Top Five Steps To Study In Canada
Here are the top five steps to study in Canada.
Want to join the hundreds of thousands of international students that have made Canada their study destination? We’d love to welcome you! Whether you’re studying in person or online, here are the five steps to get started.
On this page:
Step 1: Find a world-class school or program
Step 2: Make a budget and find out how to pay for your studies
Step 3: Apply to a school
Step 4: Apply to study in Canada
Step 5: Get ready to come to Canada
Step 1: Find a world-class school or program
Canada is a land of endless possibilities. Start by doing your research to find the schools or programs that are the right fit for you. Consider where you’d like to live in Canada’s provinces and territories. Across the country, you can choose from small, welcoming rural communities and large vibrant cities.
You can search college and university programs in Canada with our search tool or find information about:
* elementary schools
* high schools
* language schools
Each province and each school in Canada sets their own admission requirements. For more information about programs and admission requirements, contact the school directly.
Step 2: Make a budget and find out how to pay for your studies
Studying in Canada is an affordable option. School fees for college and university are generally lower than fees in Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States.
You can use our search tool to search and compare tuition and living costs for different college and university programs across Canada. Depending on where you choose to study, your costs will be different. To help prepare your budget, use the search tool to get cost estimates for:
food
housing
transportation
health insurance
There are different ways to help finance your studies, such as:
scholarships, fellowships and grants
part-time work during your full-time studies
support from parents and/or family
Learn more about study costs for international students in Canada.
Step 3: Apply to a school
When applying to your chosen school, be sure to provide accurate information and the requested documents. Your school will tell you which documents you need and the next steps to follow. Keep in mind that the application fee will vary for each institution. Be sure to apply well in advance.
Your school or a designated third party may check your credentials and qualifications. You may be asked to provide documents such as your:
report card
transcripts
academic credentials
Step 4: Apply to study in Canada
Once your school gives you your letter of acceptance, you will need to find out:
1. if you need a study permit from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
2. if you can get your study permit faster through the Student Direct Stream
3. how to get your documents ready and apply online with IRCC
Note: If you will be studying in Quebec, you may also need to get a Quebec Acceptance Certificate from the government of Quebec before you apply for a study permit.
Once IRCC approves your application, they will ask you to send them your passport. They will send it back to you with your permit along with a letter of introduction.
When you travel to Canada, bring this letter with you and show it at the Canada Border Services officer. If you have been approved, the officer will then give you your study permit.
Alert: To limit the spread of coronavirus in Canada, travel restrictions are in place across all border crossings.
Before making plans to study in person:
find out if you can enter Canada
check COVID-19 travel requirements and exemptions
If you’re unable to come study in person, online learning may be the right choice for you. Many Canadian schools offer strong online and distance learning options. You can still study top programs, connect with teachers, make friends and grow your network.
Step 5: Get ready to come to Canada
We’re looking forward to welcoming you! Now, prepare for your journey:
Arrange your housing and accommodations
Find out what kind of travel and health insurance you need
Book your flight(s) and find out about baggage limits and customs rules
Bring a small amount of Canadian or US cash
Download the ArriveCan mobile app and provide mandatory travel information before your flight
Make sure you have all documents you need to bring with you, such as:
the letter of acceptance from your school
medical and immunization records
any documents your school asks you to bring
Find out what else you need to do in the going to Canada checklist.