Study in Canada: Complete Guide for International Students 2026

Canada is one of the safest, most welcoming countries in the world for international students — with high-quality education, affordable tuition compared to the US and UK, and a clear path from study permit to post-graduation work permit (PGWP) and permanent residency. Over 1 million international students currently study in Canada.

This guide covers everything you need to know about studying in Canada as an international student.

Why Study in Canada?

• Pathway to permanent residency: PGWP work experience can count toward Express Entry
• Affordable quality education: Lower tuition than the US, UK or Australia
• Safe and multicultural: One of the world's most diverse societies
• Work while studying: Up to 24 hours/week off campus during academic sessions
• Post-graduation work: PGWP for up to 3 years depending on programme length
• Bilingual advantage: Study in English or French (or both)

Top Canadian Universities

University	QS 2026 Ranking	Known For
University of Toronto	21	Engineering, Medicine, AI
McGill University	31	Medicine, Law, Business
University of British Columbia	45	Earth Sciences, Forestry
University of Alberta	96	Energy, AI, Health
McMaster University	140	Health Sciences, Engineering
University of Waterloo	115	Co-op, Computer Science
Western University	120	Business (Ivey), Neuroscience
University of Montreal	159	Research, French-language hub
Queen's University	200	Commerce, Engineering
University of Ottawa	200+	Bilingual, Law, Social Sciences

Tuition Fees for International Students

Level	Annual Fee Range (CAD)
Undergraduate	15,000 - 40,000
Postgraduate (Taught)	12,000 - 35,000
MBA	30,000 - 90,000
Medicine / Dentistry	35,000 - 80,000+

Average fees: approximately CAD 20,000 - 35,000 per year for most programmes.

Living Costs

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) requires proof of CAD 20,635 per year (outside Quebec) for a single student, in addition to tuition and travel.

Actual monthly living costs:

City	Monthly Cost (CAD)
Toronto	1,500 - 2,200
Vancouver	1,600 - 2,300
Montreal	1,200 - 1,700
Calgary	1,300 - 1,800
Ottawa	1,200 - 1,700
Edmonton	1,100 - 1,500

Entry Requirements

Academic Requirements

Level	Typical Requirement
Undergraduate	12 years of education + 60-75% (varies by university)
Postgraduate (Master's)	Bachelor's degree with 65-75%+
MBA	Bachelor's + 2-3 years work experience (GMAT often required)
PhD	Master's degree + research proposal + supervisor agreement

English Language Requirements

Test	Undergraduate	Postgraduate
IELTS Academic	6.0-6.5 (no band below 5.5)	6.5-7.0 (no band below 6.0)
TOEFL iBT	80-90	88-100
PTE Academic	54-60	60-65
Duolingo	110-115	115-120

Study Permit Process

Step 1: Get a Letter of Acceptance (LOA)

Receive an official LOA from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

• Valid passport
• Letter of Acceptance from a DLI
• Proof of financial support (tuition + CAD 20,635 + travel)
• Academic transcripts and certificates
• English/French language test results
• Statement of purpose / study plan
• Provincial attestation letter (PAL/TAL) for most programmes
• Police clearance certificate
• Immigration medical examination (if required)
• Digital photograph

Step 3: Apply Online

1. Create an IRCC Secure Account
2. Complete the study permit application
3. Pay the fee: CAD 150 (study permit) + CAD 85 (biometrics)
4. Give biometrics at a Visa Application Centre
5. Upload supporting documents

Step 4: Wait for Processing

Processing time varies by country — commonly 4-12 weeks. Apply as early as possible.

Step 5: Arrive in Canada

Present your port of entry letter, LOA and proof of funds. Your study permit will be issued at the border (if not pre-approved).

Scholarships for International Students

Government Scholarships

Scholarship	Coverage
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships	CAD 50,000/year for PhD
Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships	CAD 70,000/year
IDRC Research Awards	Full funding for Master's research
Quebec Merit Scholarships	For francophone and international students in Quebec

University Scholarships

University	Scholarship	Amount
Toronto	Lester B. Pearson Scholarship	Full tuition + living
UBC	International Major Scholarship	CAD 10,000 - 40,000
McGill	Entrance Scholarships	CAD 3,000 - 12,000
Waterloo	International Student Awards	CAD 2,000 - 10,000
Alberta	International Admission Scholarship	CAD 9,000 - 12,000
Western	Entrance Scholarships	CAD 4,000 - 20,000

Post-Study Work and Permanent Residency

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)

Programme Length	PGWP Duration
2 years or more	Up to 3 years
1 year	Up to 1 year
Less than 2 years	Cannot get PGWP for most programmes

Key points:

• Must graduate from an eligible DLI
• One PGWP per student (lifetime)
• Open work permit — any employer, any occupation
• Full-time work experience can count toward Express Entry (Canadian Experience Class)

Pathways to Permanent Residency

1. Express Entry — Canadian Experience Class: 1+ year of skilled work in Canada
2. Express Entry — Federal Skilled Worker: Points-based, education + work + language
3. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): Province nomination adds 600 CRS points
4. Express Entry — Federal Skilled Trades: For skilled tradespeople
5. Quebec Experience Program (PEQ): For French-speaking graduates in Quebec

Application Timeline

When	What
12 months before	Research universities, take IELTS/TOEFL
9-12 months before	Apply to universities
6-9 months before	Receive LOA, pay deposit
4-6 months before	Obtain PAL/TAL, prepare proof of funds
3-4 months before	Apply for study permit
2 months before	Receive permit decision
1 month before	Book flights, arrange accommodation
After arrival	Enrol, get SIN, open bank account

Ready to Study in Canada?

At OE Consultants, we help students navigate the entire Canadian study process -- from university selection to study permit approval. Contact us for a free consultation.