Your study destination · CA
Study inCanada.
Find the right place for your next chapter. Admission requirements, visa eligibility, funding and answers to your study questions.
Choose the course, not just the country.
Choose a destination for its course, qualification and learning experience. These are useful starting points for your comparison.
Choice of qualifications
Compare applied college programmes, university degrees and research-led study to find a route suited to your goals.
Learning through experience
Some programmes include co-op, internships or practical placements. Check the placement structure and any additional requirements.
English and French options
Choose the language of instruction that fits your strengths and future plans. Language evidence depends on your institution.
An international study environment
Study alongside people from diverse backgrounds, with options across large cities and smaller communities.
Official guidance: EduCanada — reasons to study in Canada ↗ [1] [2]
Minimum entry requirements.
The starting qualification is only part of the decision. Your institution confirms recognised qualifications, subject prerequisites and grades for the exact programme.
| Study level | Starting qualification | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Diploma or bachelor’s | A recognised secondary-school qualification, such as HSC or equivalent, with the subjects required by the programme. | Your institution assesses equivalency, grades and prerequisites; competitive admission can exceed the published minimum. |
| Master’s | A recognised bachelor’s degree or equivalent accepted by the graduate programme. | Check the required field, GPA, references and any research or professional experience. |
| Doctorate / PhD | Usually a relevant master’s or another qualification accepted for doctoral entry. | Research fit, supervision, academic results and funding must be reviewed with the department. |
Language requirements
Canada does not have one university IELTS cutoff. Each institution sets accepted tests, component scores and possible exemptions. French-taught programmes assess French ability.
As an undergraduate example, the University of Alberta accepts IELTS Academic 6.5 overall with no band below 6.0 for its general English requirement. Some programmes also require spoken-English evidence.
Share your qualification, awarding institution or board, subjects, results and intended course. We can help you identify the institution’s published entry criteria and any foundation or pathway options.
Official guidance: EduCanada — university admission and languages ↗ [2] [3] [4] [9]
What you need before applying.
An admission offer and permission to study are separate decisions made by different authorities. This overview is for international higher-education applicants; nationality, age and where you apply from can change the route.
- An eligible institutionObtain an acceptance letter from a designated learning institution (DLI).
- PAL or TAL, or an exemptionA provincial or territorial attestation letter is usually required. From 1 January 2026, degree-granting master’s and doctoral programmes at public DLIs are exempt. Confirm which category your programme falls into.
- A credible funding planShow available funds for tuition, living costs and travel, plus a plan for later years of the programme.
- Admissibility and temporary statusMeet health and character requirements and satisfy the officer that you will leave when your authorised stay ends.
Official guidance: IRCC — study permit eligibility ↗ [5] [6] [7]
Build a realistic study budget.
Request the institution’s tuition and compulsory-fee schedule, then add accommodation, food, insurance, travel and initial setup. A visa funding minimum is not a full cost estimate.
Financial eligibility
CAD 23,448First-year living funds · one person outside Quebec
For applications submitted on or after 1 September 2026. Tuition and transportation are additional. Accompanying family members increase the amount, and Quebec sets its own financial requirements. The published figure is a minimum, not a realistic cost of living.
Check refund terms, funding deadlines and the documents your sponsor or lender will need. Explain who owns the funds and how they are available to you; a bank balance on its own is not an explanation.
Official guidance: IRCC — proof of financial support ↗ [7]
Your application document checklist.
Start with these records, then follow your institution’s and the relevant authority’s personalised checklist. Additional evidence may be requested at any point.
Identity and admission
Passport and acceptance letter from a designated learning institution.
Academic records
Certificates, transcripts and any required certified translations.
Language evidence
Accepted test results, or evidence of an exemption where one applies.
Attestation letter
PAL or TAL, or evidence that your programme is exempt.
Funding evidence
Bank history, sponsor relationship and source-of-funds records.
Supporting records
Your study explanation and any requested medical, police or biometric evidence.
This is a preparation list. The official checklist generated for your application controls what must be submitted. Keep a complete copy of everything you file.
Studying in Canada: frequently asked.
What GPA or HSC result do I need?
There is no single admission score for every Canadian programme. The school assesses your qualification, required subjects and grades. Meeting a published minimum does not secure a competitive place.
Is IELTS 6.5 compulsory everywhere?
No. That is the University of Alberta undergraduate example above. Other institutions, programmes, French-language routes and exemptions have different requirements.
Does a DLI acceptance guarantee a post-graduation work permit?
No. Check whether the specific institution and programme are PGWP-eligible, and which rules apply to your programme and application date.
Can I work while studying?
Eligible students can work off campus up to 24 hours per week during regular academic sessions, across all jobs combined. During a break scheduled by your school you may work unlimited hours if you meet the conditions; if your programme has no scheduled breaks, the 24-hour limit applies throughout. A permit still printed with an older 20-hour condition does not reduce the 24-hour limit when you are otherwise eligible.
Do master’s students need a PAL or TAL?
Students in degree-granting master’s and doctoral programmes at public DLIs are exempt from 1 January 2026. Do not assume a graduate certificate or a private-institution programme carries the same exemption, and note that study in Quebec has its own documentation.
Can part-time earnings replace proof of funds?
No. You must show you can cover the specified study, living and transportation costs without working in Canada. Explain the source and availability of your funds.
Who gives me the immigration advice?
Education counselling and admission support come from Swodeshi Overseas Education Services. Canadian immigration advice is provided through Swodeshi Immigration Services by a licensed RCIC.
Read the original guidance.
Reviewed 26 October 2026. Requirements and thresholds change; recheck the linked guidance before you apply.
- EduCanada — reasons to study in Canada ↗
- EduCanada — university admission and languages ↗
- University of Alberta — undergraduate language requirements ↗
- University of Alberta — international admission requirements ↗
- IRCC — study permit eligibility ↗
- IRCC — provincial and territorial attestation letters ↗
- IRCC — proof of financial support ↗
- IRCC — working off campus ↗
- University of Alberta — graduate admission example ↗
Turn information into a study plan.
Explore Canadian study options with a team connected to both Edmonton and Dhaka. We help you prepare for admission; Canadian immigration advice is handled through Swodeshi Immigration Services.
Compare your options
Discuss your academic background, goals and budget, then identify the course requirements to check.
Prepare your application
Organise academic documents, language evidence and your statement of purpose.
Plan the next steps
Review the institution’s offer conditions and the official checklist relevant to your circumstances.
Ready to study in Canada?
Let us build a study plan around your subject, your budget and your timeline.