Canada remains an important destination for international students considering undergraduate and postgraduate education. However, obtaining admission to a Canadian institution is only one part of the process.
Most international students also need a study permit to study in Canada. Applicants must demonstrate that they have been accepted by an eligible institution, have sufficient funds and meet the applicable immigration requirements.
The rules have also changed in recent years, including important changes affecting master's and doctoral students and eligibility for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
IMPORTANT 2026 UPDATE
Master's and doctoral students have an important PAL/TAL exemption
From 1 January 2026, applicants planning to attend a degree-granting master's or doctoral program at a public institution generally do not need a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) or Territorial Attestation Letter (TAL).
Quebec has separate provincial requirements, so students planning to study there should check the applicable Quebec rules.
1. Do you need a Canadian study permit?
Most foreign nationals need a study permit to study in Canada.
If your program lasts more than six months, you will generally need a study permit and should apply before travelling to Canada.
Short-term exception
Some students coming to Canada for a program lasting six months or less may not need a study permit, depending on their circumstances.
2. You need admission to a Canadian institution
Before applying for a study permit, you generally need a Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from a Canadian Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
The institution must be authorised to host international students, and students should confirm that their chosen institution and program meet the requirements for their plans.
Before accepting an offer, check:
- ✓ The institution is a Designated Learning Institution
- ✓ The specific program is suitable for your study plans
- ✓ The program's PGWP eligibility where relevant
- ✓ Tuition and living costs
- ✓ Any provincial requirements
3. What documents are normally required?
The exact document checklist depends on your circumstances and country of application, but applicants should expect to provide evidence supporting their study plans.
Common documents
- ✓ Valid passport
- ✓ Letter of Acceptance
- ✓ Proof of financial support
- ✓ PAL/TAL where required
- ✓ Supporting identity documents
Depending on your case
- ✓ Medical examination
- ✓ Police certificate
- ✓ Biometrics
- ✓ Additional country-specific documents
- ✓ Evidence explaining your study plans
4. How much money do you need?
Applicants must demonstrate that they have enough money to pay for tuition, living expenses and transportation without relying on employment in Canada to fund those costs.
For applications made on or after 1 September 2025, the published minimum living-expense amount for one applicant outside Quebec is CAD $22,895 for the first year, excluding tuition and transportation.
These figures exclude tuition and transportation. The required amounts are updated periodically, so applicants should verify the current figure before applying.
5. What can you use as proof of funds?
Canada accepts a range of evidence to demonstrate financial support. The documents should clearly show that the required funds are genuinely available.
Examples include:
- ✓ Recent bank statements
- ✓ Proof of tuition or housing already paid
- ✓ Canadian bank account evidence
- ✓ Student or education loan evidence
- ✓ Scholarship or financial-support evidence
- ✓ A financial support letter together with evidence of funds
For programs longer than one year, applicants should also explain how they intend to finance the full duration of their studies.
6. Do master's students need PAL or TAL?
This is one of the most important changes for postgraduate applicants.
FROM 1 JANUARY 2026
Public-institution master's and doctoral applicants are generally exempt from PAL/TAL.
This applies to degree-granting master's and doctoral programs at public institutions, subject to the applicable rules.
Students planning to study in Quebec should check Quebec's separate requirements.
7. Can international students work while studying?
Eligible international students may be allowed to work in Canada while studying, subject to the conditions attached to their study permit.
Students should not build their financial plan around the assumption that employment will cover tuition and required living funds. Applicants must demonstrate sufficient financial support when applying for their study permit.
Important principle
Work rights are a condition of immigration status and may depend on the student's circumstances. Always check the conditions printed on your study permit and the latest Canadian government guidance.
8. What is the Post-Graduation Work Permit?
The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) can allow graduates of eligible Canadian institutions and programs to gain Canadian work experience after their studies.
However, graduating from a Canadian institution does not automatically make someone eligible for a PGWP.
Check before choosing your program
- ✓ Is the institution PGWP-eligible?
- ✓ Is the specific program eligible?
- ✓ Does the program meet the required duration?
- ✓ Will the program meet any applicable language requirements?
- ✓ Are there field-of-study requirements for your program?
9. BSc and MSc students should pay attention to PGWP rules
The rules are not identical for every type of program.
Graduates with a bachelor's, master's or doctoral degree have specific PGWP language requirements, but they are not subject to the same field-of-study requirement that applies to certain other university programs.
BSc
Bachelor's degree
Bachelor's graduates can qualify for a PGWP where all applicable requirements are met.
MSc
Master's degree
Master's graduates also have a specific PGWP pathway, with language and other eligibility requirements.
10. How long can a PGWP last?
The length of a PGWP depends on factors including the level and duration of the study program and the expiry date of the applicant's passport.
A longer eligible program can therefore provide a different PGWP outcome from a shorter program.
PLAN AHEAD
Check PGWP eligibility before paying your tuition deposit.
Your choice of institution and program can affect your post-graduation work options.
11. What about family members?
Students who plan to travel with a spouse or children should check the rules that apply to accompanying family members before making their plans.
Family immigration rules have changed in Canada, and the eligibility of a spouse or partner for an open work permit can depend on the student's level and type of study.
Family members should check their own eligibility rather than assuming that a student's study permit automatically gives every family member work rights.
12. Common mistakes applicants should avoid
CANADA STUDY PERMIT CHECKLIST
Before submitting your application
Final thoughts
Canada can offer international students valuable academic and professional opportunities, but successful planning requires more than securing admission.
Students should consider the study permit requirements, financial evidence, provincial rules and the post-graduation work options associated with their chosen program.
For students considering a BSc or MSc, checking the current rules before committing to a course can help avoid expensive mistakes later.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
This article is provided by Jamestuns Trading Venture for general informational purposes only. Canadian immigration rules, financial requirements, fees and study permit policies can change. This information should not be treated as immigration or legal advice. Applicants should check the latest Government of Canada guidance and obtain appropriate professional advice where necessary.