Study in Canada from India
To study in Canada from India you need a Letter of Acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI), proof of funds and a study permit from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Most new applicants also need a provincial or territorial attestation letter — the IRCC page shows whether it applies to you.
- Study permit
- Intake: September
- Intake: January
- Intake: May
Last verified
Study in Canada at a glance
- Visa route
- Study permit
- Who decides
- Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
- Key document from your school
- Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
- Also needed for most applicants
- Provincial or territorial attestation letter (PAL / TAL) — check the exemptions
- Main intakes
- September and January, with May for some programs
- Usual course length
- Bachelor's degrees are usually 3–4 years; master's degrees are usually 1–2 years
- Health cover
- Varies by province and institution — some provinces cover students, many schools run a student plan
- Languages
- English and French; most institutions outside Quebec teach in English
- Moving to work or settle instead?
- Separate pathways apply (for example Express Entry, provincial nominee programs, employer work permits and family sponsorship) — see our newcomer plan
- Currency
- Canadian dollar (CAD, C$)
What do I need to study in Canada?
Short answer: you apply for the Study permit. Who decides: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The checklist below shows what the route asks of you; the official page has the current detail.
What the study permit route needs from you
- A Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from a Designated Learning Institution
- A provincial or territorial attestation letter (PAL / TAL), unless you are exempt — IRCC lists who is exempt
- Proof of funds in the form IRCC accepts — see the official page for what counts
- A valid passport and the identity documents IRCC asks for
- Your answers or letter explaining your study plans, if requested
- Biometrics (fingerprints and photo)
- A medical exam or police certificate if your situation requires one
When can I start? Intakes in Canada
Short answer: the main intakes in Canada are September, January and May (some programs). Some courses and universities add other start dates.
- September
- January
- May (some programs)
Work back from your start date: applications, then the offer, then proof of funds, then the visa. The timeline below shows the usual order — your university’s deadlines always come first.
How do I plan my move to Canada? What you will do, and when
A typical order of play for a September start. Check each step and date with IRCC and your institution.
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12–9 months before you start
Shortlist programs and check the DLI list
Compare programs and entry requirements, and confirm the institution is a Designated Learning Institution — IRCC publishes the list.
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9–6 months before
Apply and collect offers
Apply to your shortlisted institutions. Read each offer for conditions, deposit terms and start dates.
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After you accept an offer
Get your LOA and, if needed, your attestation letter
Your institution issues the LOA. Most new applicants also need a PAL or TAL — ask your institution how it is obtained for your province or territory.
-
After your LOA
Prepare proof of funds and documents
Collect the financial documents IRCC accepts and organise your passport, transcripts and the other documents on the official checklist. Older blog posts may describe rules that no longer apply.
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When your documents are ready
Apply online and give biometrics
Complete the study permit application, pay the fees shown and book your biometrics appointment.
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After approval
Plan your arrival
If approved, IRCC sends a letter of introduction (and a visa if you need one). You show it at the Canadian port of entry, where your study permit is issued. Book housing, flights, forex and an eSIM.
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Arrival and first weeks
Enrol and set up
Keep your documents in hand luggage for the border officer. Then enrol, check your health coverage, open a bank account and, if you plan to work, apply for a Social Insurance Number.
What does it cost to study in Canada? Costs to plan for
No figures here on purpose — they change. Each line says where to find the current amount.
Tuition fees
Set by each institution and program; international fees are published on the program page.
Living costs
Rent, food, transport and phone. Costs differ a lot between big cities and smaller towns.
Study permit and biometrics fees
Paid online. Check the current fees on the IRCC page.
Proof of funds
Money you must be able to show. IRCC publishes the rules and they have changed in recent years.
Health cover
Depends on your province and institution; some schools charge a mandatory student plan with tuition.
Medical exam
If required, paid to a panel physician approved by IRCC.
Flights and winter gear
Fares change with season. Winter clothing is a real budget line in much of Canada.
Housing deposit and first rent
Deposit rules differ by province. Ask what is allowed before you pay.
Forex and bank charges
Compare exchange rates and transfer fees together.
Popular universities in Canada
A starting point, not a ranking. Check each university’s own site for courses, fees and deadlines.
McGill University
Montreal, Canada
A public research university in Montreal, Quebec, founded in 1821 and taught primarily in English.
McMaster University
Hamilton, Canada
A public research university in Hamilton, Ontario, with a large health sciences faculty.
Simon Fraser University
Burnaby, Canada
A public research university in British Columbia with its main campus in Burnaby, founded in 1965.
University of Alberta
Edmonton, Canada
A public research university in Edmonton, Alberta, founded in 1908.
University of British Columbia
Vancouver, Canada
A public research university in British Columbia, with main campuses in Vancouver and Kelowna.
University of Calgary
Calgary, Canada
A public research university in Calgary, Alberta, which became an independent university in 1966.
University of Toronto
Toronto, Canada
A public research university in Toronto, Ontario, founded in 1827, with three campuses.
University of Waterloo
Waterloo, Canada
A public research university in Waterloo, Ontario, known for its co-operative education programs.
Guides for studying in Canada
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VerifiedOfficial sources for Canada
- Study permit — IRCC — Eligibility, how to apply, documents
- Study in Canada — IRCC — Overview for international students
- Designated learning institutions list — IRCC — Check your school is on it
- EduCanada — Government of Canada guide to studying in Canada
- Social Insurance Number — Service Canada — If you plan to work
- Explore immigration programs — IRCC — If you are moving to work or settle rather than study
Study in Canada: common questions
What is a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)?
A DLI is a school approved by a provincial or territorial government to host international students. You can only get a study permit for a program at a DLI, and IRCC publishes the list.
What is a provincial attestation letter (PAL)?
For most new study permit applications, a PAL or territorial equivalent shows that the province or territory has approved you within its allocation. Some applicants are exempt. Check the IRCC page and ask your institution.
Do I need health insurance for Canada?
Rules vary by province and institution. Some provinces cover international students, others do not, and many schools enrol students in a plan by default. Check your province’s health ministry and your institution before you buy anything extra.
Can I work while studying in Canada?
Many study permits allow limited work during studies, and the conditions are printed on your permit. The rules have changed in recent years, so check IRCC for the current position.
Moving to Canada to live or work, not study?
There is a separate plan for people moving to work, settle or join family: pathways in outline, documents, landing and your first months, with official sources. Open the Canada newcomer plan
Travelling to Canada for work?
Business trips, assignments and remote work have their own plan: official entry pages by trip type, documents, travel services and your return. Open the Canada professional plan
General information, not legal or immigration advice. View this page as plain markdown.
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