# Study in Canada from India: Study permit, intakes and timeline > 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. - Page: https://travelsorted.grihaam.online/countries/canada - Official visa route: [Study permit](https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/study-permit.html) - Last verified: 2026-10-20 ## Quick facts - **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$) ## Intakes September · January · May (some programs) ## 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 ## 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. 1. **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. 2. **9–6 months before — Apply and collect offers.** Apply to your shortlisted institutions. Read each offer for conditions, deposit terms and start dates. 3. **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. 4. **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. 5. **When your documents are ready — Apply online and give biometrics.** Complete the study permit application, pay the fees shown and book your biometrics appointment. 6. **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. 7. **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. ## 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. ## Official sources - [Study permit — IRCC](https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/study-permit.html): Eligibility, how to apply, documents - [Study in Canada — IRCC](https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada.html): Overview for international students - [Designated learning institutions list — IRCC](https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/study-permit/prepare/designated-learning-institutions-list.html): Check your school is on it - [EduCanada](https://www.educanada.ca/): Government of Canada guide to studying in Canada - [Social Insurance Number — Service Canada](https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/sin.html): If you plan to work - [Explore immigration programs — IRCC](https://ircc.canada.ca/explore-programs/index.asp): 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. ## Popular universities in Canada - [McGill University](https://travelsorted.grihaam.online/universities/mcgill-university) — Montreal - [McMaster University](https://travelsorted.grihaam.online/universities/mcmaster-university) — Hamilton - [Simon Fraser University](https://travelsorted.grihaam.online/universities/simon-fraser-university) — Burnaby - [University of Alberta](https://travelsorted.grihaam.online/universities/university-of-alberta) — Edmonton - [University of British Columbia](https://travelsorted.grihaam.online/universities/university-of-british-columbia) — Vancouver - [University of Calgary](https://travelsorted.grihaam.online/universities/university-of-calgary) — Calgary - [University of Toronto](https://travelsorted.grihaam.online/universities/university-of-toronto) — Toronto - [University of Waterloo](https://travelsorted.grihaam.online/universities/university-of-waterloo) — Waterloo ## Guides for Canada - [Applying and tracking your Canada application](https://travelsorted.grihaam.online/resources/canada-apply-online-and-track-your-application): Most Canadian applications are made and tracked online through an IRCC account. How it works, what happens after you submit and how to stay on top of it. - [Bank accounts and credit history in Canada](https://travelsorted.grihaam.online/resources/canada-banking-and-credit-for-newcomers): You can open a Canadian bank account even without a job. What ID banks ask for, what to compare and how credit history works for newcomers. - [Biometrics for Canada: fingerprints and photo](https://travelsorted.grihaam.online/resources/canada-biometrics-for-immigration-applications): Biometrics are your fingerprints and photo. Who gives them, when IRCC asks, where to go and what the fee covers, with the official page. - [Canada health insurance for students](https://travelsorted.grihaam.online/resources/canada-health-insurance-for-international-students): Health cover in Canada depends on your province and your school. Here is how it differs, what to ask your institution and how to avoid paying twice. - [Canada immigration medical exam, explained](https://travelsorted.grihaam.online/resources/canada-immigration-medical-exam-explained): Many applications need an immigration medical exam with an approved doctor. Why it is needed, who does it, when to book and what to bring. - [Canada immigration pathways: how each works](https://travelsorted.grihaam.online/resources/canada-immigration-pathways-overview): How Canada’s main routes work in outline: Express Entry, provincial nominees, employer work permits and family sponsorship. No advice, just official pages. - [Canada proof of settlement funds, explained](https://travelsorted.grihaam.online/resources/canada-proof-of-settlement-funds-explained): Some routes ask you to show you have money to settle in Canada. Here is what proof of funds is, what a bank letter shows and how to prepare. No amounts. - [Canada study permit from India, explained](https://travelsorted.grihaam.online/resources/canada-study-permit-from-india): A Canadian study permit starts with a Letter of Acceptance from a DLI. Here is the route, the attestation letter, proof of funds and arrival steps. - [Driver’s licence for newcomers to Canada](https://travelsorted.grihaam.online/resources/canada-drivers-licence-for-newcomers): Driver’s licences are issued by each province and territory. How exchanges and tests work, why car insurance matters and where to start in your province. - [Finding a home in Canada: tenant basics](https://travelsorted.grihaam.online/resources/canada-finding-a-home-and-tenant-basics): From temporary housing to a lease: how renting works in Canada, what landlords may ask, tenant rights by province and how to avoid fake listings. - [Finding work in Canada and credential checks](https://travelsorted.grihaam.online/resources/canada-finding-work-and-credential-recognition): How to look for work as a newcomer, what changes if your job is regulated, how foreign credentials are recognised and what your rights are as a worker. - [Free settlement services and language classes](https://travelsorted.grihaam.online/resources/canada-settlement-services-and-language-classes): Federally funded settlement services help with jobs, language and housing, and some can be used before you land. Who is eligible and why to start early. - [Health insurance in Canada for newcomers](https://travelsorted.grihaam.online/resources/canada-health-insurance-for-newcomers): Each province runs its own health plan, and some have a waiting period for new residents. How it works, what it covers and how private cover fills the gap. - [Immigration scams targeting newcomers](https://travelsorted.grihaam.online/resources/canada-immigration-scams-targeting-newcomers): Fake officials, guaranteed visas, fake job offers and tax schemes target people moving to Canada. The warning signs, what IRCC never does and how to report. - [Landing in Canada: documents and border steps](https://travelsorted.grihaam.online/resources/canada-prepare-for-landing-and-port-of-entry): What to carry in your hand baggage, the lists of goods the border officer asks for, what to declare and what the port-of-entry interviews cover. - [Language tests and ECA for Canada, explained](https://travelsorted.grihaam.online/resources/canada-language-tests-and-eca-explained): Many routes ask for an approved language test and some ask for an education credential assessment (ECA). What each is, who does it and what to know. - [Police certificates for Canada, explained](https://travelsorted.grihaam.online/resources/canada-police-certificates-for-newcomers): A police certificate shows you have no criminal record, or shows it. Here is who may need one, how to get it, why timing matters and how to submit it. - [Schools and childcare for newcomer families](https://travelsorted.grihaam.online/resources/canada-schools-and-childcare-for-newcomer-families): Each province runs its own schools. How to enrol a child, which documents to prepare, what happens on the first day and where to look for childcare. - [Taxes and benefits for newcomers to Canada](https://travelsorted.grihaam.online/resources/canada-taxes-and-benefits-for-newcomers): How the CRA treats newcomers, why a CRA account and your first tax return matter, and the benefits many families look into, such as the Canada Child Benefit. - [Your first week in Canada as a newcomer](https://travelsorted.grihaam.online/resources/canada-your-first-week-as-a-newcomer): A calm order for your first week: a place to sleep, a phone, your SIN, your health card, a bank account and the ID to carry. With official links. --- General information, not legal or immigration advice. Confirm current rules, fees and thresholds on the official pages linked above.