Applying to schools in Canada as an international student
The different kinds of schools, when to apply and other requirements.
Applying to schools in Canada as an international student is a tedious but satisfying experience. Securing admission to postgraduate study might seem difficult, but prospective students should not be afraid of making it through the application process.
To be eligible to apply for a study permit, a student needs:
- Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada
- Sufficient funds to cover tuition fees and living expenses
- Be in good health and have no criminal background
- Satisfy a visa officer that he/she will leave Canada upon expiry of a study permit
Learn about student life in Canada
Tips on living in Canada as an international student.
To be eligible to work off-campus, you need a valid study permit. Your study permit must show that you are full-time student status. Full-time student is defined as being enrolled in classes for a minimum of 9 contact hours per week over the course of 3 consecutive months, or an average of 20 hours per week over 4 or more consecutive weeks. If your study permit does not have this wording on it and if your school does not consider you a full-time student, you may be eligible to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit.
Scholarships for international students
Awards for students, postdoctoral researchers, faculty, and schools.
Choose Canada as your study or research destination and explore the scholarship opportunities available to support the best and brightest to come to Canada. Explore our database by country of origin to find scholarships, fellowships or funding opportunities made available by Global Affairs Canada and other Canadian federal government departments.
- Students and Postdoctoral Researchers: Awards available to international students for study and research in Canada
- Faculty and Researchers: Awards for faculty to conduct research in Canada or abroad
- Academic Institutions: Awards for your students to study in Canada
Read more from EduCanada
Applying for a study permit
Find out if you need a study permit.
Answer a few questions to learn whether you need a study permit to study in Canada.
You need to apply for a study permit before you travel to Canada. However, some people may apply for the same from within the country. There are two ways for you to apply for a study permit:
- Online
- On paper
Get a study permit
Who can apply, how to submit your application, processing times and what to expect when you get to Canada.
International students generally need to obtain a study permit in order to pursue an education in Canada
Get a study permit faster
If you’re a legal resident in certain countries, you may be eligible to get your study permit faster.
Depending on where you live, you may be able to get your study permit faster through the Student Direct Stream (SDS).
We try to process most SDS applications within 20 calendar days. However, some applications may take longer.
To get faster processing, you must
- Give your biometrics as soon as possible
- Meet all the eligibility requirements
To be eligible for faster processing through the Student Direct Stream, you must:
- Be a legal resident living in 1 of the following countries:
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Brazil
- China
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- India
- Morocco
- Pakistan
- Peru
- Philippines
- Senegal
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Vietnam
- Have an acceptance letter from a post-secondary designated learning institution.
- Live outside of Canada when you apply.
- Have proof you have paid your tuition for your first year of study.
Extend your study permit or restore your status
How to renew your study permit or restore your status.
Most people must apply online to extend their study permit from within Canada. You should submit an application to extend your study permit before your current permit expires.
If your study permit has already expired:
You need to restore your status as a student, as well as extend your study permit. You must apply to restore your status within 90 days of losing it. If you don’t, you must leave Canada.
You can’t continue your studies until we restore your status as a student in Canada and extend your study permit.
Study in Canada as a minor child
What minor children need to go to school in Canada.
Minor children don’t need a study permit if:
- They are in kindergarten
- They are or their parents are refugees or refugee claimants or
- They attend pre-school, primary or secondary school, and they are already in Canada with a parent who has a valid work or study permit
Working or travelling as a student
Work while studying.
Who can work while they study, how much and where (on campus, off campus, co-op, and post-graduation).
Work opportunities for international students:
- Working on campus
- Working part-time off-campus
- Post-Graduation Work Permit
- Co-op and Internship Programs
Stay and work in Canada after you graduate
Get a work permit to stay in Canada after you graduate and how to apply for permanent residence.
To work in Canada after you graduate, you need a work permit. The work experience you gain while working may help you qualify for permanent residence.
Get a visitor visa to return to Canada
How and when a study permit holder should apply.
You can apply for a visitor visa from inside Canada if you meet all the conditions below:
- you’re already in Canada
- you hold a valid study or work permit
- you want to leave and return to Canada in the near future
- your existing visitor visa is expired or was valid for only one entry
You should apply at least 2 months before you plan to leave Canada.
Get Started
A licensed immigration professional can assist you with all of your Canadian immigration needs.
Contact us for answers to any of your immigration questions.