Study in Canada for Singapore Students: How to Choose the Right University

More than 20,000 Singaporean students move to Canada each year for affordable, high-quality education and strong post-study opportunities. This guide walks you through everything you need to know, from choosing the right university to applying for a visa, so you can confidently start your study journey in Canada.

Key Highlights

• Why are more Singaporean students choosing Canada?
  Because of top-ranked universities, multicultural cities, affordable tuition, post-study work permits, and potential permanent residency options.

• What are the best universities in Canada for Singaporeans?
  University of Toronto, McGill University, University of British Columbia, University of Alberta, and Simon Fraser University.

• How do I apply to a Canadian university from Singapore?
  Research programs, shortlist schools, prepare documents like transcripts and IELTS scores, and apply early.

• What are the estimated costs of studying in Canada?
  Tuition ranges from CAD 20,000–45,000/year; living costs average around CAD 1,100–1,500/month.

• Can I get scholarships or financial aid?
  Yes, major options include the Lester B. Pearson Scholarship, UBC’s International Leader of Tomorrow Award, and others, including some from Singapore’s Public Service Commission.

• What happens after graduation?
  You can apply for a 3-year Post-Graduation Work Permit and later seek permanent residency through Express Entry or the Provincial Nominee Program.

You’re not the only one wondering.

if moving to Canada for school is the right step.

Every year, over 20,000

international students from Singapore pack their bags and fly to Canada to

begin a new academic chapter. That’s not just a trend,  it’s a movement. And for many,

it’s not just about the degree. It’s also about affordable tuition, post-study

work options, a safe environment, and a shot at permanent residency.

But the real challenge? Figuring

out which university fits you best.

Canada has over 100 public and

private universities. Some are known for engineering. Some for arts. Others for

business. Each one has its own tuition costs, scholarship rules, visa

expectations, and living costs. And it’s easy to get overwhelmed.

That’s where we come in. Whether

you want a school with lower tuition, a strong PR pathway, generous

scholarships, friendly student communities, or even a shorter admission

process, we’ll help you figure it out.

This guide breaks down everything

you need to know about how to choose the right university when you’re planning

to study in Canada for Singapore students.

Ready? Let’s walk through the steps

to make your study in Canada for Singapore students’ journey smoother.

Why More Singapore Students Choose Canada

Many Singaporean students and their

parents are now looking at Canada university admission for Singaporeans as a great option. Here’s why:

• Canada has some of the best universities in the world.
• It’s a safe country with friendly people and clean cities.
• Multicultural cities like Toronto and Vancouver make international students feel at home.
• English is widely spoken, so there’s no need to learn a new language.
• Students can work part-time and even stay back after graduation.

Benefits of Studying in Canada for Singapore Students

Here are more reasons why many students from Singapore are now choosing to study in Canada from Singapore:

• Top-Quality Education: Canadian universities are ranked high globally.

• Safe and Welcoming Environment: Canadians are known for being polite and kind.

• Post-Study Opportunities: Many students get jobs and even apply for permanent residency.

Real-Life Success Stories:

Students like Rachel from Singapore studied Business at the University of British Columbia and now work at a global firm in Toronto.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply to Canadian Universities from Singapore

Let’s go step-by-step so you can plan your journey to study in Canada for Singapore students easily:

1. Research Programs and Schools

Check which courses you like. Look

for schools that offer those programs. Popular ones include:

• University of Toronto
• McGill University
• University of British Columbia

2. Know the Intake Periods

• Fall Intake (September): Most popular
• Winter Intake (January): Fewer programs
• Summer Intake (May): Limited programs

3. Create a Shortlist of Universities Pick 3–5 universities based on:

• Program strength
• Location
• Budge

Entry requirements

4. Prepare Your Documents

• Academic transcripts (GCE O/A levels or equivalent)
• English test scores (IELTS or TOEFL)
• Statement of Purpose (why you want to study)
• Letters of Recommendation
• Passport copy

Admission Requirements for Singapore Students

Admission requirements can be different for each university, but here are common ones for Canada

university admission for Singaporeans:

•  Grades: Universities often look at your GCE O/A level results or IB scores.
•  English Proficiency: IELTS (usually minimum 6.5) or TOEFL (minimum 90) is needed.
•  Portfolios: If you apply for design, art, or architecture, you may need a portfolio.
• Interviews: Some programs may ask you to join an online interview.

