Study in Canada

The course you choose is one of the biggest decisions in your Canadian journey. It affects your daily life as a student, and it can also affect whether you can get a work permit after you graduate.

Start with you, not the PGWP

Before you look at work permits, ask yourself:

• What do I enjoy and do well?
• What does my previous study or work experience say about the next step?
• What job do I want to be doing in 5 years?
• Can I complete this course full-time and pass it?

A course you can finish and use is better than one you chose only because of a rule.

Tip: Your Syllabize counsellor can talk through course options with you and help you see how each one fits your background.

Why the course matters for your work permit

After graduating, many students apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). IRCC sets rules about which programs qualify. Not every program at a designated learning institution (DLI) is PGWP-eligible.

Here is how the rules work at present:

Degree programs (bachelor's, master's, doctoral)

• There is no field-of-study requirement for these degrees.
• You still need to meet the other PGWP rules, such as the English level, full-time study and a program of at least 8 months.

College, polytechnic and other non-degree programs

• If you applied for your study permit on or after 1 November 2024, your program must be in an eligible field of study.
• Eligible fields are linked to jobs that Canada has long-term shortages in. Examples seen on the official list include agriculture, healthcare, teaching and child care.
• The same field-of-study rule also applies to other university programs that are not bachelor's, master's or doctoral degrees.

Watch out: The list of eligible fields can change. IRCC says it will not add or remove fields during 2026, but you should check again before you apply.

How to check a program

Every program has a six-digit CIP code, which classifies it by field of study. To check yours:

1. Ask the institution for the CIP code of your exact program. Many publish it on their website.
2. Check that code against IRCC's list of currently eligible CIP codes.
3. Check the institution's entry in the official DLI list and see its list of PGWP-eligible programs.

The CIP code must be on the list when you submit either your study permit application or your PGWP application.

Public and private colleges

Choose carefully here.

• Programs taught by a private college on behalf of a public college (sometimes called "public-private partnerships" or curriculum licensing agreements) are generally not PGWP-eligible. Limited exceptions apply to older programs that started before certain 2023 and 2024 dates.
• Some private institutions do have PGWP-eligible programs, but not all of their programs qualify.
• Always check the program, not just the institution's name or its DLI status.

Other things that stop a PGWP

Even a good program can fail to qualify if:

• it is shorter than 8 months
• it is mainly English or French as a second language, or a general-interest course
• more than half of it is studied online
• you do not study full-time in each semester (part-time is allowed in your final semester)

Matching your course to your background

• Choose a course that builds on your earlier studies or work. It makes your story clear.
• If you want to change field, be ready to explain why. We cover this in the SOP stage.
• Compare two or three courses in the same field at different institutions, since content and co-op options differ.

Watch out: Be careful of anyone who says a course will "guarantee" a PGWP, work permit or PR. Eligibility depends on the rules at the time and on your own record. No agent or college can promise an outcome.

Some programs ask for a Statement of Purpose (SOP) and letters of recommendation (LORs) as part of your admission application. These documents help the admissions team understand who you are beyond your marks.

Good to know: An SOP for admission is not the same as the documents you submit later for a study permit. We cover those in a later stage.

Do you need them?

It depends on the institution and the program.

• Many graduate (postgraduate) programs ask for an SOP and two or three references.
• Some diploma and undergraduate programs ask for only a short personal statement, or nothing extra.
• The name can change too. You may see "statement of interest", "letter of intent" or "personal statement".

Always read the admission page of your exact program. Each institution sets its own rules for length, format and the number of letters.

Writing your SOP

Your SOP answers three simple questions:

1. Why this field? What started your interest, and what have you done about it?
2. Why this program and institution? Show that you have read about the courses, not just the name.
3. What next? What do you hope to do after graduating?

A simple structure

• Opening: One or two sentences about your interest. Be specific rather than dramatic.
• Your background: Your studies, projects, work or volunteering, and what you learned from them.
• Why this program: Name the subjects or features that fit your plans.
• Your goals: A realistic plan for the next few years.
• Closing: A short, confident end.

