Study in Canada
Co-op degrees, a post-graduation work permit of up to three years, and a clear route to permanent residence.
Why students choose Canada
Canada links study to settlement more openly than any other destination: graduates of eligible programmes can work for up to three years, and Canadian experience counts towards permanent residence under Express Entry. Colleges and universities are publicly funded and consistent in quality, cities are safe, and co-op programmes let you earn during the degree. Since 2024 the government caps study permits and requires a provincial attestation letter, so the right college choice matters more than ever.
Intakes
Main intake for universities and colleges. Apply by January to March.
Second intake with good choice at colleges and many universities.
Summer intake, mostly colleges and some master's programmes.
What international students study in Canada
After you graduate
The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) matches your programme length up to three years and does not need an employer. Time worked on it counts towards Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Programmes. Since November 2024 college graduates need a programme in a field linked to labour shortages to qualify, so we check eligibility before you apply.
Post-Graduation Work Permit
Up to 3 years, matched to programme length for programmes under 2 years. Master's graduates get 3 years regardless of programme length. College graduates need an eligible field of study.
Part-time work
24 hours a week off campus during term, full time in scheduled breaks. Wages of CA$15.00 to CA$17.60 an hour depending on the province.
Employment by sector
Healthcare and social assistance (high), Software and IT (high), Skilled trades and construction (high). Full picture.
What it costs to study in Canada
Living costs of CA$1,300 to CA$2,300 a month depending on the city. Tuition of CA$20,000 to CA$40,000 for undergraduate and CA$17,000 to CA$35,000 for postgraduate study. College diplomas and postgraduate certificates are cheaper, typically CA$15,000 to CA$22,000.
| Monthly cost | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | CA$700 to CA$1,500 (Toronto and Vancouver at the top) |
| Food and groceries | CA$300 to CA$450 |
| Transport | CA$80 to CA$160 with a student pass |
| Utilities and phone | CA$100 to CA$180 |
| Health insurance | CA$60 to CA$90, provincial or university plan |
Fees and costs are indicative for the 2026/27 cycle, change with exchange rates and policy, and should be confirmed with the university or the relevant government before you decide.
Study permit
Documents you will need
- Letter of acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution
- Provincial or territorial attestation letter (PAL/TAL), issued through the college
- Proof of funds: GIC, bank statements, education loan sanction letter
- Passport, photos, medical exam from a panel physician if required
- Statement of purpose (letter of explanation)
- Police certificate if asked
Funding for international students in Canada
| Scholarship | What it offers | Who awards it |
|---|---|---|
| Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships | CA$50,000 a year for three years, doctoral level. | Government of Canada |
| Ontario Graduate Scholarship | CA$15,000 for master's and PhD students at Ontario universities. | Province of Ontario |
| University entrance scholarships | Automatic awards of CA$1,000 to CA$10,000 for high entering grades at most universities. | Universities |
| Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship | Full tuition and residence at the University of Toronto for exceptional undergraduates. | University of Toronto |
Canada in eight facts
Canada has two official languages; Quebec programmes are often in French, and most other provinces teach in English.
Co-op programmes alternate study terms with paid work terms, often four months at a time.
Winter temperatures in Toronto and Montreal drop well below zero; universities run indoor tunnel systems.
A Social Insurance Number is free and needed before your first pay cheque.
Study permits since 2024 are capped by province; your college must have allocation left.
The Express Entry system awards extra points for Canadian education and work experience.
Most colleges call a two-year programme a diploma and a one-year one a certificate.
Tim Hortons, hockey and a tax refund every spring are part of student life.
Where to study in Canada
Everything else about studying in Canada
Student visa
How to get a Canada student visa: fees, funds, documents and timeline
Cost of studying
What it costs to study in Canada: tuition, living and one-off fees
Cost of living
Monthly cost of living for students in Canada
Scholarships
Scholarships for international students in Canada
Work after graduation
Working in Canada during and after your degree
Education system
How the Canadian education system works
Student life
Student life in Canada: housing, work, weather and culture
Best student cities
Best cities to study in Canada
Exams required
Which exams you need to study in Canada
Master's degrees
Studying a master's in Canada
Studying in Canada: what students ask
Is a study gap accepted in Canada?
Yes, up to about two years for undergraduate study and five for postgraduate, with documents to explain it. Longer gaps are harder for a study permit unless you have relevant work experience.
How much money do I need to show for a Canadian study permit?
First-year tuition, plus CA$22,895 for living costs for a single applicant outside Quebec, plus travel. A GIC from a Canadian bank is the cleanest evidence. Add roughly CA$5,000 to CA$6,000 for each accompanying family member.
How long is the Post-Graduation Work Permit?
It matches programme length for programmes between 8 months and 2 years, and is 3 years for programmes of 2 years or more and for all master's degrees. You must apply within 180 days of your final results.
Ready to plan Canada?
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