At a glance
What a student from Maharashtra needs to know before deciding — clearly and honestly.
The education
Strong public universities and colleges. Co-op programmes embed paid work terms into many degrees.
The true cost
Lower fees than the US/UK and a long work permit improve ROI — if your programme remains PGWP-eligible.
Safety & visa
Check the latest MEA advisory before you travel. Recent PGWP and study-permit reforms make eligibility checks essential before enrolling.
Top universities
A selection of universities popular with Maharashtra students, with indicative tuition.
After you graduate
Post-study work rights are the most important factor — and the most likely to change. Here is the position as of today.
The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) lets you work for up to 3 years, depending on the length of your programme. Eligibility depends on field-of-study and programme requirements. A change affecting certain co-op and eligibility rules applies from April 2026.
Immigration rules, eligibility and salary thresholds change frequently and without notice. Always verify the latest official guidance before you apply, and never treat any figure here as a guarantee of future entitlement.
- Up to 3 years, tied to programme length
- Field-of-study and programme rules decide eligibility
- Change to some co-op/eligibility rules from April 2026
- Open work permit — any employer; counts toward Express Entry PR
Visa, work & money rules
The official rules behind your visa, work, family and budget planning. Rules change often, so confirm each point on the official government or university website before you apply.
Student visa
Most study-permit applications need a Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter (PAL/TAL). Some applicants are exempt, including certain master’s and doctoral applicants and some other categories.
Visa & permit fees
The study permit application fee is C$150. The biometrics fee is C$85.
Work while studying
If you are eligible, you can work off campus up to 24 hours a week during academic sessions and full-time during scheduled breaks. On-campus work is also allowed. A study permit alone does not cover a required co-op placement: if your programme has a mandatory co-op or internship, you need a separate co-op work permit in addition to your study permit.
Family & dependants
Open work permits for spouses of students are now limited mainly to spouses of master’s, doctoral and certain professional-programme students.
Proof of funds
From 1 September 2026, you must show C$23,448 as a single applicant, in addition to tuition and travel costs. Higher amounts apply if family members come with you.
Tuition
Tuition figures are indicative and vary by institution and programme. Check the university’s current fee schedule.
ROI calculator
Enter your own numbers to see total investment and an indicative payback period. This is a guide only — not financial advice.
With the default assumptions (₹22L tuition and ₹11L living costs a year for 2 years, a 10% scholarship and a ₹34L starting salary), total investment is ₹62L and the indicative payback period is 2.7 years.
Canada — Master's ROI
Indicative · based on today's assumptions
Figures are indicative only and vary with fees, salaries, exchange rates and visa rules. Treat this as one data point — not conclusive evidence or financial advice.
Safety snapshot
Based on Ministry of External Affairs guidance — always check the latest official advisory before you travel.
Check the latest MEA advisory
Check the latest guidance from the Ministry of External Affairs and the High Commission of India in Ottawa before you travel and during your stay, and register on MADAD (madad.gov.in). Winters are severe — plan for cold-weather living costs.
Emergency contacts
Dial 911. MEA helpline: 1800 11 3090.
Register with the embassy
Register at madad.gov.in on arrival so the nearest Indian Mission can reach you in an emergency.
Food, culture & community
What to expect day-to-day — and how to feel at home far from home, as a student from Maharashtra.
Food & groceries
Large Indian communities in Toronto, Brampton, Vancouver and Surrey mean easy access to groceries, tiffin services and restaurants.
The Maharashtra community
Very active Maharashtra Mandals and Indian student associations; Marathi cultural events are common in major cities.
Maha-Alumni Connect lets you speak with students from your own district who studied at these very universities.
Compare Canada with other destinations.
See the same degree across countries, or check the latest safety guidance before you commit.