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Study Permit

A study permit is required for most foreign nationals who wish to study at a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada. Make sure you have all the necessary documents and apply for your study permit before you travel to Canada. Your study permit is linked to your school: if you are a post-secondary student and want to change to a different DLI, you must first apply for a new study permit (an extension) and, in most cases, include a new provincial or territorial attestation letter (PAL/TAL).
Canada is a top destination for international students worldwide, offering diverse educational opportunities and a welcoming environment. If you are considering studying in Canada, you must first obtain a Canadian study permit. This permit allows you to legally study at designated learning institutions (DLIs) in Canada and is essential for your academic journey in the country.



A DLI is a school approved by a provincial or territorial government to host international students. A full list of DLIs by province / territory is maintained by the Government of Canada.

studying in Canada

Schools and Programs

In Canada, each province and territory manages its own education system.

The different types of schools and programs available are outlined below:

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS

These schools teach students from grade 1 to grade 12. Once completing grade 12, students receive their high school diploma. All Canadian primary and secondary schools are classified as DLIs (therefore not included in the Government of Canada’s DLI list)

POST-SECONDARY SCHOOLS

These include colleges, universities, trade schools, language schools. Students are only eligible to attend a post-secondary school if they possess a high school diploma. Foreign national students must demonstrate a high school diploma equivalent in order to attend a post-secondary school. To qualify for a study permit, the post-secondary school must be a DLI.

  • COLLEGE

A college is a post-secondary educational institution authorized to grant certificates and diplomas. College programs provide more practical, hands-on learning, and tend to be more directly career-oriented in comparison to universities.

 

  • UNIVERSITY

A university is a post-secondary educational institution authorized to award degrees. All universities offer Bachelor’s Degree programs, and many also offer Master’s and PhD programs.

 

  • TRADE SCHOOLS

A trade school offers learning for a specialized occupation, most commonly in some form of manual labour. Once sufficient learning is acquired, students are able to enroll in an apprenticeship program, where they will work with experienced tradespersons in the field to refine their skillset.

PRIVATE CAREER COLLEGES

These institutions offer specialized training certificate and diploma programs.

WE ARE AUTHORISED AGENTS OF THE FOLLOWING INSTITUTIONS:

Alborz High School, Blyth Academy, Bodwell High School, Fieldstone School, Fleming College, J. Addison School, Toronto International Academy, University Canada West, York University Continuing Studies, Alexander Academy, Rotman Arts and Science School.

STUDYING IN FRENCH

This is for students who prefer to study in French in the province of Quebec. Quebec has its own immigration processes and policies, making the application process to study there different from other provinces. International students must first obtain a Certificat d’acceptation du Quebec (CAQ) before applying for a study permit to pursue education in this province.

studying in Canada

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for applying for a study permit, applicants must meet the below requirements:

  • Have a Valid Passport or other lawful travel document
  • Have an Acceptance Letter from a DLI
  • Provide Proof of Financial Support
  • Have Sufficient Funds to pay student fees and all other expenses for the first year (including transportation, housing, meals)
  • Have a clean Criminal Record through completion of a police clearance certificate
  • Complete a Medical Examination of health
  • Provide other Supporting Documentation, which varies depending on the home country

studying in Canada

How to Apply to a School, College, or University

Once you’ve chosen a school, college, or university, follow these steps:

APPLICATION PROCESS

Each institution has its own application process. Contact the school where you want to study, to learn how to apply. They will provide you with a list of required documents.

APPLICATION TIMELINE

  • Apply one year in advance

COSTS AND FEES

The application fee for a study permit is $150 CAD. There are other fees that will need to be paid, including:

  • School application fees
  • Tuition fees
  • Health insurance
  • Rent
  • Cost of living in Canada

LETTER OF ACCEPTANCE

If the school admits you as a student, they will send you a letter of acceptance. You’ll need this letter to apply for a study permit

HEALTH INSURANCE

The Canadian government does not cover medical costs in most Provinces for foreign students. Health coverage varies depending on the location.

Study permit cap and attestation letters: Canada limits the number of study permits it issues each year. For 2026, IRCC plans to issue up to 408,000 study permits, including 155,000 for new arrivals. Most applicants must include a provincial or territorial attestation letter (PAL/TAL) from the province or territory where they will study. You do not need one if, for example, you will study in preschool, primary or secondary school (up to grade 12), or in a master’s or doctoral degree program at a public DLI (from January 1, 2026), or if you are extending your permit at the same school and level of study. Students going to Quebec generally need a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) instead.

Get Started

studying in Canada

Work While Studying in Canada

International students may be able to work while studying without a separate work permit. Eligible full-time students at a DLI can work off campus up to 24 hours per week during regular school terms, and without an hourly limit during scheduled breaks such as summer or winter holidays. To be eligible, your program must be at least six months long and lead to a degree, diploma or certificate, your study permit must allow off-campus work, and you need a Social Insurance Number (SIN). Students taking only English or French as a second language, or general interest courses, generally cannot work off campus.

studying in Canada

Processing times

The Student Direct Stream (SDS) ended on November 8, 2024. All students now apply through the regular study permit process, and processing times depend on the country you apply from. Please apply as early as possible after you receive your letter of acceptance and, if required, your PAL/TAL.

The Team at M. Tabatabaee Immigration Services is ready to assist you to obtain a Study Permit. Whether you are a parent seeking a Study Permit for your children, a post-secondary student, or a recent graduate looking to attain a PostGraduate Work Permit, we are available to guide you. 

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