Study in Canada – Complete Guide for UAE Students

Canada is a popular choice for UAE students because of its academic reputation, open immigration rules, and degrees recognized worldwide. The country provides educational opportunities and prospects for the future, hosting over a million international students at its respected universities.

• In 2023, over 1 million international students chose Canada for their education, confirming its global attraction.
• Study permit approvals saw a 29% increase from 2022 to 2023.
• Canada is refining its education system via managed intake, which aims to strengthen support and improve infrastructure for international students.
• The study permit allocation for 2025 is set at 437,000, keeping Canada a leading destination for international education.
• International students now comprise over 21% of postsecondary enrollments in Canada.

*Want assistance to apply for Canada Student Visa? Sign up with Y-Axis for comprehensive support with the process.

 

Why Study in Canada from the UAE?

For UAE students, Canada provides top-tier education, varied cultural experiences, and solid career prospects in a secure atmosphere.

• With 30 universities ranked by QS in 2025, Canada provides globally recognized degrees for international careers.
• The Post-Graduation Work Permit lets students work in Canada for up to three years after graduation.
• Canada is multicultural, safe, and offers support for international students.
• International students can avail of lower tuition and living costs.
• International students can work up to 20 hours weekly during school, gaining experience and offsetting expenses.
• Students benefit from high quality of life, strong public services, and healthcare.
• Canada offers graduates clear routes to Canada PR or permanent residency.

 

What is a Canada Study Visa?

A Canada Study Visa, or study permit, is a legal document that lets international people study at schools in Canada. It is not a visa, but it gives you the right to study full-time in Canada.

Students from the UAE who are accepted to a Canadian school need to apply for this permit before entering Canada. You might also get a visitor visa or an eTA with your study permit, based on your nationality, to help you enter Canada.

The study permit states the rules of your stay, like which school you can go to, what you can study, and how long your permit lasts. Often, you can work part-time while studying and full-time during breaks. To keep your permit active, you need to stay in school and do well in your classes.

 

Benefits of Studying in Canada for UAE Students

The benefits of studying in Canada are given below.

• Canadian degrees are globally respected due to high academic standards, giving graduates a career advantage.
• Students may work up to 20 hours weekly during school and full-time during breaks for income and experience.
• Graduates of some programs can apply for a work permit lasting up to three years.
• Canada provides straightforward paths to permanent residency for international graduates, focusing on those with Canadian education and work history.
• Canada is safe and multicultural, with support for international students, offering a pleasant setting for UAE citizens.
• Canadian schools provide advanced research chances, mainly for graduate students.

Types of Study Programs in Canada

Canadian institutions provide diverse academic paths, such as bachelor's, master's, diplomas, and doctoral degrees, fitting varied career objectives. UAE students have options from university degrees to college diplomas. Many programs integrate co-ops or internships, merging study with practical job experience.
 

Undergraduate Programs

In Canada, undergraduate studies often involve earning a bachelor's degree from a university or college. These programs usually take three to four years, depending on the province and what you're studying. You can build a solid base in fields like engineering, business, computer science, health, and the arts. A lot of schools here also have co-op programs, where you can get paid work experience as part of your degree.
 

Postgraduate Programs

Canadian postgraduate programs offer master's degrees, graduate diplomas, and graduate certificates. These usually take one to two years to finish. They are for those who hold a bachelor's degree and who wish to focus on areas like data science, business, engineering, or healthcare. A lot of the programs have research, internships, or co-op options for better hands-on training.
 

Diploma and Certificate Courses

In Canada, diploma and certificate courses are career-oriented, short programs given by colleges and technical schools. Lasting from eight months to two years, these courses give practical skills and training for those wanting to quickly enter the workforce. They are liked by students from the UAE who want affordable schooling that leads to jobs in fields such as business, IT, hospitality, and healthcare.
 

PhD and Research Degrees

In Canada, doctoral and other research-based degrees are in-depth academic programs that emphasize doing unique studies, usually taking 3 to 5 years to finish. Top research universities provide these degrees, where students must write a dissertation with guidance from a professor. Doctoral students often get money for school through scholarships, teaching jobs, or research funding. Graduates are prepared for jobs in teaching, study, or specific jobs in industries.
 

Co-op and Internship-Based Programs

Canadian co-op and internship programs blend school with work. Students switch between classes and paid jobs in their field. Fields like engineering, business, computer science, and health sciences often provide these programs. Students can build skills, get Canadian work experience, and improve their job chances after school.

 

Eligibility Criteria for Canada Study Visa

The eligibility criteria for Canada Study Visa are given below.

• An acceptance letter from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
• Proof that you have enough money for tuition and living costs.
• A valid passport and school records.
• Evidence of language skill (like IELTS or TOEFL).
• A medical exam and police record, if asked for.

Canada Study Visa Requirements for UAE Applicants

The documents required to apply for Canada Study Visa are given below.

• A completed application form.
• An acceptance letter from a Canadian school.
• Proof you can pay for your tuition and living costs.
• Passport photos and your passport.
• A statement describing your school plans.
• Biometrics, plus a police certificate and medical exam if asked.

 

Canada Study Visa Fees from the UAE

Detailed information about the fees for Canada Study Visa is given below.

Fee Type	Amount (in CAD)
Study Permit Application Fee	150 CAD
Biometrics Fee	85 CAD
Medical Examination (if needed)	Varies (approx. 100–200 CAD)
Police Clearance Certificate	Varies
Language Test (e.g., IELTS)	Approx. 1200–1500 AED
Document Translation/Notarization	Varies

 

 

Canada Study Visa Processing Time for UAE Residents

Detailed information about the processing time for Canada Study Visa is given below.

