STUDY DESTINATIONS
Study in Canada
Canada offers international students university and college options across its provinces and territories, with admissions and program requirements determined by individual institutions.
Planning post-secondary study in Canada.
Canada's post-secondary system includes universities, colleges and other recognized institutions across the country's provinces and territories.
International students should consider both the institution and the specific program, because admissions criteria, study-permit requirements and post-graduation eligibility can depend on the exact study choice.
The Government of Canada's EduCanada service provides official information for international students planning study in Canada.
Study options and pathways
University study
Canadian universities offer undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs across a broad range of fields.
College study
Canadian colleges and other post-secondary providers offer diploma, certificate and applied-study options, with admission requirements determined by each institution.
Pathway and language preparation
Depending on the student's academic or language background, additional preparation may be required before entering the intended program.
Institution type alone does not determine post-graduation work-permit eligibility; eligibility must be confirmed for the specific institution and program.
Planning your Canadian application
- 01
Clarify your study goals
Identify the desired subject area, qualification level and preferred province or location.
- 02
Choose an appropriate institution and program
Confirm that the institution and program meet the student's academic goals and review the institution's international admission requirements.
- 03
Confirm DLI status
For post-secondary study requiring a study permit, confirm the institution is a Designated Learning Institution.
- 04
Apply and secure an offer
Complete the institution's application process and obtain the required letter of acceptance.
- 05
Prepare the study-permit application
After receiving the appropriate offer, confirm the current study-permit requirements and prepare the required evidence.
Study permit
Most international students need a Canadian study permit.
For post-secondary study, students should confirm that the selected institution is a Designated Learning Institution and obtain the appropriate letter of acceptance before applying for a study permit.
Study-permit conditions must continue to be followed while studying in Canada.
Working while studying
CURRENT GUIDANCE
Eligible international students may currently work up to 24 hours per week off campus during regular academic terms. Eligibility and individual conditions apply.
Eligible students who meet Canadian study-permit requirements may work off campus for up to 24 hours per week during regular school terms.
Eligible students may work unlimited hours during scheduled academic breaks.
Employment eligibility depends on the student's study status, program and permit conditions and must be confirmed before working.
After graduation
Graduates of some Canadian programs may be eligible to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit.
PGWP eligibility is not automatic.
Current eligibility can depend on factors including the institution, program, program length, language requirements and, for some programs, field of study.
Students considering post-graduation work should check PGWP eligibility for the specific institution and program before enrolling rather than assuming all Canadian study leads to a PGWP.
Planning costs and funding
Tuition, accommodation, insurance, travel and day-to-day living costs vary by institution, program, location and personal circumstances.
Students and families should build a realistic budget before committing to an international study plan. Scholarships, grants or other funding opportunities may be available depending on the institution, program and applicant, but availability and eligibility must be confirmed directly.
Academic entry requirements, English-language requirements, application documents and deadlines vary between institutions and programs.
How Nupaf Education supports your planning
- Clarifying academic goals
- Considering Canadian universities and colleges
- Reviewing program and admissions requirements
- Considering appropriate academic pathways
- English- or French-language preparation considerations where relevant
- Application preparation support
- Study-permit guidance
- Pre-departure preparation
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Requirements depend on the student, institution and current regulations.
Admissions, visa eligibility, work rights and post-study options depend on the student's circumstances, selected program, education provider and the rules in force at the relevant time.
Nupaf Education provides study-planning and application guidance but does not guarantee university admission, scholarships, visas, employment or immigration outcomes.
Visa, work and post-study rules can change. The information on this page was reviewed in September 2026 and is intended as general planning guidance. Students should confirm current requirements with the relevant government authority and education provider before making decisions.
Current information reviewed against official government guidance, September 2026.
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