Recognised qualifications
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Study destination · Canada
Go further.
Study in Canada.
Explore internationally recognised programs, diverse learning communities, and university and college pathways across Canada.
24 hoursmaximum eligible off-campus work per week during classes*
DLIdesignated learning institution
PAL / TALmay be required with a study-permit application
2026information reviewed in August
Why Canada
Quality learning.
Room to grow.
Canada offers university degrees, college diplomas, certificates, postgraduate programs, and applied pathways in English and French. Grace helps you compare program quality, DLI status, tuition, province, student support, and current permit requirements.
Applied, work-linked study
Co-op placements and applied programs connect what you learn to Canadian industry from the start.
Room to build a life
Bilingual, multicultural cities with established student communities from coast to coast.
Your Canada journey
Clear steps.
One trusted team.
Choose a DLI
For post-secondary study, confirm that the institution is on Canada's designated learning institution list and that your chosen program fits your goals.
Secure your acceptance
A letter of acceptance is central to the study-permit process. A provincial or territorial attestation letter may also be required, subject to exemptions.
Prepare financial evidence
Applicants may need to show funds for tuition, living expenses, and transportation using the current amounts and evidence rules.
Follow work conditions
Eligible students may work up to 24 hours weekly off campus during academic sessions and full-time during qualifying scheduled breaks.
Education system
Your study level,
your pathway forward.
Canada offers language studies, college and polytechnic programs, bachelor’s degrees, postgraduate certificates and diplomas, and graduate research. A post-secondary international student generally needs a letter of acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) — approved by a provincial or territorial government to host international students — for a study-permit application.
| Study pathway | What it generally means |
|---|---|
| Language studies | English or French language preparation. Language-only study generally does not qualify a graduate for a PGWP. |
| College / Polytechnic | Certificates, diplomas, advanced diplomas, applied degrees and practical programs. PGWP eligibility must be checked for the exact institution and program. |
| Bachelor’s degree | Usually three to four years, depending on the province, institution and program. |
| Postgraduate certificate / diploma | Career-focused study after previous education. Admission and PGWP field-of-study rules may apply. |
| Master’s degree | Advanced coursework or research following a bachelor’s degree. Duration and entry requirements vary. |
| Doctoral degree | Research-intensive study requiring strong academic preparation and supervision. |
Being a DLI does not mean every program is eligible for a PGWP
Check both the institution and the exact program on the official DLI list before paying a deposit.
Universities & providers
Universities, colleges,
and beyond.
01
Universities
Universities offer undergraduate, graduate and research degrees across academic and professional disciplines. Compare faculty expertise, research opportunities, class structure, accreditation, co-op availability and total cost rather than relying only on overall rankings.
02
Public colleges & polytechnics
Public colleges and polytechnics often provide applied, technical and career-focused certificates, diplomas, advanced diplomas and degrees. Programs may include laboratories, simulations, industry projects or placements. Verify PGWP eligibility for the exact credential and campus.
03
Private institutions
Private institutions offer selected academic, vocational, language and career programs. Recognition, quality assurance, transfer options and PGWP eligibility vary significantly, so verify official status before paying any deposit.
04
CEGEPs & Quebec institutions
Quebec has a distinct education system that includes CEGEPs as well as universities, colleges and vocational institutions. Students may need a Quebec Acceptance Certificate and must follow separate provincial language, financial and immigration requirements.
05
Language schools
Language schools provide English or French preparation for academic, professional or personal purposes. Some students use language study as a pathway, but successful completion does not guarantee admission to another program. Language-only study generally does not lead to PGWP eligibility.
Institution names such as college, university, institute and academy do not by themselves prove quality, public status or work-permit eligibility. Always use official provincial and federal information — for example, .
Choose well
The right fit,
not just the right name.
Course popularity should not be the only reason to apply. Compare curriculum, prerequisites, total cost, licensing, placement requirements and the exact PGWP status of the institution and program.
