What documents make up a complete application?

At minimum, gather a letter of acceptance from your DLI, your PAL/TAL or CAQ if required, proof of funds for tuition and living costs, a valid passport and passport photos, a letter of explanation about your study plan and ties home, and biometrics if required for your nationality.

What counts as acceptable proof of funds?

Common options include bank statements covering 4 to 6 months, a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC), proof of a student loan, a scholarship or funding letter, and receipts for tuition or housing already paid.

What are the application fees?

The study permit fee is CAD $150. Biometrics cost CAD $85, valid ten years. Add a medical exam if required, roughly CAD $200 to $400, and courier or photo costs, separate from tuition and living funds.

Top Universities to Study in Canada for International Students

Study in Canada with UniZCampus — get connected to accredited universities, practical learning experiences, paid internship placements, and a clear Canada PR pathway.

Canadian universities admission Post-study work visa up to 3 years

The top choice for Indian students, backed by the numbers

A trusted, proven route to world-class education and a long-term future in Canada.

✓4.27 Lacs Indian study permit holders in 2024
✓More then 40% of all international students in Canada
✓Almost 260% growth in Indian students over the last decade

✓Work up to 24 hours a week while studying, full-time on breaks
✓Post-study work permit (PGWP) valid for up to 3 years
✓Fast-track permanent residency through Express Entry
✓Lower tuition than the USA and UK, without compromising quality

On this page

Popular Student Cities › Popular Courses in Canada › 16 Top Universities › 5-Step Roadmap › Tuition Fees › Work While You Study › Study Permit Basics › 2026 Permit Cap Update › Post-Graduation Work Permit › FAQs

Your Canadian Degree Starts With The Right First Step

Globally respected degrees, tuition that's easier on your budget, and a genuine path to work and settle after graduation. UniZCampus has guided countless students through this exact journey — from shortlisting universities to landing that visa approval.

Book Your Free Consultation

Affordable tuition compared to the US and UK
Career-focused programs with real industry ties
A clear path to work permits after graduation
End-to-end support, from shortlist to visa approval

Where you'll live

Best Cities to Study in Canada for International Students

Where you study shapes your whole experience — not just academically, but socially and professionally too. We help you match your city to your career goals, budget, and lifestyle, not just university rankings.

Toronto

Canada's largest city and a global business hub — ideal for finance, tech, and media careers.

Vancouver

Stunning natural beauty with strong ties to the Asia-Pacific job market.

Montreal

A bilingual, culturally rich city with some of the country's most affordable living costs.

Ottawa

The nation's capital — unique access to government, policy, and research opportunities.

Waterloo

A rising tech and innovation hub, home to some of Canada's strongest STEM programs.

What you'll study

Popular Courses In Canada

Allied Health & Social Services
Business & Management
Computer Science & IT
Construction & Engineering
Hospitality
Media & Journalism
Animation and gaming

Where you'll study

16 Top Universities to Study in Canada — Find Your Right Fit

University of Toronto
University of British Columbia
McGill University
McMaster University
University of Alberta
University of Waterloo
University of Ottawa
Queen's University
Western University
Dalhousie University
Cape Breton University
Vancouver Island University
Capilano University
Brock University
University of Lethbridge
University of Regina
Laurentian University

How to Study in Canada: Your 5-Step Roadmap — five clear steps, zero guesswork

We have simplified it into five manageable stamps on your passport — and guide you through every step of the way.

Choose the right program and institution

We look beyond rankings and reputation to identify programs aligned with your academic goals, budget, and long-term career path. Our research is grounded in trusted, verified sources — ensuring every recommendation is based on accurate information, not assumptions.

Co-op programs considered Verified sources only

Confirm you meet eligibility criteria

Academic requirements, language standards, and eligibility criteria vary significantly across institutions. We carefully assess your academic profile against each program's specific criteria — ensuring you apply only where success is genuinely achievable.

Prepare a complete, compelling application

This is where strong applications are built. We help you prepare every document with care — and help you present your story in a way that stands out.

Academic transcripts and certificates
English scores (IELTS / TOEFL / PTE / Duolingo)
Statement of Purpose / Personal Statement
Letters of recommendation
Updated resume / CV
Portfolio (arts and design programs)
A valid passport
GMAT / GRE (where required)

Submit your application with confidence

Once your documents are verified and finalized, we guide you through a precise, error-free submission — carefully tracking every deadline to secure your offer letter without delay.

Application fee: CAD 100 – 200 (varies by institution)

Accept your offer, pay tuition, prepare for visa

Once your offer letter arrives, the finish line is in sight. This step focuses on finances and visa application — two areas where expert guidance matters most of all for securing your study permits

Tuition Fees in Canada

Tuition fees in Canada, per year (approx.)

A realistic starting range so you can plan with confidence — before we narrow it down to your shortlisted universities.

PROGRAM LEVEL ANNUAL TUITION (CAD)

Diploma / PG diploma / certificate

15,000 – 20,000

Bachelor's degree

15,000 – 40,000

Master's degree

15,000 – 35,000

MBA

30,000 – 80,000

Note: Figures are indicative and depend on the university, program, and current exchange rates. Our counsellors give you an accurate, institution-specific breakdown before you apply.

Plan your finances before you land in Canada

$20,000 Avg. annual living cost (CAD), separate from tuition

Accommodation Biggest monthly expense $800–$2,000

Food & groceries Lower if you cook ahead $300–$500

Transport Transit passes bring this down $100–$150

Work While You Study: Your Guide to Earning in Canada

Wondering how you'll balance tuition, rent, and everyday expenses while studying abroad? Canada makes it possible to work legally alongside your studies — so you can gain real experience and ease the financial load while you earn your degree.

