• A safe country known for its low crime rate.


• Stable social conditions.


• Canada has a multicultural society.


• High quality of education and internationally recognized.


• The comfortable and secure living and learning environment.


• Competitive cost of study.


• Student can apply for a part-time work permit of 20 hours per two weeks during the school year and 40 hours per week during school holiday.


• The opportunity to work full-time maximum of three years in Canada after graduation depends on the length of the duration of the academic program are taken.


• Opportunities to obtain Permanent Residence after graduation is greater here than in other countries.

Student Visa

The student visa must be obtained by international students as a permit to live and study in Canada. Initially, entry visa will be granted as entry permits, and after arriving in Canada, students will be given study permit that allows them to stay in Canada temporarily during their study period. For Indonesian students specifically, a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) is required to enter Canada in addition to the study permit, since Indonesia is not on Canada's visa-exempt list.

The processing time for Canadian study permit applications from Indonesia typically ranges from 8-12 weeks or longer, though this can vary based on application volume and completeness of documentation. As of January 2026, Canadian authorities have implemented new regulations affecting study permits.

The 2026 study permit cap is set at 408,000 permits (including both new arrivals and renewals), representing a tightening of international student intake. Indonesian students should apply at least 3-4 months before their intended travel date to avoid delays and ensure adequate time for biometrics collection and medical examinations. Notably, master's and doctoral students at public institutions no longer require Provincial Attestation Letters (PALs) starting in 2026, streamlining the application process for graduate-level students.

Accommodation

Most schools in Canada offer a wide range of choices and convenience for residence students. But the choice of homestay is the right choice for international students who want to improve their English and/or French; also to experience a welcoming and friendly environment from the host family.

Accommodation Options and Costs

International students have multiple housing choices with varying price points. On-campus residence typically costs CAD $6,000-$15,000 per academic year and includes furnished rooms close to campus. Homestay programs, which are particularly popular among Indonesian students seeking language immersion and cultural integration, range from CAD $400-$1,500 per month and often include meals and utilities.

Off-campus apartments vary significantly by city, Toronto and Vancouver range from CAD $1,500-$2,800 per month for a one-bedroom, while Montreal, Calgary, and Ottawa offer more affordable options at CAD $1,000-$1,800 per month. Shared accommodation is an economical choice, with costs between CAD $600-$1,500 monthly depending on the city and arrangement.

First-year international students often prefer on-campus dormitories for their convenience and community benefits, which include savings on transportation, better access to study facilities, and networking opportunities.

Indonesia-based accommodation providers now actively match Indonesian students with Canadian host families, recognizing the preference among this demographic for cultural exchange and language development opportunities.

For students planning longer stays, homestay programs typically require a minimum commitment of two months to one full semester, offering stability while allowing flexibility to transition to other housing as students become more familiar with their cities.

Part Time Work

Currently, student visas issued to international students studying in public universities automatically include the permission for students to work directly both on campus and off campus. Full-time students and their dependents can take part-time job up to 20 hours per week during study term and full-time work up to 40 hours during the holiday period.

Canada has adjusted its student work rules to prioritize education over employment. As of January 2026, international students can now work up to 24 hours per week off-campus during regular academic sessions, an increase from the previous 20-hour limit that applied during the pandemic recovery period. On-campus work remains unrestricted, allowing students to work unlimited hours at their institution or campus-based businesses, provided they maintain full-time enrollment status.

During scheduled academic breaks such as summer vacations and winter holidays, students are permitted to work unlimited hours (up to 40 hours per week on the standard employment basis). These changes reflect Canada's commitment to ensuring that education remains the primary purpose of the study permit, while still allowing international students to support themselves financially and gain valuable Canadian work experience.

Students are required to obtain a Social Insurance Number (SIN) before beginning employment and must comply with all work conditions to maintain their legal status; violations can result in loss of student status and complications for future immigration applications.

Co-op

If you are studying in Canada, then you have the opportunity to follow the Co-operative Education program or often known as Co-op. Co-op is a program in which students are given the opportunity to work for some period in the areas they learn. Some Co-op even provides financial compensation for the students. Duration of Co-op is varied; You can intern for one full semester and then go back to college, and take Co-op program for several times between lectures. Co-op also allows students to apply the theory learned in the classroom into real practice.

