Douglas Olsen
Canada is a popular destination for international students due to its high-quality education system and diverse range of programs. The country has over 100 universities, including prestigious institutions such as the University of Toronto and McGill University. All primary and secondary schools in Canada can enrol international students, and there are also many post-secondary options such as colleges and universities that are designated to enrol international students. To study in Canada, international students must obtain a study permit and, in some cases, a visa. The process involves receiving an acceptance letter from a designated learning institution (DLI), demonstrating proof of financial support, and meeting language proficiency requirements. Additionally, international students should be prepared to cover their medical costs as the Canadian government does not provide insurance for foreign students.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Primary and secondary schools | Can enrol international students |
| Post-secondary schools | Each has its own rules on how to apply |
| Post-secondary schools | Includes universities, colleges, CEGEPs, vocational schools and private career colleges and language schools |
| Post-secondary schools | Must be designated learning institutions (DLI) |
| Application requirements | Acceptance letter from a DLI, proof of financial support, and other supporting documents |
| Application requirements | Language proficiency requirements |
| Application requirements | Additional documents such as letters of recommendation or a statement of purpose |
| Application requirements | Academic transcripts, language proficiency test scores, letters of recommendation, statement of purpose and Provincial attestation letter |
| Application requirements | Proof that you have enough money to support yourself and your dependents |
| Application requirements | A letter from your sponsoring organization, if you are being sponsored |
| Application requirements | A medical exam and/or police certificate, if necessary, depending on your home country |
| Application | May be done online or via a visa application centre |
| Application fee | Varies for each institution |
| Tuition and living costs | Vary depending on the institution and location |
| Health coverage | Not provided by the Canadian government; some provinces provide healthcare coverage, while others require private health insurance |
| Work permits | Available for international students in certain fields of study |
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What You'll Learn
Application requirements for international students
International students are welcome to study in Canada, and there are many programs available to them. However, there are several requirements that must be met for a student to be accepted.
Firstly, proficiency in English or French must be proven. IELTS is the preferred test for English proficiency, though some institutions also accept the Cambridge English: Advanced or TOEFL exam score. For French, the TEF exam is the most common option, but DALF, DELF, and TCF are also accepted.
Secondly, international students must apply for a study permit. This can usually be done online, either before arriving in Canada or at a port of entry. However, some foreign nationals already in Canada may not be eligible to apply for a study permit and must apply from outside the country. There is an application fee for the study permit, and additional documents may be required. It is important to note that as of November 8, 2024, students will no longer be able to change schools using the same study permit.
Thirdly, international students must meet the admission requirements of their chosen college or university. This may include submitting transcripts from their Grade 11 and Grade 12 coursework, as well as proof of English Language Proficiency (ELP). Some programs may also have specific course and grade requirements for international students. It is recommended that students apply early, as admission is often competitive.
Finally, international students must be able to support themselves financially during their stay in Canada. They cannot receive financial assistance from the Canadian government and are not insured for medical, hospital, or dental care. However, international students may be eligible for scholarships, and most colleges have a health plan available.
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Study permits and visas
Canada's education system is known for its high standards and diverse range of programs. With more than 100 universities, including prestigious institutions like the University of Toronto and McGill University, Canada offers a wealth of educational opportunities for international students.
Before you can embark on your educational journey in Canada, you will need to obtain a study permit and, in some cases, a visa. A study permit is a document that allows you to study at a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada. Each province and territory in Canada designates schools that can enrol international students. These schools are known as DLIs and include universities, colleges, CEGEPs, vocational schools, and private career colleges and language schools.
To obtain a study permit, you will need an acceptance letter from a DLI, proof of financial support, and other supporting documents specific to your country of citizenship and residence. It is important to check the eligibility requirements and application process for study permits to ensure a smooth transition to studying in Canada. You can apply for a study permit online or obtain a paper application from your nearest visa application centre. Once you have received your study permit, you can then apply for a visa if required.
If you apply for a study permit and your letter of acceptance is from an institution that is not designated for international students, your application will be refused. All primary and secondary schools in Canada are DLIs, but at the post-secondary level, each school has its own set of rules on how to apply, including the level of English or French proficiency required for acceptance.
The Canadian government has implemented a cap on the number of study permit applications it will process in 2025, with a total of 505,162 applications accepted for processing from January 22 to December 31, 2025. This cap is designed to regulate temporary residency and manage the rising number of international students. Additionally, the government has updated the list of study programs that qualify international students for the coveted post-graduation work permit, adding 119 new fields of study and removing 178 others based on jobs with long-term shortages.
It is important to note that international students are not insured for medical, hospital, or dental care by the Canadian government, and health coverage for foreign students varies depending on the province. Most colleges have a health plan available for international students, and some provinces provide healthcare coverage, while others require private health insurance.
