Study in Canada – What is a study permit?

The study permit is a document we issue that allows foreign nationals to study at designated learning institutions (DLIs) in Canada. Most foreign nationals need a study permit to study in Canada. Make sure you have all the documents you need before you apply. You should apply before you travel to Canada.

Your study permit is not a visa. It doesn’t let you enter Canada. You may also need a visitor visa or an electronic travel authorization (eTA). If we approve your study permit, we’ll issue one to you with your study permit.

Get your study permit faster through the Student Direct Stream

If you’re a legal resident in certain countries, you may be able to get your study permit faster by applying online through the Student Direct Stream.

Study in Canada – Eligibility requirements

You can come to Canada to study if you

• are enrolled at a DLI
• prove you have enough money to pay for
  • your tuition fees
  • living expenses for yourself and any family members who come with you to Canada and
  • return transportation for yourself and any family members who come with you to Canada
• obey the law, have no criminal record and get a police certificate (if required)
• are in good health and get a medical exam (if required) and
• prove to an officer that you will leave Canada when your study permit expires

Get the right documents

You need these documents to apply for a study permit:

• proof of acceptance
• proof of identity
• proof of financial support

You may also need

• a letter of explanation
• an attestation of issuance of your Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ)
• a medical exam
• a custodian declaration (minors only), or
• other documents
  • if we request documents from you for an application in progress

Proof of financial support

You must prove that you can support yourself and the family members who come with you while you are in Canada.

You can prove your funds with

• proof of a Canadian bank account in your name, if you’ve transferred money to Canada
• a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) from a participating Canadian financial institution
• proof of a student or education loan from a bank
• your bank statements for the past 4 months
• a bank draft that can be converted to Canadian dollars
• proof you paid tuition and housing fees
• a letter from the person or school giving you money, or
• proof of funding paid from within Canada, if you have a scholarship or are in a Canadian-funded educational program

Minimum funds needed to support yourself as a student (and family members who come with you)

Persons coming to Canada	Amount of funds required per year (not including tuition)	Amount of funds required per month (not including tuition)
You (the student)	CAN$10,000	CAN$833
First family member	CAN$4,000	CAN$333
Every additional accompanying family member	CAN$3,000	CAN$255

Example

If you and 2 family members want to come to a province (other than Quebec) for a year, you will need

• living expenses: $10,000 (for the student)
• living expenses: $4,000 (for the first family member)
• living expenses: $3,000 (for the second family member)
  Total: $17,000

People coming to Canada	Amount of funds required per year (not including tuition)	Amount of funds required per month (not including tuition)
1 person under the age of 18	CAN$6,569	CAN$547
1 person aged 18 or over	CAN$13,134	CAN$1,095
2 people aged 18 or over	CAN$19,264	CAN$1,605
2 people aged 18 or over and 1 person under the age of 18	CAN$21,579	CAN$1,798
2 people aged 18 or over and 2 people under the age of 18	CAN$23,290	CAN$1,941

If your country uses foreign-exchange controls, you must prove that you’ll be allowed to export funds for all of your expenses.

Study in Canada – Apply online

If you’re applying for a study permit, you must apply online, whether you’re outside of Canada or already in Canada.