Study in Canada

Universities set academic entry requirements by programme and assess the applicant's previous qualifications. Colleges often provide more applied study routes, although their requirements also vary. Postgraduate programmes generally require a recognised bachelor's degree, with the academic standard and any additional requirements determined by the institution.

Most English-taught programmes require evidence of English proficiency, while French-taught institutions set their own language requirements. Acceptable tests and minimum scores vary. Some immigration applications also have language requirements that are separate from admission requirements.

September is the main intake. January and May entry points are also available for selected programmes, particularly in the college sector. Availability depends on the institution and course.

College programmes may cost less than university degrees, but international tuition fees differ widely by province, institution, qualification and subject. Confirm the fee for your exact programme and intake directly with the institution.

For study-permit applications submitted on or after 1 September 2026, a single applicant intending to study outside Quebec must currently demonstrate at least C$23,448 for first-year living expenses, excluding tuition and transportation. Applicants must also show they can cover tuition and travel costs. For programmes longer than one year, they must explain how they intend to finance the full duration of their studies. Quebec has separate financial requirements.

This is an immigration financial-evidence minimum, not necessarily a realistic personal living budget. Your actual expenses may be higher, particularly in cities such as Toronto and Vancouver. Allow for rent, food, transport, healthcare or insurance where applicable, and seasonal costs such as winter clothing.

Many universities offer entrance scholarships, and some provincial and institutional awards are available to international students. Full funding is more common at doctoral level than at undergraduate level. Eligibility, award values and application deadlines vary.

Tuition, living costs, admission requirements and immigration rules can change. All figures and timelines on this page are indicative; confirm current details with the relevant institution or government authority before making financial commitments.

Best for: Finance, business, technology, media and big-city life.

Canada's largest metropolitan area offers an international environment, major employers and universities, and a lively mix of restaurants, sport, music and entertainment.

Highlights: CN Tower · Toronto Islands · NBA and NHL · International food · Concerts · Finance · Technology

Best for: Nature, technology, film and an outdoor lifestyle.

Vancouver combines a major Pacific coast city with mountains, beaches and easy access to outdoor activities. It is an appealing option for students who want urban life and nature within the same region.

Highlights: Mountains · Skiing · Beaches · Stanley Park · Film industry · Technology · Pacific coast

Best for: Culture, food, nightlife and a bilingual or French-speaking experience.

Montréal's universities, festivals, arts scene and cafés reflect its distinctive French- and English-speaking influences. Students considering Quebec should also review the province's separate study and immigration requirements, including the CAQ process.

Highlights: Festivals · Cafés · Food · Arts · Nightlife · French language · Old Montréal

Best for: Politics, public policy, technology and a calmer capital-city experience.

Canada's capital offers government institutions, national museums, a significant technology sector and a somewhat smaller-city feel than Toronto.

Highlights: Parliament · Museums · Rideau Canal · Government · Technology · Bilingual culture

Best for: Business, energy, engineering and access to the Rockies.

Calgary combines a major western Canadian city with relatively easy access to mountain landscapes and outdoor recreation.

Highlights: Rocky Mountains · Banff · Skiing · Engineering · Energy · Calgary Stampede

Best for: University life, healthcare, research and festivals.

Alberta's capital has a substantial student community, major educational and research institutions, and a lively calendar of cultural events.

Highlights: Festivals · River valley · Sport · Arts · University community

Best for: Technology, engineering and entrepreneurship.

The Waterloo region is known for its technology and startup community, engineering education and co-operative learning opportunities.

Highlights: Technology · Startups · Student community · Engineering · Innovation

Best for: Coastal living and a smaller student city.

Halifax combines a strong student presence with a compact urban centre, a busy waterfront and the distinctive atmosphere of Atlantic Canada.

Highlights: Waterfront · Seafood · Atlantic coast · Compact city · University community

Most international students need a study permit to study in Canada. Applicants generally need an offer from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) and must meet the relevant immigration requirements before travelling.

Depending on the applicant and programme, requirements can include:

• A valid letter of acceptance from a DLI
• A Provincial Attestation Letter or Territorial Attestation Letter (PAL/TAL), where required
• Proof of sufficient funds
• Passport and identity documents
• Biometrics, where required
• A medical examination, where applicable
• Additional documents based on nationality and individual circumstances

Many study-permit applicants need a PAL/TAL. However, from 1 January 2026, students applying for degree-granting master's or doctoral programmes at eligible public DLIs are exempt from this requirement. Students planning to study in Quebec must also meet that province's separate requirements, including the relevant Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) process.

As of 7 September 2026, the study-permit application fee is C$150. The individual biometrics fee, where applicable, is C$85. Check current fees before applying.

Eligible international students may work while studying in Canada. Those who meet the relevant conditions can currently work up to 24 hours per week off campus during regular academic terms and unlimited hours during scheduled academic breaks.

Eligibility depends on the programme, enrolment status and study-permit conditions. Check the conditions on your study permit and the current IRCC rules before starting work.

Canada offers eligible graduates opportunities to gain Canadian work experience after certain programmes, but permission to work after graduation is not automatic.

Graduates of some programmes at PGWP-eligible DLIs may be able to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit. Attending a DLI does not, by itself, make you PGWP-eligible. The specific institution and programme must qualify, and you must meet the other applicable requirements.

The possible duration depends on factors including programme length, qualification level and passport validity.

• An eligible programme lasting 8 months to less than 2 years may lead to a PGWP valid for up to approximately the same length as the programme.
• An eligible programme lasting 2 years or more may lead to a PGWP of up to 3 years.
• Eligible graduates of a master's degree programme lasting at least 8 months (or 900 hours for a Quebec programme) may receive a 3-year PGWP, even when the programme lasts less than 2 years, provided all other requirements are met.

A person who has already received a PGWP after an earlier programme generally cannot receive another one.

Under the rules applying to most newer PGWP applications, applicants must demonstrate English or French ability in all four language skills. The current general minimums are:

• Bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees: CLB/NCLC 7.
• Other university programmes: CLB/NCLC 7.
• College, polytechnic and other non-university programmes: CLB/NCLC 5.

For certain non-degree programmes, a field-of-study requirement also applies if the student submitted their study-permit application on or after 1 November 2024. The programme may need to match an eligible six-digit Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code. Bachelor's, master's and doctoral graduates do not currently have a PGWP field-of-study requirement.

IRCC has stated that the list of eligible PGWP fields of study will not be expanded or reduced during 2026. Check both the relevant date-based rules and the current official programme listing before enrolling.

Canadian study and eligible post-graduation work experience may help some graduates qualify for immigration programmes such as the Canadian Experience Class, Provincial Nominee Program or other economic immigration routes.

Studying in Canada does not guarantee permanent residence. Eligibility depends on the programme and factors including qualifying work experience, occupation, language ability, province, age and other personal circumstances. Submitting an Express Entry profile does not guarantee an invitation to apply for permanent residence.

Immigration rules are set by Canadian authorities and can change. This page provides general information, not individual immigration advice. For an assessment of your personal immigration eligibility, consult an appropriately authorised immigration professional and the relevant government guidance.