Step by Step Process to Study in Canada in 2026

Research & Initial Counselling

Before anything else, gather accurate information about Canada's education system, admission requirements, visa rules, tuition costs, and post-study opportunities. This stage prevents costly mistakes later.

What to research:

• Provinces and cities (Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Halifax)
• Types of institutions: universities vs. colleges vs. polytechnics
• Program duration and tuition range (CAD 15,000–40,000/year for undergraduate)
• Whether your program and province require a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL/TAL)
• Study permit cap exemptions (Master's & PhD students are exempt from January 2026)
• PGWP eligibility for your chosen program

Appear for an English Proficiency Test

All Canadian institutions require proof of English proficiency. This step should be completed well before your intended application deadline — ideally 6–9 months before your intake date.

Edwise Foundation offers preparation classes for IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE in Kathmandu. Scoring above the minimum significantly improves your chances of both admission and visa approval.

Apply to Universities or Colleges

Once you have your test scores and confirmed your eligibility, apply to your shortlisted DLI(s). Choosing the right program and institution is a critical decision — seek expert guidance if needed.

Typical documents required for admission:

• Academic transcripts (official, translated)
• English proficiency score
• Valid passport copy
• Statement of Purpose (SoP) — for graduate programs
• Work experience certificate — for graduate programs
• Letters of Recommendation (LORs)
• Application fee payment
• Other test scores (GRE/GMAT, if needed)

Common reasons for application rejection:

• Not meeting minimum academic requirements
• Incomplete or incorrectly submitted applications
• Applying after the deadline
• Poor program-profile match
• Highly competitive applicant pool

Receive Your Offer Letter

If your application is successful, the institution issues an Offer Letter (also called a Conditional Acceptance Letter). This document includes your name, program of study, program start date, tuition fees, deposit amount, and the institution's DLI code.

Processing time varies by institution — typically 3–8 weeks after submission. Pay close attention to any conditions listed (e.g., minimum English score to be verified, fee deposit deadline).

Review the offer letter carefully before paying the deposit. Ensure the institution is a DLI and that your program is PGWP-eligible if that matters to your post-study plans.

Financial Arrangement & Fee Payment

After receiving your offer letter, pay the tuition deposit as instructed. This triggers the issuance of your Letter of Acceptance (LoA) — which is the key document required to apply for your study permit.

Proof of funds required (as of November 2025):

Acceptable financial evidence includes bank statements, property valuation certificates, salary/income certificates, tax clearance, and loan approval letters. All documents must clearly show sufficient liquid funds to cover tuition plus living costs for your full program duration.

Get Your Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL / TAL)

A Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) or Territorial Attestation Letter (TAL) confirms that you have been allocated one of the available international student spaces under the provincial quota of Canada's federal study permit cap.

Most international students applying for post-secondary undergraduate or diploma programs at a Canadian DLI must include a PAL/TAL with their study permit application.

Who is EXEMPT from the PAL/TAL requirement?

• Master's and PhD students at public DLIs (exempt from January 1, 2026)
• Primary and secondary school students
• Students in certain short-term programs (less than 6 months)
• Some continuing-education and professional development students

Apply for a Canada Study Permit (Student Visa)

A Canadian study permit is not a visa — it is an official authorization to study in Canada. As a Nepali citizen, you also need a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) to enter Canada, which is usually processed simultaneously with your study permit application.

Submit your application online through the IRCC portal (strongly recommended over paper applications). Processing time for Nepali applicants is typically 4–12 weeks in 2026.

Complete document checklist:

• Valid passport (6+ months validity)
• Letter of Acceptance (LoA) from a DLI
• Academic transcripts (official)
• English proficiency results
• Completed IRCC application forms
• Passport-size photographs
• Police Clearance Certificate
• Letter of Explanation (Statement of Purpose)
• Financial documents (bank statements, property valuation, income proof)
• PAL / TAL (if applicable to your program)
• Biometrics (fingerprints & photo)
• Medical examination (if required)
• Relationship verification certificate (if dependents are accompanying)

Visa Decision, Arrival & First Days in Canada

IRCC reviews your application and may request additional documents or an interview. If approved, you receive a Letter of Introduction (which serves as your study permit until you arrive) and, if applicable, a TRV stamp in your passport.

Upon arrival at a Canadian port of entry:

• Present your passport, Letter of Introduction, LoA, and supporting documents
• A border services officer will issue your actual Study Permit
• Double-check the study permit for accuracy (program, institution, expiry date)

Before you travel, make sure you have:

• Confirmed accommodation (on-campus or off-campus)
• Booked flights at least 4–6 weeks before program start
• Arranged health insurance (mandatory in most provinces)
• Completed a pre-departure orientation