Don't chase a list
Do not select a course only because it appears on a PGWP field-of-study list. The program should also make academic and financial sense and support a genuine study plan.
What to compare
- Academic fit — program modules, prerequisites, teaching style and your previous studies.
- Institution and program status — DLI status and, where relevant, PGWP eligibility for the exact program.
- Financial fit — tuition, fees, housing, food, transport, health coverage, books and emergency funds.
- Location fit — climate, housing availability, community, transport and cost of living.
- Career and licensing fit — real job roles, professional recognition and provincial licensing, without assuming employment.
- Admission fit — realistic, target and ambitious options based on current requirements.
Study acrossCanada
Where to study
Find your
Canadian setting.
Compare climate, city size, community, transport, living costs, and the programs available in each province.
Intakes
Three main intakes.
One clear calendar.
01
September
Usually the largest intake, with the broadest program selection.
02
January
A major alternative intake, though not every program or campus is available.
03
May
Available at selected institutions and programs; choices may be more limited.
04
Additional starts
Some institutions use multiple terms or rolling admissions. Always verify the exact start date and deadline.
Begin researching well in advance because admission, PAL/TAL allocation, financial preparation and study-permit processing take time. A late application may reduce course, housing and scholarship choices.
Application deadlines may differ from scholarship, residence, document-submission and tuition-deposit deadlines. Some competitive programs close when places are filled, even when a general institutional deadline appears later. Build one calendar covering every required action.
Admission requirements
What most programs
will ask for.
Each institution sets its own requirements. Common application materials may include:
Passport or identity document.
Academic transcripts and certificates.
English or French language results.
Statement of purpose or study plan.
CV or resume for selected programs.
Letters of recommendation.
Portfolio, audition or writing sample.
Relevant work experience.
Research proposal for research programs.
Financial documents and application fee where required.
Accepted language tests and minimum scores vary. Undergraduate admission normally considers secondary-school completion, subject prerequisites and academic results, while graduate admission generally requires a relevant bachelor’s degree. A strong application explains your genuine academic direction using specific evidence, and providers may request credential assessments or certified translations. Meeting the minimum requirement does not guarantee admission.
Fees & budget
Cost of studying
in Canada.
Costs vary by province, institution, program and study level. EduCanada reports 2026 average university tuition of approximately CAD 41,746 per year for international undergraduates and CAD 24,028 for international graduate students. These are broad averages, not quotations.
| Budget category | Plan for |
|---|---|
| Tuition and compulsory fees | Use the institution’s current official fee schedule. |
| Housing and utilities | Residence, homestay or rental costs vary widely by city. |
| Food and transport | Prepare a realistic monthly budget. |
| Health coverage | Rules and costs vary by province and institution. |
| Books and equipment | Include software, laboratory, studio or placement expenses. |
| Immigration and travel | Study-permit fees, biometrics, medical examination where required and flights. |
| Emergency funds | Keep a buffer for unexpected costs and currency movement. |
Do not fund the plan with part-time work
Part-time employment should not be used as the main plan for paying tuition or essential living costs.
When comparing offers, calculate the total cost of completing the credential rather than the first-year tuition alone — include expected annual fee increases, the number of academic terms, compulsory summer study, co-op or placement fees, and living costs during non-teaching periods. Explore EduCanada programs and costs and study cost guidance.
Living costs & proof of funds
Proof you can
cover the year.
A study-permit applicant must show enough money, without relying on work in Canada, to pay tuition, transportation and living expenses for the applicant and accompanying family members.
Financial amounts are updated periodically. Verify the current IRCC table immediately before applying.
First-year living-expense proof (outside Quebec)
CAD 22,895
for applications submitted on or after 1 September 2025 · excludes tuition and transportation
Higher amounts apply when family members accompany the student, and Quebec uses separate financial requirements.
IRCC proof of financial supportScholarships & funding
Published awards,
real deadlines.
