Study in Canada from Nepal: Colleges, scholarships & fees
Thinking about studying in Canada? You’re not alone. More than 22,000 Nepali students chose Canada in 2024, thanks to its world-class education, welcoming culture and strong post-study work options, marking a significant rise in demand over the past decade.
From affordable tuition to post-study work opportunities, Canada provides the perfect balance of quality education and career pathways. However, understanding the requirements, costs, scholarships and visa process is essential for a smooth transition.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through everything Nepalese students need to know to study in Canada in 2025.
Why study in Canada?
Canada has built a global reputation as a safe, welcoming and innovative destination for international education. For Nepali students, Canada checks all the right boxes for Nepali students: quality education, affordability and clear pathways to work or stay after graduation.
Here’s why it’s a smart move.
- World-renowned education system: Canada is home to some of the top 100 global universities with strong research programs, student-focused teaching and international recognition.
- Affordable tuition fees: Compared to countries like the U.K. and the USA, the universities of Canada provide quality education at a lower cost.
- Safe and peaceful environment: With low crime rates, stable politics and a tolerant society, Canada is one of the safest places on Earth for international students.
- Earn while you study: International students can work a maximum of 24 hours a week while studying and full time during breaks, which provides valuable work experience and helps fund living expenses.
- Pathways to permanent residency: Canada’s post-graduate work permit (PGWP) and immigration-friendly policies allow international students permanent residency after graduation.
Most popular courses for Nepali students in Canada
Canada’s universities offer hands-on, future-ready programs that match market demand, especially in tech, business and health care. Here are the top picks for Nepali students
|
Course |
Description |
Career 0pportunities |
|
Computer science and IT |
Focuses on programming, software development, data science and artificial intelligence |
Software developer, data analyst, IT manager, cybersecurity specialist |
|
Engineering |
Includes civil, mechanical, electrical and petroleum engineering programs |
Professional engineer, project manager, research scientist, technical consultant |
|
Business administration |
Covers finance, marketing, human resources and entrepreneurship |
Business analyst, marketing manager, financial advisor, operations manager |
|
Health care and medicine |
Nursing, pharmacy, public health and medical laboratory sciences |
Registered nurse, pharmacist, health care administrator, medical technologist |
|
Agriculture and food sciences |
Sustainable agriculture, food technology and agricultural economics |
Agricultural scientist, food technologist, agricultural consultant, farm manager |
|
Hospitality and tourism |
Hotel management, event planning and tourism marketing |
Hotel manager, event coordinator, tourism operator, restaurant manager |
|
Education |
Teaching, educational administration and curriculum development |
Teacher, education administrator, curriculum designer, education consultant |
|
Environmental studies |
Environmental science, renewable energy and sustainability |
Environmental consultant, sustainability specialist, research scientist, policy analyst |
Top universities and colleges in Canada for Nepali students
Canada offers globally ranked universities and colleges with research power and a real-world focus. Whether you’re applying to a master’s or postgraduate program, there’s a fit for you. From advanced STEM programs to practical diplomas, Canadian institutions provide diverse opportunities for Nepali students.
Best public universities in Canada
The public universities of Canada are renowned for their endeavors in study and research.
Some of the top public universities in Canada are:
- University of Toronto: It is one of the best universities in Canada and offers more than 700 undergraduate degrees, 200+ graduate degrees on three campuses.
- University of British Columbia: UBC is highly renowned for its superior facilities, its engineering, business and medical degrees, and its location in the largest British Columbia city.
- McGill University: Based in Montreal, McGill is renowned for its medical school, law school, research and its rich international community.
- University of Alberta: A leading university for engineering, business and health sciences and a high level of industrial connections, including research investment.
- University of Montréal: Known for its strong focus on research, particularly in artificial intelligence, and its status as a leading French-language university.
- Queen’s University: Situated in Kingston, Ontario, Queen’s is known for top-ranked programs in health sciences, engineering and business.
