Study in Canada

Canada is known for:

• Globally recognised universities and colleges
• Career-focused and research-based programmes
• English- and French-language study options
• Co-op placements and practical training
• A diverse, multicultural environment
• Potential post-graduation work opportunities for eligible graduates

Students should select programmes based on academic quality and career suitability—not only immigration opportunities.

International students can apply for:

• Secondary or high-school education
• Certificates and diplomas
• Advanced diplomas
• Bachelor’s degrees
• Postgraduate certificates
• Master’s degrees
• Doctoral degrees
• Professional and vocational programmes
• English or French language courses

Programme structure and duration vary by province and institution.

A Designated Learning Institution, or DLI, is a school authorised by a Canadian province or territory to accept international students.

Students generally need a letter of acceptance from a DLI before applying for a study permit. However, not every programme offered by a DLI qualifies graduates for a Post-Graduation Work Permit. Applicants should check both the institution and the individual programme on the official DLI list.

Requirements vary, but applicants normally need:

• Valid passport
• Academic certificates and transcripts
• Evidence of English or French ability
• Personal statement or study plan
• CV for certain postgraduate programmes
• Academic or professional references
• Portfolio for creative subjects
• Relevant work experience for some programmes
• Application fee

Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.

Institutions may accept tests such as:

• IELTS Academic
• TOEFL iBT
• PTE Academic
• CAEL
• Cambridge English qualifications
• Duolingo English Test, at participating institutions

Required scores depend on the institution and programme. Admission-language requirements and immigration-language requirements are separate and should not be confused.

Yes. French-language and bilingual programmes are available, particularly in Quebec, New Brunswick, Ontario and other Francophone communities.

Institutions may require evidence of French proficiency through an approved examination or their own assessment.

The usual process is:

1. 1Assess your academic profile and career objectives.
2. 2Select an appropriate institution and programme.
3. 3Confirm DLI and PGWP eligibility.
4. 4Submit the institutional application.
5. 5Receive and accept the letter of acceptance.
6. 6Obtain a PAL, TAL or CAQ when required.
7. 7Prepare financial and supporting documents.
8. 8Apply for a Canadian study permit.
9. 9Complete biometrics and a medical examination when requested.
10. 10Prepare for travel after approval.

A study permit authorises an international student to study at a Canadian DLI. It is not itself a travel document.

Approved applicants may also receive a temporary resident visa or electronic travel authorisation, depending on their nationality. The border officer makes the final decision on admission when the student arrives in Canada.

A Provincial Attestation Letter, or PAL, and a Territorial Attestation Letter, or TAL, confirm that the applicant has been allocated a place under the relevant province or territory’s international-student allocation.

Most study-permit applicants need one, although exemptions apply. Students usually obtain it through their educational institution after accepting the offer and, in many cases, paying part or all of the required tuition deposit. Check current PAL and TAL rules.

Most international students planning to study in Quebec need a Quebec Acceptance Certificate—Certificat d’acceptation du Québec or CAQ.

The CAQ is normally required before submitting the federal study-permit application. In relevant cases, its attestation also serves the provincial attestation purpose.

Documents commonly include:

• Letter of acceptance from a DLI
• PAL, TAL or CAQ, unless exempt
• Valid passport
• Evidence of tuition payment
• Proof of sufficient financial support
• Academic and language documents
• Study plan or letter of explanation
• Evidence of ties and personal circumstances
• Biometrics
• Medical examination, where required
• Police certificate, if requested

IRCC may request additional evidence based on the applicant’s circumstances.

For applications made on or after 1 September 2025, a single applicant studying outside Quebec must normally demonstrate CAD $22,895 for one year of living expenses, in addition to:

• First-year tuition fees
• Travel costs
• Additional funds for accompanying family members

For example, two family members—including the student—normally require CAD $28,502 for living expenses, excluding tuition and transportation.

Quebec has separate financial requirements. Applicants should verify the amount immediately before applying through IRCC’s proof-of-financial-support guidance.