Tips that make a difference

• Use your own voice. Write in simple, clear English you can explain in an interview.
• Be specific. "I built a small inventory app for my uncle's shop" is better than "I am passionate about technology".
• Explain gaps or changes of field honestly. A change of direction is fine if you can explain it.
• Follow the instructions. Respect the word limit and any questions the institution asks.
• Do not copy. Samples and templates can show you the format, but your story must be yours. Admissions teams read hundreds of SOPs and can spot copied or generic ones.
• Check the details. Spelling, names of courses and your own dates must be right.

Watch out: Never include false information or ask anyone to invent achievements for you. Dishonest statements and fake documents can lead to a refused application and serious problems with later immigration applications.

Tip: Your Syllabize counsellor can read your draft and give feedback on clarity and structure. The ideas and the final words should stay yours.

Getting strong letters of recommendation

A good letter comes from someone who knows your work well and can give real examples.

Who to ask

• Academic referees: A teacher or professor who taught you recently, ideally in a smaller class where they knew you.
• Professional referees: A manager or supervisor, especially for diploma, professional or work-linked programs.
• Check what the institution allows. Some ask for at least one academic referee. Some do not accept letters from family or friends.

How to ask

• Ask early. Give your referee at least a few weeks, not days.
• Ask politely and clearly. For example: "Do you feel you know my work well enough to write a strong letter for me?"
• Give them what they need:
  • your CV and your marks or transcript
  • your draft SOP
  • the program name and deadline
  • the submission instructions
• Send a gentle reminder a week before the deadline.
• Say thank you afterwards, whatever the result.

How letters are usually sent

Rules differ, but many institutions ask referees to submit their letters directly, often through an online form or from an official institutional email address. This is so the institution knows the letter is genuine. Check how your institution wants it done before you ask.

Watch out: Do not write the letter yourself and ask your referee to sign it, and do not use a fake or purchased letter. This can count as dishonesty.

Keep everything consistent

Your SOP, CV, transcripts, test results and letters should all tell the same story. Names, dates, subjects and job titles should match exactly. Small mismatches can create doubts at admission and again later.

Applying for admission is the step where your shortlist becomes real. It is mostly about good planning: knowing your intake, gathering documents early, and keeping track of each application.

The usual order of events

1. Choose your intake and check the application deadline.
2. Gather your documents.
3. Apply to your shortlisted programs.
4. Receive an offer from the institution.
5. Accept the offer and pay any required deposit.
6. Receive your letter of acceptance (LOA).
7. Get your attestation letter (PAL/TAL) if you need one.
8. Move on to your study permit (next stage).

Not every institution follows this order exactly, so always follow the instructions from the institution itself.

Step 1: Choose your intake and plan backwards

An intake is a start date for a program, often in autumn, winter or summer. Not every program has every intake.

• Check which intakes your program offers on the official program page.
• Work backwards from the start date. Leave time for admission, your attestation letter, your study permit and your travel.
• Apply early. Early applications leave more time to fix a problem if one comes up.

Step 2: Gather your documents

Each institution has its own list, so check yours. Many ask for:

• Passport (check that it will stay valid long enough for your studies)
• Marksheets, certificates and transcripts from earlier studies
• English test result (see Stage 1)
• SOP, CV and letters of recommendation, if the program asks for them (see Stage 4)
• Application form and application fee

Some programs also ask for a portfolio, an interview or work experience letters. Use clear, readable copies and keep your names and dates consistent across every document.

Step 3: Apply

You can usually apply:

• directly on the institution's own website, or
• through an official application service, if your province or institution uses one, or
• through an education agent the institution works with.

Watch out: Whichever route you use, make sure the application is in your name, uses your own email address and shows you the real application status. Check the offer directly with the institution's admissions office if anything feels unclear.

Step 4: Your offer

An offer can be:

• Unconditional: you have met all the academic requirements.
• Conditional: you must still meet a condition, such as final exam results or an English test score.

Read the offer carefully. Note what the offer says about the program, the start date, the tuition fees and the deadline to accept.

Deposits and fees

Many institutions ask for a deposit to hold your place. Rules and refund terms differ by institution, so ask before you pay:

• Is the deposit refundable if my study permit is refused?
• What is the deadline?
• Which payment method does the institution accept?