Scholarships, fellowships, grants and institutional awards may be available, but eligibility, value and deadlines differ. Common categories include:
01
Academic merit awards
Awarded on academic achievement.
02
Entrance scholarships
Offered to new students entering an institution.
03
Research funding & assistantships
Support research study and graduate work.
04
Faculty or department awards
Tied to a specific faculty or department.
05
Athletic or creative-talent awards
For demonstrated athletic, artistic or other specialised ability.
06
Government or external scholarships
Awards offered by governments or external bodies.
07
Country- or region-specific awards
May target students from particular countries or regions.
Check whether an award requires a separate application, whether it is renewable and which costs it covers. Admission does not automatically include a scholarship. A scholarship plan should begin with the institution’s official award database, and you should record the deadline, eligible nationality or program, required GPA, supporting essay or reference, selection process, award value and renewal conditions. Avoid websites that request payment merely to access an unverified scholarship.
Publish only current awards
Scholarship availability can change by intake and budget cycle. Explore the official EduCanada scholarships listing.
Study permit
The permit that
makes it real.
Most international students need a study permit. Requirements depend on your circumstances, location, level of study and province. Common elements may include:
A valid letter of acceptance from a DLI.
A Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter where required.
A Quebec Acceptance Certificate for applicable Quebec study.
Proof of tuition, living and travel funds.
Passport and identity documents.
Academic and language evidence.
A clear explanation of the study plan.
Medical examination where required.
Biometrics where required.
Other documents in the personalised IRCC checklist.
01
Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter
A PAL or TAL confirms the province or territory has space for you and is usually obtained through the intended DLI. Exemptions apply. From 1 January 2026, students applying to eligible master’s or doctoral degree programs at public DLIs may be exempt; Quebec requirements must still be checked separately.
02
Letter of acceptance verification
Post-secondary DLIs verify letters of acceptance with IRCC. Use genuine documents and respond promptly to institutional requests.
03
Study plan & responsibilities
Explain clearly why you selected the program and institution, how the study relates to your background and plans, and how the full cost will be funded. Show that you understand the temporary nature and conditions of your authorised stay — honestly, not from a memorised template.
Offer does not guarantee approval
An offer letter, tuition deposit, PAL/TAL or previous visa history does not guarantee study-permit approval. IRCC assesses every application individually. If an application is refused, do not submit the same application again without addressing the actual refusal reasons — use truthful evidence and obtain authorised legal advice when your case requires it. See the official study permit overview.
Work while you study
Work rules,
clearly explained.
Eligible international students may work only under the conditions of their study permit and Canadian law.
Off campus during sessions
24hours / week
and full-time during scheduled breaks, provided all requirements continue to be met. You cannot work before your program begins.
On campus & placements
No
separate
permit
Eligible students may work on campus without a separate work permit. From 1 April 2026, eligible post-secondary students generally no longer need a separate co-op work permit for student placements — but check current IRCC rules and your permit conditions before starting.
Overworking can end your status
Working more hours than permitted or working without authorisation can affect your immigration status and future applications. See IRCC work off campus.
Family & dependants
Can family
come too?
A spouse, partner or dependent child may need their own temporary-residence application and must meet the relevant requirements. Family eligibility and financial obligations should be checked before applying.
Spousal open work permit
Since 21 January 2025, spouses or common-law partners of selected students may qualify for an open work permit when the student holds a valid study permit and is enrolled in an eligible master’s program of at least 16 months, a doctoral program or another specifically eligible program. Eligibility is not universal — verify the exact program and current IRCC rules rather than treating a spouse work permit as automatic.
After graduation
Your PGWP,
without the guesswork.
A Post-Graduation Work Permit can allow eligible graduates of eligible programs at eligible DLIs to gain Canadian work experience. Graduating from a DLI does not automatically create PGWP eligibility.
01
General program requirement
The program must generally be at least eight months long, or 900 hours for applicable Quebec programs, and all other requirements must be met.
