Study in Canada: Student Visa Guide for Australian Students

Canada's strong academic standing and inclusive multicultural atmosphere continue to draw students. Here's a quick look at some key points:

• Close to 1 million international students chose Canada as their study destination by the close of 2024, confirming its place as a top choice for education around the world.
• To address housing and service availability, the government set a limit of 437,000 new study permits for 2025.
• At the end of 2023, over 396,000 Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) holders were working in Canada, which is more than twice the amount seen in 2019.
• Ontario is the destination for over half of all new study permit recipients on a yearly basis.
• Roughly 70% of international students want to obtain a PGWP, and over half plan to pursue permanent residency.

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Canada is welcoming 408,000 students in 2026

The Canadian government has released the 2026 study program distribution, setting a target of welcoming 408,000 international students.

Category	Allocated Study Permits
PAL/ TAL required applicants	1,80,000
Master’s and doctoral students (PAL/TAL exempt)	49,000
Primary and secondary school (kindergarten to grade 12, also PAL/TAL exempt)	1,15,000
Other PAL/TAL-exempt study permit applicants	64,000
Total	4,08,000

What is Canada Study Permit (Student Visa)?

In Canada, international students usually need a study permit from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to attend specific schools (DLIs). If your program is longer than six months, you have to get this permit before you arrive. Depending on where you're from, you might also need a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to enter Canada.

The study permit states the conditions of your stay, like which school you can go to, what level of study you can do, and if there are any work restrictions. It's usually good for your program's length, plus an extra 90 days, which allows time to get ready to leave, apply for a work permit after graduation, or extend your stay for more study.

Types of Canada Study Visas & Permits 

Detailed information about the student visas and permits for Canada is given below.

Benefits of Studying in Canada for Australian Students

Canada is a top choice for students worldwide, including those from Australia, because it offers quality education, diverse cultures, and strong career prospects. Several Canadian universities rank among the world’s top 100, providing excellent academic programs with modern research and career-focused learning. A Canadian degree is recognized globally, improving job opportunities both in Canada and Australia.

Canada’s multicultural environment, with people from over 200 countries, helps international students adapt and feel comfortable. The country is safe, welcoming, and usually ranks high among the world’s safest nations, with cities focusing on student safety and quality of life. Canada also provides excellent options for work during and after graduation, along with clear pathways to permanent residency, making it a preferred choice for long-term study and career planning.

Top benefits of studying in Canada with a Canada Student Visa:

• Canadian degrees and diplomas hold global recognition, improving career opportunities both in Canada and internationally.
• You can attend top-ranked universities and colleges that offer updated facilities and research programs.
• The multicultural setting aids adaptation and the growth of international networks.
• Work in Canada is permitted part-time for international students while studying and full-time during breaks, in addition to co-op and internship programs.
• The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) offers a chance to gain Canadian work experience and provides pathways to Canada PR or permanent residency.
• Tuition and living costs are lower than in the US and the UK, while still keeping a high quality of life.
• Canada is a safe country for international students.

*Looking for guidance to study abroad? Y-Axis is here to support you with the process.

Eligibility Criteria for Canadian Student Visa for Australians

To study in Canada, Australian students must obtain a study permit if their full-time program at a recognized educational institution lasts longer than six months. Applicants are required to demonstrate that they can cover their tuition fees, living expenses, and return travel costs. They must also meet Canada’s health and personal ethics standards, which may include medical examinations or police clearance certificates.

A study permit is not required for programs shorter than six months. However, longer programs or those that include work placements (such as co-op or internship programs) will require a permit.

Eligibility Criteria include:

• A formal acceptance letter from a Canadian learning institution that is approved by the government.
• Proof that you have enough funds to pay for your tuition, living costs, and return trip. This includes money for any family members coming with you.
• Evidence of your English or French skills. You can show this through tests like IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, or TEF, if needed.
• A passport that will remain valid for your entire stay in Canada.
• Proof that you plan to leave Canada when your study permit ends, unless you are eligible to stay longer.
• You might need to pass a medical exam as required by Canadian immigration.
• You might need to provide a police certificate to prove you do not have a criminal record.

Documents Required to Study in Canada

To apply for a study permit, you must provide the following documents:

• A valid passport.
• An acceptance letter from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
• Proof you have enough money to support yourself (like bank statements or sponsor letters).
• Recent passport-sized photos that meet Canadian visa requirements.
• Completed application forms for the study permit.
• Proof of your English or French skills, if needed (like IELTS or TOEFL scores).
• Biometrics (fingerprints and photo), if asked for.
• Medical exam results, if IRCC requests them.
• A police clearance certificate, if asked for.
• Receipts that show you have paid your tuition fees or made a deposit.