Co-Op Opportunities and Benefits

Leading Canadian institutions such as the University of Waterloo (which has the largest co-op program in North America with 8,000 employers in over 70 countries), University of Guelph, and George Brown College offer robust co-op programs for international students.

To participate, international students must be enrolled full-time in a co-op program at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI), hold a valid study permit, and submit a letter from their institution confirming the work component is mandatory. Students must apply for a free co-op work permit from IRCC, and the work placement must not exceed 50% of the total program duration.

Unlike regular student work, co-op work permits are issued at no cost and enable students to gain professional Canadian experience directly relevant to their field of study, significantly enhancing their career prospects and resume competitiveness. Many co-op placements are paid, providing financial support while students develop practical skills and professional networks that often lead to permanent employment opportunities and pathways toward permanent residency.

Post-Graduation Opportunities

Upon completing their studies, international graduates from eligible programs can apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), which allows them to work in Canada after graduation. The validity of the PGWP depends on program length: for master's degree programs, graduates are eligible for up to a 3-year permit regardless of program length (as long as it's at least 8 months).

For other programs lasting 2 years or longer, graduates can receive a 3-year PGWP; for programs between 8 months and 2 years, the PGWP duration matches the program length. As of January 2026, the list of eligible fields of study for PGWP eligibility has been frozen, providing stability and certainty for students planning their academic and career trajectories. Work done during a PGWP in qualifying positions can count toward permanent residency applications through the Canadian Experience Class if candidates meet other requirements, offering a direct pathway from student to permanent resident status.

Primary & Secondary Schools

The education system in Canada includes government-funded schools and private schools, from kindergarten to pre-university. Education is a provincial responsibility under the laws of Canada, so there is a difference in the education system in various provinces. In general, the length of primary and secondary education term in Canada is 11, 12 or 13 years depending on the province.

Canadian K-12 Structure

Elementary school typically covers Grades 1-6, followed by junior high or middle school (Grades 7-8), and secondary school (Grades 9-12). In Quebec, the system differs slightly, with secondary education concluding at Grade 11, after which students progress to CEGEP (Collège d'enseignement général et professionnel). Attendance is mandatory until age 16 or 18, depending on the province.

International Student Intake

 As of January 2026, primary and secondary school students (kindergarten to Grade 12) are exempt from Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) requirements, representing one of the most streamlined pathways for international families. Canada expects to issue up to 115,000 study permits to primary and secondary school students in 2026, reflecting strong demand from families seeking Canadian education. For Indonesian families, this represents an accessible entry point, with public secondary schools charging between CAD $9,500-$17,000 annually, while private institutions range from CAD $15,000-$30,000, and premium boarding schools from CAD $63,000-$83,000 per year.

From here students can go on to universities and colleges, or in Quebec they can continue at Collège d'enseignement général et professionnel (CEGEP) which means the College of General and Vocational Education.

All universities in Canada are owned by the government and the courses are offered ranging from Undergraduate to Doctorate and usually begin in September. The Canadian education system emphasizes flexibility, with multiple pathways allowing students to transition between institutions and levels of study without losing academic progress.

College & Technical Institute / Polytechnic

The most popular options in Canada are college and technical institute, because they offer a professional program one for to three years including internship. They also offer courses University Transfer Program (UTP), which provide opportunities for students to obtain a graduate degree program (Bachelor Degree) at the university. Transfer credit value of two (2) years at a college or university college will be a provision for that student.

Specialized Transfer Pathways

College-to-university transfer has become increasingly sophisticated in 2026. Ontario institutions now offer formal pathways such as Engineering Technology to Engineering transfer programs, with students completing 2-3 prerequisite courses in their final college year, followed by a bridging semester before joining engineering degree programs.

These articulation agreements provide seamless credit recognition, with students typically receiving a block of transfer credit (often 30-60 credits toward a bachelor's degree) upon successful completion of their college diploma.

The BC Transfer Guide and similar provincial systems ensure that course credits transfer accurately between institutions. Notably, students transferring from college diplomas to universities often receive coursework credit at a 2:1 ratio, meaning two college courses may count as one university course.

