International Student Guide to Canada

Why so many international students consider Canada

Canada hosts a large and diverse international-student community across its universities, colleges, and polytechnics, with programs in English and French. Many students value the range of institutions and the structured, well-documented process for applying and studying.

This guide walks through that process from a student's point of view. It is general information to help you plan, not immigration, legal, or financial advice — always confirm current requirements on the official Government of Canada source and each institution's official website.

Choosing the right institution and program

Start by deciding what and where you want to study, then shortlist Designated Learning Institutions that offer it. Compare official program pages for entry requirements, language of instruction, intakes, and the province's setting and cost of living.

If rankings influence your shortlist, use them as one factor and attribute them to their issuer — for example QS, Times Higher Education, or Maclean's. We do not publish our own ranking of institutions; describe and compare on facts, not judgement.

• Verify the institution is a DLI on the official Government of Canada list
• Compare official program pages for requirements and intakes
• Treat rankings as one input, attributed to QS / THE / Maclean's

Tests, applications and documents

Most programs ask international applicants to prove language ability and meet academic entry requirements. Commonly accepted English tests include IELTS, TOEFL, PTE Academic, and the Duolingo English Test; some programs in Quebec and elsewhere may require French. Some institutions also ask for a credential evaluation.

Accepted tests, minimum scores, deadlines, and document lists vary by program and year, so confirm them on the official program page. We do not publish specific scores or deadlines here because they change.

The study permit

Once you hold a letter of acceptance, most international students apply to IRCC for a study permit. The application typically involves the acceptance letter, proof of funds, and supporting documents that may include a Provincial Attestation Letter; Quebec students also need provincial documents such as a CAQ.

Requirements and processing change over time. This is general information, not immigration advice — verify every requirement on the official Government of Canada source before applying.

Money, scholarships and working while you study

Plan for tuition plus living costs, both of which vary by institution and city and change each year — use official fee pages and official cost references rather than fixed numbers. Scholarships and assistantships can help, and some students work part-time, but the rules on student work are set by IRCC and change, and no funding or job is guaranteed.

We do not state specific tuition, stipend, or work-hour figures here; confirm the current rules on the official Government of Canada source and the institution's official pages.

Settling in and student life

Canadian institutions typically offer orientation, international-student offices, housing guidance, and health-coverage information that varies by province. Use your institution's official student-services pages to arrange accommodation, understand provincial health coverage, and connect with support before you arrive.

After graduation, eligible students may explore pathways such as the PGWP and broader immigration routes, but none are automatic — check the current rules on the official Government of Canada source.