Canada's strong academic standing and inclusive multicultural atmosphere continue to draw students. Here's a quick look at some key points:
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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.
Detailed information about the student visas and permits for Canada is given below.
| Type of Visa/Permit | Purpose | Who Needs It | Validity |
| Study Permit | Authorises full-time study at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). | International students enrolled in programs longer than 6 months. | Duration of the study program + 90 days. |
| Co-op/Internship Work Permit | Allows students to complete mandatory work placements as part of their course. | Students whose program includes a compulsory co-op or internship component. | Matches the length of the study permit. |
| Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) | Entry document required for visa-required countries to enter Canada. | Students from countries that are not visa-exempt. | Varies, usually matches study permit. |
| Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) | Electronic entry requirement for visa-exempt travellers flying to Canada. | Students from visa-exempt countries (including Australia) travelling by air. | Up to 5 years or until passport expiry. |
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:
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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:
To apply for a study permit, you must provide the following documents:
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.
Detailed information about the cost of studying in Canada is given below:
| Expense Category | Average Cost (per year) |
| Study Permit Application | CAD 150 |
| Tuition Fees | CAD 20,000 – CAD 40,000 |
| Living Expenses | CAD 15,000 – CAD 20,000 |
| Health Insurance | CAD 600 – CAD 1,000 |
| Miscellaneous Costs | CAD 1,000 – CAD 2,000 |
Detailed information about the processing time for Canada Study Permit is given below.
| Application Location | Average Processing Time |
| From Australia | 2 – 6 weeks |
| From within Canada | 4 – 8 weeks |
| Via Student Direct Stream | Around 20 calendar days |
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.
| Scholarship Name | Amount | What It Covers | Eligibility Criteria |
| Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships | CAD 50,000/year for up to 3 years | Tuition, living expenses | Outstanding academic achievement in graduate studies; leadership skills; nominated by a Canadian institution. |
| Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship (University of Toronto) | Full tuition + books + incidental fees + residence for 4 years | Tuition, books, incidental fees, and residence | Exceptional academic achievement, creativity, and leadership; must be nominated by school. |
| University of British Columbia International Scholars Program | Up to full tuition + living expenses | Tuition and living costs | High academic performance and financial need; demonstrated leadership. |
| York University International Student Scholarship | CAD 20,000/year (renewable for up to 4 years) | Tuition | Strong academic record (minimum “A” average) and leadership qualities. |
| University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowships | CAD 14,000/year (Master’s), CAD 18,000/year (PhD) | Tuition and living expenses | Academic excellence; open to all nationalities; full-time graduate students. |
| Carleton University Entrance Scholarships | CAD 4,000 – CAD 16,000 | Tuition | Strong academic achievement; automatic consideration with admission. |
| University of Calgary International Entrance Scholarship | CAD 20,000/year (renewable) | Tuition | Exceptional academic performance and extracurricular involvement. |
| Humber College International Entrance Scholarships | CAD 2,000 – CAD 4,000 | Tuition | Academic merit; awarded at the time of admission. |
| McGill University Entrance Scholarships | CAD 3,000 – CAD 12,000 | Tuition | Academic excellence; automatic consideration with admission. |
| Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships | CAD 70,000/year for 2 years | Living expenses and research costs | Postdoctoral researchers demonstrating excellence and leadership in research. |
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.
| Opportunity | Description | Duration | Eligibility Criteria |
| Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) | Allows graduates to work in Canada after completing an eligible program. | Up to 3 years (based on program length) | Completed a full-time program of at least 8 months at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). |
| PR pathway under Express Entry for those with Canadian work experience. | Permanent | At least 1 year of skilled Canadian work experience; meet language requirements. | |
| PR pathway for graduates nominated by a province or territory. | Permanent | Graduate from an eligible Canadian institution; meet specific provincial criteria. | |
| Atlantic Immigration Program | PR program for graduates in Atlantic provinces with a job offer. | Permanent | Graduate from a recognised institution in Atlantic Canada; have a job offer from a designated employer. |
| Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP) | PR pathway for graduates in participating smaller communities. | Permanent | Graduate from a local post-secondary institution; have a qualifying job offer in the community. |
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.
