How to apply for a Canadian student visa

PTE Author
PTE Author
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Reading time: 6 minutes

In recent years, Canada has carved out its place on the map as a destination for international students. In fact, the number of students from abroad has tripled over the past decade - and the country is now ranked third in the world for attracting international learners.  

It’s no wonder. With top universities, multicultural cities, and incredible natural landscapes, Canada is an excellent place to call home and propel your career. So, what type of visa do you need to study in Canada? In this blog, we’ll go through Canada student visa requirements and learn what it takes to apply:  

Why study in Canada 

Want to study along the pacific coast with a mountain view? What about in a creative city close to incredible National Parks? Or a stone's throw away from the mighty Niagara Falls? Canada has it all. The country’s landscapes and cities are incredibly diverse - and people who study here will have the opportunity to explore all Canada has to offer. 

Canada was named the best country for quality of life in 2020. And according to the QS Best Student Cities 2019 ranking, three Canadian cities are listed among the top in the world - including Montreal (6), Toronto (11),and Vancouver (16). Canada is also home to a number of world-class institutions, many of which are ranked in the top 50 globally by the same QS ranking. These include:  

  • University of Toronto (25) 

  • McGill University (31)  

  • University of British Columbia (45)  

Finally, there’s a good job market for international students in Canada. Between 2009-2019, almost 1.8 million jobs were created in Canada for university graduates. What’s more, 80% of employers say hiring graduates with international experience enhances their companies.  

Canada student visa requirements 

To study in Canada, you need to apply for a study permit. This isn’t a visa, because alone, it doesn’t let you enter the country.  But if your study permit is approved, Canada will also grant you either a visitor visa or electronic travel authorization. This will allow you to travel to Canada. 

Before applying for a study permit, there are a few requirements to keep in mind. For one, you need to already be enrolled at a designated learning institution, which has been approved by the government to accept international students. Check to see if your university or college is on the list.  

You also need to prove you have enough money to pay for tuition, living expenses and travel costs associated with studying abroad. If you’re alone in Canada and aren’t settling in Quebec, you will need to have at least $10,000 per year - not including tuition. You can demonstrate this money through bank statements, loan information, or proof of a scholarship. Learn more about scholarships for international students in Canada. 

Finally, you will also need to be in good health, have no criminal record, and be able to prove you will leave Canada when your study permit is no longer valid. 

Read more in our article about the cost of living in Canada.

How do you apply?  

You can apply for your Canadian study permit online or on paper through the mail. You can also apply from outside Canada or inside Canada. You’ll have to make sure you have all your documents ready to submit.  This includes an acceptance letter from your institution, passport, and proof of funds. If you’re planning to study in Quebec, you’ll also need to apply for a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ).  

After you submit your application, you’ll need to give biometrics. You will also likely need to provide a police certificate and pass a medical exam. If you apply from outside Canada, the application process will take about eight weeks. If you apply from inside Canada, it will take about nine weeks.  

That said, there is a way to get your permit approved sooner. If you’re from Senegal, Vietnam, Pakistan, Morocco, India, China, or the Philippines, you can apply through something called the Student Direct Stream. You should get your permit in just three weeks.  

Learn more about how to apply on the Canadian government website.  

How much does it cost? 

A Canadian study permit costs $150, and this usually includes biometrics. But don’t forget to budget in the price of a police certificate or medical exams, if you need them. Depending on where you currently live, these can increase your costs by quite a lot.  

What can you do on a student permit?  

If you’re a full-time student, you can work while studying in Canada (as long as your course  lasts longer than 6 months). But first, you’ll need to apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN) - this can be done in just a few minutes online, for free. You can work either on-campus or off-campus. If you get a job off-campus, you’ll be able to work 20 hours per week - and full-time during school breaks.  

And what about Canada’s publicly funded healthcare? Well, not all international students are eligible. Since each province administers their own healthcare, it depends on where you study.  

For example, many international students in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador have access to free healthcare. But students in Ontario don’t. So, it’s best to reach out to your university or college to see what the situation will be for you. At the same time, you can learn about the insurance options available if you aren’t covered through your province.  

