Study in Canada: Fees, Intakes, Universities, Jobs for Malaysian Students

Annual tuition averages around CA $25,000  for graduate degrees and CA $42,000 for undergraduate programmes. Additionally, international students must demonstrate CA $23,448 for annual living expenses to meet the latest IRCC requirements, alongside budgeting for return flights, health insurance and course materials.

While fully funded scholarships are extremely rare, exceptional Malaysian students can secure prestigious merit-based awards, like the Lester B Pearson International Scholarship or Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships, which can substantially cover their tuition, living expenses and on-campus accommodation costs.

Malaysian applicants need a Letter of Acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution, valid academic transcripts like SPM or STPM, recognised English proficiency scores, a Provincial Attestation Letter and official proof demonstrating CA $23,448 for first-year living expenses besides tuition costs.

To pursue a Master’s degree, Malaysian students generally need a recognised four-year Bachelor’s degree with strong academic grades. Additional requirements often include high IELTS or TOEFL scores, a compelling Statement of Purpose, professional reference letters and sometimes specific GRE or GMAT scores.

Canada is home to world-class institutions which are globally recognised for academic excellence. The University of Toronto, McGill University and the University of British Columbia consistently top global rankings. Other prestigious options highly favoured by Malaysian students also include the University of Alberta and Waterloo.

As of September 2026, IRCC mandates that single international students outside Quebec must show a minimum proof of funds of CAD 23,448 to cover the first-year of living expenses. This requirement is completely separate from your first-year tuition fees and the necessary return travel costs

Yes, Malaysian students holding a valid Canadian study permit can legally work off-campus during their academic sessions. During scheduled academic breaks, like summer or winter holidays, international students are officially authorised to work full-time, helping significantly offset overall living expenses.

The PGWP allows international graduates from eligible Canadian institutions to work in Canada for up to three years. It provides Malaysian students with invaluable international work experience, serving as a highly effective, official pathway toward Canadian Permanent Residency (PR) applications.

Yes, Canadian universities widely recognise standard Malaysian qualifications like SPM, STPM, UEC and A-Levels for undergraduate admissions. Similarly, bachelor’s degrees from accredited Malaysian universities are well-regarded for direct entry into specialised postgraduate and Master’s programmes across leading universities in Canada.

Yes, international students pursuing Master’s, doctoral or specific professional degree programmes can bring their spouses and dependent children. Spouses may be eligible for an Open work Permit, while dependent children can access Canadian public education during your official study permit.