Watch out: Pay only through the institution's official payment channels. Be careful about anyone who asks for money to a personal account, or who promises a place "guaranteed" for an extra fee.

Your letter of acceptance (LOA)

After you accept the offer and meet its requirements, the institution issues a letter of acceptance. Unless you qualify for an exemption, a letter of acceptance from a designated learning institution (DLI) is part of a study permit application.

Check your LOA carefully:

• Your name matches your passport exactly
• The program, level of study and start date are correct
• The institution's name and DLI number are shown
• Any conditions are clearly stated

IRCC requires post-secondary DLIs to verify letters of acceptance for overseas study permit applications. This means a fake or altered letter is likely to be found.

Watch out: Never use a letter that you did not receive from the institution, or one that has been changed. This can end your application and cause serious problems later.

Your attestation letter (PAL/TAL)

Most study permit applicants need a provincial attestation letter (PAL) or territorial attestation letter (TAL). It is a letter from the province or territory where you plan to study, and your school (DLI) provides it. You should contact your school to find out how to apply for it.

Key points from IRCC:

• It confirms there is a place for you in that province or territory.
• It is linked to the school you are applying to.
• It must be valid on the day you apply for your study permit, and it is submitted with your study permit application.
• A PAL issued in one calendar year cannot be used in a later cap year.
• Some groups do not need a PAL. For example, master's and doctoral degree programs at public DLIs starting from 1 January 2026 do not need one. Always check the official IRCC page.
• If you plan to study in Quebec, you need a different document, called the Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ).

Good to know: Having a PAL or an LOA does not guarantee that your study permit will be approved. Those are only two of the documents. We cover the study permit in the next stages.

Keep track of everything

Make a simple tracker with these columns: institution, program, intake, deadline, documents sent, offer status, deposit deadline. It helps you compare offers and avoid missing a date.

Tip: Your Syllabize counsellor can help you organise your documents and track deadlines across your applications.

A study permit is the document that allows you to study at a Canadian college or university. Getting an admission offer is only one part of the picture. The study permit is a separate decision made by the Government of Canada, and it is not automatic.

This page is general information only. It helps you prepare and spot mistakes early. It is not advice on your own application.

What IRCC looks for

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) says you can come to Canada to study if you:

• are enrolled at a designated learning institution (DLI)
• can prove you have enough money to pay for tuition, living costs and return travel for yourself and any family members who come with you
• obey the law, have no criminal record and get a police certificate, if required
• are in good health and get a medical exam, if required
• can prove to an officer that you will leave Canada when your study permit expires

Once you are studying, you must make progress in your program and follow the conditions on your permit.

Documents that usually come together

Each case is different, so always check the current IRCC pages. Commonly, applicants need to prepare:

• a valid passport
• the letter of acceptance (LOA) from your DLI
• your provincial or territorial attestation letter (PAL/TAL) if you need one, or the Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) for Quebec (see the previous stage)
• proof of funds
• a police certificate or medical exam, if required
• other documents that the visa office for your country may ask for

IRCC says applications from outside Canada are submitted online.

Good to know: Some documents, such as police certificates and medical exams, can take time to arrange. Check early whether they apply to you.

Understanding proof of funds

You must show that you can pay for your studies without working in Canada. IRCC looks at both the amount and the source of your funds.

IRCC says you need to:

• show you have enough money for your first year, and
• if your program is longer than a year, explain how you plan to pay for the full length of your studies.

The living-expense amount is set by IRCC and is updated every year. It does not include tuition or travel. For a single applicant studying outside Quebec, IRCC's published figure for applications made on or after 1 September 2026 is CAD $23,448 per year. It is higher if family members come with you. Quebec has its own rules.

IRCC lists many examples of documents that can show your funds, such as proof of a student loan, a scholarship, a Canadian bank account, a guaranteed investment certificate (GIC), bank statements, and a letter from the person supporting you with their own financial documents. You do not need all of them, but together they must show you meet all the requirements.

