How to Attend School in Canada

Why Go to School in Canada?

Canada is home to several prestigious universities that offer the highest quality education at a fraction of the cost of other similarly ranked schools worldwide. Furthermore, Canadian institutions offer a rich multicultural experience, due to the large number of international students that come to study here. Foreign students of almost any age can be educated in a Canadian school. Completing education in Canada also opens prospects for permanent residency in the country.

In order to go to school in Canada, you will most likely need to obtain a study permit.

Who needs a study permit?

Generally, all foreigners wanting to study in Canada require a study permit. However, there are these limited exceptions:

• Individuals undertaking academic programs shorter than 6 months
  • Foreign nationals who will be in Canada for maximum 6 months can enroll in classes or courses during this time without a study permit.
  • Note: Students from a country that requires a Visitor Visa to enter Canada will still require this to undertake such programs.
• Diplomats and foreign representatives
  • These individuals are permitted to have their family members accompany them to Canada. Once the family members have been authenticated by Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development, they do not need a Canadian study permit.
• Military personnel
  • According to the Visiting Forces Act, an individual member of a foreign army stationed in Canada does not need a study permit to pursue an education in Canada.
  • Note: This only applies to the individual who is a foreign military personnel, not to any of their dependent family members.
• Minor children
  • Generally, foreign minor children require a study permit to enroll in elementary school in Canada. However, specific categories are exempt:
    • Minor children attending preschool (prior to grade 1).
    • Minor children who are refugees.
    • Minor children of refugee status seekers.
    • Minor children accompanying parents who have valid Canadian work or study permits.
• Foreign nationals that are Registered Indians

You can use this tool to find out if you need a study permit.

What is required for a Canadian Study Permit?

You should gather the correct documentation before applying for your study permit:

Letter of acceptance from a Canadian educational institution

• The first thing you need in order to begin applying for a Canadian study permit is an offer to be a student here from a Canadian educational institution.

Valid passport

• Once you have received a letter of acceptance from a recognized Canadian school, college or university, you need to ensure you have a valid passport. If any dependent family members will be accompanying you to Canada, they will need valid passports too.

Sufficient funds

• To be granted a study permit, you need to show Canadian immigration that you have the financial capacity to subsist. This includes the ability to afford the following:
  • Tuition fees
  • Living expenses
  • Accommodation, food, transport, etc. during your study period in Canada
  • Return flight back to your home country once your period of study ends or study permit expires

Obtaining a Study Permit as a Visitor

Visitors to Canada can apply for a study permit while in Canada, if they:

• Are in pre-school, primary or secondary school.
• Are on academic exchange or a visiting student at a designated learning institution.
• Have completed a course or any other form or requisite for acceptance at a designated learning institution.

Once you have everything you need, you can apply online.

Rules for Study Permit Holders

Study Requirements

Applicant must enroll and continue to study in Canada at an educational institution.

The study permit holder must be completing at least 6 months of educational, vocational or professional training, leading to a degree, diploma or certificate from a certified institution.

Working While Studying

A study permit allows working off-campus for 20 hours per week during the academic session and full-time during any breaks, without the need for a work permit.

Academic program standards must be maintained to continue working off-campus.

Applying for a Co-Op Work Permit requires co-op placement to be a necessary study component for an international student attending a secondary school or designated institution.

Life After Study Permits

Study permits remain valid up to 90 days following the completion of studies (regardless of whether the expiration date is after this). Afterward, you will need a valid work permit or other authorization to remain in Canada.

Working full-time is authorized during the interim period of awaiting Post-Graduation Work Permits.

Foreign students are eligible for open work permits and have an easier time qualifying for Canadian Permanent Residency.

Types of Canadian educational institutions

Primary and Secondary
Primary school is usually called elementary school, and secondary school is generally called high school. Quebec also has a program called CEGEP after high school, which is 2 years long, and then leads to starting a program at university.

Primary and secondary schools in Canada are automatically designated as schools that can accept international students.

Post-Secondary
This is the level of education that follows secondary, and is done at college or university.

Check which post-secondary institutions are authorized for international students.