Study in Canada: costs, scholarships and study permits for international students
A structured guide to help you understand the real budget required, the actual chances of getting scholarships, the main steps for a study permit, and the study fields that can fit into a realistic long-term strategy.
The information on this page is general in nature, may change over time and does not replace official instructions or personalized legal advice. For guidance tailored to your situation, we recommend having your project reviewed by a qualified professional.
Cost of studying in Canada (tuition and living expenses)
The total cost of a study project in Canada depends on the type of program, the institution, the province and your lifestyle. It is better to think in terms of ranges and financial margins rather than a single fixed amount you see online.
Tuition fees
For international students, tuition fees can vary significantly. Some college or technical programs may be in a more affordable range, while specialized university programs (engineering, IT, health, etc.) are often higher. Each institution publishes its own fee tables, usually by year or by semester.
Cost of living
Living costs depend on the city (large metropolitan area or mid-sized city), housing type (student residence, shared apartment, studio) and your spending habits. You should plan a budget for housing, food, transportation, insurance, school supplies and personal expenses.
Official minimum funds requirements and cost-of-living estimates are updated regularly by authorities and institutions. Always check the most recent official information before making financial decisions.
Scholarships in Canada: reality vs “100% scholarship”
Many international students hear about “100% scholarships” that would pay all tuition and living costs. In practice, such fully funded scholarships exist but they are rare, highly competitive and usually target exceptional academic profiles or very specific programs.
Fully funded scholarships (100% scholarship)
Getting a scholarship that covers all costs (tuition, housing, monthly allowance, etc.) is possible in some cases, but it is not the norm. These programs are extremely selective, and applicants are expected to have outstanding academic results, strong language skills, a coherent study project and often significant extracurricular or leadership achievements.
Partial scholarships and financial aid
Most funding opportunities available to international students are partial: a reduction in tuition fees, a waiver on some credits, small excellence awards or limited recurring amounts. Some institutions also offer on-campus jobs or allow part-time work, provided that the conditions of the study permit are respected.
- Start researching scholarships early on official sources: university and college websites, government portals and reputable organizations.
- Strengthen your academic record and ensure your file is coherent (transcripts, CV, reference letters, study plan).
- Improve your language level and aim for strong scores in the tests required by your chosen institution (French and/or English).
- Build a realistic financial plan that assumes you will need to fund your studies mainly through your own resources and potential support, with scholarships acting as an extra boost.
No serious intermediary can guarantee a 100% scholarship. Decisions are made by the institutions and funding bodies, based on their own criteria and the level of competition between applicants.
How to obtain a Canadian study permit from abroad?
You apply for a study permit after receiving an acceptance letter from a designated learning institution. The exact steps may vary depending on your country of residence, but the overall process is similar.
- 1. Identify a study program that fits your background and goals (level of studies, field, duration).
- 2. Apply for admission to a designated learning institution (college, university, etc.) and obtain an official letter of acceptance.
- 3. Prepare proof of funds: show that you can cover tuition fees and living expenses for at least the first year (and sometimes more), according to the amounts required by the authorities.
- 4. Create an account on the official portal, complete the forms, upload the required documents (acceptance letter, proof of funds, identity documents, etc.) and pay the processing and biometrics fees.
- 5. Wait for a decision, respond to any requests for additional information, and if approved, follow the instructions to obtain your visa or travel authorization.
Only Canadian authorities can decide whether to approve or refuse a study permit application. A well-prepared file increases your chances but never guarantees an approval.
Study visa requirements (funds, documents, language)
Specific requirements depend on your country of residence, your chosen program and your individual situation. That said, certain categories of requirements frequently appear.
Academic requirements
Institutions usually review your previous education level, the quality of your grades, and how consistent your past studies are with the program you are applying to. Some programs require specific prerequisites (courses completed, minimum grades in certain subjects, portfolio, etc.).
Financial requirements
Authorities often require proof that you can cover tuition and living expenses for at least one year. Acceptable documents may include bank statements, letters of financial support, scholarship letters or other forms of proof recognized by the administration.
Language proficiency and tests (IELTS, TEF, etc.)
Many institutions require a standardized language test (such as IELTS, TOEFL, TEF, TCF, etc.) to confirm that you can study in French and/or English. In some situations, exemptions are possible (for example, if you previously studied in the language of instruction), but this depends on each institution’s rules. It is therefore essential to check the language requirements of your target program carefully.
Other requirements (health, security, study plan)
The process can include medical exams, police certificates and an assessment of whether you are likely to respect the conditions of your stay as a student. Presenting a coherent, credible study plan that aligns with your background and professional prospects is key.
Official lists of required documents and financial thresholds are published on government websites. You should always refer to those sources and avoid relying solely on non-official information or online rumors.
Which study programs are most interesting (jobs, salary, permanent residence)?
No single program can guarantee a job or permanent residence. However, some families of programs are often associated with stronger employment prospects and can be part of a broader immigration strategy.
Science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM)
Programs in IT, engineering, data analysis or cybersecurity are frequently mentioned as having sustained demand. In some cases they can help you qualify for skilled jobs and certain economic immigration programs, provided that you meet all other conditions.
Health, social services and related fields
Some health- or social-service-related programs may offer promising prospects, but they often involve extra conditions (professional orders, placements, equivalencies). You should always check the regulatory requirements of each profession before you commit.
Business, finance, accounting and analytics
Programs in business, finance, accounting or analytics can lead to a wide variety of roles in the services sector. To remain competitive, you usually need to combine formal education with practical experience, internships and strong language skills.
Technical and skilled trades programs
Technical programs and some skilled trades (maintenance, construction, applied technologies, etc.) may suit profiles who want concrete, in-demand skills for the labour market. Again, no program guarantees an immigration outcome, but some can fit a thoughtful long-term strategy.
Immigration policies and labour market needs evolve over time. The “best” program is the one at the intersection of your interests, abilities and real market needs—not simply the one presented as the easiest option on social media.
Scholarship & study strategy support service
Scholarship & study strategy support service
A structured support service for international students who want to build a realistic study project in Canada, taking into account budget, potential scholarships and a possible medium-term immigration strategy.
- ✓Profile and study project analysis: background, goals, budget, personal constraints.
- ✓Identification of potential scholarships or relevant funding opportunities based on your profile, without any promise of results.
- ✓Design of a progressive strategy: program choice, realistic timeline, and possible steps for immigration if this is a medium-term objective.
- ✓Clear reminders of the limits: no promise of a visa, no guarantee of a scholarship, and strict respect for official rules.
This support does not replace official information or the decisions made by authorities. Its purpose is to help you structure your project and better understand your options, without any guarantee regarding scholarship or study permit outcomes.