Why Study in Canada?
Canada is one of the most popular and welcoming destinations for international students. It is home to high-ranking universities, public colleges, and institutes that offer practical, career-focused education in a safe and multicultural environment.
Canadian qualifications are well respected worldwide, and graduates are often able to gain valuable work experience in Canada after their studies. With strong student protection, clear rules for post-study work, and pathways to permanent residency for eligible candidates, Canada is an attractive long-term option for many students.
Cities like Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Calgary, Winnipeg, and Halifax offer excellent quality of life, modern campuses, and vibrant communities that welcome international students.
Canadian qualifications are well respected worldwide, and graduates are often able to gain valuable work experience in Canada after their studies. With strong student protection, clear rules for post-study work, and pathways to permanent residency for eligible candidates, Canada is an attractive long-term option for many students.
Cities like Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Calgary, Winnipeg, and Halifax offer excellent quality of life, modern campuses, and vibrant communities that welcome international students.
🎓
High-Quality Education
Public universities and colleges are regulated and recognized globally, with strong academic and practical components.
💼
Work & Career Pathways
Eligible graduates from designated public institutions may qualify for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), helping them gain Canadian work experience.
🌎
Safe, Multicultural & Welcoming
Canada is known for safety, diversity, and friendly communities that welcome international students from all over the world.
Popular Programs & Career Paths
• STEM & Technology: Computer science, software engineering, data analytics, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity.
• Engineering: Civil, mechanical, electrical, mechatronics, environmental engineering.
• Business & Management: Business administration, accounting, finance, marketing, supply chain, project management.
• Health & Life Sciences: Nursing, public health, biotechnology, medical laboratory, health administration.
• Hospitality & Tourism: Hotel management, tourism, culinary, event management.
• Creative & Design: Graphic design, animation, gaming, UX/UI, media and communication.
• Engineering: Civil, mechanical, electrical, mechatronics, environmental engineering.
• Business & Management: Business administration, accounting, finance, marketing, supply chain, project management.
• Health & Life Sciences: Nursing, public health, biotechnology, medical laboratory, health administration.
• Hospitality & Tourism: Hotel management, tourism, culinary, event management.
• Creative & Design: Graphic design, animation, gaming, UX/UI, media and communication.
Note: Many Canadian colleges and universities offer co-op or internship options, allowing you to gain paid work experience during your program.
Education System & Types of Institutions in Canada
International students must study at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) approved by the Canadian government. Common types of institutions include:
• Public Universities: Research-focused institutions offering bachelor’s, master’s and PhD programs. Many are globally ranked and offer strong academic reputations.
• Public Colleges & Institutes: Career-focused programs (diplomas, advanced diplomas, applied degrees, graduate certificates) with strong links to industry and practical training.
• Polytechnic & Applied Institutes: Emphasize hands-on learning, labs, and co-op placements in technical and professional fields.
• Private Colleges: Some are recognized DLIs, but not all programs lead to a PGWP. Students must check carefully before applying.
• Public Universities: Research-focused institutions offering bachelor’s, master’s and PhD programs. Many are globally ranked and offer strong academic reputations.
• Public Colleges & Institutes: Career-focused programs (diplomas, advanced diplomas, applied degrees, graduate certificates) with strong links to industry and practical training.
• Polytechnic & Applied Institutes: Emphasize hands-on learning, labs, and co-op placements in technical and professional fields.
• Private Colleges: Some are recognized DLIs, but not all programs lead to a PGWP. Students must check carefully before applying.
Important: If you want a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), choose programs and institutions that are both DLI-listed and PGWP-eligible.
Estimated Tuition Fees for International Students
Tuition fees vary by province, institution type, and program:
Many institutions offer entrance scholarships, tuition discounts, or assistantships. GAC can help you compare and find cost-effective options for your budget.
Foundation / Certificate / Diploma
Approx. CAD $10,000 – $18,000 per year at public colleges.
Approx. CAD $10,000 – $18,000 per year at public colleges.
Undergraduate – Bachelor’s Degree
Approx. CAD $20,000 – $40,000 per year (higher for Engineering & Health).
Approx. CAD $20,000 – $40,000 per year (higher for Engineering & Health).
Post-Graduate Diploma (PG Diploma)
Approx. CAD $14,000 – $22,000 per year at public colleges.
Approx. CAD $14,000 – $22,000 per year at public colleges.
Master’s Degree
Approx. CAD $18,000 – $35,000+ per year, depending on university and field.
