Studying in Canada at a glance
Canada is one of the world’s most popular destinations for international students. Strong education systems, internationally ranked universities and the possibility of working while studying make it a leading choice for people who want to continue their education abroad. A study permit can also be a practical first step toward immigrating to Canada, but the application has its complexities: applicants must prove to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that they meet specific requirements.
Study as a pathway to immigration
For people under 30, studying in Canada is one of the strongest routes to immigration. Studying an in-demand field at a reputable Canadian institution also helps secure your career prospects in Canada. Every year, large numbers of students from around the world come to Canada to study at high-quality institutions, and in some provinces graduates of certain programs can apply for permanent residence soon after completing their studies.
Benefits of studying in Canada
International students can work while they study. Off-campus work is limited to 24 hours per week during academic sessions, with no hourly limit during scheduled breaks. Even part-time work can cover a meaningful share of living costs.
Spouses and common-law partners of students in doctoral programs, master’s programs of 16 months or longer and certain professional programs can apply for an open work permit and work without restriction. Spouses of undergraduate and college students are currently not eligible. Accompanying children can generally attend school in Canada.
After graduating, many international students can apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). Eligibility and the length of the permit depend on specific conditions; for college graduates, the field of study and language test results also matter. Read more about the Post-Graduation Work Permit.
Step 1: Get admission from a Canadian institution
To study in Canada, you first need an acceptance letter from a Canadian school. Admission can be straightforward, but it can also be complex and time-consuming. Start by making a shortlist of institutions based on the program you want to study.
You can easily find lists of Canadian universities online, along with their programs and details. Each institution sets its own application deadlines, and you must submit your documents before them. The steps to final admission can take up to six months, so it is best to start about six months before the deadline unless you already have every document ready.
Once you have a list of institutions that offer your program, compare their international rankings and tuition fees to narrow it down to the ones that suit your situation. Then prepare your documents and apply. You will need proof of English proficiency for admission. Most applicants take IELTS Academic, and most universities require a minimum overall score of 6.
The Canadian study permit
After you are admitted, you need a study permit to come to Canada. Its validity is based on the length of your program. Keep in mind that the number of study permits issued each year is capped, and most applicants must include a provincial or territorial attestation letter (PAL) with their application. Besides general documents such as translated identity documents and proof of property, you will need proof of financial support and your previous academic records. Your financial evidence must show that you can pay tuition and cover your living costs in Canada.
You should also include a letter of explanation describing the purpose of your trip. In it, you briefly explain why you chose to study in Canada and why you chose your program, and, most importantly, that you will leave Canada at the end of your authorized stay. Ties such as parents or a spouse in your home country, or a job you will return to, can support this.
Canadian universities
One of Canada’s attractions is its large number of universities, many of which rank highly internationally. The University of Toronto is widely regarded as Canada’s top university, followed by McGill University in Montreal.
According to commonly cited rankings, Canada’s top ten universities are:
- University of Toronto
- McGill University
- University of British Columbia
- University of Alberta
- McMaster University
- University of Montreal
- University of Calgary
- University of Waterloo
- University of Ottawa
- Western University
Each university has its own admission requirements and tuition fees. We are working on dedicated pages for these and other Canadian institutions so you can find all the information in one place.
What does a study permit include?
A study permit comes with several conditions, including:
- Conditions printed on the permit: the date your studies end (you must leave Canada when your permit expires), whether you may work on or off campus, whether you may travel within Canada, whether you need a medical exam, and your field of study.
- Work conditions: most international students want to work while studying. If your permit allows it, you can work on or off campus without a separate work permit, as long as you are a full-time student and no exceptions are noted on your permit.
- Students with a valid study permit can travel outside Canada and return, provided they have the required travel documents.