02
Language requirement
For most applications submitted on or after 1 November 2024, proof of English or French ability is required. Degree graduates and other university-program graduates generally need CLB/NCLC 7 in all four abilities; college, polytechnic and other non-university graduates generally need CLB/NCLC 5. Flight-school exceptions apply.
03
Field-of-study requirement
Bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral graduates generally have no field-of-study requirement. Many non-degree university, college, polytechnic and non-university programs require an eligible six-digit CIP code for study-permit applications submitted on or after 1 November 2024. IRCC has frozen the eligible field list for 2026 — verify your exact CIP code and applicable date rules.
04
PGWP length
The length of a PGWP depends on the program level and duration, passport validity and applicable rules. It may be shorter than expected if your passport expires early.
Responsibly framed
A PGWP is not guaranteed and is not permanent residence. Program selection should never be based on an unverified promise of work or immigration status. Eligible graduates may also explore a PGWP, employer-specific work permit or other lawful options, but permanent-residence programs are separate from study permits and PGWPs — they consider age, language, education, work experience, occupation, province, employer and current program rules. For personalised immigration advice, consult an authorised Canadian immigration representative. See PGWP eligibility and field-of-study guidance.
Grace support
How Grace International
can support you.
Grace International’s role is to help you make an informed, evidence-based decision and prepare an organised application. The student remains responsible for truthful information, genuine documents, financial readiness and compliance with institutional and immigration requirements.
Personalised counselling — understand your goals, academic background and budget.
Program and institution comparison — curriculum, admission, DLI status, costs and location.
Scholarship guidance — identify published awards, deadlines and conditions.
Application support — organise forms, documents, statements and deadlines.
Study-permit guidance — explain official requirements and support accurate document preparation without guaranteeing approval.
Pre-departure support — prepare for travel, accommodation, insurance and arrival.
Responsible post-study information — explain PGWP concepts and direct you to official or authorised advice when needed.
FAQs
Questions students
actually ask.
Quick answers to the questions we are asked most about studying in Canada.
Is Canada a good destination for international students?
Canada offers diverse institutions and programs, but suitability depends on your academic goals, budget, location and long-term plans.
What are the main intakes?
September and January are common. May and other starts are available at selected institutions and programs.
How early should I apply?
Begin several months in advance. Admission, PAL/TAL, funding and study-permit timelines vary.
How much does it cost?
Costs depend on the institution, program and location. Use current official tuition information and prepare a complete living-cost budget.
Can I work while studying?
Eligible students may work under permit conditions, generally up to 24 hours per week off campus during regular academic sessions and full-time during scheduled breaks.
Are scholarships available?
Yes, but value, eligibility and deadlines vary. Scholarships are competitive and not guaranteed.
Is IELTS compulsory?
Not always. Institutions may accept different English or French evidence, but you must meet the exact program and immigration requirements that apply.
Can I study after an academic gap?
There is no single national admission gap limit. Institutions and IRCC consider the full profile and the evidence you provide.
Do I need a PAL or TAL?
Most applicants need one, but exemptions exist, including eligible public-DLI master’s and doctoral programs from 2026. Check the official IRCC tool for your situation.
Does every DLI program qualify for PGWP?
No. Check the exact institution, program, language rule and field-of-study requirement before paying a deposit.
Can my spouse work?
Only spouses or partners of students in specified eligible programs may qualify for an open work permit. It is not automatic.
Does studying guarantee permanent residence?
No. Study, work permits and permanent residence are separate processes.
Official resources
EduCanada·DLI list·Study permit·Proof of financial support·Work off campus·PGWP eligibility·Scholarships·Programs & costs
Information last reviewed: August 2026. Costs, proof-of-funds, PAL/TAL, work and PGWP rules change — verify before applying.
Start your Canada journey
Turn your options
into a clear plan.
Talk with a Grace counsellor about Canadian institutions, programs, permits, and application preparation.
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