🇨🇦 Canada · Study Abroad
How to study in Canada as an international student — application steps, student visas, and living costs.
Quick answer
To study in Canada you apply to a Designated Learning Institution (DLI); once accepted you receive a Letter of Acceptance and, in most provinces, a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL), which you use to apply for a study permit. Recent caps mean the PAL and financial proof matter more than before. Explore EduCanada and apply by the deadline.
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.
Step-by-step
- 1
Choose your course and institution
Choose a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) and apply for admission; use the EduCanada portal to explore programs.
- 2
Meet academic and language requirements
Meet the academic entry requirements and prove language ability (e.g. an English or local-language test) at the level the course demands.
- 3
Apply for admission
Apply for admission through the relevant application route by the deadline, with transcripts, test scores and supporting documents.
- 4
Receive offer and enrollment document
On acceptance, obtain your official enrollment/acceptance document, which you will need for the visa application.
- 5
Apply for your student visa
With your Letter of Acceptance and Provincial Attestation Letter (where required), apply to IRCC for a study permit with proof of funds.
- 6
Arrive, enroll and know the rules
Arrive before the term, complete enrollment and any residence registration, and note the rules on part-time work and post-study stay.
Checklist
- Course, level and institution chosen
- Academic + language requirements met
- Admission application submitted by deadline
- Offer + enrollment/acceptance document received
- Proof of funds + health cover prepared
- Student visa applied for + granted
- Arrival, enrollment + registration done
- Work-hours and post-study stay rules understood
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.
Frequently asked questions
What is a DLI?
A Designated Learning Institution — a school approved to host international students; you must have a place at one to get a study permit.
What is a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL)?
A provincial letter confirming your place counts within the province’s cap; most study-permit applicants now need one.
Can I work while studying in Canada?
Eligible study-permit holders can work a set number of hours off campus during term; check the current limit before relying on it.
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)