both UG and PG levels. UG scholarships range from CAD 3,000 (INR 2.02 lakh) per year at McGill to full tuition plus living expenses at the University of Toronto. PG students at research-based programs often receive guaranteed funding packages of CAD 15,000 to CAD 25,000 (INR 10.12 lakh to INR 16.86 lakh) per year from supervisors, making thesis-based Master's programs effectively free for strong applicants.
Undergraduate Scholarships
The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship at the University of Toronto covers full tuition plus living expenses (CAD 70,000+ / INR 47.21 lakh+ per year) and is one of the most generous UG scholarships in the world. Only 37 scholarships are awarded globally each year.
| Scholarship | University | Award (CAD) | Award (INR) | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship | University of Toronto | Full tuition + living (CAD 70,000+/year) | INR 47.21 lakh+/year | School nomination required; ~37 awarded globally |
| International Major Entrance Scholarship (IMES) | UBC | CAD 10,000 to CAD 40,000 (one-time or renewable) | INR 6.74 lakh to INR 26.98 lakh | All international students; merit-based |
| Trek Excellence Scholarship | UBC | CAD 5,000/year | INR 3.37 lakh/year | All international students; merit-based |
| International Entrance Scholarship | University of Alberta | CAD 9,000/year (renewable) | INR 6.07 lakh/year | All international students; merit-based |
| International Student Entrance Scholarship | University of Waterloo | CAD 10,000 (first year) | INR 6.74 lakh | All international students; merit-based |
| Entrance Scholarship for International Students | McGill University | CAD 3,000 to CAD 12,000/year | INR 2.02 lakh to INR 8.09 lakh/year | All international students; merit-based |
| University of Toronto Scholar Award | University of Toronto | CAD 7,500 to CAD 10,000/year | INR 5.06 lakh to INR 6.74 lakh/year | All international students; merit-based |
| Western Scholarship of Excellence | Western University | CAD 2,000 to CAD 10,000 | INR 1.35 lakh to INR 6.74 lakh | All international students; merit-based |
| Queen's University International Scholarship | Queen's University | CAD 5,000 to CAD 10,000/year | INR 3.37 lakh to INR 6.74 lakh/year | All international students; merit-based |
| Excellence Scholarship for International Students | University of Ottawa | CAD 5,000 to CAD 10,000 | INR 3.37 lakh to INR 6.74 lakh | All international students; merit-based |
Postgraduate Scholarships
The McCall MacBain Scholarship at McGill covers full tuition plus CAD 25,000 (INR 16.86 lakh) stipend per year. Applications open June to September 2026 for Fall 2027. Only 50 scholarships are awarded annually.
| Scholarship | University | Award (CAD) | Award (INR) | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| McCall MacBain Scholarship | McGill University | Full tuition + CAD 25,000/year stipend | INR 16.86 lakh/year | ~50 awarded annually; exceptional academic and leadership profile |
| Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships | All universities | CAD 50,000/year (3 years) | INR 33.72 lakh/year | Open to international students; very competitive |
| NSERC/SSHRC/CIHR Graduate Scholarships | All universities | CAD 17,500 to CAD 35,000/year | INR 11.80 lakh to INR 23.60 lakh/year | Open to international students; discipline-specific |
| Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) | Ontario universities | CAD 15,000/year | INR 10.12 lakh/year | Ontario universities; open to international students |
| UBC Graduate Fellowship | UBC | CAD 5,000 to CAD 18,000 | INR 3.37 lakh to INR 12.13 lakh | All graduate students; merit-based |
| Alberta Graduate Excellence Scholarship | University of Alberta | CAD 10,000 to CAD 15,000 | INR 6.74 lakh to INR 10.12 lakh | All graduate students; merit-based |
| President's Graduate Scholarship | University of Waterloo | CAD 10,000/year | INR 6.74 lakh/year | All graduate students; merit-based |
| SGS Fellowship | University of Toronto | CAD 5,000 to CAD 15,000 | INR 3.37 lakh to INR 10.12 lakh | All graduate students; merit-based |
| Graduate Excellence Fellowship | McGill University | CAD 5,000 to CAD 15,000 | INR 3.37 lakh to INR 10.12 lakh | All graduate students; merit-based |
Note for Indian students: Research-based (thesis) Master's programs at Canadian public universities typically include guaranteed funding packages (stipend plus tuition waiver) of CAD 15,000 to CAD 25,000 (INR 10.12 lakh to INR 16.86 lakh) per year from supervisors. This makes thesis-based programs effectively free or net-income-positive for strong applicants.
