Canada

Canada’s known for being super diverse, which is a big part of why students from all over the world choose to study there. Cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal are especially popular; they’ve got strong universities and loads of international communities, so it’s easy to feel at home.

If you're planning to study there for more than six months, you’ll need a study permit. To apply, you’ll need an acceptance letter from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI), proof you can cover your expenses, and maybe an English test like IELTS or TOEFL, depending on where you're from. You can apply online or through a visa centre. The wait time depends on your home country.

Also, most students can work part-time while studying, as long as their study permit says so. You can work up to 20 hours a week during the semester and full-time during breaks. It’s a good way to make some extra money and get a bit of work experience while you study.

The University of Toronto is a popular University in Canada. The university is known for its wide range of research and various academic courses. It accommodates a massive number of students, including a huge number of international students.

Ranking: It is one of the top 20 universities in the world. According to the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2025, it is ranked number 21.

Engineering, Medicine, Business, and Computer Science are known.

Campuses: The university has three campuses namely the St. George, Scarborough and, Mississauga campuses. There are numerous student houses in St. George, student studiopacombs in Scarborough and student apartments in Mississauga.

The University of Toronto is one of the popular Canadian universities. It is reputable due to its massive research and various academic programs.

• Ranking: It has been consistently ranked among the top 20 universities in the world. In the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2025, it ranks in the 21st position.

• Known for: Engineering, Medicine, Business and Computer Science.

• Campuses: St. George, Scarborough and Mississauga are the three campuses that make up the university. There are numerous options for student housing in St. George, student studio rooms in Scarborough, and student apartments in Mississauga.

UBC has a reputation for having research programs and comprehensive academic programs. It provides education to approximately 65,000 students, including a large number of international students.

• Ranking: UBC is in position 41 according to the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025.

• Known for: Natural Sciences, Engineering, Medicine, and Business.

• Campuses: UBC has two campuses, namely the Okanagan campus located in Kelowna, and the Vancouver campus located in the Point Grey neighbourhood. Student housing is readily available in the Point Grey area, and student halls can be easily found by students in Kelowna.

McGill University is in Montreal, and it was established in 1821. This university is one of Canada's oldest and most prestigious institutions. It has a significant percentage of international students.

• Ranking: McGill holds the 45th position in the THE World University Rankings 2025.

• Known for: Medicine, Arts and Humanities, Engineering, and Law.

• Campuses: The main campus is in Montreal City Center, with numerous student housing options available.

The University of Alberta is a leading research institution that has a diverse range of programs.

• Ranking: The university is ranked within the top 150 universities globally. It holds the 118th position in the THE World University Rankings 2025.

• Known for: Engineering, Business, Medicine, and Agricultural Sciences.

• Campuses: The university's main campus, North Campus, is in central Edmonton. Other campuses include Campus Saint-Jean, Augustana Campus in Camrose, and South Campus. Students can find many affordable student housing options in Edmonton City Centre and student apartments in Camrose.

The University of Waterloo is a leading Canadian university recognized for its education program and its strong focus on innovation and technology.

• Ranking: The university is ranked 163th in the THE World University Rankings 2025.

• Known for: Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, and Business.

• Campuses: The main campus is in Waterloo, Ontario. A wide range of student housing options in Waterloo is available for students to choose from.

Please note that these costs are approximate and subject to change over time.

• Toronto is the financial and cultural capital of Canada. Thousands of international students are attracted every year. The city has very high-profile institutions like the University of Toronto, York University, and Ryerson University. There are also students moving into the city; the city provides different varieties of student housing to meet different budgets and preferences.
  
  

• Vancouver is a very beautiful city that has a moderate climate. Some of the notorious institutions found in the city include the University of British Columbia and Simon Fraser University. Students have a lot of internship and employment opportunities in Vancouver. Various accommodation types exist in Vancouver, specifically for the use of students.
  
  

•  Montreal is a city in Quebec. It has schools, like McGill University and the Université de Montréal. The city is also described as having a low cost of living, making it an affordable city to study in among international students. There is also a multiplicity of student housing in Montreal.
  
  

• Ottawa is Canada's capital. It has respectable institutions like the University of Ottawa and Carleton University. The city also offers a high quality of life and a lower cost of living compared to other Canadian cities. Ottawa provides students with unique opportunities for internships and employment. Various student housing options are available in Ottawa to meet diverse needs.

Roehampton St is a Toronto student housing that offers numerous room types and plenty of amenities. The property is 27 mins by public transport to Central Toronto and an 18-minute ride to the University of Toronto. 

Casa Harrington Residences Vancouver is a student housing in Vancouver. It offers Plenty of rooms with a variety of amenities. It is also a 17-minute by public transport to Central Vancouver and a 24-minute walk away from the Emily Carr University of Art and Design.

EVO Vieux Montreal is a Montreal student housing that offers plenty of amenities, including Wi-Fi, on-site gyms, and study rooms. The property is a seven-minute walk to Central Montreal and a 20-minute ride to the University of Montreal.

The Revalie is a student housing in Ottawa. It offers numerous room types. It is also a 39-minute by public transport to Ottawa City Centre.

1. How to find housing as an international student in Canada?

Check university housing, student accommodation marketplaces like Casita - Your Student Home, and Facebook groups. Read the lease terms well and avoid scams.

2. Where do most international students live in Canada?

International students live in cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal. They stay in university residences, PBSAs, shared apartments, or homestays. Remember that choosing an area with good transport connections and essential services is very important.