How to study in Canada: An international student’s guide

Hundreds of thousands of international students choose Canada as their study destination, and if you’re looking to become one of them, you probably have a lot of questions on your mind.

Whether you plan on studying in a central city like Ottawa, Toronto, Edmonton or Vancouver, or in a more rural area, there’s lots of information to figure out before you arrive. In this guide, we’ll cover how to study in Canada, what you should know about Canadian study visa requirements, and more.

Why Canada is a great option for international students 

Canada is a popular choice for international students looking to obtain a degree – with more than 800,000 study permit holders in 2022, according to data from the Government of Canada ^{footnote 11}. Canada also currently holds the top spot among the Group of 7 countries for the most educated workforce, according to Statistics Canada ^{footnote 22}. 

Some of the reasons international students may choose to study in Canada include:

• Cost. Going to college abroad can be expensive, but Canada typically offers lower tuition costs compared with the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia, according to EduCanada ^{footnote 33}.
• Work options. In Canada, international students may have the option to work while in school. Your study permit must state that you are eligible to work on or off campus and work must start while you’re in school (not before). Having work options available while in school can help your earning potential and help manage higher education costs. You must obtain a Social Insurance Number (SIN) before working.
• Partner/spouse privileges. Studying abroad in Canada can be a great opportunity, and you may be able to bring your partner or spouse with you. It may be possible for common-law partners and spouses of international students to get an open work permit.
• Post-graduation options. After graduating from a Canadian institution, you may be able to stay in the country and work. If you receive a degree from a designated learning institution (DLI), you may qualify for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) and there are other work permit options as well. Working in Canada with a degree from a Canadian university or college may also provide an easier pathway to permanent residency.
• Diversity. Canada’s population is multicultural, with diversity woven into the fabric of the country. The country boasts more than 450 ethnic and cultural origins, according to Statistics Canada.
• Geography. Wherever you decide to go to school in Canada, you can enjoy the geographic beauty the country offers. From coastlines to lakes, mountain ranges and metropolises, there is something for everyone.

There’s no doubt that leaving your home country to pursue your studies elsewhere is a big decision. But given these compelling factors, Canada continues to be a go-to place for international students.

International student requirements for studying in Canada

Figuring out how to study abroad in Canada involves various financial and legal aspects to consider. You want to make sure you get all the necessary paperwork and meet the Canada study visa requirements.

Basic requirements

According to EduCanada and the Government of Canada, as part of the legal and financial requirements to study abroad in Canada you must:

• Receive an acceptance letter from an eligible post-secondary school in Canada, which must be on the designated learning institution (DLI) list
• Obtain a valid study permit
• Possess valid identity documents
• Have a letter of explanation, outlining the reasons you want to pursue your studies in Canada
• Take any prerequisite courses, if applicable
• Pass the language proficiency exams in English (French in Quebec)
• Obtain health insurance – requirements and costs may vary by province and school
• Provide proof of funds – this can include opening a Canadian bank account and depositing money, getting a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC), showing receipts for tuition, housing, transportation or loans
• Have no criminal record
• Obtain a police certificate or medical exam, if required
• Leave before study permit expiration date

Because of the paperwork involved, international students wanting to study abroad in Canada should apply early. The Government of Canada recommends applying a year before you plan on starting your program.

To prepare for potential costs, here’s a quick overview of common fees and requirements.

• Study permit: $150 ^{footnote 44}
• Biometrics: $85 ^{footnote 55}
• Proof of financial support: $20,635 per year plus tuition fees, which vary by institution 

Additionally, there may be other costs for health insurance, a medical exam, flights and transportation.

Student Direct Stream (SDS) program

Some international students may qualify for the Student Direct Stream (SDS) program, which provides expedited study permit processing for some residents of certain countries, such as China and India, among others.

As with other international student requirements, the applicant must apply to a post-secondary school that is on the designated learning institution list. Other eligibility requirements for this program, according to the Government of Canada, include:

• Valid language test. You must have a language test within the past two years and meet minimum standards.
• Meet Canadian Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) requirement. International students using the SDS program must obtain a GIC worth a minimum of $20,635. The bank must be insured by the Canadian Deposit Insurance Corporation (CDIC). Additionally, the bank must provide proof that you’ve obtained the GIC and place a hold on funds until your arrival. Once you arrive, your identity will be verified and funds will follow a specific disbursement schedule. Banks like BMO can help you get set up with accounts such as a GIC to meet these requirements.
• An acceptance letter from qualifying school. The school must be a post-secondary school on the DLI list.
• Proof of tuition payment. The first academic year’s tuition must be paid in full. You may show a receipt from your school or bank, or a letter from your school as proof.
• Recent transcripts. This includes any transcripts from secondary or other post-secondary institutions.
• Proof of medical exam. You must obtain a medical exam from a panel physician ^{footnote 66} if you’ve lived or travelled in a qualifying country for six months in the year before applying.

Applications to the SDS program must be submitted online.

How to apply to a Canadian post-secondary institution

If you have your eyes set on getting a degree in Canada, you need to make sure you take the right steps to get started. We’ve broken down how to apply as an international student to Canada.

Step 1: Compare school options

The first step is figuring out where you might want to attend college. Some factors to consider when researching schools include:

• Field of study
• Language preference
• Level of education
• Preferred province, if applicable

Remember that the school must be on the designated learning institutions list. There may be additional requirements for attending a school in Quebec.

Step 2: Review finances

Given the financial requirements for international students, it’s key to review your finances. Look at tuition, housing and transportation costs. Your upfront costs may vary and will change depending on whether you apply under the regular program versus the SDS program.

Make sure you can provide proof of financial support and have enough funds to pay for your education abroad.

Step 3: Submit application to school(s)

Once you’ve narrowed down your list and know that you can meet the financial and legal requirements, you can submit applications to the school(s) you’re interested in. Fill out all the application questions and submit any necessary documents, such as transcripts, as part of the process.

Step 4: Obtain a study permit

After getting a letter of acceptance from a qualified school, you must obtain a study permit by applying online via the Government of Canada website. Gather the documents required for a Canada student visa and permit, which may include:

• Letter of acceptance
• Identification
• Proof of financial resources
• Letter of explanation
• Medical exam
• Other documents, as needed

Submit your application and wait for processing. Once you obtain a study permit, you’re eligible to study abroad in Canada. As part of this, you’ll also receive either a visitor visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization so you can enter the country.

Following these steps can help you figure out how to study in Canada easily. Here are some helpful reminders. Make sure:

• You meet all eligibility requirements.
• You are proficient in either English or French.
• You have financial resources to fund your education abroad.
• Your college is on the designated learning institution list.
• You pay any applicable fees.
• You submit all documents to avoid applications being rejected or returned.
• You check the Government of Canada website for the most up to date and complete information related to studying in Canada.

Tools and resources for international students

To help guide you through the process, you need the right tools and resources for studying abroad in Canada.

EduCanada’s search tool can help you find colleges that fit your needs, and the Government of Canada website provides a wealth of resources to make sure you have everything covered.

To meet financial requirements for studying in Canada, your bank can help you access banking products such as chequing and savings accounts or a GIC. Visit our international students banking page for more information.

Bottom line

Moving to Canada for your education can be an exciting adventure but there’s lots of information to learn before you do so. Using this guide, you can break down the process into manageable steps.