For students

Studying in Canada — where to start

Whether you're at the very beginning of your research or weeks away from submitting your first application, this guide points to the right information at each stage.

IRCC's 2026 plan targets 155,000 newly arriving international students — below 2025 and 2024 targets. Apply early and plan carefully.

Source: IRCC 2026

Co-op programs allow students to earn while studying — Waterloo has the world's largest co-op program

Source: UWaterloo

Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) allows eligible graduates to work in Canada — eligibility depends on program and institution type

Source: IRCC 2024

Montréal and Québec universities charge among the lowest international tuition in Canada

Source: CAUT 2024

By where you are in the process

1

Exploring

You're weighing Canada against other destinations and don't yet have a shortlist.

2

Shortlisting

You have a field of study and are choosing between institutions and cities.

3

Applying

You've chosen your institutions and are working through applications.

4

Deciding

You have an offer — or several — and are choosing where to enrol.

5

Preparing to arrive

You've accepted an offer and are preparing for your first term.

Not sure where to start?

A screened adviser can help you navigate institutions, programs, and applications — with their compensation model disclosed before you contact them.

Find a screened adviser

Every adviser listing shows their fee model. How advisers are paid →