Off-campus work

Up to 24 hrs/week while classes are in session.

On-campus work

No hour limits during academic sessions.

Full-time during breaks

Full-time hours during summer, winter and spring breaks.

Co-op & internships

Paid work terms built into many programs.

Study permit simplifide

Everything You Need to Know Before You Apply — At a Glance

A Canadian study permit is entirely achievable when you know what's coming. Here's what matters most before you begin your application.

✓

DLI acceptance letter

Required from a recognised institution

✓

Proof of funds

Tuition, living costs, return travel

✓

4–12 week processing

Varies by country and volume

✓

Fully online application

Through the official IRCC portal

✓

Study permit fees

CAD 150 application + CAD 85 biometrics

✓

POE Letter on approval

Collect your permit on arrival

Study permit guidance

Tips for a Successful Application

Apply early

Start the moment your acceptance letter arrives.
Stay organized

Keep every document and email in one folder.
Trust official sources only

Refer to canada.ca (IRCC) only.
Submit a complete file

Missing documents are a top cause of delays.
Show clear proof of funds

Insufficient financial documentation often leads to rejection.
Be 100% accurate

False or misleading info can get you denied, or barred from future entry.

Immigration update

Study in Canada 2026: New Permit Cap & What It Means

Here's exactly what's changed — and how to stay ahead of it.

What's changing

Canada introduced a temporary two-year cap on international student permits, effective January 23, 2024.

Total study permits issued in 2024 are expected to drop by one-third compared to previous years.

Approximately 364,000 international students will still receive permits in 2024.

What it means for you

Fewer permits mean tougher competition for available seats.

Applications need to be stronger, earlier, and error-free.

Program and institution choice matters more than ever — and waiting until the last minute is riskier than before.

Work Permits

Your bridge from classroom to Canadian career

The PGWP lets you work for almost any employer, in almost any role, anywhere in Canada — giving you the freedom to build a career.

Any employer

No job offer needed before you apply — total flexibility from day one.

Anywhere in Canada

An open work permit means you're not tied to one province or role.

Builds toward PR

Canadian work experience that strengthens your Express Entry profile.

Eligibility isn't automatic. Graduating from a Designated Learning Institution doesn't guarantee a PGWP — eligibility depends on your specific program. We confirm your program's status against the official DLI list before you apply.

Master's under 2 years

Up to a 3-year PGWP

Minimum program duration of 8 months. In effect since February 15, 2024.

All other programs

Program length or passport expiry

Whichever comes first — so keeping your passport valid well beyond graduation matters.

Verified · July 2026 IRCC rules

Canada Study Permit FAQs:

Tap any question to expand the answer. Rules change often, so always confirm exact figures on canada.ca before you apply.

1Before you apply

In almost every case, yes. If your program is longer than six months, you need a study permit before you arrive, plus a letter of acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). Short courses of six months or less generally don't require a permit, but you'll still need a valid visitor visa or eTA.

Since 2024, Canada caps new study permit applications each year, and most applicants need a provincial or territorial attestation letter confirming a spot within that allocation. As of January 1, 2026, master's and doctoral students at public institutions, K-12 students, and qualifying exchange students are exempt. Quebec-bound students use a CAQ instead.

No. SDS has been discontinued. All applicants now go through the regular study permit stream, regardless of nationality.

At minimum, gather:

Letter of acceptance from your DLI
Your PAL/TAL or CAQ, if required
Proof of funds for tuition and living costs
A valid passport and passport photos
A letter of explanation about your study plan and ties home
Biometrics, if required for your nationality

2Paying for it

You need your full first-year tuition plus living expenses for yourself and any accompanying family. The living-cost threshold for a single applicant now sits roughly in the CAD $20,000–23,000 range outside Quebec, adjusted periodically. Quebec has its own, higher requirement. Always check the current figure on canada.ca.

Common options include:

Bank statements (yours or a sponsor's) covering 4–6 months
A Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC)
Proof of a student loan
A scholarship or funding letter
Receipts for tuition or housing already paid

The study permit fee is CAD $150. Biometrics cost CAD $85 (valid ten years). Add a medical exam if required (roughly CAD $200–400) and courier or photo costs, separate from tuition and living funds.

3While you study

Yes, in most cases without a separate work permit. Full-time students in eligible programs can work up to 24 hours per week off campus during terms, and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. The 24-hour cap is a hard weekly ceiling, not an average.

Not anymore, for most post-secondary students. As of April 1, 2026, if your placement is half or less of your total program hours, your study permit alone authorizes it — no separate co-op work permit needed.

Your off-campus work authorization is tied to full-time enrollment. Drop to part-time mid-term and you generally lose the right to work off campus for that term, even if your permit is still valid.

Often, yes — though a spouse's open work permit eligibility now depends on your level and field of study, and has narrowed in recent years. Children can typically attend Canadian primary or secondary school while you study.

4After you graduate

An open work permit for graduates of eligible programs, letting you work for almost any employer. Length generally matches your program, up to three years, and you can only receive one in your lifetime. Apply within 180 days of your final marks.

Generally yes, full-time, if you applied before your study permit expired, completed your program, and stayed within your work-hour limits throughout your studies. This is often called maintained or implied status.

It can, though it isn't automatic. Many PGWP holders qualify under the Canadian Experience Class through Express Entry, and some Provincial Nominee Programs offer additional routes. Treat PR as a genuine possibility to plan toward, not a guarantee.

Source: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (canada.ca) is the only authoritative source for current fees, funds thresholds, and eligibility. This section summarizes publicly reported rules as of July 2026 for general orientation and isn't immigration advice.

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Top Universities to Study in Canada for International Students

The top choice for Indian students, backed by the numbers

Your Canadian Degree Starts With The Right First Step