Why Study in Canada?

High Academic Standards: World-class universities like University of Toronto and McGill

Affordable Education: Lower tuition fees compared to other Western countries

Welcoming Society: Friendly, inclusive culture with significant African communities

Pathway to PR: Clear immigration pathways for international graduates

Co-op Programs: Many courses include co-op internships for industry experience

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) for up to 3 years

Quality education with a path to permanent residency

Ready to Apply?

Start your journey to study in Canada today!

Need help choosing? Contact us for personalized university recommendations.

Eligibility & Requirements

Eligibility Criteria

Academic Requirements
High school diploma equivalent to Canadian standards for undergraduate. 4-year bachelor's degree with minimum B average for postgraduate.
English Proficiency
IELTS 6.0-7.0 overall (no band less than 6.0) or equivalent.
French Proficiency
Required for Quebec institutions (TEF/TCF)
Age Requirement
Minimum 18 years for post-secondary. Younger students need custodian.
Medical Programs
MCAT for medicine, DAT for dentistry

Financial Requirements

Tuition Fees

CAD $15,000 - $35,000 per year for international students

Living Costs

CAD $10,000 - $15,000 per year (plus CAD $4,000 for Quebec)

Proof of Funds

CAD $10,000 + first year tuition + travel costs (or CAD $20,635 for Quebec)

GIC Option

CAD $10,000 Guaranteed Investment Certificate accepted under SDS

Scholarship Impact

Can reduce proof of funds requirement

Required Documents

Mandatory Documents
  • Letter of Acceptance from DLI
  • Valid passport
  • Proof of financial support
  • English/French test results
  • Medical examination certificate
  • Police clearance certificate
  • Digital photo specifications
  • Purpose of travel statement
Additional Documents
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Letters of Recommendation
  • Portfolio (arts/design)
  • GMAT/GRE scores
  • Work experience letters

Fees & Processing Time

Study Permit Fee

CAD $150

Biometrics Fee

CAD $85

Processing Time

8-16 weeks (varies by country)

SDS Processing

20 calendar days for Student Direct Stream

Medical Examination

Approved panel physician, costs vary by country

Visa & Study Permit Information

Visa Requirements

Requires Letter of Acceptance, proof of funds, and in some cases a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC).

Processing Time

4-12 weeks

Work During Study

20 hours/week during term

Post-Study Work

PGWP: Up to 3 years

Dependents

Spouse can get open work permit

Cost Information
Cost of Living

CAD 10,000-15,000 per year depending on city


Post-Study Work Rights

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) for up to 3 years

Rejections & Refunds

Common Reasons for Rejection

  • Insufficient financial resources
  • Unclear purpose of visit/study plan
  • Family ties in Canada/home country
  • Previous immigration violations
  • Criminal/medical inadmissibility
  • Incomplete application

Refund Policy

Fee Refund

Non-refundable if refused

GIC Refund

Refundable with interest if refused

Tuition Refund

University policies vary, typically partial refund if visa refused

Reapplication

Can reapply addressing refusal reasons

Dependent Visa Information

Eligible Dependents

Spouse/common-law partner and dependent children

Open Work Permit

Spouse can apply for open work permit

Study Permits

Children can get study permits for school

Financial Requirements

Additional CAD $4,000 for spouse, CAD $3,000 per child

Application Timing

Can apply together or spouse can apply after main applicant arrives

Student Life & Regulations

Work Regulations

20 hours/week during term, full-time during breaks

Co-op Work Permits

Required for mandatory work terms

Academic Standing

Must maintain full-time status and satisfactory progress

Change of Institution

Must notify IRCC when changing DLI

Extending Stay

Apply 30 days before expiry

Travel

Need valid TRV/eTA to re-enter Canada

Post-Study Work Opportunities

Post-Graduation Work Permit

  • 8 months to 3 years based on program length
  • Graduation from eligible DLI, full-time status maintained
  • Within 180 days of graduation
  • Any job, any employer, no restrictions

Express Entry

  • Primary pathway for PGWP holders
  • Points for age, education, work experience, language
  • Additional 600 points for provincial nomination

Provincial Pathways

  • BC PNP International Graduate
  • Ontario Master's/PhD Graduate Streams
  • Quebec Experience Program
  • Atlantic Immigration Pilot

Top Universities in Canada

View All Universities
University of Toronto
University of Toronto

World Rank: #21

Canada's top university with global reputation for research and innovation.