Most affordable Canadian colleges for Nepali students
Canadian universities offer affordable, career-specific and experiential learning opportunities that many international students find appealing.
- Seneca College:Toronto-based Seneca offers more than 150 programs with significant industry connections and co-op placements.
- St. Lawrence College: SLC, which has campuses in Ontario, offers experiential learning that delivers promising placement outcomes.
- Fanshawe College: Located in London, Ontario, Fanshawe College is well-known for its strong technology programs and comprehensive student support services.
- Centennial College: Toronto-based college that offers career-focused programs with career-oriented curricula and state-of-the-art facilities.
- Conestoga College: Based in Kitchener-Waterloo and known for engineering technology programs.
*Schools mentioned in this post do not endorse MPOWER’s loans and MPOWER is not affiliated with the schools noted in this message.
Requirements to study in Canada from Nepal
Before you pack your bags, make sure you meet the academic, language and visa requirements to study in Canada:
1. Academic and university requirements
For admission to Canadian universities, your prior learning credentials are essential. For undergraduate studies, universities require a minimum GPA of 3.0. For master’s studies, a minimum GPA of 3.3 is needed. Your transcript must be verified for equivalence with Canadian standards. Reputable agencies like the World Education Services (WES) can help with this verification.
2. IELTS or other English proficiency tests
To study in Canada from Nepal, you’ll need to prove your English skills. Most schools accept IELTS, TOEFL, PTE Academic or the Duolingo English Test. Requirements are:
- Academic IELTS: Average of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0
- TOEFL iBT: Minimum score of 88-100
- PTE Academic: Minimum score of 60-65
- Duolingo English Test: Minimum score of 120
3. Financial requirements
According to the IRCC, you must provide proof of funds to cover tuition and living expenses, typically ranging from CA$20,000 to CA$30,000. Accepted documents include bank statements, letters of educational loan approval or letters of sponsorship.
4. Study permit requirements
To apply for a Canadian study permit, you need a valid passport, an acceptance letter from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI), proof of sufficient funds and a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL)/Territorial Attestation Letter (TAL) (or Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) if applicable). You may also need to provide biometrics and undergo a medical exam, depending on your circumstances. Processing time is usually eight to 12 weeks.
Canada student visa application process
Applying for a Canadian study permit from Nepal? Follow these steps to keep things smooth and stress-free:
Step 1: Choose your program and institution
Research and explore programs that are appropriate for your career goals and budget. Compare programs for school reputation, school location, program cost and success in landing a job after graduation. Your school must be a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) that can accommodate international students.
Step 2: Prepare the required documents
Collect all documentation such as school records, scores from English language proficiency tests, funding sources and a passport. All documentation needs to be properly translated to French or English by professional translators, where necessary, and notarized. This is a critical step since incomplete documentation is the most frequent reason for application delay.
Step 3: Apply to your chosen universities or colleges
Always apply through the institution’s virtual gateway or central system, such as the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC). Be particularly mindful of deadlines, which often fall between December through March for fall intake. Provide a statement of purpose with study intentions and a program of interest.
Step 4: Receive offer of admission
Once your application is accepted, you’ll receive a formal acceptance letter with program, fee and start date requirements. This letter must be from a DLI-approved school for your study permit application. Please read the offer carefully, verify your acceptance and return it before the deadline to secure a seat.
Step 5: Arrange your finances (Tuition + Living Expenses)
To apply for a Canadian study permit, you must provide proof that you can cover your first-year tuition and living expenses, typically totaling CA$20,000 to CA$30,000. This can be demonstrated through documents such as bank statements, education loan approval letters, sponsorship letters or proof of prepaid tuition. These financial documents are essential to show that you can support yourself while studying in Canada.
Step 6: Apply for your study permit (Student visa)
Apply for a study permit through the IRCC site. You’ll need all the required documents in Step 2 and be prepared to pay the study permit fee of CA$150. Create a detailed study plan explaining your academic goals, career objectives and future intentions. To minimize issues, ensure all documents are consistent, truthful and specific.
