International students must meet pre-conditions to be admitted to a study program. These admission requirements vary by a Canadian institution and study program. For example, the required language proficiency is different for a college or university, while in some cases can be waived.

Minimum Requirements

Proof of acceptance.

A letter of acceptance (LOA) from a Canadian educational institution. LOA must be on the official letterhead, show the exact amount of tuition fees, the anticipated starting/ finishing dates, and the date by which an international student needs to register.

Proof of identity.

Passport or travel document.

Proof of funds.

When applying for a study permit, there is a requirement to show minimum funds needed to support a student and family members who come with. A student should have and be able to prove at a minimum  C$ 10,000 + tuition fee for the first academic year + C$ 4,000 for first (1st) accompanying family member + C$ 3,000 for the second (2nd) member.

Financial Documents :

• Bank statements for the past 4 months.
• Pay stubs, an employment letter.
• Proof of assets or business.
• Tuition fee payment.
• Housing fee payment.
• Financial support letter.
• Proof of scholarship funding.
• Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) from a participating Canadian financial institution.
• Student loan.

Statement of Purpose (SOP)

A SOP is an explanation of why someone wants to study in Canada at a specific program.  It also reflects a student’s understanding of the responsibilities.

Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ).

It is intended only for foreign nationals who wish to study in Québec.

Canada study permit application forms & other country-specific documents.

Visa office instructions for a specific country must be consulted before applying for a permit. Some countries require additional forms or documents to apply for a study permit.

Prospective students from China , India, Morocco, Pakistan, the Philippines, Senegal, and Vietnam are eligible for faster processing through the Student Direct Stream. Applying through this stream would also require the provision of the following documents: a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) of C$ 10,000, medical exam result, police certificate, and language test result. 

Student Direct Stream

Canada provides expedited of Study Permit processing for international students from key Asian markets via the Student Direct Stream.

The SDS, launched in 2018, now includes applicants from: 

• China, 
• India, 
• Vietnam, 
• the Philippines, 
• Pakistan, 
• Senegal, 
• Morocco,
• Antigua and Barbuda,
• Brazil,
• Colombia,
• Costa Rica,
• Peru,
• St. Vincent and the Grenadines,
• Trinidad and Tobago.

Eligibility Requirements

The SDS is available to candidates living in one of the above countries wishing to study in Canada at a post-secondary designated learning institution.

Applicants must submit upfront proof of: 

• Tuition payment for the first year of study at a designated learning institution.
• Purchase of a Guaranteed Investment Certificate of $10,000.
• Completion of an upfront medical examination and police certificate (if required).
• Qualifying score of at least 6 for English (IELTS), or Niveaux de compétencelinguistiquecanadiens score of 7 for French (TEF), or graduation from a Canadian-curriculum high school.