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Financial requirements and health insurance
To study in Canada as an international student, you must obtain a study permit. This requires proof of financial support, demonstrating to the Canadian government that you have the means to support yourself during your studies. This includes covering tuition fees, living expenses, and return transportation costs. The required amount varies depending on the province and the length of the study program, but it generally must cover at least one year's worth of expenses. For example, outside of Quebec, you need $10,000 per year for yourself, plus $4,000 for a family member. In Quebec, the requirement is $11,000 for yourself, $5,100 for an adult family member, or $3,800 for a child under 18.
Acceptable documents for proof of funds include bank statements, bank drafts, proof of student loans, letters of scholarship or financial aid, Guaranteed Investment Certificates (GIC), tuition and housing receipts, and letters of financial support from sponsors or family members. These documents ensure that international students can sustain themselves without relying on employment or public funds, allowing them to focus on their studies and comply with immigration laws.
Regarding health insurance, while Canada is known for its free healthcare, these services are primarily available only to Canadian citizens and permanent residents. Therefore, international students must arrange for health insurance for the duration of their studies. The specifics of health insurance requirements vary across provinces, with some provinces offering health insurance for international students under provincial health plans and others requiring students to register for private health insurance plans. Educational institutions in many provinces offer health insurance packages to their students, and some schools may even make it mandatory for students to purchase these packages. It is essential for international students to familiarize themselves with the healthcare system in their province of study and ensure they have adequate health insurance coverage.
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Language requirements
Canada accepts international students at all levels of study, from primary school to university. However, international students must meet certain language requirements to be eligible to enrol in Canadian schools. These requirements vary depending on the level of education and the province or territory in which the school is located.
At the primary and secondary school levels, all schools in Canada are designated learning institutions (DLIs) and can enrol international students. However, each province and territory have their own rules and regulations regarding the admission of international students. While there is no standard language requirement, many schools in Canada teach English or French as a second language.
For post-secondary education, including colleges and universities, the language requirements for international students are more stringent. Each post-secondary school has its own set of rules on the level of English or French proficiency required for acceptance. Many colleges and universities may require international students to take a language assessment test and/or enrol in an English as a Second Language (ESL) program before being accepted as full-time students. These language tests typically come at an additional cost to the student.
Starting November 1, 2024, Canada will implement new Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) rules that will impact the language requirements for international students. Under these new rules, most PGWP applicants will be required to meet minimum levels of language proficiency to be eligible for a permit. University graduates must achieve a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7, which is equivalent to an IELTS score of 6.0 in each skill. College graduates must achieve a CLB 5, which translates to IELTS scores of 5.0 in speaking, listening, and writing, and 4.0 in reading. These changes aim to improve the integration of international graduates into the Canadian workforce and align with the country's long-term labour market needs.
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Work permits
International students with a valid Canadian study permit may be authorised to work in Canada. There are several types of work permits available for international students in Canada, each with its own set of requirements and restrictions. Here is some information on the different types of work permits:
Off-Campus Work Permits
Foreign students studying full-time on a valid Canadian study permit may be authorised to work off-campus if their school participates in an off-campus work permit program through Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC).
Co-op Programs and Internship Work Permits
Foreign students studying in a program that requires work experience, such as through a co-op or internship program, can apply for a work permit.
Post-Graduate Work Permits
International students who have graduated from an academic program in Canada that lasted a minimum of eight months may qualify for a Post-Graduate Work Permit. The work permit will typically be valid for the same duration as the study permit. However, as of November 1, 2024, there are new restrictions on the Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) program. Students will only be eligible if they graduate from an approved list of programs and meet the minimum language proficiency requirements in English or French.
Spouses accompanying foreign students on a valid Canadian study permit are eligible for a Canadian study permit or an open work permit. However, there are now restrictions in place, and spouses of master's degree students will only be eligible for work permits if the program is 16 months or longer.
It is important to note that the eligibility criteria for work permits may change over time, and international students should refer to the latest information provided by the Canadian government or consult with an immigration specialist when planning to study and work in Canada.
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Frequently asked questions
Each university in Canada has its own policy regarding admission requirements. Contact each university directly for the admission requirements of the program you’re interested in. You will need to apply for a study permit, and your acceptance letter must be from a designated learning institution (DLI).
International student fees are approximately $14,000 in Canadian funds per year (two semesters). Colleges may also charge additional fees. International students are required to pay international tuition fees, and all other fees are subject to change and will be calculated on an annual basis.
The Canadian government does not pay for the medical costs of foreign students. Health coverage for foreign students is different depending on where you live. Most colleges have a health plan available for international students.
