Study in Canada: Study Permit, Costs, Work Rights and PR Path
To study in Canada you need a letter of acceptance from a designated learning institution, a provincial attestation letter in most cases, proof of funds and a study permit. This guide shows what to do first, what it costs and where studying can lead. We check your file before you pay a fee.
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What do you need to study in Canada?
You need a letter of acceptance from a designated learning institution (DLI), proof of funds, and a study permit in most cases. Most students also need a provincial or territorial attestation letter (PAL or TAL), and Quebec needs a CAQ. You must also show an officer that you will leave Canada when your permit ends (IRCC).
Which guide do you need next?
Start with the study permit guide and the provincial attestation letter guide. Then read the costs and proof of funds guide. Already here? See how to extend or change your permit, work while studying and move from study to PR. If you were refused, read the study permit refused guide.
Key rules at a glance
- School: you must be enrolled at a designated learning institution.
- Money: you must prove funds for tuition, living costs and return travel, without working in Canada.
- Letters: your school gives you the letter of acceptance and helps you get the PAL or TAL.
- Conditions: you must make progress in your program and follow your permit conditions.
Which situation matches yours?
Pick the situation that matches yours below.
Studying in Canada fits if
- You have, or can get, an offer from a DLI.
- You can show enough funds for the first year and a plan for the rest.
- You can explain why you will leave when your permit ends.
Another route fits if
- Your course lasts 6 months or less: you may not need a permit. Read the short-term study guide.
- You want to work now: see the work permits hub.
- You are a graduate: see the PGWP guide.
See the work permits hub, the open work permits guide and the Express Entry guide for what comes after your studies. The main benefits of studying in Canada are work rights during your studies if your permit allows them, a possible PGWP after you graduate, and study and work that can support a later PR application. For status questions, see our temporary residence guide.
Why study permit applications get refused
Five problems cause most trouble. Source: IRCC.
Doubt that you will leave
Officers must be satisfied that you will leave Canada when your permit expires. A weak study plan or unclear ties can lead to a refusal.
Funds fall short
You must prove tuition, living costs and return travel for the first year, and show how you will pay the rest of the program.
Missing letters
Most students need a letter of acceptance and a PAL or TAL. Quebec needs a CAQ. A missing or expired letter can stop the file.
Weak study plan
Officers look for a clear reason for this school and program. A letter of explanation helps.
False or unclear documents
False information can lead to a refusal and a 5 year ban under IRPA s.40. Make sure every document is real and clear.
Not sure where to start?
We check your school, funds and timing before you apply or pay a fee.
Deadlines you cannot miss
Get your PAL before you apply
Your PAL or TAL must come with your study permit application, not after. It is linked to your school and usually valid for the year it was issued.
Apply to extend before your permit expires. If you change schools, you need a new PAL or TAL and you apply to extend your permit.
PGWP rules depend on your school, program and language scores. Check them before you apply for your study permit.
Documents to gather
Your online application builds a checklist. Start with these.
How studying in Canada works, step by step
Six stages from your school choice to your arrival.
Choose a DLI
Pick a designated learning institution and a program.
Get your offer
Get your letter of acceptance. Your school validates it.
Get your PAL or TAL
Ask your school how to get the letter. Quebec needs a CAQ.
Prove your funds
Show tuition, living costs and travel money.
Apply online
Submit with all documents and pay the fees. Give biometrics if asked.
Travel and start
Follow your permit conditions and plan your next permit.
Study costs
From IRCC pages. Last updated: October 2026.
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Study in Canada FAQs
What do I need to study in Canada?
You need a letter of acceptance from a designated learning institution, proof of funds, and a study permit in most cases. Most students also need a PAL or TAL, and Quebec needs a CAQ. You must also show you will leave when your permit ends.
How much is a study permit?
IRCC lists the study permit fee as CAD$150. Biometrics cost CAD$85 if needed. Tuition and living funds are separate. Check the IRCC fee list before you pay.
Do I need a study permit for a short course?
Not if your program lasts 6 months or less. You may still need a visa or eTA to enter. Read our short-term study guide.
What is a PAL or TAL?
It is a letter from the province or territory that confirms there is a space for you. Your school provides it. Most students need one with their study permit application. Read our PAL guide.
How much money do I need to show?
You must show tuition, living expenses and return travel without working in Canada. IRCC sets the living amount each year. Read our costs and proof of funds guide.
Can I work while I study?
Many students can work on and off campus if their permit allows it. Rules and hours depend on your situation. Read our work while studying guide.
Can I bring my family?
Spouses, partners and children may qualify for their own permits. Read our family guide and our spousal open work permit guide.
Can my child study in Canada?
Yes. Rules depend on your child’s age and your status. Children under 17 need a parent or a custodian. Read our study as a minor guide.
How do I extend my study permit?
Apply online before your permit expires. If you change schools, you also need a new PAL or TAL. Read our extend or change guide.
Can studying lead to permanent residence?
It can. Many students use a PGWP and then Express Entry or a provincial program. Read our study to PR guide and our PGWP guide.
What if my study permit is refused?
You can reapply with new proof or ask the Federal Court to review the decision. There is no appeal. See our study permit refused guide.
Can you check my file before I apply?
Yes. We check your school, funds, letters and plan. Book a Strategy Consultation before you pay the fee.