Study in Canada
Comprehensive support to help you study, work, and immigrate.
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Study in Canada
Comprehensive support to help you study, work, and immigrate.
Canada continues to be one of the most popular study destinations, hosting more than 500,000 international students. This is not surprising, given Canada’s world class education system, and the generous benefits provided to students and graduates.
Who Needs a Study Permit?
If you plan to study in Canada at the post-secondary level for 6 months or more, you need to obtain a study permit before your arrival.
The Basic Requirements for a Study Permit
The basic requirements for a Study Permit application are:
- A Letter of Acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada
- Proof of adequate financial support to pay for your tuition and living costs
- Police Certificates and a medical examination may be required
Obtaining a Temporary Resident Visa
If you are a national who requires a visa to enter Canada, your study permit application will be combined with a Visitor Visa application (also known as a Temporary Resident Visa or TRV). To receive a Visitor Visa you need to demonstrate strong ties to your home country. This may include documentation that attests to your:
- Family ties
- Employment ties
- Financial ties
Minimum Costs of Studying in Canada
Applicants must demonstrate that they can afford their tuition fees, and afford to live in Canada for the duration of the study period without working. At a minimum, funds covering the first year tuition costs, and first year living costs must be shown.
The requirement is met by showing proof of the funds themselves, and proof of the source of funds.
Tuition fees vary among programs, but most applicants can expect to pay about C$15,000 per year.
The cost of living is set at C$10,000 per year for a single student. $4,000 is added for a second accompanying family member, and an additional $3,000 is added for each additional family member.
Altogether, an applicant needs show show a minimum of C$25,000 ($15,000 for tuition and $10,000 for living costs) in order to be eligible for a study permit.
Accompanying Family Members
Applicants are allowed to bring minor children with them to Canada, and these family members can be included in the application. Unless they are visa exempt, each family member will also need to apply for a Visitor Visa, and if they are of school age, their own Study Permit as well.
Spouses of international students are also able to apply for a Spousal Open Work Permit, which allows them to work full time in Canada for the duration of the study period. The Spousal Open Work Permit can be applied for at the same time as the Study Permit, however in some cases it is recomended that the working spouse apply after studies have begun.
The Post Graduation Work Permit
International students have the opportunity to live and work in Canada following their studies, by receiving a Post Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
The PGWP is an open work permit which allows the holder to work anywhere in Canada. It is issued once, for a maximum of three years.
The requirements to apply for a PGWP are:
- Have successfully completed a full-time study program of at least 8 months, from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
- You must apply for the PGWP within 180 days of graduation.
- If applying in Canada, you must have valid student status at the time of the application.
Qualifying for Permanent Residence
After gaining Canadian work experience or a qualifying job offer, graduates may qualify for Permanent Residence through the Express Entry system, or the Provincial Nominee Program.
Applicants can continue working while their Permanent Residence application is processed by obtaining a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP).
Refused Study Permit Applications
The unfortunate reality is that 30 to 40% of Canadian study permit applications are refused. In some countries, refusal rates climb to 80% or higher. The good news is that there are option for refused applicants, and in many cases a study permit refusal can be overcome. If you have been refused, see our overview of Study Permit Refusals.
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