Study in Canada

Canada offers universities and colleges with a wide range of degree, diploma and certificate programmes. Study permits are now linked to provincial or territorial attestation letters in most cases, so early planning matters.

• Universities and colleges

  Choose between academic degrees and career-focused college programmes.

• Work during study

  Eligible students can work off campus for a limited number of hours per week during regular sessions.

• Post-graduation work permit

  Eligible graduates may apply for a PGWP; length depends on the programme.

Intakes: September is the main intake; many institutions also offer January and some offer May.

Currency: Canadian dollar (CAD). Amounts change — see the official figures and dates below.

Orbit offers financial guidance and bank-loan services; loan decisions are made by the lender. Plan your finances

Orbit is verifying scholarship listings for Canada. Ask a counsellor about current options.

Scholarships are competitive and eligibility varies. Search all scholarships

1. 01

   Choose a DLI

   Pick a programme at a designated learning institution (DLI).

2. 02

   Get your letter of acceptance

   Apply and receive your letter of acceptance.

3. 03

   Get your PAL/TAL

   In most cases you need a provincial or territorial attestation letter, usually after accepting and paying tuition.

4. 04

   Prepare funds

   Show proof of funds for tuition, living expenses and travel.

5. 05

   Apply for the study permit

   Apply online and give biometrics if requested.

You need a letter of acceptance from a DLI, in most cases a PAL/TAL, and proof that you can pay tuition, living expenses and travel.

Admission, scholarship, loan and visa decisions are made by the relevant institution, lender or government authority and depend on each student's circumstances. Orbit guides and prepares you; it cannot guarantee an outcome.

Fees, funds and work rights change. Each figure shows its official source and the date Orbit last checked it. Where we couldn't confirm a figure, we send you to the official page instead of guessing.

Proof of funds — single student, outside Quebec (living expenses, per year)

C$23,448 for applications on or after 1 Sept 2026 (was C$22,895 before that date)

This is in addition to tuition and travel costs.

Checked 25 Sept 2026IRCC — Proof of financial support(opens official source in a new tab)

Provincial/territorial attestation letter

Needed in most cases; usually issued after you accept your offer and pay tuition in part or in full

Checked 25 Sept 2026IRCC — Get your documents(opens official source in a new tab)

Off-campus work during regular sessions

Up to 24 hours per week, if eligible; full time during scheduled breaks

Checked 25 Sept 2026IRCC — Work off campus(opens official source in a new tab)

Post-graduation work permit (PGWP)

Programmes of 8 months to under 2 years: matches programme length; 2 years or more (and eligible master's degrees): up to 3 years. Most applicants need language test results.

Checked 25 Sept 2026IRCC — About the PGWP(opens official source in a new tab)

Study permit and biometrics fees

Check official sourceCheck the current fees on the IRCC fee list.

Checked 25 Sept 2026IRCC — Fee list(opens official source in a new tab)

Official websites

• IRCC — Study permit(opens in a new tab)
• IRCC — Designated learning institutions list(opens in a new tab)
• EduCanada(opens in a new tab)