How to apply for Canada student visa?

The process to apply for Canada Study Permit is given below:

Step 1: Get a letter of acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution, as well as any needed provincial attestation letter.

Step 2: Apply online by creating an IRCC account, filling out the application, uploading the needed documents, and paying the fees.

Step 3:  Attend your biometrics appointment. Complete a medical exam if asked to do so.

Step 4: Track your application status and quickly respond to any requests from IRCC.

Step 5: Once your application is approved, you will get a port-of-entry letter. Get an eTA/TRV, if needed, and present your documents at the border to get your study permit.

Canada Student Visa Fees & Cost of Study 

Detailed information about the cost of studying in Canada is given below:

Canada Study Permit Processing Time

Detailed information about the processing time for Canada Study Permit is given below.

Scholarships for International Students in Canada

In Australia, students have access to scholarships from the government, universities, and private entities to help with expenses. These scholarships, often awarded based on merit, can cover tuition or living costs.

Can You Work While Studying in Canada?

Yes, international students in Canada can work while they study, provided they meet requirements. Most full-time students who have a valid study permit can work up to 20 hours a week during school terms and full-time during breaks like summer or winter holidays. Students can work either on campus or off campus without needing another work permit.

If a student's program has a mandatory work placement or internship, they will need to apply for a Co-op/Internship Work Permit as well as their study permit. Working while studying can help with living costs and provide relevant Canadian work experience. This experience can benefit students when they apply for post-graduation work permits and later, for permanent residency.

Post-Study Work and Permanent Residency Opportunities in Canada

Bringing Family While Studying in Canada

In Canada, international students can bring immediate family—spouses/partners and dependent children. Spouses/partners could get open work permits for full-time jobs. Children can usually attend primary or secondary school without needing their own study permits. To include family, students have to show they can cover living costs. Family applications can be submitted with the student's permit application or later. While having family present can improve the study experience, it's important to budget for extra expenses and meet all immigration rules to ensure things go smoothly.

Top Courses to Study in Canada for International Students

Field of Study	Top 10 Universities/Colleges	Popular Programs
Engineering & Technology	• University of Toronto • University of British Columbia • McGill University • University of Alberta • University of Waterloo • McMaster University • Queen’s University • University of Calgary • Concordia University • Carleton University	Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering
Computer Science & IT	• University of Toronto • University of British Columbia • McGill University • University of Waterloo • Simon Fraser University • University of Alberta • Carleton University • University of Ottawa • Western University • Dalhousie University	Computer Science, Data Science, Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence, Cloud Computing
Business & Management	• University of Toronto (Rotman) • University of British Columbia (Sauder) • McGill University (Desautels) • York University (Schulich) • Western University (Ivey) • Queen’s University (Smith) • University of Alberta • Concordia University (John Molson) • University of Calgary (Haskayne) • Saint Mary’s University (Sobey)	MBA, International Business, Finance, Marketing, Entrepreneurship
Health & Life Sciences	• University of Toronto • McGill University • University of British Columbia • University of Alberta • McMaster University • University of Calgary • University of Ottawa • Queen’s University • Dalhousie University • Université de Montréal	Medicine, Nursing, Public Health, Biomedical Sciences, Pharmacy
Creative Arts & Design	• OCAD University • Emily Carr University of Art + Design • Sheridan College • George Brown College • Concordia University • University of Alberta • NSCAD University • Ryerson University (Toronto Metropolitan University) • University of Manitoba • Capilano University	Graphic Design, Animation, Film Production, Industrial Design, Fine Arts

Top Universities in Canada for International Students

Living in Canada as an International Student

Studying in Canada provides students with quality education, cultural variety, and a secure setting. Housing choices include on-campus dorms, shared apartments, and homestays; costs differ by city and province. Public transportation works well in urban areas, and many cities offer student discounts for it. Healthcare coverage is required; some provinces include international students in their public health plans, but others need private insurance. Canada’s cities, natural scenery, and diverse communities offer chances for recreation, networking, and personal growth. The academic focus, support services, and living standards make studying in Canada worthwhile.

How Y-Axis Helps with Canadian Student Visas?

Y-Axis is a top immigration and visa consultancy that helps students, professionals, and families reach their goals abroad. Y-Axis gives specialized help and complete services to make studying, working, or living abroad easier.

Our services include:

• Get a free eligibility check for Australia immigration via Y-Axis Australia Immigration Points Calculator
• Avail expert guidance and counseling for Australia immigration.  
• Take advantage of our coaching services for PTE and IELTS
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