Watch out: The rules and the amount change often. Always check the IRCC page for the figure that applies on the day you apply.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Missing or expired documents. For example, a PAL that has expired or belongs to a different school.
• Unclear source of money. Funds that suddenly appear in an account without a clear explanation can raise questions.
• Details that do not match. Names, dates, school and program should be the same on every document.
• Fake or altered documents. This is a serious matter and can cause long-lasting problems, including with future applications.
• Ignoring PGWP rules. IRCC advises checking PGWP requirements, including any field-of-study rule, before you submit your study permit application.
• Believing guarantees. No agent, college or website can guarantee an outcome.
• Unclear plans. Your study plans and your plans after studying should be honest and consistent with the rest of your application.
• Leaving it late. Processing times can change. Check the IRCC website for current times, and apply well before your start date.

Watch out: Be careful of anyone who promises approval, asks you to sign a form you do not understand, or tells you to hide or change information.

Next steps

When you have your LOA and, if required, your PAL or CAQ, and you have checked the current official requirements, you will be ready for the application stage. For advice on your own application, speak to a licensed professional.

Getting approval is a big moment. Before you celebrate and book flights, it helps to understand what you have received and what happens next.

This page is general information only. For advice on your own situation, speak to a licensed immigration consultant or lawyer.

What approval actually gives you

For most students outside Canada, approval means you receive a port of entry letter of introduction. This is the letter you show at the Canadian border. It is not the study permit itself.

IRCC explains that the letter has your permit reference number, which is used to issue your study permit. You normally receive your study permit from a border services officer when you arrive in Canada, if you meet the entry requirements.

Tip: As soon as you receive your approval, read every detail carefully: your name, date of birth, passport number, school and program. If anything looks wrong, contact the right authority or a licensed professional before you travel.

Plan your travel dates

• IRCC says there is no set time for how early you can arrive before your studies begin. Allow a reasonable amount of time to settle in.
• You are not allowed to work, on or off campus, until your studies begin in Canada.
• Check your letter of acceptance for your program start date and any orientation dates.

Good to know: Many students prefer to book flights only after they have their approval, and to choose tickets with flexible change terms where possible.

If you want to delay your start

If your application is already approved and you want to start later (a deferral), IRCC says you need to:

1. get the deferral approved by your school
2. get an updated letter of acceptance
3. have a valid letter of introduction

You show these documents at the port of entry.

If you want to change your school

If you change your DLI after approval and while still outside Canada, IRCC says you must submit a new study permit application with a new letter of acceptance, and pay the fees again. Do not assume your approval transfers to a different school.

What to carry when you travel

IRCC lists what border officers expect. Keep these in your hand luggage, not in checked bags:

• a valid passport or other travel document
• your port of entry letter of introduction
• a copy of your letter of acceptance
• letters of reference or any other documents your visa office told you to bring
• a valid eTA, visitor visa or other travel document, as required for your situation
• evidence that you have enough money for your stay
• your immigration medical exam results, if you needed one

Medical exam validity

If you needed a medical exam, IRCC says it is valid for 12 months and must still be valid on the day you enter Canada. If it will expire before you arrive, you need a new one, even if your letter of introduction is still valid.

Good to know: It is wise to keep printed copies and digital copies of everything, in case a phone or bag is lost.

Arriving at the border

When you arrive, a border services officer checks that you meet the basic requirements to enter Canada. Entry is not automatic. The officer may ask about your studies, your plans and your funds.

• Answer honestly and clearly. Never give false information or false documents.
• IRCC says officers must be convinced that you will leave Canada at the end of your stay.
• Check the study permit you are given before you leave the area. Make sure the details are correct.
• If your school needs proof that you entered Canada, IRCC suggests asking a border services officer to stamp your passport before leaving customs.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Packing the letter of introduction in checked luggage
• Letting a medical exam or passport expire before travel
• Changing schools without a new application
• Assuming you can work before your studies begin
• Booking non-refundable travel before checking all details on your approval
• Relying on an agent's promise instead of reading the official IRCC page

Check for travel notices

IRCC sometimes announces temporary special measures that affect travel to Canada. Before you fly, check the IRCC website for any notices that apply to you.

What comes next

Once you are confident about your documents, you can focus on practical preparation: money, insurance, accommodation, packing and settling in. We cover this in the next stage.

