Canada destination guide
Check the province, institution, exact programme, designated status, full cost and current study-permit conditions as separate decisions.
Ready Study Global provides education and application guidance. Universities and other providers decide admission. Government authorities decide visas and immigration permission. Tuition, deposits and external costs must be confirmed with the relevant provider or authority.
Questions to compare
Which province, city, institution type and programme support the intended academic route?
Is the institution a designated learning institution, and is the exact programme eligible for any route you expect to use?
What tuition, mandatory fees, housing, insurance and travel costs apply to the specific intake?
Which study-permit, work and post-graduation conditions apply to the programme and application timing?
Education system
Education is overseen by provinces and territories, and institutions include universities, colleges, polytechnics and other approved providers. Designated learning institution status allows an institution to host international students, but it does not make every programme eligible for every later route.
Diploma, certificate and applied programmes vary by province and institution. Check the credential, programme length, work placement and any post-graduation eligibility separately.
Bachelor’s structures and transfer routes vary. Confirm admission requirements, credit recognition, campus, programme delivery and the final credential.
Master’s and doctoral routes can have separate academic, research and funding requirements. Verify whether the exact public-institution graduate programme affects permit-document requirements.
Preparatory or language study may use different programme and work conditions. Confirm whether it leads to a further programme and whether the route meets the student’s intended purpose.
Application and provider checks
A provider’s admission decision does not decide the study permit. Confirm the institution’s international application requirements, the exact programme and the current federal and provincial documents needed before relying on the route.
Costs
A broad country average can hide major differences between programmes, providers, cities and accommodation choices. Confirm the full practical cost before relying on a budget.
Safe comparison guidance
Tuition varies by institution, programme, level and intake. Confirm the current fee, deposit schedule and refund terms directly with the university or provider before applying or paying.
A current, scoped public figure is not published here. Confirm the latest position with the relevant provider or government authority.
Safe comparison guidance
Living costs vary significantly by city, accommodation, lifestyle and personal circumstances. Build a destination-specific budget using current official and provider information.
A current, scoped public figure is not published here. Confirm the latest position with the relevant provider or government authority.
Visa and post-study information
RSG does not decide immigration eligibility or provide legal advice. Use current government information and obtain regulated advice where your circumstances require it.
Qualified official information
A study permit application generally requires a letter of acceptance from a designated learning institution. The institution and programme should be checked separately, including whether the programme is PGWP-eligible if that matters to the student’s plans.
Scope: Canadian study permits for post-secondary international study; federal, provincial, programme and applicant-specific requirements may apply.
Reviewed: 4 August 2026 Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, opens in a new tab
Qualified official information
Eligible international students may work off campus for up to 24 hours per week during regular academic sessions and unlimited hours during qualifying scheduled breaks. The study-permit conditions and all eligibility requirements must continue to be met.
Scope: Off-campus work without a separate work permit for eligible students; on-campus work, placements and ineligible study situations use different conditions.
Reviewed: 4 August 2026 Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, opens in a new tab
Qualified official information
Graduates of some eligible programmes at designated learning institutions may apply for a post-graduation work permit. Graduation from a DLI is not enough by itself; eligibility can depend on the institution, programme, study-permit timing, language evidence, field of study and other current conditions.
Scope: Post-graduation work permit eligibility; programme level, duration, location, application timing, passport validity and other requirements may affect the outcome and permit length.
Reviewed: 4 August 2026 Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, opens in a new tab
Recognition and accreditation
Confirm the institution, campus, programme, awarding body and qualification recognition for the country and purpose in which you intend to use the award.
Current official sources
Page reviewed: 4 August 2026
Next step
The Guidance Finder asks about your subject, study level, destinations, intended start period and what you need help checking. It does not decide admission or visa eligibility.