Stage	Estimated Time
Document Preparation & Submission	1 to 2 weeks
Biometrics Appointment	Within 1 week
Visa Processing by IRCC	8 to 10 weeks
Total Estimated Processing Time	10 to 12 weeks

 

 

How to Apply for a Canada Study Visa from the UAE?

The process to apply for a Canada Study Visa is given below.

Step 1: Gain admission to a recognized educational institution.

Step 2: Compile the necessary documents, like bank statements and transcripts.

Step 3: Fill out the application form on the official website.

Step 4: Settle the required application and biometrics charges.

Step 5: Receive your Canada Study Visa.

Working While Studying in Canada

International students in Canada can work part-time while studying and full-time during school breaks. No separate work permit is needed if they are full-time students at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). They can work off-campus for up to 20 hours a week when classes are in session, which helps them get experience and cover costs. There's no limit to on-campus work hours, as long as the job is on the school's property.

If a program has required work placements, like co-ops or internships, students need to apply for a co-op work permit in addition to their study permit. Once they graduate, students who finish a program that's at least eight months long might be able to get a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). This lets them work full-time in Canada for up to three years, based on how long their program was.

 

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) and PR Pathway

The Post-Graduation Work Permit lets global students who finished an approved program at a Canadian school work full-time after they graduate. How long the permit lasts depends on the length of the school program, up to three years. So, finishing a two-year program usually means you can get a three-year work permit. This work permit is not tied to a specific job, so graduates can work for any boss in any job type anywhere in Canada.

Getting work experience through this permit is very helpful when applying for permanent residency in Canada. Graduates can apply for PR with different immigration options, like the Canadian Experience Class with Express Entry, or through Provincial Nominee Programs. If you went to school and worked in Canada, it helps you qualify and makes it more likely you'll be asked to apply for permanent residency. For many students from the UAE, this permit is a major move toward living in Canada for good.

 

Scholarships for UAE Students in Canada

Multiple scholarships are available from Canadian institutions and government organizations for international students. These scholarships are awarded based on merit, need, or specific research areas. Students from the UAE should apply early and check the financial aid office of their chosen university for scholarship opportunities.

Scholarship Name	What It Covers
Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship (U of T)	Full tuition, books, incidental fees, and on-campus residence for four years
UBC International Major Entrance Scholarship (IMES)	Significant tuition support; renewable based on academic performance
York University Global Leader of Tomorrow Award	CAD 20,000 per year (renewable for up to 4 years) toward tuition
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships	CAD 50,000 per year for 3 years for PhD students
University of Calgary International Entrance Scholarship	Up to CAD 20,000 over 4 years (CAD 5,000/year)
McGill Entrance Scholarships	CAD 3,000 to CAD 12,000; awarded based on academic merit
Concordia International Scholars Program	Full tuition and living costs for undergraduate international students
Carleton University Prestige Scholarships	Full or partial tuition coverage for top academic performers
University of Waterloo International Entrance Scholarship	CAD 10,000 one-time award for outstanding new undergraduate students
Humber College International Entrance Scholarships	Partial tuition waivers ranging from CAD 2,000 to CAD 5,000 for diploma/degree students

 

 

Top Universities in Canada for UAE Students

Canada has 30 universities listed in the QS World University Rankings for 2025, with some of the top 10 universities being:

QS Global Rank (2025)	University	Location	Popular Subjects Offered
25	University of Toronto	Toronto, Ontario	Engineering, Computer Science, Business, Medicine, Arts & Humanities
29	McGill University	Montreal, Quebec	Life Sciences, Engineering, Medicine, Arts, Business
38	University of British Columbia (UBC)	Vancouver, British Columbia	Environmental Science, Engineering, Natural Sciences, Social Sciences
47	University of Waterloo	Waterloo, Ontario	Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, Business
110	University of Alberta	Edmonton, Alberta	Biological Sciences, Engineering, Earth Sciences, Health Sciences
152	McMaster University	Hamilton, Ontario	Health Sciences, Engineering, Business, Social Sciences
189	Western University	London, Ontario	Business, Law, Health Sciences, Humanities
203	Queen’s University	Kingston, Ontario	Engineering, Business, Public Policy, Arts & Sciences
222	University of Montreal (UdeM)	Montreal, Quebec	Life Sciences, Linguistics, Engineering, Pharmacy
246	University of Ottawa	Ottawa, Ontario	Law, Social Sciences, Public Health, Engineering

 

Canada Intakes for International Students

International students can apply to programs in Canada during three main periods:

• Fall (September): Most programs start at this time.
• Winter (January): Many programs also start in January.
• Summer (May/June): Fewer programs are available at this time, usually diplomas and short courses.

 

Tips for a Successful Student Visa Application

• Begin your application 4–6 months before the deadline.
• Make sure all documents are clear and correct.
• Write a statement of purpose that shows your scholastic aims.
• Prove you have the money and reasons to go back to your home country.
• Check on your application regularly through official means after you submit it.

 

How Can Y-Axis Help You?

Y-Axis is a top overseas education consultancy in the UAE. We give expert advice, which helps students move through the Canada study permit process without problems. We offer personal help and complete services to make sure your move from the UAE to Canada goes smoothly and that you are ready.

We can assist you by:

• Free counseling services to help you pick the right courses and universities.
• Our Campus Ready Program guides you toward studying in Canada. We help you find the best course for you.
• Y-Path offers Course Recommendation to select the correct path for career growth.
• Avail Y-Axis Coaching for the IELTS exam to help you get a better score.     
• Our expert team can guide you through each step of the Canada student visa application.