Study in Canada
Quality education, diverse cities, and post-study opportunities.
Canada is a top destination for international students, offering quality education, safe cities, and one of the world's most generous post-graduation work permit programs.
Why Canada?
Top Institutions
U15 research universities and respected colleges nationwide.
PGWP
Post-Graduation Work Permit up to 3 years after studies.
Safe & Welcoming
Consistently ranked among the world's most liveable countries.
Bilingual
Study in English, French, or both in Quebec and beyond.
Diverse Society
Large international student communities in every province.
Natural Beauty
From vibrant cities to mountains and coastlines.
Quality Education
Canadian colleges and universities emphasize applied learning, co-op programs, and research innovation.
Leading Canadian Institutions
- University of Toronto
- McGill University
- University of British Columbia
- University of Waterloo
- McMaster University
- University of Alberta
- Queen's University
- Western University
- Seneca College
Admission Procedure & Requirements
Undergraduate Requirements
Requirements
- High school diploma with strong grades
- IELTS 6.5 / TOEFL 88+ (varies by institution)
- Personal statement or supplementary essays
- Reference letters
Timeline
-
1
Apply (Oct–Jan)
September intake; January intake at some schools.
-
2
Offer of Admission
Receive conditional or firm offer.
-
3
Study Permit
Apply with letter of acceptance and proof of funds.
LetsTern verifies your institution is a DLI and helps with Provincial Attestation Letter requirements.
Fee Structure
Undergraduate
International tuition
CAD 20,000 – 40,000
per year
Graduate
Master's programs
CAD 18,000 – 35,000
per year
College Diploma
2–3 year programs
CAD 15,000 – 25,000
per year
GIC & Proof of Funds
SDS Stream (if eligible)
- Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) CAD 20,635
- First year tuition payment proof
- IELTS 6.0 each band minimum
- Faster processing times
Regular Stream
Demonstrate financial capacity:
- Tuition for first year + CAD 20,635 living (outside Quebec)
- Quebec: CAD 15,078 + higher tuition proof
- Bank statements, sponsor letters accepted
Study Permit Process
International students need a study permit and may require a TRV or eTA depending on nationality.
Study permit steps
-
1
Letter of Acceptance
From a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
-
2
Provincial Attestation Letter
PAL required for most new study permit applications.
-
3
Proof of Funds
GIC (SDS) or bank statements showing required amount.
-
4
Online Application
Apply via IRCC portal with biometrics.
-
5
Arrival & Compliance
Study permit issued at border or POE; maintain full-time status.
Part-time Work
Study permit holders may work up to 24 hours per week off-campus during academic sessions.
Common student jobs
| Role | Hourly (CAD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Food service | CAD 16 – 20 | Minimum wage varies by province |
| Retail | CAD 16 – 19 | Ontario min. CAD 17.20/hr (2024) |
| Campus jobs | CAD 17 – 22 | Library, IT, research assistant |
| Co-op placements | CAD 18 – 35 | Paid terms in degree programs |
Monthly Expenditures
Toronto and Vancouver are most expensive; prairie and Atlantic cities offer lower costs.
Select a city
Monthly expenses in Toronto
Typical student budget (excluding tuition)
-
Shared accommodationCAD 900 – 1,400
-
GroceriesCAD 350 – 450
-
TTC transit passCAD 156
-
Mobile & internetCAD 70 – 90
-
MiscellaneousCAD 120 – 180
Estimated total: CAD 1,600 – 2,300 / month
PGWP & Permanent Residence
Canada's immigration system favours international graduates with Canadian credentials.
- PGWP: 8 months to 3 years depending on program length.
- Express Entry (CEC) for graduates with Canadian work experience.
- Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) in every province.