Top 5 Flying Schools in Canada for Indian Students: 2026 Guide

With the global aviation industry projecting a need for 660,000 new pilots over the next two decades, the career potential for aspiring aviators is significant. However, for Indian students planning to study in Canada, the landscape has shifted. The Canadian government’s new 2026 immigration targets aim to reduce international student admissions considerably, making the application process more competitive.

Despite these tighter restrictions, flight training remains a unique pathway. Under the immigration rules updated in November 2024, graduates from specific PGWP-eligible flight schools are currently exempt from the strict “Field of Study” requirements affecting other sectors.

This guide analyses the top 5 flying schools in Canada for the 2026 intake, evaluating them based on DLI status, fleet quality, cost-to-benefit ratio, and suitability for Indian students targeting DGCA license conversion.

The Evaluation Methodology

To ensure reliability, the schools listed below were selected based on four critical criteria:

Find out your ideal university

0%

Choose your dream country

Please select a country

UK

USA

Germany

Australia

Ireland

New Zealand

Canada

UAE

France

Sweden

Italy

Other

When do you want to study abroad?

Please select an option

Jan 2026

Sep 2026

2027 Intake

What's your highest level of education?

Please select an option

Bachelor's

Master's

MBBS / MD

Diploma

12th Grade

10th Grade

Select you current city

Please select your city

 

Please Enter Your Name

 

IN +91 UAE +971 QA +974 SA +966 KW +965 OM +968 BH +973

Please Enter a Valid Number

 

Please Enter Your Email

How Leap will help you

Personalised University Shortlist

Express Applications with Quicker Admits

End-to-End Application Support

Continue

1. Regulatory Safety: All schools must be Designated Learning Institutions (DLI) with programs eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
2. Indian Student Track Record: Schools with experience in guiding students through the specific requirements of the Indian Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
3. Fleet Availability: Institutions with sufficient aircraft numbers to prevent training delays.
4. Weather vs. Cost: A balance between regions with lower living costs (Prairies) and regions with optimal flying weather (West Coast).

Top 5 Flying Schools in Canada

1. Seneca Polytechnic (Toronto, Ontario)

Category: Best for Academic Degree & Integrated Training

Seneca Polytechnic is widely recognised as a premier institution for aviation in Canada. Unlike standard flight schools, Seneca provides a four-year Honours Bachelor of Aviation Technology. This degree-based structure offers stability amidst changing regulations affecting private colleges.

• Program Type: Integrated (Degree + CPL)
• Estimated Tuition: ~$100,000+ CAD (Total for 4 Years)
• Location: Peterborough, ON (Flight Campus)

Key Advantages:

• Integrated Pathway: Graduates receive both a Bachelor’s degree and a Commercial Pilot License (CPL), enhancing long-term employability.
• Industry Connections: The "Jazz Aviation Pathway" offers high-performing students direct interview opportunities with Jazz Aviation.
• Equipment: Training is conducted on a modern fleet of G1000-equipped aircraft, providing experience with glass cockpit technology.

Considerations:

• High Cost: Combined with the high cost of living in the Greater Toronto Area, this is the most expensive option.
• Admission Standards: Entrance is competitive, requiring high grades in 12th-grade Mathematics and Physics.

2. Moncton Flight College (Moncton, New Brunswick)

Category: Best for Value & Campus Experience

As the largest private flight school in Canada, Moncton Flight College (MFC) is a popular choice for international students. It offers a structured campus environment similar to a college, but at a lower price point than major urban centres.

• Program Type: Integrated Diploma or Modular
• Estimated Tuition: ~$80,000 - $90,000 CAD
• Location: Moncton, New Brunswick

Key Advantages:

• Cost Efficiency: Living expenses in Moncton are significantly lower than in Toronto or Vancouver, helping students meet "Proof of Funds" requirements more easily.
• Infrastructure: MFC boasts one of the largest training fleets in the country, minimising scheduling delays.
• Accommodation: On-campus housing is available, simplifying the transition for students arriving from India.

Considerations:

• Weather Conditions: New Brunswick experiences harsh winters. Flight training often slows down or halts frequently between December and March due to snow and ice.

3. Harv’s Air (Steinbach, Manitoba)

Category: Best for Training Efficiency & Speed

Located in the Canadian Prairies, Harv’s Air is known for its focus on efficient flight training. The school operates in uncontrolled airspace, which allows for continuous flight operations with minimal air traffic delays.

