QS 2027#30
McGill University
Montreal
- Medicine
- Law
- Sciences
Study in Canada
High-quality public universities and colleges, generous work rights and a post-graduation work permit that can last up to three years.
CapitalOttawa
LanguagesEnglish, French
CurrencyCanadian dollar (CAD)
TimeSix time zones
Main intakesSeptember, January, May
The numbers that shape your plan.
24 hrs
Weekly off-campus work limit in term
3 yrs
Maximum post-graduation work permit
PAL
Most students need a provincial attestation letter
Your guide to Canada.
You need a study permit, which starts with an acceptance letter from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
What you need
An acceptance letter, a provincial or territorial attestation letter (PAL/TAL) for most programmes, proof of funds and biometrics.
National cap
Canada limits how many study permits it issues each year. Applying early with complete documents matters more than ever.
Working while you study
Eligible students can work up to 24 hours a week off campus during term and full-time during scheduled breaks.
After you graduate
The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) can last up to 3 years. College programmes must be in an eligible field, and there is a language test requirement.
IRCC sets the minimum funds you must show on top of your first year of tuition.
City choice
Toronto and Vancouver are the most expensive. Cities such as Edmonton, Winnipeg and Halifax are often easier on a budget.
Proof of funds
A Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) is a common way to show living funds. Check which options your bank and country support.
Health cover
Health insurance depends on the province. Some include students in the public plan, others use university plans.
September is the largest intake, January is the second, and some colleges run May starts.
Apply early
Popular university programmes close 8 to 10 months before the start date. Note every deadline on your shortlist early.
PAL timing
Your attestation letter comes through the institution after you accept an offer. Allow time for this step in your plan.
Colleges vs universities
Colleges offer shorter, career-focused diplomas. Check PGWP eligibility on the official IRCC website before you apply to any programme.
Safe, multicultural cities and real winters. Pack properly and you will love it.
Bilingual country
English is used across most of Canada. Quebec is mainly French-speaking, though McGill and Concordia teach in English.
Winter
Temperatures fall well below zero in many cities. Pack properly for your city's winter before you travel.
Settling in
After arriving, apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN) if you will work, open a bank account and register for provincial health cover.
Checked October 2026. Rules change, so check the official source before you apply.
Popular subjects in Canada.
Universities in Canada you can apply to.
A few well-known options you can apply to. They are examples, not our partners. A counsellor can build a shortlist around your grades and budget that includes universities not shown here. Ranks: QS World University Rankings 2027.
QS 2027#32
University of Toronto
Toronto
- Computer science
- Engineering
- Medicine
QS 2027#45
University of British Columbia
Vancouver
- Forestry
- Sciences
- Business
QS 2027#96
University of Alberta
Edmonton
- AI research
- Engineering
- Nursing
QS 2027#113joint
University of Waterloo
Waterloo
- Co-op degrees
- Computer science
- Mathematics
Scholarships to know about.
Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship
Value: Tuition, books, incidental fees and full residence support for four years at the University of Toronto.
Who can apply: Exceptional international secondary school students, nominated by their school.
Official page for Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship (opens in a new tab)University entrance awards
Value: One-off or renewable awards offered by most Canadian universities.
Who can apply: Strong applicants, often considered automatically when you apply. Check each university's scholarships page.
Official page for University entrance awards (opens in a new tab)
Ready to plan Canada?
Ask for a free consultation, and a counsellor can shortlist universities in Canada that fit you and plan the deadlines for your intake.