Studying in Canada

By Farouk Yahaya · Updated 5 October 2026

A large stone library building with gardens in front, on the University of British Columbia campus in Vancouver

Canada is one of the most popular destinations for international students. It has good universities, a reputation for welcoming newcomers and established routes to work after graduation. It tends to cost less than some other English-speaking destinations, though it is still a significant expense.

Universities

Canada has a strong, publicly funded university system with several institutions of international standing. The country is widely regarded as safe and welcoming, and for students thinking about what comes after their degree, the routes that let graduates stay and work are a large part of its appeal.

Education is run by the provinces rather than the federal government. That is why fees, health cover and even parts of the visa process differ depending on where you study, and why it pays to research the province as well as the university.

Costs

International tuition varies by university, province and subject. Living costs differ between cities, and the largest are the most expensive. Budget for tuition and living costs together; studying in a smaller city can lower the total a good deal.

For the study permit you must show you can cover your first year. On 5 October 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) set the living cost figure for a single student at CAD 23,448 a year outside Quebec, for applications made from 1 September 2026, on top of tuition. Quebec sets its own requirement. Accepted evidence includes bank statements covering the past 6 months, proof of a scholarship or education loan, and proof that tuition has been paid. Confirm the current figure on the IRCC proof of funds page, and see our guide to proving funds for a student visa for how holding periods and sponsors work.

Funding

Funding exists but is competitive. Universities offer scholarships and awards, some specifically for international students. Research-based graduate programmes may offer assistantships or stipends, and there are government and external scholarships, including national schemes. Check each university’s funding pages, and for graduate study, ask departments what level of support is normal in your field.

Before you shortlist, it helps to answer a few questions for each programme:

Does the department fund most of its research students, and at what level?
Are entrance scholarships for international students automatic, or is there a separate application with an earlier deadline?
Is a teaching or research assistantship part of the offer, and how many hours does it involve?
What are tuition and rent in that city, compared with the funding on offer?
Does the province's health cover include international students, or will you need private insurance?

For research degrees, our guide to finding a funded PhD explains how to approach supervisors and funded projects.

English and French

Canada has two official languages, English and French. Most international students study in English, and English-taught programmes are available across the country, but there are strong French-language institutions, particularly in Quebec, which widen the options for anyone who speaks French or wants to.

The study permit, step by step

International students generally need a study permit, which requires an offer from a designated institution and proof that you can support yourself. Most students also need a provincial or territorial attestation letter (PAL or TAL), which confirms that the province has space for you. Since 1 January 2026, students on a master’s or doctoral programme at a public designated learning institution no longer need one.

Six steps to a Canadian study permit: letter of acceptance, PAL or TAL if needed, funds and documents, online application and fees, biometrics, then decision and travel. — The usual order of steps. Your school tells you how to request a PAL or TAL from the province.

On 5 October 2026 the IRCC fee list showed CAD 150 for a study permit and CAD 85 for biometrics for one person. Check the IRCC application page for current fees and processing times before you apply.

Working during and after study

Work hours while you study

IRCC's off-campus work page said, on 5 October 2026, that eligible students can work up to 24 hours a week off campus while classes are in session, and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks such as the summer and winter holidays. Conditions apply, so read the page and your permit before taking a job.

Canada is known for post-graduation work options. Graduates of certain designated learning institutions are eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), which lets them gain Canadian work experience, and for some people this connects to longer-term routes. Eligibility depends on the institution, the programme and other conditions that change from time to time, so check the PGWP rules before you choose a course if staying on matters to you. Our guide to working while you study covers the practical side.

Climate, healthcare and community

The climate varies by region and winters can be very cold, which has practical and financial consequences worth planning for. A proper winter coat, boots and higher heating bills belong in the first-year budget, and short daylight hours take some getting used to.

People crossing a snow-covered street in downtown Toronto at night during a snowstorm — Downtown Toronto in a snowstorm. Budget for winter clothing before you arrive.

Health coverage for international students depends on the province, and you may need private or provincial insurance, so check what applies where you will study. Canadian society is diverse and generally welcoming, and most cities have established international communities.

Because costs, funding and even healthcare rules differ across the country, research the particular university, province and city before committing, and check the current study permit and post-graduation work rules for your situation on canada.ca.