Choosing the Right Canadian University

Choosing a school is a big

decision. Here’s how to pick the best one for your goals:

Top Universities in Canada for Singaporean Students

• University of Toronto
• McGill University
• University of British Columbia
• University of Alberta
• Simon Fraser University

Public vs. Private

• Public universities are more common and usually cheaper.
• Private schools may offer smaller classes and faster application replies.

How to Choose

Think about:

• The course you want
• Your budget
• City size
• Weather
• Reviews from other students

Cost of Studying in Canada for Singapore Students

Let’s break down the cost of studying in Canada for Singapore students:

Tuition Fees by Course Type

• Engineering: CAD 30,000–45,000 per year
• Business: CAD 25,000–40,000 per year
• Arts: CAD 20,000–35,000 per year

Living Expenses

• Housing: CAD 700–1,200/month
• Food: CAD 200–400/month
• Transport: CAD 100/month
• Others (books, phone): CAD 100–200/month

Budgeting Tips

• Share housing with other students.
• Use student discounts.
• Buy used textbooks.
• Cook at home instead of eating out.

Scholarships and Financial Aid for Singaporean Students

You don’t have to pay for everything yourself. Many scholarships

are open to students who study in Canada from Singapore.

Popular Scholarships

• Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship (University of Toronto)
• UBC International Leader of Tomorrow Award
• Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
• Singapore Public Service Commission scholarships (for certain programs)

Tips to Apply

• Apply early
• Write a strong personal essay
• Show good grades and leadership

Canada Student Visa Process for Singapore Citizens

To study in Canada for Singapore

students, you need a student visa. Here’s how to get it:

When to Apply

• Apply 4–6 months before your course starts

What You Need

• Acceptance letter from a Canadian school
• Valid passport
• Proof of funds (CAD 20,635 or more for one year)
• Medical exam results
• Police certificate (if needed)

Interview Tips

• Be honest
• Know your study plan
• Show strong ties to Singapore (like family, job offers, etc.)

After Graduation: What Comes Next?

Work Permit (PGWP)

After you finish your course, you

can get a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). This lets you work for up to 3

years in Canada.

Path to Permanent Residence

Many Singaporean students apply for

permanent residence through:

• Express Entry
• Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

Career Options

Some students choose to work in Canada. Others return to Singapore with a Canadian degree, which is highly

valued.

Common Mistakes Singapore Students Make When Applying

• Applying close to deadlines
• Not checking visa rules
• Picking a course just because friends are doing it
• Not asking questions or researching

FAQ Section

What is the easiest university to get into in Canada from Singapore?

Some schools have lower entry requirements like:

• University of Windsor
• Thompson Rivers University
• Memorial University of Newfoundland

Can I work while studying in Canada?

Yes! Students can work up to 20 hours per week during school and full-time during holidays.

How much proof of funds do I need?

You need to show you have at least

CAD 20,635 for your living expenses, plus tuition.

Is healthcare covered for international students?

It depends on the province. In some places, like British Columbia and Alberta, international students get health insurance.

Final Thoughts: Is Studying in Canada Right for You?

Deciding to study in Canada for Singapore students is a big step, but also a very exciting one. Canada offers

amazing education, a safe lifestyle, and great job chances.

Before You Apply, Make Sure You:

• Pick the right course and school
• Know your budget
• Prepare your documents
• Apply for scholarships
• Start your visa process early

Talk to an Education Consultant; Talk to IBS consulting.

They can guide you through every step and help with tricky questions.

Use Free Tools

• Compare universities using sites like EduCanada and QS Rankings
• Watch YouTube videos from students in Canada
• Join forums like Reddit and Student Roo

Whether you want to study Business in Toronto or Engineering in Vancouver, Canada could be your perfect next step.

Start planning today and make your dream of studying abroad come true and contact IBS consulting for expert guidance and visa support.