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Universities
Canadian universities offer undergraduate, master’s and doctoral programmes, with admission requirements set by each institution and programme.
← All destinations
CanadaStudy abroad first
Study in Canada with a clearer pathway.
A study-abroad destination with universities, colleges and other designated learning institutions for international students. Start with your study goal, then understand the admissions and student visa journey relevant to your situation.
Start with study
🎓 Course & destination planning📄 Admissions preparation🛂 Student visa readiness
01 · Start here
🎯 Academic & profile guidance
Clarify your study goal, academic profile, course direction and destination options.
02 · Application stage🎓 University admission
Prepare your course and institution choices, application and supporting documents.
03 · Visa stage🛂 Student visa
Understand and prepare the student visa requirements relevant to your study plans.
04 · Before you travel✈️ Pre-departure support
Organise practical preparations for your move to your new study destination.
Why Canada needs a clear plan
Your institution, programme and study-permit route all need to line up.
Canada has universities, colleges, CEGEPs, vocational schools and other designated institutions. The admission process is institution-specific, while study-permit requirements depend on your programme, province or territory and personal circumstances.
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Colleges & career programmes
Colleges and other post-secondary institutions offer applied and career-focused programmes, with eligibility and international-student options varying by institution.
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Graduate & research study
Public designated learning institutions offer eligible master’s and doctoral programmes, including programmes that can have different study-permit attestation requirements.
Your Canada study pathway
Five stages. One organised direction.
01
Clarify your study direction
Match your academic background, intended level, programme interests, budget and preferred province or territory.
02
Choose a designated institution
Check the current DLI list, programme details, admission requirements and whether the specific programme is eligible for the pathway you need.
03
Complete admission
Prepare the institution-specific academic, identity, language and supporting documents and obtain your Letter of Acceptance (LOA).
04
Prepare the study permit
Check the current PAL/TAL or exemption rules, financial evidence and other documents that apply to your programme and province.
05
Prepare for arrival
Plan accommodation, health coverage, travel and the practical steps needed before starting your studies in Canada.
Admission preparation
Every Canadian institution sets its own admission requirements.
The Government of Canada advises students to contact their chosen school for its application process, documents, tuition, health insurance, housing and language-test requirements. Start with the institution, then build the study-permit plan around the actual offer you receive.
Plan your admission →Before you apply
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Your programme matches your academic background and study objective.
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The institution is currently listed as a designated learning institution (DLI).
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You have checked the institution’s current admission and language requirements.
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You have a valid Letter of Acceptance before preparing the study permit application.
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You have checked whether a PAL/TAL is required or whether your programme is exempt.
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Your financial evidence covers tuition, living expenses and transportation as required.
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Your accommodation, health coverage, travel and arrival preparations are planned.
Canada study permit
The study-permit stage begins with the right admission documents.
Most international students need a study permit to study in Canada. The application generally requires a Letter of Acceptance from a designated learning institution. Depending on the applicant and programme, a Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter (PAL/TAL) may also be required. Public-DLI master’s and doctoral degree students are exempt from the PAL/TAL requirement starting January 1, 2026, subject to the current rules and Quebec requirements.
Student visa guidance →Core documents
Letter of Acceptance (LOA)PAL / TAL when requiredProof of financial supportPassport & supporting documents
Requirements can change by programme, province or territory and personal circumstances. Always verify the current IRCC and provincial requirements before submission.
Ready for Canada?