Step by Step Process to Study in Canada in 2025

If you are planning to study in Canada, you have visited the right place for the right information. After reading this content, you will know a lot about studying in Canada, especially the updated process with new rules and changes for international students.

We have tried to explain the process in a simplified way so that you get a clear understanding. You can always reach us for details, guidance and support.

Here are the steps for the process to study in Canada:

Gather the information

This is the first step you take once you think of studying in Canada. This step includes knowing about the country, education system, requirements for both admission and visa, costs, and other essential details. Initial counselling from experts or your own research are the best ways for this step.
It is important to check whether your intake falls under the national cap on study permits and whether your program or institution requires a Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter (PAL/TAL), as these changes affect many international students from 2024 onwards.

English proficiency test and other test scores

Once you have done your research or gone through initial counselling, you will get a rough idea of your eligibility. You are still required to fulfill the important requirement: English language proficiency test (or French, where applicable) and any other required test scores like GRE or GMAT if needed.
There are many English proficiency tests like IELTS, TOEFL, PTE. IELTS remains widely accepted. We offer classes for IELTS, TOEFL and PTE.
Because of stricter verification and compliance rules by the Canadian authorities, ensure that all test certificates, transcripts, and documentation are official and accepted by your institution.

Apply to universities/colleges

After you get your test scores and confirm your eligibility, you are ready to apply to universities or colleges for admission. Choosing the right program and school is not always easy. This is a crucial step where guidance from the experts may be required.

You normally need the following documents to apply for admission:

• Academic transcripts (official copies)
• English proficiency test score
• Other test scores (if required)
• Passport copy
• Statement of Purpose (SoP) – mostly for graduate studies
• Work-experience certificate – mostly for graduate studies
• Letter(s) of Recommendation – mostly for graduate studies
• Application fee

Also, confirm that the institution you apply to is a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) and that your offer or acceptance will be verifiable under the new study permit verification system.

Reasons for application rejection

Applications can be rejected for many reasons:

• Applicant does not meet the minimum requirement
• Submission of incomplete application
• Choosing the wrong program match
• Highly competitive pool of applications
• Applying after the deadline

Offer letter

Universities/colleges review your application and make decisions. If you are accepted, you will be issued an offer letter, generally within 3–4 weeks after submission, though time can vary.

The offer letter will include details like your name and address, institution name and code, program of study, start date, tuition fees, other associated fees, deposit amount, etc. Under the updated rules, the offer letter must be verifiable and meet institutional compliance checks.

Financial arrangement and fee payment

After receiving your offer letter, you must prepare financial arrangements to pay tuition and living expenses. Paying the tuition deposit as per your offer letter will lead to the issuance of a Letter of Acceptance (LoA), required to apply for a study permit.

The current proof-of-funds requirement (November 2025) is:

• CAD $22,895 for a single student
• CAD $4,580 for a spouse or common-law partner
• CAD $3,135 for each dependent child

Make sure your financial documents clearly show sufficient funds to cover tuition, living expenses, and dependents if applicable.

What is a PAL/TAL?

A Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) or Territorial Attestation Letter (TAL) is issued by the province or territory where your chosen institution (DLI) is located. It confirms that you have been assigned one of the available international-student spaces under the provincial quota of the federal study-permit cap.

Most international students applying for post-secondary study in Canada must include a PAL/TAL with their study-permit application unless they fall under exemptions.

Master’s and PhD students at public DLIs are exempt from the federal cap and PAL/TAL requirement starting January 1, 2026.

Tips for students

• Confirm with your institution whether your intake and program require a PAL/TAL.
• Secure your admission and deposit early so that the PAL/TAL can be issued in time.
• Keep a copy of the PAL/TAL to include in your study-permit application when required.

International student cap

Canada has introduced a firm cap on new study permits to manage growth in student arrivals. The caps for future years are:

• 2026: 155,000 new study permits
• 2027: 150,000 new study permits
• 2028: 150,000 new study permits

Starting January 1, 2026, international students enrolling in Master’s or Doctoral degree programs at public DLIs are exempt from this cap and no longer require a PAL/TAL. Applications submitted early and with complete documentation have a higher chance of success.

Visa (Study Permit) application

You can apply for a study permit after receiving your LoA and, if required, your PAL/TAL. Applications can be submitted online (recommended) or on paper. Processing times vary depending on program, level, and provincial quota.

Required documents include:

• Valid passport
• Letter of Acceptance (LoA)
• Academic transcripts
• English proficiency results
• Application forms
• Photographs (per IRCC rules)
• Police Clearance Certificate
• Letter of Explanation (your reasons for studying)
• Financial documents (loan papers, bank balance statements, proof of income or property valuation, tax clearance)
• Relationship verification certificate (if dependents accompany you)
• Biometrics and medical exam if required
• PAL/TAL (if applicable)

Decision

Immigration authorities review applications and make a decision. Additional documents or an interview may be requested. If approved, you will receive a Letter of Introduction and your visa (if applicable). At the Canadian port of entry, present your visa (if applicable), Letter of Introduction, and supporting documents to receive your Study Permit.

Incomplete or late applications have a higher risk of refusal. Doctoral program applications are now processed faster, typically within 14 days.

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)

The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) allows eligible graduates to stay and work in Canada after completing their studies.

PGWP rules and eligibility:

• Must have completed a program at a PGWP-eligible DLI
• Program length must be at least 8 months
• Maximum duration of PGWP depends on program length, up to 3 years
• Part-time online study may affect eligibility if it exceeds allowed limits

Additional updates for Master’s/PhD students:

• Master’s and PhD graduates at public DLIs are eligible for PGWP regardless of field of study
• PGWP applications must be submitted within 180 days of receiving proof of program completion
• Doctoral students benefit from faster visa and work-permit decision times

What NEXT?

Congratulations if your study permit is approved. Arrange accommodation, book flights, and plan your arrival in Canada.

If your study permit is denied:

• Review the refusal letter carefully
• Address the gaps identified
• Re-apply when able to meet all requirements
• Check your institution’s refund policy before paying tuition deposits

Applying early, choosing the right institution, and verifying documentation thoroughly is more important than ever.

About Edwise Foundation

At Edwise Foundation, you will get complete guidance from the first step to post-visa arrival. Our expert and experienced foreign-graduate counsellors guide you smoothly and share real-time experience of studying abroad.

Edwise Foundation is the first AIRC-certified consultancy in Nepal and has guided over 6,000 students successfully since 2005. We don’t do miracles, but we do things the right way.