Ibrahim Gardner
Canada is a popular destination for international students, boasting 33 universities in the Canada university ranking for 2025. The University of Toronto, McGill University, and the University of British Columbia are among the top-ranked universities in Canada. To study in Canada, international students must obtain a Canadian study permit, which serves as a student visa. The process for obtaining a Canadian study permit involves several steps, including submitting the necessary documents, such as an acceptance letter from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI), proof of funds, and biometrics, as well as paying the application fee.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Application method | Online or paper |
| Application fee | 150 Canadian dollars |
| Validity | Duration of studies plus 90 days |
| Requirements | Acceptance letter from a DLI, two passport-sized photos, proof of funds, letter of explanation, medical exam (if required), biometrics (if required), police check (if required), valid passport, proof of English proficiency (if required), Quebec Acceptance Certificate (if studying in Quebec) |
| Work eligibility | Part-time on-campus, potential for off-campus work, internships, and post-grad work |
| Additional notes | May need a temporary residence permit, must maintain full-time enrolment and study progress |
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What You'll Learn
How to apply for a Canadian study permit
To study in Canada, you will need a Canadian study permit, which is the country's equivalent of a student visa. The process for obtaining a Canadian study permit is as follows:
Acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
Firstly, you must obtain a standardised letter of acceptance from a recognised higher education provider. This means being accepted by a DLI—a school approved to host international students. You can find a list of DLIs online and check if your desired university is a DLI.
Quebec-specific requirements
If you are studying in Quebec, you must also apply for a certificate of acceptance, known as a CAQ, from the government of Quebec. You must acquire this before you are permitted to apply for a study permit. You can get this online, by printing out a form, or by requesting a paper form from your university, which will also provide advice on this subject.
Proof of funds
Canadian student visa requirements also include proof of funds to support yourself. At present, this is deemed to be CA$10,000 (~US$7,570-7,650) for every year of your stay (CA$11,000/~US$8,300-8,400 if you’re applying to study in Quebec) on top of your tuition fees. You will likely need to budget much more than this for your living expenses, especially if you plan to live in a large city such as Toronto or Vancouver.
Application fee
Applying for a study permit costs CA$150 (~US$114), which is quite affordable compared to other student visas around the world.
Apply for the study permit
Once you have gathered the above, you can apply for your study permit. If your course is longer than six months, you won't be able to convert your visitor visa to a student visa, but you can apply for a study permit by contacting the Canadian Admission Hub and submitting your application through them.
Additional advice
Many universities in Canada offer their own scholarships, so you might be able to apply for a scholarship offered by the university at which you plan to study. It's important to apply as early as possible as scholarship funding is limited and highly competitive. International applicants should also research study abroad scholarship opportunities offered by organisations in their home country, such as the Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship Program.
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Top universities in Canada for sustainability
To study in Canada, you will need a Canadian study permit, which serves as a Canadian student visa for the duration of your stay. Here is a checklist of the documents you will need to obtain a Canadian student visa:
- An electronic copy of your admission letter from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
- Two passport-sized photos.
- A letter explaining your reasons for studying in Canada.
- A receipt of your application fee payment.
- Results from a medical exam from an approved physician, if required.
- Biometrics from a Visa Application Center, if required.
- A Custodian Declaration, if you're under 17.
- If you'll be studying in Quebec, you'll also need a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ).
Now, let's take a look at some of the top universities in Canada for sustainability:
Canada is home to several prestigious universities that offer sustainability-focused programs. Here are some of the top universities in Canada known for their commitment to sustainability:
- The University of British Columbia: Located in the picturesque province of British Columbia, this public institution offers a range of environmental and sustainability programs.
- McGill University: Founded in 1821, McGill University is a renowned public institution in Quebec. It is known for its research and academic programs in sustainability and environmental studies.
- The University of Toronto: With a large proportion of its students focusing on sustainability, the University of Toronto offers a dynamic environment for those interested in this field.
- The University of Alberta: Established in 1908, the University of Alberta has a strong reputation in environmental and ecological research, making it an attractive option for sustainability-focused students.
- The University of Waterloo: Founded in 1957, the University of Waterloo is another excellent choice for students interested in sustainability. The university offers a range of programs and research opportunities in this domain.
These universities offer a variety of Bachelor's and Master's programs in Sustainable Development, allowing students to specialize in areas such as Sustainable Energy, Sustainable Management, Planning and Property Development, and Sustainable Urban Development.
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Documents required for a Canadian student visa
To study in Canada, you will need a Canadian study permit, which acts as a Canadian student visa for the duration of your stay. The process for obtaining a Canadian student visa is as follows:
Firstly, you must obtain a standardised letter of acceptance from a recognised higher education provider. This means being accepted by a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) – a school approved to host international students. You can find a list of DLIs online and check if your desired university is on the list.
Once you have your acceptance letter, you can apply for a Canadian study permit either online or through a paper application. Paper applications typically take about twice as long as online applications, and it is recommended to check the processing times in advance. To apply online, you will need a credit/debit card and the ability to create electronic copies of your supporting documents. The visa office in your country will provide specific instructions about which documents you need to provide, and you can get help at your nearest visa application centre (VAC).
The documents you will need for your application include:
- An electronic copy of your admission letter from a DLI
- Two passport-sized photos with your name and date of birth written on the back
- A letter explaining your reasons for studying in Canada
- Receipt of your application fee payment
- Results from a medical exam from an approved physician, if required
- Biometrics from a Visa Application Centre, if required (this includes providing fingerprints and a photograph)
- Custodian Declaration, if you’re under 17 years old
- If you’ll be studying in Quebec, you’ll also need a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ)
Other requirements include proof of funds to support yourself during your stay. This is currently CA$10,000 (~US$7,650) for every year of your stay (CA$11,000/~US$8,400 if you’re applying to study in Quebec) on top of your tuition fees. You will also need to prove you have a valid passport which allows you to return to your country of origin after your course is complete.
If you are not a citizen of the country from which you are applying, you may need to provide other documents as proof of your current immigration status.
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Country-specific requirements for a Canadian student visa
To study in Canada, most international students will need a Canadian study permit, which is a type of student visa. This is an official document issued by the Canadian government that allows international students to study at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) for longer than six months. Students must maintain full-time enrolment and study progress to keep their permits valid.
The Canadian government may require other documents depending on your country of origin. Check the official Government of Canada website for country-specific requirements. The requirements and application process for a Canadian study permit can be quite strict, so it is important to prepare early.
Some general requirements for a Canadian study permit include:
- A valid passport
- Proof of identity
- Proof of funds
- A letter of acceptance from a DLI
- Language proficiency proof
- Biometrics
In addition, students must prove that they intend to return to their home country after their studies, as study permits are only temporary visas.
It is important to note that a study permit alone does not allow entry into Canada. Students may also need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) or a visitor visa. Once a student's study permit has been approved, they will receive an eTA automatically.
The cost of a study permit application is 150 CAD, and it can take up to 90 days to process, depending on where you are applying from. Residents of certain countries may be able to apply through the Student Direct Stream to get their permit faster.
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How to renew or extend a Canadian student visa
To renew or extend a Canadian student visa, or what is officially known as a study permit, there are several steps you need to follow. Firstly, it is important to plan ahead and submit your application for renewal or extension before the expiration date of your current permit. If you are in Canada, you will need to apply for an extension of your study permit by submitting an application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). This application must be submitted electronically unless otherwise specified.
If your passport has expired, you will need to renew it before you can submit your application for a study permit extension. To do this, add five years to the printed expiry date on your passport and enter this new date on your application form. You must also include a letter of explanation stating your passport details and the extension period.
If you are applying for an extension, you will need to upload a letter from your Designated Learning Institution (DLI) to the LOA-specific space on your online application. Additionally, you must provide proof of funds to support yourself during your stay. This is currently CA$10,000 (~US$7,650) for each year of your stay, or CA$11,000 (~US$8,400) if you are applying to study in Quebec, on top of your tuition fees.
If you are a student in Quebec, you must also apply for or renew your Certificat d’acceptation du Québec (CAQ), which is required in addition to your study permit.
It is important to note that if you leave Canada as a student on maintained status, you will lose your ability to study upon your return until your application is approved.
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Frequently asked questions
To get a Canadian student visa, you will need to obtain a Canadian study permit. This can be done either through an online application or a paper application obtained from the Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) website. You will need an acceptance letter from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) and may be required to do a medical checkup and provide biometrics.
Some of the top universities in Canada include the University of Toronto, McGill University, the University of British Columbia, and the University of Waterloo.
Some of the requirements for a Canadian student visa include proof of funds for your stay, a valid passport, and two passport-sized photos. Depending on your nationality, you may also need to provide biometrics and undergo a medical exam.
The processing time for a Canadian student visa can vary, but it typically takes up to 90 days. It is recommended to submit your application as soon as you receive your acceptance letter to allow for enough processing time.
