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Study in Canada
Considering Studying in Canada? Here’s What You Need to Know
Canadian Experience Class Immigration Program
Who Wish to Become Permanent Residents
Canada's International Student Program
Canada’s International Student Program offers comprehensive support throughout your journey from obtaining a study permit to achieving permanent residency.
Our expertise ensures that you can turn your Canadian education into a pathway for permanent residency.
Need more information or have questions about Study visa?
Steps in Canada’s International Student Program
- 1. Select Your Program
Choosing the right program is crucial for your study permit application. You need to make a compelling case for why you’re pursuing this specific program in Canada. We provide tailored recommendations based on your previous work experience and educational background to enhance your application’s success.
- 2. Apply to Your Chosen Institution
Once you have selected a program, we will assist you in preparing and submitting your application to the institution. Securing a letter of acceptance from a Canadian-designated learning institution (DLI) is essential before you can proceed with your study permit application.
- 3. Submit Your Study Permit Application
International Student Document Checklist
To complete your application for study in Canada, you will need to provide several key documents. Here is a list of the essential documents that might be required:
- 1. Acceptance Letter
- 2. Proof of Financial Resources
- 3. Identity Documents
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Application Process for a Canadian Study Permit
The process to obtain a Canadian study permit involves four key steps:
- 1. Verify Your Eligibility
- An acceptance letter from a DLI
- Proof of financial support
- Supporting documents that may vary depending on your country of citizenship and residence
- 2. Prepare Your Application
- 3. Submit Your Application
- Electronic Application Create an account on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website and submit your application using scanned or electronic copies of your documents.
- Paper-Based Application Compile hard copies of your documents and mail them to the Visa Application Centre (VAC) designated for your country.
- Education: If education was completed outside of Canada, obtain an Educational Credentials Assessment (ECA).
- 4. Arrival in Canada
Processing Times for Canadian Study Permits
Looking for Faster Processing? Explore eligibility for the Study Direct Stream (SDS) to potentially expedite your application.
Firstly, Canada is renowned for its safety and stability, making it an appealing destination for students from around the world.
Secondly, the country boasts a top-tier education system. Canadian institutions are celebrated for their high standards and diverse range of programs, which are major attractions for international students.
Additionally, Canada’s culture of inclusivity and tolerance plays a crucial role in attracting students.
Moreover, many international students view their time in Canada as a stepping stone to future opportunities. An impressive 72.5% intend to apply for a post-graduate work permit to gain essential work experience. Furthermore, 60% of these students are considering making Canada their permanent residence, underscoring the country’s allure as not just a place to study but also a promising place to build a future.
With its welcoming atmosphere, excellent education system, and abundant opportunities, Canada’s attractiveness to global students continues to grow.
A Provincial Attestation Letter is issued by the government of the province where you plan to study in Canada. This document confirms that your chosen educational institution is officially recognized and authorized by provincial authorities. It serves to verify the institution’s legitimacy and compliance with the province’s educational standards. This letter is often required for international students applying for a study permit, as it demonstrates to Canadian immigration officials that the institution is a credible and approved establishment within that province.
A Canadian study permit comes with specific conditions that you must adhere to in order to fully benefit from your study experience in Canada. These conditions include:
- Enrollment Requirements:
You must be registered at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). - Study Status:
You are required to be a full-time student, or part-time if studying in Quebec. - Leave Restrictions:
You are not allowed to take breaks from your studies that exceed 150 days.
Understanding and following these conditions is crucial for making the most of your time studying in Canada. Adhering to these terms not only ensures a successful study experience but also increases your chances of obtaining a post-graduate work permit.
Studying in Canada is relatively affordable compared to other popular study destinations like Australia, the U.S., and the U.K.
- Tuition Costs:
For the 2018/2019 academic year, the average annual tuition for international undergraduate students in Canada was approximately CAD 27,159. In contrast, the average tuition at an American university during the same period was around USD 45,950. - Cost Estimation Tools:
To estimate the costs of tuition, books, and supplies for college and university programs in Canada, you can use various online tools. - Cost of Living:
When planning your study abroad experience, the cost of living is also a key consideration. Generally, living expenses in Canada are quite reasonable compared to many other leading destinations for international students.
| Country | Average Annual Tuition & Cost of Living (USD) |
|---|---|
| Australia | $42,093 |
| United States | $36,564 |
| United Kingdom | $35,045 |
| Canada | $29,947 |
Cost of Student Housing in Canada
Food and Transportation Costs
Similar to housing, the costs for food and transportation can vary by province. Here’s a look at the average costs in the cities mentioned:
- Toronto:
- Local transportation: $143 per month
- Basic lunchtime meal in the business district: $31.00
- Suggested monthly grocery budget: $300.00 to $600.00
- Montreal:
- Local transportation: $97 per month
- Basic lunchtime meal in the business district: $25.00
- Suggested monthly grocery budget: $300.00 to $550.00
- Saint John’s:
- Local transportation: $78.00 per month
- Basic lunchtime meal in the business district: $23.00
- Suggested monthly grocery budget: $487.00
Health Insurance
Studying in Canada for Free
For detailed information on scholarships you may be eligible for, you can use scholarship databases to explore your options.
