Step-by-Step: How to Apply to Canadian Universities (UG)

Step-by-Step: How to Apply to Canadian Universities (UG)

1. Choose Your Universities

• You can apply individually on each university’s website.
  
• No centralized application like the Common App (U.S.) — each university has its own portal.
  

2. Check Eligibility

• Most accept CBSE/ISC/State Board as valid.
  
• You need to meet minimum % cutoff (varies by program & university) — generally:
  
  • 85–90%+ for top schools like UofT, McGill, UBC
    
  • Subject requirements for courses (e.g., Math for Engineering, Bio for Life Sci)
    

3. Prepare These Documents

• Class 10 & 12 transcripts (predicted grades if not yet appeared)
  
• Passport
  
• Statement of Purpose (SOP) / Personal Profile (for some like UBC)
  
• Letters of Recommendation (rare, but needed in some programs)
  
• Resume / ECs (only if specifically asked)
  

4. Standardized Tests

• SAT/ACT: Not required for most Canadian universities.
  
• English proficiency test is mandatory:
  
  • IELTS Academic (6.5+ overall, no band below 6.0)
    
  • OR TOEFL iBT (88–100+ depending on program)
    

5. Apply

• Application deadlines vary by uni, but most are around Jan–Feb.
  
• Apply via:
  
  • OUAC for Ontario unis (UofT, Waterloo, etc.) → https://www.ouac.on.ca
    
  • Direct websites for others like UBC, McGill, etc.
    

6. Visa (After Admission)

• Apply for a Study Permit: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada.html
  
• You’ll need:
  
  • Admission letter
    
  • Proof of funds (~CAD 20,000+ for first year)
    
  • GIC (Guaranteed Investment Certificate) of CAD 10,000 for SDS stream
    
  • Medical test, biometrics, and passport
    

🇨🇦 Top 5 Universities in Canada (UG Details)

1. University of Toronto (UofT) – QS Rank: #25

• Highly competitive, especially for CS, Engineering, Life Sci.
  
• Requires SOP, IELTS, and high academic scores.
  
• Application: https://future.utoronto.ca
  
• Fees: CAD 60,000–70,000/year (tuition + living)
  
• No need for SAT, but an outstanding profile helps.
  

2. McGill University – QS Rank: #29

• Known for Engineering, Health Sci, and Arts.
  
• Application: https://www.mcgill.ca/applying
  
• No SOP required for most UG programs.
  
• Fees: CAD 50,000–60,000/year
  

3. University of British Columbia (UBC) – QS Rank: #38

• Great for CS, Commerce, Environmental Sci.
  
• Application: https://you.ubc.ca
  
• UBC Personal Profile is a must (basically SOP + EC-based Qs)
  
• Fees: CAD 55,000–65,000/year
  

4. University of Alberta – QS Rank: #96

• Strong in research-based STEM & business programs.
  
• Lower tuition compared to top 3.
  
• Application: https://www.ualberta.ca
  
• Fees: CAD 40,000–50,000/year
  

5. University of Waterloo – QS Rank: #115

• Famous for CS, Co-op programs, Engineering.
  
• One of the best placements via co-op jobs.
  
• Application via OUAC or direct: https://uwaterloo.ca
  
• Fees: CAD 50,000–60,000/year
  

💰 Money Breakdown for Indian Students

💡 Scholarships are limited at undergrad level, but UBC has need-based ones.
McGill & Waterloo have small merit-based ones. Don’t expect full funding unless exceptional.

✨ Summary: Best Tips

• No SAT needed = More focus on Class 12 grades + IELTS
  
• Apply early: Some deadlines are Nov–Jan.
  
• Build a neat Personal Profile (especially for UBC)
  
• Join free communities like AFBF (Abroad For Better Future) to get guidance from Indian students who’ve already applied!
  
• Try to apply to 5–7 unis to balance ambition & safety
  
• Have ~₹25–35 Lakhs budgeted unless you get aid

🎓 The only big exception: UBC’s International Scholars Program

• ✅ Need-based + merit combined
  
• 🏆 Includes full tuition + living
  
• 🔥 Super competitive (like Ivy-level)
  
• Deadline: November
  
• Website: https://you.ubc.ca/financial-planning/scholarships-awards/international-scholarships/
  

Other small scholarships:

🇨🇦 What is SDS?

SDS = Student Direct Stream

It’s a faster visa processing system for students from certain countries, including India.

✅ To be eligible for SDS:

If you meet all this, your visa is usually processed in 20 working days.

🐌 What is Non-SDS?

This is the regular stream used when:

• You don’t meet IELTS/GIC requirements
  
• Or you’re applying from a country not covered under SDS
  

Processing time is longer (up to 6–8 weeks) and requires more paperwork, like:

• More financial documents (ITR, bank statements)
  
• More explanation of ties to home country
  

💰 What is a GIC?

GIC = Guaranteed Investment Certificate

It’s a special account where you deposit CAD 20,635, and then you get monthly installments of this money while studying in Canada (like a living expense support system).

🔐 How it works:

1. You deposit CAD 20,635 to a Canadian bank (e.g. Scotiabank, ICICI Canada)
   
2. On arrival, you get CAD 2,000 upfront
   
3. The rest is paid out in 12 monthly installments while you’re studying
   

It shows the government you have enough money to survive your first year in Canada.

🇨🇦 PART 1: Canadian Student Visa (Study Permit) — Everything You Need

When you get admission into a Canadian university, you must apply for a Study Permit (Canada’s version of a student visa).\

Use ImmigrateAI Global tool for going over the Canada visa like a smooth sailing!
Use my code SKCAN14 to get a secret discount 🙂

✅ Documents Required

💰 Total Approx. Cost (Upfront):

Bonus Tip:

If you’re building a workflow using this tool, make sure you separate SDS (Student Direct Stream) and regular study permits:

USE THIS TOOL for smoothening and finalizing your application for the Canadian Visa. 

It’s backed by ImCanada and yup also recommending this myself. 

Use my code ‘SKCAN14’ to get a discount 🙂 This discount is only for youuuuu.