What students say: Indian students on Reddit note that the Lester B. Pearson Scholarship requires a school nomination, and many schools are unaware of the process. Students recommend informing their school principal or counsellor well in advance, ideally by September 2026 for Fall 2027 entry.
Also Read: Fully Funded Scholarships in Canada for Indian Students
Jobs and Salary After Studying at Public Universities in Canada
Canada's tech sector is growing at 1.8x the rate of the overall economy. Statistics Canada reports 88.6% of international student graduates were employed within 3 years of graduation. Major employers include Shopify, RBC, TD Bank, Scotiabank, Deloitte, KPMG, Amazon, Google, Microsoft, and hundreds of AI and tech startups across Toronto, Vancouver, Waterloo, and Montreal.
| Job Role | Annual Salary (CAD) | Annual Salary (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Software Developer (entry-level) | CAD 65,000 to CAD 85,000 | INR 43.84 lakh to INR 57.32 lakh |
| Software Developer (average) | CAD 77,122 | INR 52.01 lakh |
| Data Scientist | CAD 85,122 | INR 57.41 lakh |
| Machine Learning Engineer | CAD 90,000 to CAD 1,20,000 | INR 60.70 lakh to INR 80.93 lakh |
| Data Engineer | CAD 88,304 | INR 59.54 lakh |
| Business Analyst | CAD 65,000 to CAD 90,000 | INR 43.84 lakh to INR 60.70 lakh |
| Financial Analyst | CAD 65,000 to CAD 85,000 | INR 43.84 lakh to INR 57.32 lakh |
| Cybersecurity Analyst | CAD 75,000 to CAD 1,05,000 | INR 50.58 lakh to INR 70.81 lakh |
| Project Manager (Tech) | CAD 85,000 to CAD 1,15,000 | INR 57.32 lakh to INR 77.56 lakh |
| Senior Software Developer (5+ years) | CAD 1,10,000 to CAD 1,50,000 | INR 74.18 lakh to INR 1.01 crore |
| Mechanical/Civil Engineer | CAD 65,000 to CAD 90,000 | INR 43.84 lakh to INR 60.70 lakh |
| Marketing Manager | CAD 65,000 to CAD 95,000 | INR 43.84 lakh to INR 64.07 lakh |
Post-study work and PR pathway for Indian graduates:
- Graduate from a PGWP-eligible public university program.
- Apply for PGWP: up to 3 years for 4-year UG or 2-year Master's graduates.
- Accumulate 1 year of skilled Canadian work experience in a NOC TEER 1 role.
- Apply to Express Entry under Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
- Receive PR within approximately 6 months of application.
- French proficiency (gained at McGill or University of Ottawa) adds up to 50 additional CRS (Comprehensive Ranking System) points. CRS score is a points-based system used by the Canadian government to rank immigration candidates in the Express Entry pool.
Note: NOC (National Occupational Classification) is Canada's official system for classifying jobs. Software Developers (NOC 21232), Data Scientists (NOC 21211), and Financial Analysts (NOC 11101) are all NOC TEER 1 occupations, the highest priority category for Express Entry PR. Indian graduates in these roles qualify for PR after just 1 year of Canadian work experience.
Note (2026 PR update): Canada's 2026 to 2028 Immigration Levels Plan targets transitioning up to 33,000 work permit holders (including PGWP holders) to PR between 2026 and 2027. Ontario closed its provincial graduate PR streams from June 25, 2026. Indian graduates in Ontario now need a job offer for provincial PR streams. The federal Express Entry route via PGWP remains fully open.
What students say: Indian students on Reddit note that Waterloo's co-op model gives graduates a significant employment advantage. Students recommend building a Canadian professional network during studies, as most Canadian jobs are filled through referrals rather than cold applications.