Fees depend on the institution, programme and province. Current government estimates indicate average annual university tuition of approximately:

• CAD $41,746 for international undergraduate students
• CAD $24,028 for international graduate students
• Approximately CAD $16,000–$25,000 for many college diploma programmes

Students must also budget for accommodation, food, transport, insurance, books and personal expenses. Explore programmes and costs through EduCanada.

Yes. International students may find:

• University entrance scholarships
• Academic merit awards
• Research assistantships
• Teaching assistantships
• Government-funded opportunities
• Provincial awards
• External scholarships

Funding is generally more widely available for research-based master’s and doctoral programmes than for college diplomas. Students can use the official EduCanada scholarship search.

Eligible international students may work off campus for up to 24 hours per week during regular academic terms. They may work unlimited hours during scheduled academic breaks if they meet all eligibility conditions. Students cannot begin working before their programme starts and normally need a Social Insurance Number. Review IRCC’s student work rules.

Part-time work should supplement a student’s budget; it should not be relied upon to finance tuition and living expenses.

Eligible students can generally work on campus without a separate work permit. IRCC does not impose a specific limit on eligible on-campus working hours, but students must continue meeting their study-permit conditions and actively pursue their studies.

Yes, if the placement forms part of the academic programme and the student meets the relevant conditions.

From 1 April 2026, eligible post-secondary students generally no longer need a separate co- op work permit for required student placements. The placement cannot represent more than 50% of the programme. Students should confirm their eligibility before starting work.

A spouse or common-law partner does not automatically qualify for an open work permit.

Eligibility is generally limited to spouses of students enrolled in certain master’s, doctoral and eligible professional programmes. The exact programme and duration requirements must be checked before applying. Review the current spouse work-permit rules.

Eligible family members may apply to accompany the student. Depending on their age and circumstances, children may require a visitor record or study permit.

Students bringing family members must demonstrate additional financial resources and arrange suitable accommodation, insurance and schooling.

The Post-Graduation Work Permit—PGWP allows eligible graduates of qualifying programmes to gain Canadian work experience.

Graduating from a DLI does not automatically provide PGWP eligibility. Before enrolling, students must verify:

• Whether the institution offers PGWP-eligible programmes
• Whether the selected programme qualifies
• The required programme length
• Any applicable field-of-study requirement
• Language requirements
• Full-time study and application conditions

Most PGWP applicants must now provide approved English or French test results.

Generally:

• University bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral graduates require at least CLB/NCLC 7
• Many other university and college graduates require at least CLB/NCLC 5

Some non-degree programmes must also be in an eligible field of study. The applicable field is determined by the programme’s Classification of Instructional Programs—CIP code. Canada has frozen the eligible field-of-study list for 2026. Check current PGWP eligibility.

The duration depends on the programme and the applicant’s circumstances.

Graduates of eligible programmes lasting at least two years may qualify for a permit of up to three years. Eligible master’s graduates may qualify for a three-year PGWP even when the programme is shorter than two years, provided it meets the applicable requirements.

A PGWP is generally available only once.

No. A study permit, Canadian qualification or PGWP does not guarantee permanent residence.

Canadian education and skilled work experience may improve eligibility for certain federal or provincial immigration programmes. However, immigration criteria, invitation scores and provincial priorities change regularly.

Students should normally begin 9–12 months before their intended intake. Competitive programmes may close earlier.

Time is needed for programme selection, admission, tuition deposits, PAL or CAQ issuance, financial preparation, biometrics, medical examinations and study-permit processing.

Yes. Edu Consultancy can assist with:

• Academic and eligibility assessment
• Programme and institution selection
• DLI and PGWP eligibility checks
• College or university applications
• Scholarship guidance
• Study-plan preparation
• Study-permit documentation guidance
• Accommodation and pre-departure support
• Guidance for accompanying family members

Call to action: Planning to study in Canada? Book an initial assessment with our education consultants to identify suitable programmes, estimate your budget and understand your study-permit options.

Information updated in August 2026. Canadian admission and immigration rules may change. Applicants should verify final requirements with their institution, the Government of Canada and the relevant provincial authority.