How to study in Canada
Follow these steps if you want to study in Canada and transition to permanent residency:
Step 1 – Choose a Program:
Research and find the educational program you want to pursue in Canada.
Step 2 – Apply to a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada:
Once you’ve identified the program you want to apply for, submit your application to a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada of your choice.
Step 3 – Apply for a Study Permit:
After receiving an acceptance letter and a provincial confirmation letter from the province or territory where your school is located, you can submit your study permit application to the Canadian government, with assistance from Adiona international . A study permit is a document most individuals need to reside legally in Canada as a student.
Step 4 (Optional) – Explore Immigration Options:
Upon completing your studies, we can help you stay in Canada, gain professional work experience, and transition to permanent residency.
Benefits of Studying in Canada
Canada has become one of the world’s leading destinations for international students, hosting over 800,000 students from across the globe. Research shows that international students are attracted to Canada for the following reasons:
- High-quality education offered by Canadian schools.
- Opportunities for international students to work during and after their studies and transition to permanent residency.
- Study opportunities in English and/or French.
- Safety and security.
- A multicultural society.
- Canada welcomes immigrants and international students from nearly 200 countries each year.
- Canada is more affordable compared to other popular international study destinations. Additionally, the Canadian dollar is weaker than major currencies like USD, GBP, and EUR.
About Canadian Universities and Colleges
Canada is home to more than 1,500 universities, colleges, and other educational institutions authorized by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to admit international students. These institutions are known as Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) and are essential for helping international students study in Canada and stay in the country after graduation.
The list of DLIs approved by IRCC continues to grow. Ensure the university, college, or institution you plan to enroll in is authorized by IRCC by checking the official Government of Canada website.
Ontario and Quebec, the two largest provinces by population, host the highest number of DLIs in Canada, with nearly 1,000 combined.
With so many DLIs across Canada, you are likely to find a program that meets your needs.
Generally, universities across Canada offer a similar level of education due to Canada’s emphasis on equity in its education system. This ensures that all students receive the best possible education, regardless of which institution they attend.
Canada also has approximately 150 community colleges that provide quality education. While universities focus on theoretical knowledge and professional training in certain fields (like medicine, engineering, and law), community colleges offer more applied education to help students enter the job market faster. College programs are more practical and equip students with skills to find work in their field of study.
Like universities, colleges in Canada tend to offer similar levels of education. International students can confidently pursue their education at a Canadian college, knowing the credential they earn will support their professional and immigration goals after graduation.
New Changes in Study Permit Allocation in Canada
In 2024, IRCC announced it will soon cap the number of study permits issued that year at 360,000, with allocations distributed across provinces and territories. This cap will not affect master’s or doctoral students or students at the elementary or high school levels. Additionally, study permit extensions will not be impacted by this policy.
In 2025, this cap will increase to 437,000 study permits, which will include master’s and doctoral students.
IRCC introduced these changes to promote sustainable levels of international students, protect stakeholders from abuse of the international student program, and ensure adequate housing for students accepted in Canada.
Under the new changes, IRCC will allocate portions of the overall cap to provincial and territorial governments, which will then distribute these allocations among DLIs under their jurisdiction.
To implement this cap, all study permit applications submitted after January 22, 2024, will now require a provincial confirmation letter from a province or territory, helping validate the applicant’s eligibility to study in Canada.
Pathways from Study to Permanent Residency (PR)
International students who complete higher education in Canada have many opportunities to extend their stay and eventually transition to permanent residency.
Your studies in Canada can help you pursue Canadian permanent residency. Many federal and provincial immigration programs prioritize candidates with Canadian education and work experience.
After completing your studies in Canada, you can gain Canadian work experience by obtaining a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), which may allow you to work in Canada for up to three years, depending on your study program.
While holding a PGWP, you can pursue several federal and provincial pathways to permanent residency, including:
Express Entry:
One of the most prominent ways to pursue permanent residency is by submitting an Express Entry profile. Express Entry is Canada’s primary method for managing economic immigration applications.
Express Entry candidates are assessed using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). CRS awards points to candidates who are young, have Canadian education and work experience, and possess strong English and/or French language skills. These traits align with those of many international students in Canada.
Through Express Entry, former international students may be well-suited for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), which allows tens of thousands of international students and temporary workers to transition to permanent residency each year.
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP):
The PNP enables Canada’s provinces and territories to select immigration candidates who align with their local economic needs. Many PNP streams reward or specifically target former international students.
Quebec:
Quebec, Canada’s second-largest province, is home to Montreal, a popular destination for international students. The province has its own immigration system and programs that differ from federal programs and those under the PNP. Quebec also supports former international students transitioning to permanent residency, notably through the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ).
Other Federal Programs:
In addition to the three programs managed under Express Entry, the federal government operates additional economic immigration programs. These programs offer specific streams for international students and/or exemptions from Canadian work experience requirements. These include the Atlantic Immigration Program and the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot.
