🇨🇦 Canada · Study Abroad
How to study in Canada as an international student — application steps, student visas, and living costs.
To study in Canada you apply directly to a Designated Learning Institution (DLI); admission gives you a Letter of Acceptance, which you need for a study permit from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Most full-time students also need a Provincial/Territorial Attestation Letter, and an annual study-permit cap applies. EduCanada lists programmes and scholarships; canada.ca/IRCC covers the study permit.
- You must enrol at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI); apply directly to the school for a Letter of Acceptance (LOA).
- A study permit from IRCC is required for most programmes; apply online from outside Canada with your LOA and proof of funds.
- A Provincial/Territorial Attestation Letter (PAL/TAL) is usually required, and a study-permit cap applies — though from 1 Jan 2026 master's/doctoral students at public DLIs are exempt from the PAL. Check current IRCC rules.
- Many study permits allow limited work and a Post-Graduation Work Permit pathway — confirm current eligibility on IRCC.
Official authorities
- EduCanada (Government of Canada)
Official study portal — programmes and scholarships.
- Study in Canada — study permits (IRCC)
Official study-permit information and online application.
Official-information aggregation, not legal advice. Always verify on the authority's own site.
Government portals
- Government of Canada — Canada's federal service portal — immigration, taxes, benefits, and travel info
- Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada — Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Program, work/study permits, and PR card applications
- Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) — T1 personal tax returns, corporate taxes, GST/HST, and benefit applications (CCB)