Also Read: High-Paying Jobs in Canada for International Students
For Indian UG students targeting Fall 2027, apply to Ontario universities via OUAC by February 1, 2027 and to McGill, UBC, and Alberta by January 15 to March 1, 2027. Target Waterloo for Engineering and CS (mandatory co-op, CAD 25,000 to CAD 50,000 / INR 16.86 lakh to INR 33.72 lakh per co-op term) and McGill or Alberta for the lowest fees. For Indian PG students, apply now as master's and PhD students are fully exempt from the study permit cap. Target thesis-based programs at UBC or Alberta for the lowest fees and guaranteed funding. Apply for the McCall MacBain Scholarship (McGill) by September 2026 and the Lester B. Pearson Scholarship (U of T) by October 2026 for the most generous funding available.
FAQs
Ques: Which are the top public universities in Canada for Indian students?
Ans: The top public universities in Canada are McGill (#30 globally), University of Toronto (#32), and UBC (#45) as per QS World University Rankings 2027. For the lowest fees, Université de Montréal (CAD 18,000 to CAD 30,000 / INR 12.13 lakh to INR 20.23 lakh per year) and University of Alberta (CAD 28,000 to CAD 40,000 / INR 18.88 lakh to INR 26.98 lakh per year) are the most affordable top-ranked options.
Ques: What are the fees at public universities in Canada for international students?
Ans: UG fees range from CAD 18,000 (INR 12.13 lakh) per year at Université de Montréal to CAD 75,000 (INR 50.58 lakh) per year at Waterloo for Engineering. PG fees range from CAD 8,000 (INR 5.39 lakh) per year for thesis-based programs at UBC to CAD 55,000 (INR 37.09 lakh) per year at the University of Toronto.
Ques: Is GRE or SAT required for public universities in Canada?
Ans: No. Canadian public universities do not require GRE for PG admission or SAT/ACT for UG admission. Indian students are evaluated on Class 12 results (UG) or bachelor's degree GPA (PG), English proficiency, SOP, and reference letters.
Ques: Are master's students exempt from Canada's study permit cap?
Ans: Yes. From January 1, 2026, master's and doctoral students at public DLIs are fully exempt from Canada's study permit cap and PAL requirement. IRCC expects to issue 49,000 study permits to master's and doctoral students in 2026 outside the 155,000 new-arrival cap.
Ques: What scholarships are available at public universities in Canada for Indian students?
Ans: The most prestigious UG scholarship is the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship at U of T (full tuition plus living expenses, CAD 70,000+ / INR 47.21 lakh+ per year, 37 awarded globally). The most prestigious PG scholarship is the McCall MacBain Scholarship at McGill (full tuition plus CAD 25,000 / INR 16.86 lakh stipend per year, 50 awarded annually). Federal scholarships include Vanier (CAD 50,000 / INR 33.72 lakh per year) and OGS (CAD 15,000 / INR 10.12 lakh per year).
Ques: What is the PGWP duration for graduates of public universities in Canada?
Ans: PGWP duration matches program length, up to a maximum of 3 years. A 4-year UG degree yields a 3-year PGWP. A 2-year Master's yields a 2-year PGWP. A 1-year Master's yields a 1-year PGWP. All bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree graduates are exempt from the PGWP field of study requirement.
Ques: Which public university in Canada is best for Engineering and CS?
Ans: The University of Waterloo is the best for Engineering and CS, with mandatory co-op giving students 4 to 6 paid work terms earning CAD 25,000 to CAD 50,000 (INR 16.86 lakh to INR 33.72 lakh) per term. The University of Toronto (#32 globally) and UBC (#45) are the top-ranked alternatives with strong research and industry placement.
Ques: What is the salary after graduating from a public university in Canada?
