Best Cities in Canada for Indian Students

Canada continues to be a top destination for Indian students striving for academic excellence and global exposure in a multicultural, welcoming society. Following the April 2025 federal elections, new policies have made post-graduation work permits (PGWP) more accessible and increased support for international students through visa-friendly reforms and expanded PR pathways—making Canada even more attractive.

But choosing the right city in Canada for your education is a big decision—it’s about much more than academics. You’ll want a city that matches your budget, career goals, lifestyle preferences, and offers a strong Indian student community.

This guide by IMFS helps you navigate that choice by exploring the best cities in Canada for Indian students in 2025.

Why Choosing the Right City Matters

When deciding where to study, Indian students often look for:

• Affordable cost of living and tuition
• Access to jobs and internships
• A vibrant Indian or South Asian community
• Safety and public transit access
• Long-term PR and settlement potential

We break down each city to help you evaluate your options.

At a Glance: Best Cities for Indian Students in Canada

Top Cities in Canada for Indian Students in 2025

1. Toronto, Ontario

Canada’s education and economic powerhouse with a strong Indian pulse

🎓 Top Universities:

• University of Toronto (UofT)
• York University
• Ryerson University (Toronto Metropolitan University)

🇮🇳 Indian Community & Cultural Life:

Toronto boasts the largest Indian diaspora in Canada. Neighborhoods like Brampton and Scarborough offer a home-away-from-home feel with:

• Indian restaurants, temples, and grocery stores
• Regular cultural events like Diwali Mela and Navratri nights
• Active student associations at most universities

“Having access to Indian food and community events made my transition so much easier!” – Aarav, MSc Student at York University

💼 Job Market & Internships:

Toronto is Canada’s economic hub and home to hundreds of multinational companies in finance, tech, media, and healthcare. Great for co-ops, internships, and part-time roles.

💸 Cost of Living:

• Rent for 1BHK: CAD 2,000–2,500/month
• Transit: CAD 156/month (TTC pass)
• Groceries: Medium to high

While expensive, the city’s wealth of job opportunities and supportive Indian network make the investment worthwhile for many students.

🚇 Transportation:

• Excellent public transit (TTC)
• GO Transit connects to suburbs like Mississauga and Hamilton

✅ Ideal For:

Students looking for vibrant city life, career prospects, and a strong Indian community.

2. Vancouver, British Columbia

Nature lovers and academics meet on Canada’s west coast

Highlights:

• Top Universities: UBC, Simon Fraser University
• Strong Punjabi community in Surrey
• Expensive housing, but excellent lifestyle and weather

3. Montreal, Quebec

Affordable, artsy, and academic with a European twist

Highlights:

• Top Universities: McGill, Concordia
• Lower cost of living
• Bilingual city (French and English)
• Great for arts, culture, and students on a budget

4. Calgary, Alberta

Affordable city with booming energy sector and nature access

Highlights:

• University of Calgary
• Job prospects in oil, energy, and engineering
• Low rent and high quality of life

5. Waterloo, Ontario

Canada’s tech capital and co-op champion

Highlights:

• University of Waterloo, Wilfrid Laurier University
• Strong tech internship ecosystem
• Lower living costs than Toronto
• Diverse student body

6. Ottawa, Ontario

Canada’s safe and structured capital city

Highlights:

• University of Ottawa, Carleton University
• Affordable + good public services
• Great for public policy, law, engineering
• Internship opportunities with the federal government

7. Winnipeg, Manitoba

Budget-friendly living in a quiet, growing city

Highlights:

• University of Manitoba
• Large Indian population
• Low housing and food costs
• Quiet and safe

8. Hamilton, Ontario

Affordable university town near Toronto

Highlights:

• McMaster University (top research-focused university)
• Healthcare and manufacturing jobs
• Lower rent, good public transport to Toronto

9. Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

Charming small city with big opportunities in agriculture

Highlights:

• University of Saskatchewan
• Affordable living
• Best for students in agriculture, environment, and rural health fields

Cheapest Cities in Canada for Indian Students

If you’re budget-conscious, consider these affordable Canadian cities:

• Winnipeg
• Saskatoon
• Hamilton
• Edmonton
• Halifax (Nova Scotia)

💡 Tip: Use university housing where possible, apply for scholarships, and look for cities with subsidized student transit passes.

Best Canadian Cities for Jobs (Post-Study)

For Indian Parents: Safety, Settlement & Support

We understand your concerns. All the cities listed here:

• Offer safe public spaces
• Have active Indian communities
• Allow part-time work (20 hrs/week) and PGWP after graduation
• Are PR-friendly if your child plans to settle long-term

Personalized Support by IMFS

At IMFS, we go beyond lists and rankings. Our expert counselors offer:

• University & city selection
• Application & visa support
• Budget planning
• Scholarship assistance

🎯 Book a consultation today and let us help you find the right city in Canada for your academic success and future goals.