• Program Type: Modular (Custom Schedule)
• Estimated Tuition: ~$75,000 - $85,000 CAD
• Location: Steinbach & St. Andrews, Manitoba

Key Advantages:

• Operational Efficiency: Operating outside of busy controlled airspace reduces time spent taxiing and holding, potentially saving 10-15% on total flight costs.
• PGWP Eligibility: As a recognised DLI with a flight training program, graduates remain eligible for the PGWP under current flight school exceptions.
• Affordability: The cost of living in rural Manitoba is among the lowest in Canada.

Considerations:

• Extreme Climate: Winter temperatures can drop to -30°C. While aircraft are equipped with heaters, extreme cold can lead to flight cancellations.

4. British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT)

Category: Best for Premium Training & Year-Round Flying

BCIT’s Airline and Flight Operations program is a prestigious diploma program based in Vancouver. Its primary advantage is the mild West Coast climate, which facilitates consistent training throughout the year.

• Program Type: Diploma (Integrated)
• Estimated Tuition: ~$95,000+ CAD
• Location: Vancouver/Richmond, BC

Key Advantages:

• Optimal Weather: Vancouver’s climate rarely freezes, allowing for year-round flight operations and a potentially faster completion timeline (16–18 months).
• Airline Partnerships: The program has strong recruitment ties with carriers like WestJet and Pacific Coastal Airlines.
• Academic Credibility: Graduates earn a respected diploma alongside their license.

Considerations:

• Living Expenses: Vancouver is Canada’s most expensive city. Students must budget significantly higher for rent and daily expenses (often exceeding CAD $1,500/month for rent alone).

5. Canada Aviation Academy (Vancouver, BC)

Category: Best for Modular Flexibility

For students prioritising the weather advantages of British Columbia but seeking a more flexible schedule than a university program, the Canada Aviation Academy is a viable alternative.

• Program Type: Modular
• Estimated Tuition: ~$80,000 - $90,000 CAD
• Location: Vancouver Area, BC

Key Advantages:

• Academic Pathways: The academy maintains collaborations with the University of the Fraser Valley for students wishing to pursue a degree later.
• Flexibility: The modular structure allows students to control the pace of their training and spending.

Considerations:

• Cost of Living: Similar to BCIT, students must account for the high cost of living in the Greater Vancouver Area.

Critical Factors for the 2026 Intake

Students planning for the 2026 academic year must be aware of three specific factors that impact pilot training in Canada.

1. The PGWP Exception

While the Canadian government is restricting work permit eligibility for many college programs in 2026, flight schools currently benefit from an exception.

• Note: Students should verify that their specific program is listed as PGWP-eligible under the "flight school exception" policy before paying deposits.

2. Total Cost of Ownership (INR Estimation)

Tuition fees often exclude living costs and ancillary expenses. A realistic budget for an 18-month stay in Canada includes:

• Tuition (CPL + Ratings): ₹45 Lakhs – ₹55 Lakhs
• Living Expenses: ₹16 Lakhs – ₹24 Lakhs
• Equipment & Fees: ~₹2 Lakhs
• Total Required Budget: ₹65 Lakhs – ₹85 Lakhs
• Regional Note: Students studying in Quebec must show CAD $24,617 in liquid funds for living expenses (effective Jan 1, 2026).

3. DGCA Recency Requirements

For students intending to return to India, the DGCA requires flight experience to be current. A common pitfall is a long gap between finishing training and converting the license in India.

• Recommendation: Students should schedule their mandatory "300NM Cross-Country" flight toward the end of their Canadian training to ensure hours remain valid (typically within 6 months) for DGCA conversion.

Conclusion

The 2026 immigration landscape presents challenges, but also opportunities for well-informed students. By selecting a DLI-approved flight school, aspiring pilots can navigate the new regulations while securing a globally recognised license.

• Seneca is recommended for those seeking academic security.
• Moncton Flight College offers a balance of cost and community.
• Harv's Air and BCIT are strong choices for students prioritising training speed and weather conditions, respectively.

Next Steps

Admission slots for the 2026 intake are limited due to international student caps. Students are advised to begin the application process early. Leap Scholar provides assistance in securing admissions at DLI-approved flying schools and navigating study permit requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions