Lori Meadows
Canada is a leading destination for international students due to its diverse and inclusive society, high-quality educational institutions, and opportunities to work or immigrate after graduation. The country has implemented several measures to ensure the sustainability and integrity of its International Student Program, including addressing fraud, protecting students from exploitation, and stabilising the growth of international students to around 360,000 in 2024. These measures involve study permit caps, changes to post-graduation work permits, and enhanced verification processes for letters of acceptance. While the priority for admission is given to permanent residents, international students are welcome to apply to any program with available seats, provided they meet the admission and English proficiency requirements.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| International Student Program | Sustainable and protected from abuse within the system |
| Study permits | Required for all international students; caps and re-assessment in place |
| Post-graduation work permits | Changes in eligibility and allowances |
| Work while studying | Possible in certain situations |
| Scholarships | Available for international students |
| Health insurance | Not provided by the Canadian government; health plans available through colleges |
| Application requirements | English proficiency, letter of acceptance, proof of funds, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
- International students require a study permit to attend college in Canada
- Colleges give priority to permanent residents of Canada and Ontario
- Students need to prove they can support themselves financially
- English as a Second Language programs are offered at many colleges
- Changes to post-graduation work permits will affect new students
International students require a study permit to attend college in Canada
Canada is currently accepting international students, but there have been several recent changes to the country's International Student Program. International students intending to attend college in Canada are required to apply for a study permit. This can be done through the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website, where students can also check the status of their application.
To apply for a study permit, students must have a letter of acceptance from a Canadian college or university. The college or university must be a designated learning institution (DLI), which is a school approved by a provincial or territorial government to host international students. All elementary and high schools in Canada are DLIs, but students planning to attend college or university should check the list of designated learning institutions.
There are several requirements that must be met to obtain a study permit. Students may need to provide their fingerprints and photograph (biometrics), which can be done in person at the Visa Application Centre. If the student is not a citizen of the country from which they are applying, they may need to provide other documents as proof of their current immigration status.
Once a study permit is obtained, students must always be enrolled at a DLI and show that they are making progress toward finishing their study program. Students intending to work during their studies should check their study permit, as eligibility depends on certain conditions, including the length of the program and whether the work is on or off-campus.
It is important to note that as of November 8, 2024, students can no longer change schools on the same study permit. If a student wishes to change schools, they must apply for a new study permit by extending their current one. Additionally, there is a cap on the number of new study permit applications that will be accepted, which may vary by province or territory. These caps will be reassessed at the end of 2024.
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Colleges give priority to permanent residents of Canada and Ontario
Canada is currently accepting international students, but its International Student Program is undergoing several changes. These include study permit caps and post-graduation work permit eligibility. As of November 8, 2024, students will no longer be able to change schools on the same study permit. Additionally, Ontario and British Columbia are expected to be among the provinces most affected by the study permit cap, making spots in study programs in these provinces more competitive.
When it comes to colleges in Canada and Ontario, priority is generally given to permanent residents of Canada and Ontario when accepting applicants to highly competitive programs. International students may apply to any college program that has seats available for international applicants, provided they meet the college's admission and English proficiency requirements. However, some programs may be highly competitive and unavailable to international applicants. It is important to note that international students do not receive financial assistance from the Canadian government and must prove that they have sufficient funds to support themselves and their dependents during their stay in Canada.
The tuition fees for international students in Canada are typically higher than those for permanent residents or Canadian citizens. For example, studying Psychology at the University of Toronto costs around $45,000-50,000 per year for international students, while permanent residents pay approximately $7,000 per year. Permanent residents are considered equivalent to Canadian citizens in the eyes of the government and educational institutions when it comes to education within Canada, and the government subsidizes a significant portion of their costs.
While colleges in Canada and Ontario give priority to permanent residents, international students still have opportunities to pursue their education in the country. By meeting the necessary requirements and applying to programs with available seats for international applicants, international students can access Canadian education. Additionally, international students can benefit from health plans offered by most colleges and are eligible for awards and scholarships, similar to other students.
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Students need to prove they can support themselves financially
International students are welcome in Canada, but there are a number of requirements that must be met. One of the most important is the ability to prove financial self-sufficiency. This is a mandatory requirement for students planning to study in Canada, and it involves demonstrating that they have sufficient funds to cover their expenses during their stay. The exact amount required may vary depending on the student's situation and the cost of living in their chosen province.
International students in Canada are not eligible for financial assistance from the Canadian government. Therefore, it is crucial for prospective students to provide proof of financial resources when applying for a study permit. This proof can be in the form of bank statements, financial documents, or other relevant evidence that demonstrates the ability to cover tuition fees, living expenses, and any other relevant costs associated with their studies and stay in Canada.
The cost of studying in Canada as an international student can vary depending on the institution and program. International student fees are approximately $14,000 Canadian per year (for two semesters), and colleges may charge additional fees. It is worth noting that some programs may have different fee structures, and there might be additional costs for specific courses or services. Additionally, the cost of living in Canada should be factored into the overall financial planning.
To ensure a smooth application process, it is advisable for prospective international students to carefully review the financial requirements set by the Canadian government and the specific institution they are applying to. It is also important to stay updated with any changes or updates to the policies, as the International Student Program in Canada is subject to frequent adjustments. Official websites, such as the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website, are reliable sources for the most current information on financial requirements and other pertinent details.
While the financial burden of studying in Canada as an international student can be significant, there are scholarship opportunities available. For instance, the University of Alberta offers scholarships specifically for international students, such as the University of Alberta International Leader Scholarship and the Maple Leaf Centenary Scholarship. These scholarships recognise academic excellence, leadership qualities, and creativity, providing financial support ranging from $5,000 to $20,000. Additionally, international students in Canada may be eligible for awards and scholarships once enrolled, similar to their Canadian peers.
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English as a Second Language programs are offered at many colleges
Canada is currently accepting international students, but its International Student Program is undergoing several changes, including study permit caps and post-graduation work permit eligibility.
English as a Second Language (ESL) programs are offered at many colleges in Canada. For example, the Canadian College of English Language (CCEL) in Vancouver offers courses that focus on listening, speaking, reading, and writing, with an emphasis on academic English and career preparation. CCEL also offers an introductory reading comprehension elective for students new to English, which focuses on pronunciation, grammar, and writing skills. The college provides students with accommodation on Robson Street, just a 15-minute walk from the CCEL campus.
Cañada College is another educational institution that offers ESL classes. The college requires students to take a placement test and meet with a counsellor to discuss their test results and academic planning. Students can then register for classes.
Most language schools in Canada offer courses based on weeks of study rather than a semester or monthly course. Students 18 and over must apply for a study permit from the Government of Canada to attend a language school, unless the program is six months or less. Minor children (under 18) may need a special study permit to attend a language school in Canada.
International students have many options for learning English in Canada. Language schools help prepare students to enter a Canadian university or college program. Some language schools also offer technical language training to improve students' vocabulary and communication skills in their specific careers.
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Changes to post-graduation work permits will affect new students
Canada is currently accepting international students, but there have been some recent changes to its International Student Program, including the introduction of study permit caps and changes to post-graduation work permit (PGWP) eligibility. These changes will impact new students enrolling at PPPs, making these institutions less appealing to some prospective students.
As of 25 June 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) updated the eligible fields of study for PGWPs to reflect labour market demands. Students in 920 fields of study are now eligible for a PGWP, while 178 fields have been removed from the list. This change applies to international students enrolled in non-degree programs who applied for their study permit on or after 1 November 2024. Students who submitted their applications before 25 June 2025 will remain eligible for a PGWP as long as their field of study was on the approved list at the time of application.
The eligible fields of study for PGWPs are linked to jobs in long-term shortage in Canada and can change based on the evolving needs of the Canadian labour market. These fields are also aligned with the Express Entry priority categories, which allow IRCC to prioritise immigration candidates for permanent residence selection. Regardless of the field of study, all students seeking a PGWP must meet language proficiency requirements.
In addition to the PGWP changes, other updates to Canada's International Student Program include the mandatory student compliance reporting requirement as of 8 November 2024. Students can no longer change schools on the same study permit and must apply for a new study permit if they wish to transfer. Furthermore, master's graduates benefit from more generous PGWP allowances, and their spouses or partners are eligible for open work permits if the program is at least 16 months long. Work permits are issued for the duration of passport validity, and extensions can be applied for if the passport expires before the end of the permit's eligibility.
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Frequently asked questions
To study in Canada as an international student, you will need to apply for a study permit. You may also need to demonstrate English proficiency and have sufficient funds to support yourself and any dependents for the duration of your stay.
International student fees are approximately $14,000 in Canadian funds per year (two semesters), and colleges may charge additional fees. International students are not insured for medical, hospital, or dental care by the Canadian government, so you may need to purchase a health plan.
International students can work in Canada in certain situations, such as during a work term or as part of a cooperative program. Postgraduate students in master's programs that are at least 16 months long may allow their partners or spouses to be eligible for an open work permit.