McGill University
McGill University

World Rank: #30

Internationally recognized research university in Montreal, Quebec.

University of British Columbia

World Rank: #34

World-class research university in Vancouver with stunning campus and excellence in environmental sciences, forestry, an...

McMaster University

World Rank: #69

Research-intensive university in Hamilton known for health sciences, medical school, and innovative problem-based learni...

University of Alberta

World Rank: #111

Comprehensive research university in Edmonton with strengths in oil & gas engineering, geology, and health sciences.

University of Waterloo

World Rank: #112

Tech and engineering powerhouse famous for its co-op programs, producing highly employable graduates in computer science...

University of Calgary
University of Calgary

World Rank: #182

Dynamic university in Alberta's energy capital with strong programs in engineering, business, and health sciences.

University of Ottawa
University of Ottawa

World Rank: #237

Bilingual research university in Canada's capital with strengths in social sciences, law, and health sciences.

Popular Programs

Bachelor of Science in Medicine

University of Toronto

Undergraduate

Tuition: $28,000.00

LLB Law Program

University of Toronto

Undergraduate

Tuition: $25,000.00

Bachelor of Arts

McGill University

Undergraduate

Tuition: $52,000.00

MBA Program

McGill University

Postgraduate

Tuition: $75,000.00

Bachelor of Science in Medicine

University of Toronto

Undergraduate

Tuition: $28,000.00

LLB Law Program

University of Toronto

Undergraduate

Tuition: $25,000.00

Application Timeline

Fall Intake (Sept)

Deadlines: Jan-Mar

1
Winter Intake (Jan)

Deadlines: Sep-Nov

2
Visa Processing

Apply by May-June for September

3
Co-op Programs

Apply early due to limited seats

4
Document Preparation

Start 6-8 months before deadline

5

Scholarships for Canada

View All Scholarships
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

Award: $80,000

Comprehensive scholarship program for African students worldwide

Deadline: March 1, 2025

Apply Now
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships

Award: $150,000

For doctoral students to study in Canada, demonstrating leadership skills

Deadline: November 1, 2025

Apply Now
Erasmus+ Programme

Award: $30,000

EU programme for education, training, youth and sport

Deadline: February 15, 2025

Apply Now

Key Benefits for Students

PGWP: Open work permit up to 3 years after graduation

PR Pathways: Multiple immigration programs for graduates

Co-op Experience: Paid internships integrated into programs

Quality of Life: High safety standards and public services

Bilingual Advantage: Opportunity to learn French

Family Inclusion: Spouse can work, children study free

Success Stories from Canada

Ama Serwaa

University of Toronto

The team at BlayGate Company Limited provided end-to-end support. I couldn't have secured this scholarship without their...

$90,000 Scholarship

Frequently Asked Questions

The PGWP allows international graduates to work in Canada for up to 3 years after completing their studies, providing valuable Canadian work experience.

You need to show proof of funds for your first year of tuition plus approximately CAD $10,000 for living expenses.

Have more questions about studying in Canada?

Ask Our Experts

Life in Canada

Ready to Start Your Journey to Canada?

Take the first step towards your international education. Our experts will guide you through every stage of the process.

Need immediate assistance? Call us: +2330539723318

Next Steps

Research Universities

Explore our database of universities and programs in Canada.

Browse Universities
Check Requirements

Review admission requirements, documents needed, and eligibility criteria.

View Requirements
Get Expert Help

Schedule a free consultation with our study abroad experts.

Book Consultation