You have your approval, and now the real preparation begins. A calm, organised few weeks before departure makes your first days in Canada much easier.

Good to know: Your immigration documents are covered in the previous stage. This stage is about everything else you need to be ready to travel and settle in.

1. Money for your first weeks

• Keep access to money in more than one way. For example, a bank card that works abroad, some Canadian dollars in cash and a way for your family to send money.
• Expect early costs. Your first weeks may include accommodation deposits, transport, groceries, a phone plan and study materials.
• Check your bank's rules on foreign transactions, card limits and transfer fees before you leave.
• Never carry large amounts casually. If you carry currency or monetary instruments (such as bank drafts or cheques) worth CAD $10,000 or more, you must declare them at the border. You are allowed to bring it, but you must report it.

2. Health insurance and your health

Health coverage for international students depends on the province, your institution and your program. Some provinces include students in public health coverage, sometimes after a waiting period. Others do not. Many institutions arrange or require their own insurance plan.

Before you travel:

1. Ask your institution what health cover it provides or requires.
2. Check your province's health ministry website for its rules for international students.
3. Make sure you have cover from the day you arrive, including any waiting period.
4. Read what the plan covers and what it does not.

Watch out: Do not assume you will be covered automatically. Medical costs in Canada can be high if you are uninsured.

Medicines and health records

• Keep prescription medicines in their original packaging, with a doctor's note or prescription.
• Be ready to answer questions about medicines at the border. Check Health Canada's rules if you are unsure.
• Bring a copy of important health records and vaccination records. Ask your institution if it requires any.

3. Your first accommodation

• Arrange your first nights before you fly. This could be a campus residence, a homestay, a hotel or temporary accommodation arranged through your school.
• Take time over a long-term rental. It is safer to view a place (in person or by a trusted video tour) and read the agreement before paying a large deposit.
• Be careful with online listings. Do not send money to someone you have not verified, and be wary of "too good to be true" offers.
• Ask your institution's housing or international office for advice.

4. Documents and copies

Keep your most important documents in your hand luggage and make copies:

• passport and approval documents
• letter of acceptance and proof of funds
• health insurance details
• accommodation booking
• academic documents and certificates
• passport photos and a list of emergency contacts

Store scans in a secure online folder, and give a family member a copy.

5. What to pack

• Dress for the weather. Depending on your arrival month and city, you may need warm layers sooner than you expect. A good jacket, hat, gloves and shoes can often be bought after arrival if you are unsure.
• Check your electronics. Make sure your chargers and devices work with Canadian plugs and voltage, and bring adapters if needed.
• Pack light. Check your airline's baggage limits to avoid surprise fees.
• Bring some comforts from home, like favourite spices, familiar clothes and photos.

Food and other items

You must declare all food, plant and animal products you bring into Canada, and some are not allowed. Do not pack food items unless you have checked the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and CBSA rules. If you are unsure, declare it or leave it at home.

Watch out: Failing to declare items can lead to penalties or having items taken away. When in doubt, declare.

6. Phone, internet and staying in touch

• Check that your phone is unlocked and works with a Canadian plan, or ask about a SIM or eSIM.
• Download useful apps before you leave, such as maps, transport and your institution's app.
• Share your flight details and first address with your family.

7. Plan your arrival day

• Ask your institution about orientation dates, airport pick-up and arrival procedures.
• Plan how you will get from the airport to your first accommodation.
• Keep your phone charged, and keep your important documents within reach.

8. Know where to get help

Save these before you fly:

• your institution's international student office
• the address of your accommodation
• emergency numbers and your insurance helpline
• your family's contact details

Tip: Your Syllabize counsellor can help you turn this list into a personal checklist for your own flight date and city.

Your Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is decided mostly in your first and last months of study, not just at graduation. Everything you do from day 1 can help or hurt it. The good news is that most of it is simple: study as required, work only as allowed and keep your records.

Good to know: This page is general information only. Rules can change, and your own permit may have its own conditions. Always read your study permit and check the IRCC website.

Two sets of rules to keep in mind

1. Your study permit conditions. These keep your student status valid while you study.
2. The PGWP rules. These decide whether you can get a work permit after you graduate.

