Study in Canada
Canada offers high-quality education and a well-defined pathway for international students to gain permanent residency. The **Study Permit** is the main document, often issued alongside a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or eTA. Students are typically allowed to work up to 20 hours per week off-campus during school sessions.
Application timeline
4-16 weeks (varies significantly by country of origin, not including biometrics/medical checks).
Living cost
CAD 1,500 - 2,500/month (varies greatly by city, Toronto/Vancouver being the highest).
Hourly wage
$16 - $22 CAD/hr (Provincial minimum wage varies, e.g., Ontario is $16.55, BC is $17.40).
Study visa confidence
Our AI compares your grades, finances, and previous visas with real student approvals to predict how admissions officers will view your application for Canada.
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Student visa pathways
Processing times, work rights, required documents, and dependent rules for each permit route.
Study Permit (Student Visa)
Temporary Resident, Academic
Validity
Duration of study program + 90 days
Processing time
Varies greatly, 1-16 weeks depending on country of application.
Fee
CAD $150 (Study Permit) + CAD $85 (Biometrics)
Work rights
Off-campus work is typically permitted up to 20 hours/week during studies.
Documents required
Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from a DLI, Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL, if required), Proof of Funds, Passport, Biometrics.
Dependents
Yes, Spouse/Common-Law Partner may apply for an Open Work Permit. · Yes, spouse/partner may work full-time with an Open Work Permit (O.W.P.).
Top universities & flagship programs
Shortlist globally-ranked institutions with tuition benchmarks.
University of Toronto (U of T)
Toronto, ON · #1 (in Canada, varies globally)
Master of Finance (MFin)
1-2 years · CAD $75,000/yr
University of British Columbia (UBC)
Vancouver, BC · #2 (in Canada, varies globally)
Bachelor of Applied Science (Engineering)
4 years · CAD $45,000/yr (Intl)
Scholarships & exchange routes
Reduce tuition costs and build international exposure.
Scholarships
Merit + needs-based opportunities
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Vanier CGS)
CAD $50,000 per year for 3 years
Canadian or international PhD students demonstrating leadership skills and a high standard of scholarly achievement.
Trudeau Foundation Scholarships
Up to $60,000/yr for 4 years + $20,000/yr for research and travel
International doctoral candidates pursuing research in four areas: Human Rights, Responsible Citizenship, Canada and the World, People and the Natural Environment.
Government of Canada International Scholarships (Various)
Varies (e.g., short-term research grants)
Varies by program (e.g., Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program (ELAP)).
Exchange partners
1-2 semester mobility
Study Abroad/Exchange Agreements
1 semester or 1 year
Specific to the student's home university and Canadian partner institution; usually requires a minimum GPA (e.g., 3.0/4.0).
Announcements & policy watch
Stay ahead of IRCC and embassy updates.
Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) Requirement
As of January 2024, most new study permit applicants require a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) from the province/territory where they plan to study, adding a new step to the application process.
Visa success playbook
Action items that consistently strengthen study permit approvals.
Get a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) as proof of funds; write a persuasive Letter of Explanation (SOP) that clearly articulates career goals and strong reasons for returning home (even if planning PR); use the PAL process correctly.
Country fast facts
Key embassy + lifestyle data
Official language
English, French
Currency
Canadian Dollar (CAD)
Time zone
UTC-08:00 to UTC-03:30
Visa portal
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Part-time work ideas
Average hourly wages
Retail/Hospitality Associate
CAD $16 - $22/hr (varies by province)
Working in restaurants, cafes, or retail stores. Common off-campus jobs for students, adhering to the 20-hour limit.
University Research Assistant
CAD $18 - $30/hr
Part-time work within the university, often related to the student's field of study, or co-op placements.
Nearest embassies
Plan biometrics & interviews
Job market insights
Very strong. The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is a direct pathway to permanent residency through various federal (Express Entry) and provincial nominee programs (PNPs).