Study in Canada as an international student
You can study in Canada at an approved college or university with a study permit. Canada now caps new study permits, asks students to show more money and has stricter post-study work rules, so choosing the right program matters more than before.
To study in Canada as an international student, you need an offer from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI), proof that you can pay for your studies and living costs, and a study permit from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Most college and undergraduate students also need a provincial or territorial attestation letter (PAL/TAL) before they apply.
Why students choose Canada
- Practical study. Many college and university programs include co-op terms, where you work in your field as part of the course.
- Work after graduation. Eligible graduates can apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) of up to 3 years. Skilled work after graduation (not work done as a student) can later count towards permanent residence through Express Entry.
- Two official languages. You can study in English or French. French ability is a stated priority in Canada's immigration plans.
Study in Canada for international students: the rules in 2026
Check these rules before you pay any deposit.
| Rule | What it means for you |
|---|---|
| Study permit cap and PAL | Most post-secondary students at a DLI outside Quebec need a PAL/TAL from the province or territory under the national cap. Quebec students need a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) instead. Master's and doctoral students at public DLIs are exempt from 1 January 2026. |
| Proof of funds | Your first-year tuition and travel, plus CAD 23,448 for one person's living costs (applications from 1 September 2026, outside Quebec). You need more for each family member who comes with you. |
| Work while studying | Up to 24 hours a week off campus during academic sessions, and unlimited hours in scheduled breaks, if you meet the conditions. |
| PGWP field of study | If you applied for your study permit on or after 1 November 2024, a college diploma or certificate must be in an eligible field: agriculture and agri-food, education, healthcare and social services, STEM, trades or transport. Bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees are exempt. IRCC says it will not add or remove fields in 2026. |
| PGWP language level | Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7 in all four skills for university graduates, and CLB 5 for college and other non-university graduates (PGWP applications from 1 November 2024). |
Good to know: Since 22 January 2025, a post-secondary student who changes school must get a new PAL/TAL (unless exempt) before applying for a new study permit. Choose your institution carefully the first time.
Canadian colleges, universities and intakes
Only a DLI can issue an acceptance letter for a study permit. The main types are:
- Universities: bachelor's degrees (usually 3 to 4 years), master's degrees (usually 1 to 2 years) and doctorates.
- Canadian colleges and polytechnics: certificates, diplomas, advanced diplomas, one-year post-graduate certificates and some applied degrees.
- CEGEPs: public colleges in Quebec.
Not every program at a DLI qualifies for a PGWP. Before you accept an offer, check that both the institution and the program are PGWP-eligible. Public-private curriculum-licensing programs are generally not eligible. Read about the Canadian education system.
The main intake is September. January has fewer places, and only some programs start in May. Start early: the offer, the PAL and the study permit each take time.
How much it costs to study in Canada
Statistics Canada reports average international tuition for 2026/2027 of CAD 42,062 a year for undergraduate programs and CAD 24,693 for graduate programs. Province matters: the undergraduate average is CAD 50,088 in Ontario but CAD 18,911 in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Add living costs (at least the IRCC minimum above), health cover, books and flights. Government charges are CAD 150 for the study permit and CAD 85 per person for biometrics (fingerprints and a photo), as at November 2026. See the full cost of studying and living in Canada.
How to apply to study in Canada
- Choose a program with your goals in mind Check the entry requirements, total cost and PGWP eligibility.
- Prepare for your English or French test Each institution sets its own score rules. A later PGWP also needs an approved test at CLB 5 or 7.
- Apply to the DLI and accept your offer The institution issues a letter of acceptance. Post-secondary institutions must verify it with IRCC.
- Get your PAL or TAL Your institution explains how to request one. Check first whether you are exempt.
- Gather your documents Passport, letter of acceptance, PAL/TAL, proof of funds and other items on IRCC's document checklist.
- Apply for your study permit online Pay the fee and give your biometrics. Processing times change every week (see our Canada study permit guide).
Who can advise you on a Canadian study permit
Important: Under Canadian law, only authorised representatives may charge a fee for advice or representation on a Canadian immigration application, including a study permit or PGWP. They are licensed consultants (RCICs) of the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC), lawyers and paralegals of a Canadian law society, and notaries of the Chambre des notaires du Québec. IRCC may return or refuse an application made through an unauthorised paid representative.
Our migration agent is registered in Australia, not Canada, so we explain Canada's requirements as general information only. You can check any consultant on the CICC public register (opens in a new tab).
How Immi Solution helps
- Course and institution choice based on your study history, budget and career goals. We show you how to check a program against IRCC's official PGWP lists.
- Admission applications and follow-up with the institution.
- English test preparation through our IELTS coaching.
Read more about our education counselling and admissions service. We explain our professional fees and give you a written estimate before any work starts.
Plan your studies in Canada
- Canada study permit What you need for a Canadian study permit: acceptance letter, PAL, funds, fees, work rights and the PGWP.
- Education system Universities, colleges and polytechnics, Canadian credentials, co-op programs, DLIs and intakes explained.
- Cost of study and living Tuition by province, proof of funds, living costs and other fees for studying in Canada in 2026.
- Popular courses Healthcare, IT, trades, engineering and business courses in Canada, and how PGWP rules affect your choice.
Questions people ask
Can I still study in Canada after the study permit cap?
Yes. The cap limits how many new study permits Canada issues, but international students are still accepted every year. Timing matters if you plan a 2027 start. A 2026 PAL/TAL is valid only until 31 December 2026, and a letter from an earlier cap year cannot be used. If you apply for your study permit in 2027, you will need a 2027 letter unless you are exempt.
How much money do I need to show for a Canadian study permit?
You must show your first-year tuition and travel costs, plus living costs of CAD 23,448 for one person, or CAD 29,192 for two people (applications from 1 September 2026, outside Quebec). Quebec sets its own amounts. IRCC reviews these figures every year, so check the official financial support page before you apply.
How long does a Canadian study permit take from India?
On 12 November 2026, IRCC listed about 8 weeks for applicants in India, 6 weeks for Nepal and the Philippines, 5 weeks for Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, and 4 weeks for Pakistan. These times change every week, so check the IRCC processing times page before you plan. The Student Direct Stream (SDS) is no longer available, so everyone now applies through the regular process.
Can international students work in Canada while studying?
Yes, if you study full time at a DLI in a program of at least 6 months that leads to a degree, diploma or certificate. You can work up to 24 hours a week off campus during sessions and unlimited hours in scheduled breaks. You need a Social Insurance Number (SIN). A required co-op placement needs a separate co-op work permit.
Can Immi Solution lodge my Canadian study permit for me?
No. Our migration agent is registered to give Australian immigration advice only. We help with course choice, admission applications and test preparation, and we explain how the study permit works as general information. For paid advice or representation before IRCC, you need a licensed RCIC, a Canadian lawyer or paralegal, or a Quebec notary. You can check their licence on the official registers.
Official sources
We check this page against the official information below and last reviewed it on 14 November 2026. Rules, fees and processing times change, so confirm the current position before you apply.
- Provincial attestation letter (PAL/TAL) — Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (opens in a new tab)
- Study permit: proof of financial support — Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (opens in a new tab)
- Work off campus as an international student — Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (opens in a new tab)
- Post-Graduation Work Permit eligibility — Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (opens in a new tab)
- Fee list (study permit and biometrics) — Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (opens in a new tab)
- Check processing times — Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (opens in a new tab)
- Learn about immigration and citizenship representatives — Government of Canada (opens in a new tab)
- Tuition fees for degree programs, 2026/2027 (table 37-10-0045-01) — Statistics Canada (opens in a new tab)