Approx. CAD $18,000 – $35,000+ per year, depending on university and field.
PhD / Doctorate
Approx. CAD $6,000 – $12,000 per year. Many PhD students receive funding or tuition waivers.
Approx. CAD $6,000 – $12,000 per year. Many PhD students receive funding or tuition waivers.
Many institutions offer entrance scholarships, tuition discounts, or assistantships. GAC can help you compare and find cost-effective options for your budget.
Admission Requirements for International Students
Requirements vary by province, institution, and program, but generally include:
College Diplomas & Undergraduate
• Completed high school / Grade 12 or equivalent
• Minimum overall grades as required by the institution
• English proficiency test (IELTS/TOEFL/Duolingo/PTE, etc.)
• Sometimes math/science prerequisites for tech programs
• Completed high school / Grade 12 or equivalent
• Minimum overall grades as required by the institution
• English proficiency test (IELTS/TOEFL/Duolingo/PTE, etc.)
• Sometimes math/science prerequisites for tech programs
Bachelor’s & Post-Graduate Programs
• Bachelor admission: high school + required subjects
• Post-graduate/certificate: bachelor’s degree in a related field
• University master’s: bachelor’s with good GPA
• English proficiency scores as required
• CV / resume, SOP, references (for some progms)
• Bachelor admission: high school + required subjects
• Post-graduate/certificate: bachelor’s degree in a related field
• University master’s: bachelor’s with good GPA
• English proficiency scores as required
• CV / resume, SOP, references (for some progms)
English Test Options (IELTS, TOEFL, Duolingo, PTE)
Most Canadian institutions accept multiple English tests, giving you flexibility:
Exact minimum scores depend on each institution and program. GAC helps you confirm the English requirement before you apply.
IELTS Academic
Widely accepted for both colleges and universities.
Widely accepted for both colleges and universities.
TOEFL iBT
Accepted at many Canadian institutions.
Accepted at many Canadian institutions.
Duolingo English Test
Online test, fast results, accepted by many colleges and universities.
Online test, fast results, accepted by many colleges and universities.
PTE Academic
Increasingly accepted by Canadian DLIs.
Increasingly accepted by Canadian DLIs.
Exact minimum scores depend on each institution and program. GAC helps you confirm the English requirement before you apply.
Main Intakes for Canada
Most Canadian institutions offer multiple intakes:
GAC helps you choose the right intake based on your current studies, English test dates, and visa processing time.
Fall Intake (September)
The main intake with the largest number of programs and seats.
The main intake with the largest number of programs and seats.
Winter Intake (January)
Good option if you miss Fall, with many programs open.
Good option if you miss Fall, with many programs open.
Spring / Summer (May)
Limited programs, often in colleges or specific subjects.
Limited programs, often in colleges or specific subjects.
GAC helps you choose the right intake based on your current studies, English test dates, and visa processing time.
Documents Checklist for Canada Applications
Before applying, prepare clear scanned copies of:
Academic & Identity
• Passport (valid for 1 yr & above)
• Academic transcripts and certificates
• Grading scale or explanation (if needed)
• English test score report
• Passport (valid for 1 yr & above)
• Academic transcripts and certificates
• Grading scale or explanation (if needed)
• English test score report
Supporting Documents
• CV / résumé (for some programs)
• Statement of purpose
• Recommendation letters (for some programs)
• Portfolio (for design / arts, if required)
• CV / résumé (for some programs)
• Statement of purpose
• Recommendation letters (for some programs)
• Portfolio (for design / arts, if required)
Financial
• Bank statements showing required funds
• Sponsorship / affidavit for financial
• Scholarship or funding letters (if any)
• Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) – if required for your province and intake
• Bank statements showing required funds
• Sponsorship / affidavit for financial
• Scholarship or funding letters (if any)
• Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) – if required for your province and intake
Canada Study Permit & Financial Proof
To study in Canada for more than 6 months, you usually need a Study Permit. Key steps include:
1. Receive a Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
2. Obtain a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) if your program and province require it (many new applicants now need PAL as part of the study permit process).
3. Prepare financial documents to show you can cover tuition fees and living expenses for at least one year.
4. Create an online account and submit your study permit application to IRCC with LOA, PAL (if required), and financial proof.
5. Provide biometrics (photo and fingerprints) and complete medical exam if required.
6. Wait for a decision and then receive your Port of Entry Letter (approval) if successful.
1. Receive a Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
2. Obtain a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) if your program and province require it (many new applicants now need PAL as part of the study permit process).