Meeting the first does not automatically mean you meet the second. For example, IRCC's study permit conditions talk about being enrolled full-time or part-time each semester. The PGWP rules are stricter, and generally ask you to study full-time in each academic session, except in your final semester. Check the PGWP page before you ever drop to part-time.

Keep your student status valid

IRCC says that, as a study permit holder, you must:

• stay enrolled at a designated learning institution (DLI)
• actively pursue your studies: be enrolled each academic semester (excluding scheduled breaks), make progress towards completing your courses, and not take authorised leaves longer than 150 days
• apply to extend your study permit if you change post-secondary schools
• end your studies if you no longer meet the requirements of being a student
• leave Canada when your permit expires, unless you have received another status

You may also have other conditions on your permit, such as your level of study or whether you may work. Read the permit when you receive it and keep a copy.

Watch out: If conditions are not met, IRCC may ask you to leave Canada, and you may have to wait before applying for a new study permit or other permits.

Leaves and changing schools

• A leave of up to 150 days may still count as actively pursuing your studies, if your school authorises it (for example, for medical reasons or a family emergency).
• You cannot work on or off campus during an authorised leave, even if your permit normally allows work.
• Changing schools means applying to extend your study permit. Do not assume your permit simply moves with you.
• Talk to your school's international student office before you take a leave, drop courses or change programs. The consequences for your PGWP can be big.

Work rules while you study

You can only start working once your study program has started. You cannot work before your studies begin.

To work off campus without a separate work permit, IRCC says you must meet all its requirements. These include being a full-time student at a DLI, having started your program, studying a program of at least 6 months that leads to a degree, diploma or certificate, having work conditions printed on your study permit and having a social insurance number (SIN).

If your permit has no work conditions, you cannot work off campus until the permit is amended (see the IRCC page).

How many hours?

• During regular school terms: up to 24 hours per week off campus. You may have more than one job, as long as the total stays within the limit.
• During scheduled breaks (like summer or winter holidays, or a reading week): unlimited hours. A scheduled break must be set by your school and last at least 7 consecutive days. There are also limits on how long this can apply, so check IRCC's Help Centre.
• If your program has no scheduled breaks: 24 hours per week.

Watch out: Working more than you are allowed is a violation of your study permit conditions. IRCC says you can lose your student status, may not be approved for a study or work permit in future and may have to leave the country.

Who cannot work off campus

IRCC says you cannot work off campus without a work permit if, for example:

• your permit says you are not authorised to work off campus
• you are only enrolled in English or French as a second language, or only in general-interest courses
• you are only taking courses needed to be admitted to a full-time program
• you are on an authorised leave, or switching schools and not studying

Track your hours

You are responsible for tracking your hours and being able to show you follow your conditions. IRCC defines hours as any time you spend earning wages or collecting a commission. Keep a simple weekly log, and keep your pay slips.

On-campus work, work placements (such as co-ops and internships) and remote work for an employer outside Canada have their own rules. Check the IRCC pages before you start.

Records to keep

IRCC may ask you to prove that you follow your conditions, for example in a random check. Keep, in a safe folder:

• your study permit, passport and letter of acceptance
• official letters from your school confirming enrolment
• your transcripts and results after each semester
• written approval for any leave, deferral or change of program
• your work-hour log and pay slips
• your insurance and address records

Tip: Make a habit of downloading your enrolment letter and results at the end of each semester.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Dropping to part-time without checking PGWP rules
• Taking a leave or changing programs without talking to the school first
• Working before your program starts, or working more than the allowed hours
• Letting your study permit expire before you extend it
• Assuming an agent, friend or employer knows your conditions better than your permit says
• Leaving records until the end of your studies

Looking ahead to your PGWP

As you approach your last semester, plan your next steps:

• Book your IELTS General Training (or another accepted PGWP test) at the right time. Your Syllabize mentor can help you plan when and what to aim for.
• Check the PGWP eligibility page for your program and your study permit date.
• Keep your final transcript and your program completion letter safe.

The next journey in this pathway, Post-Graduation Work Permit, takes you through this step by step.