Ans: Entry-level Software Developers earn CAD 65,000 to CAD 85,000 (INR 43.84 lakh to INR 57.32 lakh) per year. Data Scientists earn an average of CAD 85,122 (INR 57.41 lakh) per year. Machine Learning Engineers earn CAD 90,000 to CAD 1,20,000 (INR 60.70 lakh to INR 80.93 lakh) per year. Senior Software Developers with 5+ years of experience earn CAD 1,10,000 to CAD 1,50,000 (INR 74.18 lakh to INR 1.01 crore) per year.
Found 192 universities
| Ranking | College Info | Top Courses | Fees & Cost of Living | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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 #18/824 Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking 2026(Overall) |  University of Toronto, TorontoOntario, Canada43%Acceptance Rate | MBA Course duration: 2 years Exams Accepted: TOEFL5 | Tuition: (CA$56,025/Yr)$39.8K/Yr Living: (CA$13,491/Yr)$9.6K/Yr | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
#22/824 Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking 2026(Overall) |  McGill University, MontrealQuebec, Canada46%Acceptance Rate | MS Computer Science Course duration: 2 years Exams Accepted: IELTS6.5 | Tuition: (CA$40,444/Yr)$28.7K/Yr Living: (CA$875/Yr)$621.25/Yr | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
#30/824 Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking 2026(Overall) |  The University of British Columbia, VancouverBritish Columbia, Canada54%Acceptance Rate | MS Computer Science Course duration: 2 years Exams Accepted: IELTS7 | Tuition: (CA$39,513/Yr)$28.1K/Yr Living: (CA$16,536/Yr)$11.7K/Yr | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
#61/824 Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking 2026(Overall) |  University of Alberta, EdmontonAlberta, Canada58%Acceptance Rate | MBA Course duration: 1 year Exams Accepted: Duolingo140TOEFL5PTE68 | Tuition: (CA$27,095/Yr)$19.2K/Yr Living: (CA$19,344/Yr)$13.7K/Yr | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Partner Colleges
Best In Infrastructure
Trinity Western University
Langley, British Columbia
$13.8K
1st Year Fees
MBA
Apply Now
Best In Academic
University of Regina
Regina, Saskatchewan
$14.4K
1st Year Fees
MBA
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Best In Faculty
University Canada West
Vancouver, British Columbia
$32.7K
1st Year Fees
MBA
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Best In Infrastructure
Concordia University-Montreal
Montreal, Quebec
$13.5K
1st Year Fees
MACs
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Best In Academic
Dalhousie University
Halifax, Nova Scotia
$11.9K
1st Year Fees
MHA Health Administration
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Goodman School of Business
St. Catharines, Ontario
$28.1K
1st Year Fees
MBA
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Best In Academic
University of Saskatchewan
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
$12.5K
1st Year Fees
MEng Civil Engineering
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Best In Faculty
Brock University
St. Catharines, Ontario
$28.1K
1st Year Fees
MBA
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Best In Infrastructure
Thompson Rivers University
Kamloops, British Columbia
$12.4K
1st Year Fees
MBA
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Best In Social Life
University of New Brunswick (Fredericton)
Fredericton, NewBrunswick
$4.7K
1st Year Fees
MBA
Apply Now
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#91/824 Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking 2026(Overall) |  University of Waterloo, WaterlooOntario, Canada53%Acceptance Rate | MMath Computer Science Course duration: 2 years Exams Accepted: TOEFL5 | Tuition: (CA$36,614/Yr)$26K/Yr Living: (CA$16,020/Yr)$11.4K/Yr | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
#101/824 Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking 2026(Overall) |  McMaster University, HamiltonOntario, Canada59%Acceptance Rate | MS Computer Science Course duration: 2 years Exams Accepted: TOEFL88PTE70 | Tuition: (CA$43,806/Yr)$31.1K/Yr Living: (CA$15,470/Yr)$11K/Yr | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
#119/824 Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking 2026(Overall) |  Western University, LondonOntario, Canada58%Acceptance Rate | MBA Course duration: 1 year Exams Accepted: Duolingo125TOEFL92 | Tuition: (CA$41,621/Yr)$29.6K/Yr Living: (CA$18,400/Yr)$13.1K/Yr | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
