Study in Canada 2027: Costs, Scholarships and Study Permit

Last updated: November 13, 2026

Guide to study in Canada for international students 2027

Key facts: studying in Canada as an international student (2027)

Average tuition (2026/27): about CAD 42,062 a year for international undergraduates and CAD 24,693 for graduate students (Statistics Canada)
Money to show for your study permit: first year tuition, travel, plus CAD 23,448 for living costs (single applicant outside Quebec, from 1 September 2026)
Master’s and PhD students: no provincial attestation letter (PAL) needed and not counted in the study permit cap since 1 January 2026, if you study at a public institution
Work while you study: up to 24 hours a week off campus during term, full time during scheduled breaks
After you graduate: a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) of up to 3 years, depending on your programme

Last checked: November 2026

Canada is still one of the most popular study destinations in the world, with strong universities, the chance to work while you study and a clear route to work after graduation. But the rules have changed a lot since 2024. There is now a cap on study permits, the money you must show has gone up, and tuition for international students keeps rising.

This guide brings everything together in one place: costs, scholarships, the study permit, work rights and how to apply. Each section links to our detailed guides if you want to go deeper.

Why Study in Canada?

Quality: Canadian degrees are recognised worldwide, and several universities rank among the global top 50.
Work rights: you can work part time during your studies and full time during breaks.
Post-study work: university graduates can get a Post-Graduation Work Permit of up to three years.
Funding for research students: research master’s and PhD programmes often come with a funding package.
A clearer path for graduate students: since January 2026, master’s and PhD students at public institutions are exempt from the study permit cap.

Choosing a University

Canada has around 100 universities and many more colleges. Only schools on the government’s list of designated learning institutions (DLIs) can accept international students, so check that your school is a DLI before you apply. If you want a Post-Graduation Work Permit later, also check that your programme is PGWP eligible.

Our guide to Canadian universities compares the top choices for international students.

Study Options by Level

Undergraduate

Bachelor’s degrees usually take four years. They are the most expensive option for international students, so look at entrance scholarships early. The Lester B. Pearson Scholarship at the University of Toronto and the UBC International Scholars Program are the best known full awards.

Master’s

Master’s programmes take one to two years. Thesis (research) master’s are often funded through assistantships, while course based master’s usually are not. Read our guide to a master’s degree in Canada.

PhD

Most PhD offers in Canada come with a funding package. International PhD students already in Canada can also apply for the $40,000 a year CGRS D. See our PhD in Canada guide.

Postdoctoral research

The Banting Fellowship has been replaced by the Canadian Postdoctoral Research Award (CPRA), worth $70,000 a year. See postdoctoral fellowships in Canada.

Exchange and short programmes

If you are already studying at home, an exchange semester can be a cheaper way to experience Canada. See exchange programs in Canada, the Queen’s University exchange and the University of Ottawa exchange.

How Much Does It Cost to Study in Canada?

Tuition

According to Statistics Canada, international students in 2026/27 pay on average:

Undergraduate: about CAD 42,062 a year
Graduate: about CAD 24,693 a year

Costs vary a lot by province and field. Ontario is the most expensive province for international undergraduates, and Newfoundland and Labrador is the cheapest. Medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine and MBA programmes cost far more than the average. See our full tuition fees guide.

Living costs

For your study permit you must show at least CAD 23,448 for one year of living costs if you are single and studying outside Quebec. This applies to applications made on or after 1 September 2026. It is a minimum, and rent in Toronto or Vancouver will usually cost more. Quebec sets its own, higher figure.

Health insurance

Every province requires international students to have health cover. Some provinces include you in their public plan, while in others your university enrols you in a private plan. Budget for this when you compare schools.

Scholarships to Study in Canada

Most of Canada’s biggest federal scholarships are for Canadian citizens and permanent residents, but there are still good options for international students:

Scholarships in Canada for international students: our main list, grouped by level
CGRS D (formerly Vanier): $40,000 a year for PhD students already in Canada
Ontario Graduate Scholarship: up to $15,000, with a quota for international students
Ontario Trillium Scholarship: for top international PhD students in Ontario
Lester B. Pearson Scholarship: full undergraduate award at the University of Toronto
Global Affairs Canada exchange scholarships: short exchanges that replaced the Commonwealth Scholarship
CGRS M: for Canadian and permanent resident master’s students only

Want to keep costs as low as possible? Read 12 ways to study in Canada for free.

The Canadian Study Permit

Do you need one?

Yes, for any programme longer than six months. You apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) after you get your letter of acceptance.

The study permit cap and the PAL

Canada limits how many study permit applications it accepts each year. Most undergraduate and college applicants need a provincial or territorial attestation letter (PAL or TAL) from the province where they will study. Since 1 January 2026, master’s and PhD students at public designated learning institutions do not need a PAL and are not counted in the cap. IRCC is expected to set the 2027 cap and provincial allocations in late 2026, so check the latest figures before you apply.

What you need to show

A letter of acceptance from a designated learning institution
A PAL or TAL, unless you are exempt
Proof of funds: first year tuition, travel costs and at least CAD 23,448 for living costs (single applicant outside Quebec)
Proof of where your money came from. IRCC now looks closely at the source and availability of funds.
Biometrics, and a medical exam if required for your country

The Student Direct Stream and Nigeria Student Express closed in November 2024, so all applicants now use the regular process. For step by step help, see our Canada student visa guide.

Language Requirements

Universities set their own English or French requirements, usually through IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, CAEL or Duolingo scores. If you plan to stay after graduation, note that PGWP applicants need language test results too: CLB 7 for university degree graduates and CLB 5 for college graduates. See our language requirements guide.

Working While You Study

Off campus: up to 24 hours a week during term
Scheduled breaks: full time, with no weekly limit
On campus: no weekly hour limit
Co-op and internships: since 1 April 2026, post-secondary students no longer need a separate co-op work permit for a required placement

Working more than 24 hours a week off campus during term breaks your study permit conditions and can cost you your status, so track your hours carefully.

After Graduation: The PGWP

The Post-Graduation Work Permit lets you work for any employer in Canada after you finish your studies. It can last up to three years. Graduates of university bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral programmes qualify in any field. College graduates in non-degree programmes must study a field on the eligible list. Canadian work experience can later help you apply for permanent residence.

How to Apply to Study in Canada: Timeline

12 to 18 months before: shortlist programmes, check entry requirements and start looking for scholarships.
October to January: take your language test and apply. Many scholarship deadlines fall between October and February for a September start.
February to April: receive offers and accept one. Ask your province for a PAL if you need one.
April to June: apply for your study permit as early as possible, with full proof of funds.
July to August: arrange housing and health insurance, then travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much money do I need to study in Canada?

For a study permit you must show your first year’s tuition, travel costs and at least CAD 23,448 for living costs if you are single and studying outside Quebec. Average international tuition is about CAD 42,062 a year for undergraduates and CAD 24,693 for graduate students.

Do master’s students need a PAL in 2027?

No, not if you study at a public designated learning institution. Master’s and PhD students have been exempt since 1 January 2026.

How many hours can international students work in Canada?

Up to 24 hours a week off campus during term, and full time during scheduled breaks.

Can I study in Canada for free?

Fully funded study is possible, mainly through funded PhD positions, research master’s and a few large undergraduate scholarships. See our guide to studying in Canada for free.

Guide to Study in Canada 2027: Costs, Scholarships, Study Permit and Work Rules