Study abroad, starting with Canada
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Canada

Study in Canada

Editorial team. Checked October 2026.

Canada is still one of the largest destinations for international students, but since 2024 the federal government has limited the number of new study permits. Planning now starts with the permit, not the course.

How the system works

Education in Canada is run by the provinces. Universities and colleges that may admit international students are called designated learning institutions, or DLIs, and each has a DLI number. Your letter of acceptance must come from a DLI before you can apply for a study permit.

Immigration is federal. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issues study permits, work permits and visitor visas. Quebec adds its own layer: students going to Quebec need a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) before applying for the federal permit.

The cap on new permits

IRCC sets an annual cap on study permit applications. For 2026 it published a national target of 408,000 study permits, including 115,000 for K-12 students. Most college and undergraduate applicants need a provincial or territorial attestation letter (PAL or TAL) showing they fall within their province's share. From 1 January 2026, master's and doctoral students at public DLIs no longer need one. See our study permit guide for the details.

Universities and colleges

Canadian universities grant bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees. Colleges and polytechnics offer diplomas, certificates and some applied degrees, usually with a stronger focus on employment. The choice affects more than the course: the language level needed for a post-graduation work permit differs, and some college programmes must be in an eligible field for that permit.

Where to start

  1. Pick a level and field, then read how to choose a Canadian university.
  2. Think about the city, using our guide to Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver.
  3. Budget, including the proof of funds IRCC requires.
  4. Check the work rules and the post-graduation work permit if you plan to stay.

For a list of Canadian universities with programmes and fees, the UniversitiesDB guide to universities in Canada is a good starting point.