Study in Canada

Requirements depend on the institution and programme.

Bachelor's and college programmes

Applicants normally require:

• Academic transcripts
• Required subjects for the selected programme
• Proof of English or French proficiency
• Personal statement, when required
• Portfolio for creative programmes
• Passport copy
• Evidence of sufficient funds

Master's programmes

Applicants commonly need:

• A relevant recognised bachelor's degree
• University transcripts
• English or French language evidence
• CV and statement of purpose
• Academic or professional references
• Research proposal for selected degrees
• GMAT or GRE for certain programmes

Most international students require a study permit. The principal stages are:

1. 1Choose a suitable institution and programme.
2. 2Confirm that the institution is a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
3. 3Check whether the specific programme is eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit.
4. 4Obtain a letter of acceptance.
5. 5Obtain a Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter (PAL/TAL), unless exempt.
6. 6Obtain a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) when studying in Quebec.
7. 7Prepare financial, academic and personal documents.
8. 8Submit the study-permit application.
9. 9Complete biometrics and a medical examination when required.

The study-permit application fee is currently CAD 150. A letter of acceptance from a DLI does not automatically guarantee approval.

Best-known universities by subject

• Computer science and AI: Toronto, Waterloo, UBC, Alberta, McGill, Simon Fraser
• Engineering: Waterloo, Toronto, UBC, McGill, Alberta, McMaster
• Business and management: Toronto, Western, Queen's, McGill, UBC, York
• Medicine and health sciences: Toronto, McGill, McMaster, UBC, Alberta
• Economics and finance: Toronto, UBC, McGill, Western, Queen's
• Agriculture and food science: Guelph, Saskatchewan, Alberta, Manitoba
• Energy and natural resources: Alberta, Calgary, UBC, Saskatchewan
• Environmental and ocean sciences: UBC, Dalhousie, Victoria, Memorial
• Law and public policy: Toronto, McGill, Ottawa, Queen's, York
• Media and communications: Toronto Metropolitan, Concordia, Simon Fraser, York
• Veterinary medicine: Guelph, Saskatchewan, Calgary, Montreal
• Co-op education: Waterloo, Simon Fraser, Victoria, Ottawa

Popular career-focused universities

These universities are particularly attractive to students seeking applied programmes, industry projects or co-op experience:

• Toronto Metropolitan University
• Ontario Tech University
• Carleton University
• University of Windsor
• Brock University
• Wilfrid Laurier University
• University of Regina
• University of New Brunswick
• University of Prince Edward Island
• University of Lethbridge

Actual living expenses depend heavily on the province and city. Toronto and Vancouver are generally more expensive than many communities in Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Atlantic Canada.

Students should budget for:

• Accommodation and utilities
• Food
• Health insurance
• Local transport
• Telephone and internet
• Books and study materials
• Winter clothing
• Personal expenses

For study-permit applications submitted on or after 1 September 2025, a single student applying outside Quebec must demonstrate at least CAD 22,895 for first-year living expenses, excluding tuition and transportation. Higher amounts apply when family members accompany the student. Quebec uses separate financial requirements.

Most applicants need a Provincial Attestation Letter or Territorial Attestation Letter. The institution normally explains how to obtain it after the student accepts the offer and, in many cases, pays part or all of the required tuition deposit.

There are exemptions, but they depend on the applicant's programme and circumstances. Applicants should confirm their position through the current IRCC PAL/TAL guidance.

Graduating from a DLI does not automatically provide PGWP eligibility. Both the institution and the specific programme must meet the applicable conditions. Important current rules include:

• Bachelor's, master's and doctoral graduates generally need CLB/NCLC 7 in all four language abilities
• Other college, polytechnic and non-university programme graduates generally need CLB/NCLC 5
• Bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees do not have a PGWP field-of-study restriction
• Many non-degree programmes must be within an eligible field of study
• A programme of two years or more may lead to a PGWP of up to three years
• An eligible master's programme of at least eight months may lead to a three-year PGWP
• Shorter eligible programmes may receive a permit approximately matching the programme's length

Students must verify PGWP eligibility before paying a deposit.

Before applying, students should verify:

• DLI status
• PGWP eligibility of the specific programme
• Field-of-study eligibility for non-degree programmes
• Total tuition and living expenses
• PAL/TAL availability
• Admission and visa timelines
• Campus location
• Accommodation availability
• Refund policy if the study permit is refused

Important selection advice

Students should compare more than university reputation:

• Programme content and specialisation
• Admission requirements
• Total tuition and living costs
• City and province
• Scholarships and entrance awards
• Co-op or internship availability
• Graduate employment outcomes
• Designated Learning Institution status
• Eligibility of the specific programme for a Post-Graduation Work Permit
• Accommodation availability