Canada has become one of the most sought-after study destinations for Pakistani students, thanks to its world-class education system, affordable tuition, and immigration-friendly policies.
Every year, thousands of students from Pakistan choose Canada for higher education because it offers:
- Globally recognized universities
- Affordable study and living options
- Work permits during and after studies
- Clear pathways to permanent residency (PR)
If you’re planning to study abroad, this detailed guide explores the best universities in Canada for Pakistani students, their rankings, top courses, scholarships, and admission requirements for 2025.
Why Study in Canada as a Pakistani Student?
Before diving into rankings, here’s why Canada stands out:
- High-Quality Education – Canadian universities consistently rank among the Top 100 globally in QS and Times Higher Education (THE).
- Affordable Tuition & Scholarships – Tuition costs are 30–40% lower than in the UK or USA, with multiple funding options available.
- Work Opportunities – International students can work up to 20 hours per week during semesters and full-time in holidays.
- Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) – Graduates can stay and work in Canada for up to 3 years after completing their degree.
- Cultural Diversity – With a large Pakistani community, access to Halal food, mosques, and cultural associations is easy in cities like Toronto, Calgary, and Vancouver.
Best Universities in Canada for Pakistani Students (2025 Rankings)
Here are the top-ranked Canadian universities according to QS World University Rankings 2025 and Times Higher Education (THE) 2025, along with popular programs and estimated tuition fees.
| University | QS Ranking 2025 | THE Ranking 2025 | Average Tuition (CAD/year) | Popular Programs for Pakistani Students |
| University of Toronto | #25 | #21 | 53,000 – 58,000 | Computer Science, Engineering, Business, Medicine |
| University of British Columbia (UBC) | #38 | #41 | 40,000 – 60,000 | Environmental Science, Data Analytics, Economics |
| McGill University | #29 | #45 | 22,000 – 55,000 | Law, Health Sciences, Business Studies |
| McMaster University | #176 | #116 | 40,000 – 45,000 | Nursing, Humanities, Biomedical Engineering |
| University of Alberta | #96 | #116 | 29,000 – 40,000 | Energy Engineering, Computer Science, Agriculture |
| University of Waterloo | #115 | #163 | 20,000 – 38,000 | Software Engineering, Mathematics, AI |
| Université de Montréal | #159 | #125 | 18,000 – 27,000 | Architecture, Medicine, Arts |
| Western University | #120 | #201–250 | 25,000 – 45,000 | Business, Finance, Management |
| University of Ottawa | #189 | #191 | 20,000 – 38,000 | Public Policy, Law, International Relations |
When selecting a university, look beyond rankings, consider program quality, internship options, location, and post-study employment prospects.
Most Popular Courses for Pakistani Students in Canada
Pakistani students often choose degrees that offer strong career prospects and immigration potential in Canada.
| Field | Example Programs | Career Scope |
| Engineering & Technology | Civil, Software, Electrical, Mechanical | High employability in tech and energy sectors |
| Computer Science & IT | Data Science, Cybersecurity, AI | Global demand, excellent PGWP potential |
| Business & Management | Finance, Accounting, Marketing | Career opportunities in finance, consulting |
| Health Sciences | Nursing, Biotechnology, Pharmacy | In-demand due to Canada’s healthcare needs |
| Environmental Studies | Climate Science, Renewable Energy | Growing importance under green economy policies |
Scholarships for Pakistani Students in Canada (2025)
Funding your studies can be easier than you think. Pakistani students can apply for government, university, and external scholarships.
Government-Funded Scholarships
- Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships – Up to CAD 50,000/year for PhD programs.
- Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship Program – Fully funded for postgraduate research.
- Canada-ASEAN Scholarships – For short-term exchange programs.
University Scholarships
- Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship (U of T) – Full tuition + living expenses.
- UBC International Leader of Tomorrow Award – For high-achieving undergraduates.
- McGill Entrance Scholarships – Merit-based funding for international students.
- University of Waterloo International Awards – CAD 2,500–10,000 for undergrads.
Tip: Apply early! Most scholarship deadlines fall 6–10 months before your course begins.
What are the Admission Requirements for Pakistani Students
Admission requirements vary by university and program, but generally include:
Undergraduate Programs
- Intermediate (FA/FSc/A-Levels) with strong grades.
- IELTS: Minimum 6.0–6.5 overall (no band less than 6.0).
- Statement of Purpose (SOP) outlining goals and motivation.
- Letters of Recommendation (LORs) (2 preferred).
- Proof of financial support.
Postgraduate Programs
- Bachelor’s degree (4 years preferred).
- GPA: Minimum 3.0/4.0 (or 70–75%).
- IELTS: 6.5–7.0 or equivalent TOEFL score.
- Research proposal or portfolio (for research-based programs).
What is the Admission Process: Step-by-Step
- Research and Shortlist – Choose universities based on course, ranking, and tuition.
- Prepare Documents – Academic transcripts, passport, SOP, LORs, and test scores.
- Apply Online – Through university websites or recognized platforms.
- Receive Offer Letter – Conditional or unconditional.
- Pay Tuition Deposit – To confirm your seat.
- Apply for Study Permit (Visa) – Via IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada).
- Book Accommodation & Fly – Arrive a few weeks before orientation.
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What is Student Life in Canada
Canada offers an exceptional quality of life for international students:
- Multicultural environment with strong Pakistani communities.
- Affordable living costs compared to the US and UK.
- Modern campuses with world-class labs, libraries, and student clubs.
- Safe, welcoming cities such as Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, and Calgary.
Many universities also have Pakistani Student Associations (PSAs) that help newcomers adjust easily.
Read more: Jobs in Canada for Pakistani Students
What are the Career Opportunities & PR Pathway
After graduation, you can work in Canada with a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) for up to 3 years.
High-Demand Fields:
- Information Technology
- Healthcare
- Engineering
- Business & Finance
- Education & Research
Once you gain Canadian work experience, you can apply for Permanent Residency (PR) through:
- Express Entry System (Federal Skilled Worker Program)
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
This makes studying in Canada not just an education — but a pathway to a global career and future settlement.
Upcoming Intakes in 2025
| Intake | Duration | Application Window |
| Fall (September) | Major intake | November – March |
| Winter (January) | Limited courses | May – September |
| Summer (May) | Short-term programs | September – January |
FAQs
1. Which university is best for Pakistani students in Canada?
The University of Toronto, McGill University, and UBC are top choices due to their academic excellence, global ranking, and international student support.
2. Is studying in Canada affordable for Pakistani students?
Yes. On average, tuition ranges between CAD 20,000–40,000/year, with many scholarships available.
3. Can I work while studying in Canada?
Yes, up to 20 hours per week during semesters and full-time during vacations.
4. Which city is best for Pakistani students?
Toronto, Calgary, Montreal, and Vancouver are popular due to strong Pakistani communities and great job opportunities.
5. Can I get PR after studying in Canada?
Yes, through PGWP and Express Entry, many Pakistani students transition to PR within 2–3 years of graduation.