A Designated Learning Institution (DLI) is an educational facility in Canada authorized to enroll international students. This designation applies to all primary and secondary schools across Canada, which can accept students from abroad.
However, not all post-secondary institutions are DLIs. It is crucial to verify that the institution you are considering is on the Canadian government’s list of DLIs before applying.
Canada is renowned for its high-quality, accessible education for international students. To choose the right program, it’s important to understand the different types of post-secondary education available:
Post-secondary education in Canada encompasses any programs beyond the twelfth grade. These programs vary in purpose and may have specific admission criteria.
Our goal is to help you meet the basic admission requirements for the program you wish to pursue.
Proficiency in English or French is required for studying at a Canadian institution. Each post-secondary school establishes its own language requirements, which can differ from one institution to another.
When applying, research the specific language requirements for your chosen program. Some schools may even offer English courses once your studies begin.
If you are from an English-speaking country or have previously studied in English, you might not need to submit IELTS scores. It’s essential to check the language requirements of the specific school to which you are applying.
Proficiency in English or French is required for studying at a Canadian institution. Each post-secondary school establishes its own language requirements, which can differ from one institution to another.
When applying, research the specific language requirements for your chosen program. Some schools may even offer English courses once your studies begin.
If you are from an English-speaking country or have previously studied in English, you might not need to submit IELTS scores. It’s essential to check the language requirements of the specific school to which you are applying.
- University of Toronto (UofT): Renowned for its academic excellence and vibrant campus life, UofT is located in the heart of Toronto, one of the world’s most diverse cities. It attracts approximately 20,000 international students each year.
- University of British Columbia (UBC): Known as North America’s most international university, UBC has 30% of its student body from abroad. Located in Vancouver, it offers a dynamic city life coupled with access to nature, including forests, oceans, and mountains.
- McGill University: McGill has a global reputation for excellence and hosts over 12,000 international students. Although situated in the French-speaking province of Quebec, McGill is an English-language institution. Montreal, where McGill is located, is celebrated for its affordable living and rich cultural scene.
- Université de Montreal (UdeM): UdeM is one of Canada’s top-ranked universities and a great choice for those interested in studying in French. Based in Montreal, UdeM serves about 9,500 international students annually.
- McMaster University: Ranked among the world’s top 100 universities, McMaster is located in Hamilton, Ontario, just an hour from Toronto. Hamilton is experiencing significant job growth in the tech sector, making it an attractive option for students interested in working during or after their studies.
Yes, you can switch schools or programs with a Canadian study permit at any time. To ensure you’re following the correct procedure and staying compliant with your study permit conditions, follow these steps to make the change through the online portal:
- Log into your account.
- Locate the section labeled “Designated Learning Institution student transfer.”
- Click on “transfer from DLI number.”
- Enter your study permit application number in the search field and click “Search for my application.”
- You might be asked to provide additional details from your original study permit application, so have this information ready.
- Enter details about your new school or program, including the new DLI number, your new student ID, and the start date.
- Click “submit transfer.”
- Review the information you’ve submitted. If everything is correct, finalize the process by clicking “confirm transfer.”
- You will receive a notification confirming that your transfer request has been successfully processed.
Absolutely! Studying in Canada allows international students to work part-time while attending classes, which can help cover tuition and living expenses.
International students are permitted to work up to 20 hours per week during academic sessions and full-time during scheduled breaks such as summer holidays. Most students do not require a separate work permit for on-campus or off-campus jobs, as this is usually included with their study permit.
If your program includes a work component, you might be allowed to work more than 20 hours per week during the term. This will be outlined in your letter of acceptance. If the government grants this provision, you will receive both a work permit and a study permit, though initially, this work permit may be limited to on-campus employment only.
Yes, you can bring your spouse and children with you while studying in Canada. Including family members in your study permit application will be considered by Canadian visa officers, and their inclusion might affect the visa officer’s decision.
If your family’s application is approved, your spouse will be eligible to work full-time in Canada. Additionally, your children can attend school without tuition fees.
For more details on applying for a study permit with accompanying family members, visit our detailed guide here.
The Student Direct Stream (SDS) is a Canadian government initiative designed to speed up the study permit application process for students from specific countries.
The SDS program aims to offer a quicker, more efficient application procedure, giving priority to eligible applicants. To qualify for the SDS, students must meet specific criteria, such as being enrolled in a designated learning institution, demonstrating language proficiency, and showing financial capability to cover tuition and living expenses.
Adhering to these requirements can result in faster processing times, helping students plan their studies and arrival in Canada more effectively. For more information about the Student Direct Stream and the application process, click here: Student Direct Stream (SDS) Canada.
Yes, Canada facilitates the transition from student to permanent resident. The Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) allows graduates to stay and work in Canada for up to three years following graduation. After working in Canada for at least one year, international graduates may become eligible to apply for permanent residency.
To qualify for a PGWP, you must prove that you adhered to all study permit conditions and that studying was your primary activity while in Canada. The duration of the PGWP typically matches the length of your studies in Canada.
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