Staying in Canada after graduation  

Can you stay in Canada after graduating to work? Yes! International students who’ve finished a course longer than 8 months can apply for a post-graduation work permit (PGWD). This can be valid for up to 3 years.  

Canada also has a number of streams for permanent residence, which you might be eligible for as an international student. To find out if you can apply, check out this tool on the government’s website.  

Ready to move to Canada? We’ll help you hit the ground running.  

Our computer- based language test at PTE Academic is accepted by 200 top Canadian institutions for proof of English proficiency -  including the University of British Columbia, McGill University, University of Waterloo, and McMaster University. 

Learn more about PTE English tests for Canada.  

Please note: we are not immigration agents. For all up-to-date information about visa rules and regulations, see the official guidelines on the Government of Canada website.   

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    How to apply for a permanent resident visa in Australia
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    Last updated 20 December 2024.

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    Study in Malaysia with PTE Academic
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    Do you want to study in Malaysia?

    If you are an international student wanting to study in Malaysia, you may need to take an English test.

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    Do you need to take an English test?

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    Since April 2016, the Malaysian Ministry of Higher Education has accepted PTE Academic as proof of the English language skills for international students wanting to study at a private higher educational institution in Malaysia.

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    You can take PTE Academic at test centers around the world and at 6 locations in Malaysia. Ready to take PTE Academic? Book now!

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    How to study in Malaysia
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    With high-quality universities, more affordable tuition, and the fastest growing regional economy in the world, Asia has become a popular destination for international students. This includes students from within the region itself.

    Western countries still attract a large number of students each year. “But the idea that a Western degree is automatically better and more advantageous than one obtained in Asia is losing ground.” states by ICEF Monitor.

    In fact, countries like China, South Korea, Japan, Singapore, and Malaysia have all been competing to attract more international students in recent years. As a result, Asian students now have the opportunity to receive a world-class education and international study experience much closer to home. This is especially important for many families today, as uncertainty surrounding the pandemic is expected to continue.

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    Malaysia boasts innovative universities and excellent intra-regional mobility, making it a great place for students to consider. The country has worked to put itself on the map as a destination for international learners. It hopes to welcome 250,000 students from abroad by 2025. Students come from a variety of countries including Bangladesh, China, Indonesia, Yemen, and Nigeria.

    Bahasa Malaysia is the country’s official language. However many university courses are taught in English.

    Universities in Malaysia

    Malaysia boasts more than 100 higher education institutions. Many universities here are also ranked amongst the top in the world by the QS World University Rankings. Included in the ranking are: 

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    • Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM): Ranked 148th globally. 

    • Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM): Ranked 138th globally. 

    • Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM): Ranked 146th globally. 

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    If you're looking to explore your study options, the government has a great tool for students to find the program that suits them best. You can also learn more about diploma studies with this useful guide.

    In order to study in Malaysia, students will need to prove they are proficient in English and PTE Academic is the ready choice for you to do so. PTE Academic is a computer-based language test that provides unbiased and secure proof of a candidate’s English skills for study, professional, and migration purposes.

    According to language requirements set by Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA), students who plan to undertake a Bachelor’s degree and above at university or college must score a minimum of 47 for PTE Academic, which is equivalent to CEFR High B1 level.

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    Cost of living

    Malaysia draws the attention of students all around the world because it offers an affordable, yet still top class education. A bachelor degree, for example, costs between $10,000-20,000 USD. This is a lot less than in the United States or the U.K. In fact, Malaysia’s booming capital city Kuala Lumpur was named the second most affordable city in the world for students by the QS Best Student Cities ranking.

    Financial aid

    International students in Malaysia can apply for financial aid. Universities offer scholarships directly to students. To get an idea of what these might be like, you can take a look at the scholarships offered by University of Malaya.

    The Malaysian government also provides scholarships to international students. The Malaysia International Scholarship – which offers air tickets, tuition, and a monthly allowance, among other benefits – is one scholarship to look into. The Malaysian Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan also offers international students some generous financial support.

    Want an international study experience in Malaysia?

    PTE Academic – a fast, flexible, fair, and secure English assessment can help you get there. Book the test now and get the result within 2 days.

    View prices in your country and find your local test center.

    Last updated 20 December 2024.