| Field of Study | Top 10 Universities/Colleges | Popular Programs |
| Engineering & Technology | • University of Toronto | Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering |
| Computer Science & IT | • University of Toronto | Computer Science, Data Science, Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence, Cloud Computing |
| Business & Management | • University of Toronto (Rotman) | MBA, International Business, Finance, Marketing, Entrepreneurship |
| Health & Life Sciences | • University of Toronto | Medicine, Nursing, Public Health, Biomedical Sciences, Pharmacy |
| Creative Arts & Design | • OCAD University | Graphic Design, Animation, Film Production, Industrial Design, Fine Arts |
| University | QS Global Rank (2025) | Location | Popular Courses Offered |
| University of Toronto | 25 | Toronto, Ontario | Engineering, Medicine, Business, Computer Science, Law |
| McGill University | 29 | Montreal, Quebec | Medicine, Life Sciences, Business, Law, Arts & Humanities |
| University of British Columbia | 38 | Vancouver, British Columbia | Forestry, Engineering, Computer Science, Environmental Sciences |
| University of Alberta | 96 | Edmonton, Alberta | Energy Engineering, Earth Sciences, Medicine, Business |
| University of Waterloo | 115 | Waterloo, Ontario | Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, Business |
| Western University | 120 | London, Ontario | Health Sciences, Business, Engineering, Social Sciences |
| Université de Montréal | 159 | Montreal, Quebec | Medicine, Law, Engineering, Arts, Natural Sciences |
| University of Calgary | 198 | Calgary, Alberta | Engineering, Geosciences, Business, Medicine |
| McMaster University | 176 | Hamilton, Ontario | Health Sciences, Engineering, Business, Social Sciences |
| University of Ottawa | 203 | Ottawa, Ontario | Law, Public Policy, Engineering, Social Sciences |
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.
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.
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A Canada Student Visa, officially a Study Permit, is a document from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). It lets international students study at specific schools (DLIs) in Canada. Most programs longer than six months need one. The permit says where and what you can study, and if you can work while studying. It usually lasts as long as your program, plus 90 extra days to get ready to leave or apply for more permits.
A Canada Study Permit usually lasts for your whole school program, plus 90 days. For example, if your program is two years, your permit covers those two years and gives you extra time to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), keep studying, or get ready to leave Canada. If you change programs or take longer to finish, you must ask for an extension before your current permit ends.
Yes, you can apply for a Canada Study Permit if you have a letter of acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI), proof that you have enough money for school, living, and travel back home, and meet other needs like health and background checks. You also have to show that you plan to leave Canada when your permit is up, unless you can stay longer for work. Make sure your documents are complete and correct to make your chances better.
The cost of Canada Student Visa is given below:
| Fee Type | Amount (CAD) |
| Study Permit Application Fee | 150 |
| Biometrics Fee | 85 |
| Medical Exam | 100 – 250 |
| Police Clearance | 25 – 100 |
| Document Translation/Notarisation | 20 – 50 per page |
The processing time for Canada student visa is given below.
| Application Location | Average Processing Time |
| From Australia | 2 – 6 weeks |
| From within Canada | 4 – 8 weeks |
| Via Student Direct Stream | Around 20 calendar days |
To apply for a Canadian Study Permit, follow these steps:
Step 1: Obtain an acceptance letter from a Designated Learning Institution, and any necessary provincial attestation letter.
Step 2: Create an IRCC account, complete the online application, upload the required documents, and pay the fees.
Step 3: Attend the biometrics appointment. If required, complete a medical exam.
Step 4: Keep track of your application status and answer any requests from IRCC promptly.
Step 5: If your application is approved, you'll get a port-of-entry letter. Obtain an eTA/TRV, if needed, and show your documents at the border to get your study permit.
Yes, most full-time students with a valid study permit can work while studying in Canada. You can work up to 20 hours a week during school and full-time during breaks, like summer or winter holidays. You can work on or off campus without another work permit if you meet IRCC’s conditions. If your program requires a co-op or internship, you’ll need a Co-op Work Permit, too.
If your study permit is going to end before you finish your program, ask for an extension at least 30 days before it ends. Apply online through the IRCC portal with updated documents, like proof of enrollment, transcripts, and proof of money. If you apply before your permit ends, you can keep studying under “maintained status” until they decide. If you don’t extend on time, you might lose your legal status and need to ask to restore it, which costs more and takes longer.
Yes, the husband or wife of a full-time international student may get an open work permit in Canada. This permit lets them work full-time for anyone without a job offer. The student must be studying at a public college or university or an eligible private school. The spouse’s work permit usually lasts as long as the student’s study permit, which gives families more options and money while they stay in Canada.
No, you cannot go to the USA with a Canada student visa. A Canada Study Permit alone does not let you into the USA. To visit the United States, you have to meet US rules. Usually, citizens of some countries need to apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) under the Visa Waiver Program or get a US visa. A Canadian study permit and temporary resident status can make it easier to cross the border for short trips if your documents are good and you meet US Customs and Border Protection rules.