PGWP Eligibility for College Graduates

 A significant update for college graduates: the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility has been narrowed for college diploma and certificate graduates. Graduates must now complete programs tied to labour-market priority areas including healthcare, STEM, skilled trades, agriculture and agri-food, and transportation sectors to qualify for PGWP eligibility.

This shift prioritizes practical, employment-focused training and encourages college graduates to pursue careers in high-demand fields while maintaining their pathway to permanent residency.

College Costs for this Year

International student tuition at Canadian colleges has stabilized but varies by institution and program. George Brown College charges between CAD $2,460-$31,197 over two academic semesters depending on program, while institutions like Humber College average around CAD $16,394 annually with many offering international entrance scholarships valued at CAD $2,000.

Fleming College, Bow Valley College, and Mohawk College offer comparable rates at approximately CAD $16,250-$17,335 per year. These costs are significantly lower than universities, making colleges an affordable pathway for international students, including those from Indonesia.

Costs for college and technical institute ranges between CAD 10,000 - CAD 20,000 (with some programs extending to higher ranges). Many programs integrate paid co-op or internship components, allowing students to earn income while gaining practical experience, effectively reducing their overall education costs.

University

Universities in Canada are known internationally for the quality of teaching and research. Undergraduate and Graduate degree from a university in Canada is considered on par with other universities in the United States and other Commonwealth countries. Universities in Canada are largely funded by the government. Hence, universities in Canada consistently have high quality.

The number of full-time students at the university ranges from between 1,000-35,000 students. In addition, most universities have a large number of part time students or continuing education students. Bachelor Degree in Canada takes duration of four years. Just like the USA, Canada also recognizes a pathway system through the College, where students can start their studies for one to two years in college first and then transfer to a university.

The study duration for Graduate courses (Master Degree) is two years and for PhD is between three to four years. The university also offers certificate and degree for professionals.

International Tuition Costs for this Year

International undergraduate tuition has reached its highest levels in the past decade. Statistics Canada projects international undergraduate fees at an average of CAD $41,746 annually, representing a 2.5% increase from 2024-2025. International graduate students face an average of CAD $24,028 per year, with a 1.5% annual increase.

However, these figures vary significantly by province and institution. Ontario remains the most expensive province, with international undergraduate tuition at McGill University (Quebec) and University of Toronto reaching CAD $49,802-$63,570 for undergraduate programs, while Newfoundland and Labrador offers the most affordable option at CAD $18,867 for international undergraduates. Graduate tuition in Ontario reaches as high as CAD $28,624 annually for some programs, compared to CAD $6,964 in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Program-Specific Costs

 Tuition varies dramatically by field of study. Commerce and management programs at universities like University of Toronto's Rotman School command some of the highest fees, reaching CAD $61,720-$72,260 for international students in year 1 and upper years.

Arts and sciences programs typically range lower at CAD $36,806-$63,570. Toronto Metropolitan University charges international students CAD $36,806-$42,498 depending on program. These represent substantial investments, emphasizing the importance of scholarships and financial planning for international students.

Study Period and Admission Process

The study period usually lasts from September to May, though many universities now operate on flexible semester or trimester systems with courses available year-round, including summer sessions. Generally there is no admission test in Canada. Each university sets its own entry standards and qualifications of each individual application.

Most universities require demonstrated English or French language proficiency through standardized tests such as IELTS (International English Language Testing System) or TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language). For international students, credential evaluation services such as WES (World Education Services) ICAP (International Credential Advantage Package) are often required to assess foreign educational qualifications.

Guaranteed Tuition for International Students

McGill University and other leading institutions now offer guaranteed tuition models for newly admitted international undergraduate students, allowing them to lock in their tuition rate for the duration of their bachelor's degree. This eliminates year-over-year tuition increases and provides certainty for international students and families planning their educational investments, a significant advantage for students from Indonesia managing currency conversion and long-term financial planning.

Global Recognition

Canadian university degrees, diplomas, and certificates receive strong recognition worldwide and are frequently accepted as equivalents in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, and other key destinations. Canada's membership in the 2024 Hague Apostille Convention facilitates global authentication of qualifications, further enhancing their international utility.

Additionally, completing eligible programs at Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) grants graduates access to Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWPs) between 8 months and 3 years in duration, depending on program length. This work authorization, combined with Canadian education credentials and work experience, significantly strengthens applications for permanent residency through pathways like the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).