Canada is a global leader in education, offering a wide range of high-quality programs at all levels. With a strong focus on innovation and research, Canadian universities and colleges are consistently ranked among the best in the world.
If you are dreaming of studying in Canada, you will need to apply for a study permit. This document allows you to stay in Canada temporarily while you pursue your studies.
The application process for a study permit can be complex, but it is important to follow the instructions carefully and submit all of the required documentation. By being thorough and organized, you can increase your chances of having your application approved.
What is a Canadian study permit?
A Canadian study permit is a document that allows a foreign national to study at a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada. Most foreign nationals need a study permit to study in Canada.
❊ DLIs are schools that have been approved by the Canadian government to accept international students.
How to get a study permit for Canada?
- Get accepted to a designated learning institution (DLI). A DLI is a school that has been approved by the Canadian government to accept international students.
- Meet the eligibility requirements. To be eligible for a study permit, you must meet certain requirements, including:
- Having a valid passport
- Proving that you have enough money to support yourself and any family members who are coming with you to Canada
- Meeting the language proficiency requirements
- Apply for a study permit. You can apply for a study permit online or by paper. If you apply online, you will need to create an account and submit your application electronically. You will also need to pay the application fee online. If you apply by paper, you will need to print out the application form and fill it out by hand. You will also need to mail the application form and all of your supporting documents to the IRCC office.
- Wait for a decision. Once you have submitted your application, you will need to wait for a decision from the IRCC. The processing time for study permit applications varies, but it can take several weeks or months.
- Receive your study permit. If your application is approved, you will receive a study permit. Your study permit will allow you to enter Canada and study at the DLI that accepted you.
Requirements for a Canadian study permit
- You must be accepted by a designated learning institution (DLI)
- You must prove that you have enough money to support yourself and any family members who are coming with you to Canada. The amount of money you need will vary depending on your province or territory of study and the number of family members you are supporting.
- You must have a valid passport.
- You must pass a medical exam.
- You must meet the language proficiency requirements. The language requirements vary depending on the program you are applying for and the province or territory where you will be studying.
Minimum funds requirements
To apply for a Canadian study permit, you must prove that you have enough money to support yourself and any family members who are coming with you to Canada. The amount of money you need will vary depending on the province or territory you are studying in and the number of family members you are supporting.
| Persons coming to Canada | Amount of funds required per year (additional to the tuition) |
Amount of funds required per month (additional to the tuition)
|
|
all provinces except Quebec:
|
||
| You (the student) | $10,000 | $833 |
| First family member | $4,000 | $333 |
| For each additional accompanying family member | $3,000 | $255 |
| Quebec: | ||
| You (the student) | $11,000 | $917 |
| First family member (18 years or older) | $5,100 | $425 |
| First family member (under the age of 18) | $3,800 | $317 |
| Every additional accompanying family member (18 years or older) | $5,125 | $427 |
| Every additional accompanying family member (under the age of 18) | $1,903 | 159 |
Study without a study permit in Canada
You don’t need a study permit to:
- attend preschool
- do a distance learning program
- take settlement and integration courses offered by a provincial or territorial government
- follow audit courses (where you can attend an academic course without getting credits)
- take courses included in tour packages as a secondary activity for tourists
- take a course that is not academic, professional, or vocational in nature and that is of general interest and can be completed within the period authorized upon entry to Canada
- take a course or a program of study that is six months or less and that can be completed within the period authorized upon entry into Canada
❊ If you are a family member or private staff accompanying a foreign representative accredited by Global Affairs Canada, or if you are a member of the armed forces from a certain country, you may be able to study for longer than six months without a study permit.
Common mistakes to avoid when applying for a Canadian study permit
Not submitting all of the required documentation. Make sure to carefully review the list of required documents on the IRCC website and submit all of the required items.
Making incomplete or inaccurate information on the application form. Be sure to fill out all of the required information on the application form accurately and completely.
Not meeting the eligibility requirements. Make sure that you meet all of the eligibility requirements for a study permit before you apply.
Not disclosing criminal convictions or other relevant information on the application form. It is important to be honest and upfront on your application form. If you have any criminal convictions or other relevant information, be sure to disclose it.
Not submitting proof of funds. You must prove that you have enough money to support yourself and any family members who are coming with you to Canada. You can do this by submitting proof of funds such as a Canadian bank account, GIC certificate, student loan, bank statements, bank draft, proof of tuition and housing fees, letter from someone giving you money, or proof of funding from inside Canada.
Tips for increasing your chances of getting a Canadian study permit approved
- Start early. The earlier you start the application process, the more time you’ll have to gather all of the required documentation and ensure that your application is complete and accurate.
- Do your research. Make sure you understand all of the eligibility requirements and application steps before you begin.
- Be prepared to provide proof of funds. You’ll need to show that you have enough money to support yourself and any family members who are coming with you to Canada. You can do this by submitting bank statements, a GIC certificate, or a letter of support from a sponsor.
- Meet the language requirements. You’ll need to demonstrate your English or French proficiency by taking an approved language test. The required score will vary depending on the program you’re applying to and the province or territory where you’ll be studying.
- Get a letter of acceptance from a designated learning institution (DLI).
- Write a strong personal statement. This is your chance to tell the IRCC why you want to study in Canada and how your studies will benefit you and your home country.
- Be honest and upfront. If you have any criminal convictions or other relevant information, be sure to disclose it on your application form.