#120/824 Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking 2026(Overall) |  University of Montreal, MontrealQuebec, Canada57%Acceptance Rate | MS Computer Science Course duration: 2 years | Tuition: (CA$27,391/Yr)$19.4K/Yr Living: (CA$12,000/Yr)$8.5K/Yr | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
#140/824 Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking 2026(Overall) |  University of Calgary, CalgaryAlberta, Canada55%Acceptance Rate | MBA Course duration: 20 months Exams Accepted: TOEFL5 | Tuition: (CA$26,890/Yr)$19.1K/Yr Living: (CA$16,119/Yr)$11.4K/Yr | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
#142/824 Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking 2026(Overall) |  University of Ottawa, OttawaOntario, Canada80%Acceptance Rate | MCS Course duration: 2 years Exams Accepted: TOEFL4 | Tuition: (CA$33,113/Yr)$23.5K/Yr Living: (CA$15,758/Yr)$11.2K/Yr | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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#166/824 Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking 2026(Overall) |  Queen's University, KingstonOntario, Canada42%Acceptance Rate | MBA Course duration: 1 year Exams Accepted: TOEFL5 | Tuition: (CA$36,067/Yr)$25.6K/Yr | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
#182/824 Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking 2026(Overall) |  University of Sherbrooke, SherbrookeQuebec, Canada68%Acceptance Rate | M.B.A Course duration: 2 years Exams Accepted: GMAT550TOEFL100PTE59 | Tuition: (CA$25,553/Yr)$18.1K/Yr Living: (CA$9,192/Yr)$6.5K/Yr | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
#184/824 Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking 2026(Overall) |  University of Quebec at Montreal, MontrealQuebec, Canada50%Acceptance Rate | MS Computer Science Course duration: 2 years | Tuition: (CA$19,076/Yr)$13.5K/Yr Living: (CA$4,320/Yr)$3.1K/Yr | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
#211/824 Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking 2026(Overall) |  Dalhousie University, HalifaxNova Scotia, Canada78%Acceptance Rate | MS Applied Computer Science Course duration: 16 months Exams Accepted: TOEFL4.5PTE65 | Tuition: (CA$21,510/Yr)$15.3K/Yr Living: (CA$16,448/Yr)$11.7K/Yr | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
#230/824 Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking 2026(Overall) |  Simon Fraser University, BurnabyBritish Columbia, Canada59%Acceptance Rate | MS Computing Science Course duration: 2 years Exams Accepted: Duolingo125TOEFL90PTE65 | Tuition: (CA$23,783/Yr)$16.9K/Yr Living: (CA$16,002/Yr)$11.4K/Yr | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
#258/824 Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking 2026(Overall) |  University of Victoria, VictoriaBritish Columbia, Canada63%Acceptance Rate | MBA Course duration: 2 years Exams Accepted: TOEFL4.5PTE65 | Tuition: (CA$23,391/Yr)$16.6K/Yr Living: (CA$9,653/Yr)$6.9K/Yr | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
#281/824 Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking 2026(Overall) |  Laval University, Quebec CityQuebec, Canada59%Acceptance Rate | MBA Pharmaceutical Management Course duration: 2 years Exams Accepted: TOEFL79 | Tuition: (CA$22,353/Yr)$15.9K/Yr | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
#286/824 Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking 2026(Overall) |  University of Saskatchewan, SaskatoonSaskatchewan, Canada72.3%Acceptance Rate | MPH Course duration: 2 years Exams Accepted: Duolingo120IELTS6.5PTE63 | Tuition: (CA$25,820/Yr)$18.3K/Yr Living: (CA$20,065/Yr)$14.2K/Yr | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
#291/824 Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking 2026(Overall) |  Carleton University, OttawaOntario, Canada22%Acceptance Rate | MCS Course duration: 2 years Exams Accepted: TOEFL4.5PTE60 | Tuition: (CA$29,902/Yr)$21.2K/Yr Living: (CA$12,907/Yr)$9.2K/Yr | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
#296/824 Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking 2026(Overall) |  York University, TorontoOntario, Canada48%Acceptance Rate | MBA Course duration: 16 months Exams Accepted: TOEFL5 | Tuition: (CA$41,059/Yr)$29.2K/Yr Living: (CA$16,865/Yr)$12K/Yr | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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