Study in Canada

Ottawa is the capital of Canada. Toronto is the largest city, but it is not the national capital.

English and French are Canada's official languages. Programs may be taught in English, French or both, depending on the institution, province and course.

Canada uses the Canadian dollar, abbreviated CAD.

September is the main intake for many programs. Selected institutions also offer January starts, while May, summer and other starts are more limited. Always check the exact program and campus.

Current planning benchmarks are about CAD 16,000-25,000 per year for a college diploma, an average of CAD 41,746 for undergraduate study and CAD 24,028 for graduate study. The institution's current program fee is controlling.

IRCC currently requires one applicant outside Quebec to show CAD 22,895 for one year of living expenses, excluding tuition and transport, about CAD 1,908 per month. Actual spending may be higher; CAD 2,000-4,300+ per month is a practical planning range, not an official average.

No. Quebec has separate financial-capacity requirements linked to the Quebec Acceptance Certificate process. Check the current Quebec and IRCC instructions.

Most foreign nationals need a study permit for a program longer than six months. Exemptions and special situations exist, so use the current IRCC eligibility guidance.

A DLI is a school approved by a province or territory to host international students. A letter of acceptance from a DLI is required for most postsecondary study-permit applications.

No. DLI is an immigration designation. Separately check institutional recognition in CICIC, program accreditation for regulated fields and PGWP eligibility for the exact program.

Use CICIC's directory, which lists institutions that are currently recognized, authorized, registered or licensed by provincial and territorial authorities. Then check the relevant authority and exact program.

The LOA is the official admission letter from the institution. Post-secondary schools are asked to validate the LOA with IRCC for the study-permit application.

A provincial or territorial attestation letter confirms a place within a jurisdiction's international-student allocation. Most study-permit applicants need one unless a current exemption applies.

From 1 January 2026, students starting a degree-granting master's or doctoral program at a public DLI are listed among the PAL/TAL exemptions. Applicants must still provide evidence that the exemption applies and follow any Quebec rules.

The Quebec Acceptance Certificate is normally required for students who will study in Quebec and serves the provincial attestation role for the study-permit process.

The study-permit fee is CAD 150 per person. Biometrics cost CAD 85 per individual when required.

There is no reliable single national number. IRCC times vary by application country, completeness, verification needs and volumes. Use the live IRCC processing-time tool and treat it as an estimate, not a guarantee.

Examples include proof of paid tuition or housing, bank accounts, a guaranteed investment certificate, education loans, recent bank statements, bank drafts, sponsor letters with supporting evidence and scholarships. IRCC may request other documents.

Eligible full-time postsecondary students may work off campus up to 24 hours per week during regular academic sessions and full time during scheduled breaks, if all IRCC conditions and permit terms are met.

No. Off-campus work cannot begin before the study program starts.

As of 1 April 2026, an eligible postsecondary international student may complete a required student work placement under the study permit without a separate co-op work permit. Check the current criteria and permit conditions.

Yes, you need a SIN to work in Canada. Protect it as sensitive personal information and share it only when legally required.

It depends on the province or territory. Some provide coverage subject to eligibility or waiting periods; elsewhere the institution may require private insurance. Check with the province and school before arrival.

Yes. Government, provincial, institutional, research and external awards may be available. Eligibility and deadlines vary, and no scholarship is guaranteed until confirmed in writing.

A PGWP is an open work permit that may be available after completing an eligible program at a PGWP-eligible DLI. The exact institution, program and student circumstances determine eligibility.

A master's program of at least eight months may support a three-year permit. Other programs from eight months to under two years may receive up to the program length, while programs of two years or more may support up to three years, subject to eligibility and passport validity.

Yes. Current PGWP rules include language requirements, and many non-degree programs are subject to an eligible field-of-study requirement depending on when the study permit was applied for. Bachelor's, master's and doctoral graduates are not subject to the field-of-study requirement.

Eligible graduates generally have up to 180 days after the institution confirms program completion to apply, subject to the current status and document rules.

No. Admission, a study permit, work authorization, a PGWP, employment and permanent residence are separate processes. No institution or agent can guarantee these outcomes.

There is no single best city. Compare the exact program, language, total housing and transport cost, climate, support, placements, research fit and career goals. City rankings should be secondary.