3. Prepare financial documents to show you can cover tuition fees and living expenses for at least one year.
4. Create an online account and submit your study permit application to IRCC with LOA, PAL (if required), and financial proof.
5. Provide biometrics (photo and fingerprints) and complete medical exam if required.
6. Wait for a decision and then receive your Port of Entry Letter (approval) if successful.
Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL):
A Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) is a confirmation from a Canadian province or territory that your study permit application is counted within its allocation.
For many new study permit applicants, Canada now requires a PAL or a Territorial Attestation Letter (TAL) from the province or territory where you plan to study.
Some students are exempt (for example, certain master’s or PhD programs), but most college and undergraduate applicants do need a PAL.
GAC helps you check whether your chosen program needs a PAL and follow the latest IRCC rules before you apply.
Financial Proof: Canada requires proof of tuition + cost of living. The official required living fund amount is updated by IRCC and may change every year. GAC helps you check the latest requirement for your case and prepare the correct financial documents.
Financial Proof: Canada requires proof of tuition + cost of living. The official required living fund amount is updated by IRCC and may change every year. GAC helps you check the latest requirement for your case and prepare the correct financial documents.
Work During and After Studies
On-campus / Off-campus Work
Eligible full-time students at designated learning institutions (DLIs) can usually work up to 20 hours per week during academic sessions and full-time during scheduled breaks, subject to current IRCC rules.
Eligible full-time students at designated learning institutions (DLIs) can usually work up to 20 hours per week during academic sessions and full-time during scheduled breaks, subject to current IRCC rules.
Co-op & Internships
Some programs include mandatory co-op or internship terms that require a separate co-op work permit. These placements typically provide around 4–12 months of full-time, paid Canadian work experience related to your field.
Some programs include mandatory co-op or internship terms that require a separate co-op work permit. These placements typically provide around 4–12 months of full-time, paid Canadian work experience related to your field.
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
Graduates of eligible programs may qualify for a PGWP of up to 3 years, depending on the length of their study program, allowing them to gain full-time Canadian work experience after graduation.
Graduates of eligible programs may qualify for a PGWP of up to 3 years, depending on the length of their study program, allowing them to gain full-time Canadian work experience after graduation.
These options help you gain Canadian work experience and strengthen your profile for future PR pathways, where applicable under Canadian immigration policies.
Benefits of Applying Through Global Admission Connect (GAC)
GAC and its partner agencies help you choose the right Canadian college or university based on your budget, academic background, and long-term plans.
1. Institution & Program Matching
We recommend PGWP-eligible and DLI institutions that fit your profile and goals.
We recommend PGWP-eligible and DLI institutions that fit your profile and goals.
2. Application & Scholarship Support
Guidance on forms, essays, document uploads, and available scholarships or discounts.
Guidance on forms, essays, document uploads, and available scholarships or discounts.
3. Study Permit & Pre-Departure Help
Study permit guidance, basic document checking, and tips for accommodation and arrival.
Study permit guidance, basic document checking, and tips for accommodation and arrival.
How to Apply to Study in Canada with GAC
• Register in the GAC Portal – Create your student profile in Global Admission Connect.
• Shortlist Programs & Provinces – Choose college/university, city, budget, and intake.
• Check Entry & English Requirements – Confirm academic and language requirements for each program.
• Prepare Documents – Use the documents checklist above as your guide.
• Submit Applications – Apply through GAC to partner Canadian institutions.
• Receive LOA – Once accepted and deposit (if required) is paid, you receive your Letter of Acceptance.
• Apply for Study Permit – Submit your study permit application with financial proof and supporting documents.
• Plan Travel & Arrival – Book flights, arrange accommodation, and attend orientation at your institution.
GAC supports you at each step – from course selection to study permit guidance and pre-departure information.
• Shortlist Programs & Provinces – Choose college/university, city, budget, and intake.
• Check Entry & English Requirements – Confirm academic and language requirements for each program.
• Prepare Documents – Use the documents checklist above as your guide.
• Submit Applications – Apply through GAC to partner Canadian institutions.
• Receive LOA – Once accepted and deposit (if required) is paid, you receive your Letter of Acceptance.
• Apply for Study Permit – Submit your study permit application with financial proof and supporting documents.
• Plan Travel & Arrival – Book flights, arrange accommodation, and attend orientation at your institution.
GAC supports you at each step – from course selection to study permit guidance and pre-departure information.