Step 7: Book a biometrics appointment
Schedule a biometrics visit at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) no later than 30 days from the date of receiving the instruction letter. You’ll need to pay a fee of CA$85, which includes fingerprinting and a digital photograph for identification. Take your passport, biometrics instruction letter and payment voucher to your biometrics appointment.
Step 8: Wait for visa decision
Processing times vary from eight to 12 weeks, depending on your country of residence and the volume of applications. Monitor your application status online through your IRCC account and respond promptly to any additional document requests. During this waiting period, avoid making changes to your circumstances that might affect your application.
What is the total cost for a Nepali student to study in Canada?
Wondering how much it costs to study in Canada? Here’s a breakdown of tuition, living expenses and what to budget for.
Tuition fees in Canada
Tuition fees represent the largest expense component and vary considerably across institutions and programs:
|
Level of study |
Average annual tuition |
|
Diploma/advanced diploma |
CA$12,000-CA$22,000 |
|
Bachelor’s degree |
CA$15,000-CA$35,000 |
|
Master’s degree |
CA$18,000-CA$45,000 |
|
Ph.D./professional programs |
CA$20,000-CA$50,000 |
Living expenses in Canada
Living costs depend heavily on your location, with major cities like Toronto and Vancouver being more expensive than smaller cities:
|
Expense |
Monthly cost (CAD) |
|
Accommodation |
CA$800 – CA$1,500 |
|
Food |
CA$300 – CA$500 |
|
Transportation |
CA$100 – CA$200 |
|
Health insurance |
CA$60 – CA$120 |
|
Miscellaneous |
CA$200 – CA$400 |
Scholarships for Nepali students in Canada
Scholarships can make your Canadian education more affordable, especially if you’re applying for postgraduate studies.
1. Types of scholarships available
There are several scholarships available for qualified Nepali students:
- Canadian Government scholarships: Including the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships, Canada Graduate Scholarships and the Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program, offering substantial financial support.
- University-specific scholarships: Most universities offer entrance scholarships, academic merit awards and need-based financial aid specifically for international students.
- Private organizations and NGOs: Various private foundations and organizations offer scholarships based on academic excellence, community involvement or specific fields of study.
2. Criteria for scholarship eligibility
Scholarship applications typically involve fulfilling certain requirements:
- Strong academic performance: You need a GPA of at least 3.5 and a strong record of achievements during your school years.
- Course and destination: Certain scholarships are course-specific or location-specific, i.e., your area of study needs to align with the mission of the scholarship.
- Research potential: Graduate scholarships often value research potential with a demand for research proposals or research experience.
- Recommendation letters: Strong letters from teachers, supervisors or community leaders that demonstrate your intellectual potential and personal character.
Wrapping up!
From globally ranked universities to work options after graduation, Canada offers more than just a degree, it offers a future. With affordable tuition fees compared to other countries and diverse course offerings, it’s an attractive choice for higher education.
Though the application, visa and financial processes may seem challenging, starting early and staying organized can make all the difference.
MPOWER Financing helps make studying in Canada possible, especially if you don’t have a co-signer or collateral. And with Path2Success, we support more than just your loan; we support your future.
FAQs
Is Canada a good destination for Nepalese students?
Yes! Canada is safe, affordable and offers high-quality education with strong immigration and work opportunities.
What is the required minimum IELTS score?
Most colleges require 6.0–6.5 overall. Some universities accept lower scores with additional English courses.
How long does the visa process take?
Visa processing can take 20–40 business days. Apply early to avoid delays.
Can I take my spouse or dependents?
Yes. Spouses may apply for open work permits, and dependent children can join you in Canada.
How much GPA is required to study in Canada from Nepal?
A GPA of 2.7–3.5 (on a 4.0 scale) is generally acceptable, depending on the program and institution.
What are the work opportunities for international students in Canada during and after their studies?
Students can work 24 hours/week during classes and full-time during holidays. After graduation, PGWP allows work for up to three years.
