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Study in Canada attracts thousands of Indian students each year because of its world-class universities, affordable tuition compared to other top destinations and excellent post-study work options. With nearly half a million international students already enrolled, Canada continues to rank among the most welcoming and education-focused countries globally.
From more than 400 colleges and universities to strong student rights, cultural diversity and a peaceful society, studying in Canada offers the perfect balance of academic quality and long-term career growth.
Choosing to study in Canada provides academic strength, immigration pathways and international exposure.
Indian students must prepare both academic and immigration documents.
đź“„ Essential Canada Study Permit Documents
Follow these steps when applying to study in Canada:
The first crucial step is to get accepted into a program at a Canadian DLI. A DLI is a school approved by the Canadian government to host international students.
Once accepted, the DLI will issue you an official Letter of Acceptance (LOA). This letter is a primary document required for your study permit application.
In addition to the LOA, most study permit applicants now need a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) from the province or territory where they plan to study. This letter confirms that the province/territory supports your study permit application.
If you plan to study in Quebec, you will need a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) from the Quebec government instead of a PAL.
There are some exceptions to the PAL requirement, particularly for Master’s and PhD programs. You should verify if you need a PAL based on your study level and the province.
You will need to collect several documents to support your study permit application.
The primary way to apply for a study permit is online through the official website of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
You will need to create an IRCC Secure Account to start your application.
Follow the instructions, fill out the online forms accurately, and upload all the required supporting documents.
You will need to pay a non-refundable study permit application fee (currently CAD $150). In most cases, you will also need to pay a biometrics fee (currently CAD $85). Biometrics involves providing your fingerprints and photograph. You usually pay this fee when you submit your online application.
After submitting your application and paying the biometrics fee, you will receive a letter from IRCC instructing you on how and where to give your biometrics.
You will need to schedule an appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) in your country to provide your fingerprints and photo. You must do this within the timeframe specified in the IRCC letter (usually within 30 days).
If you didn’t undergo a medical exam before submitting your application, IRCC might instruct you to do so after you apply. You will need to visit a panel physician approved by IRCC.
Once you have submitted your application, provided biometrics (if required), and completed your medical exam (if required), IRCC will process your application.
Processing times can vary depending on your country of application, the volume of applications being processed, and the completeness of your application. You can check the estimated processing times on the IRCC website.
You can track the status of your application through your IRCC Secure Account.
If your study permit application is approved, IRCC will send you an approval letter or a Port of Entry (POE) Letter of Introduction. This letter is not your study permit itself.
Citizens from visa-required countries will also receive a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) counterfoil to be placed in their passport. Citizens from eTA-required countries will have an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) linked to their passport.
When you arrive in Canada, you will need to present your POE Letter of Introduction (and your TRV, if applicable) along with your passport and other supporting documents to a border services officer at the port of entry.
The border services officer will review your documents and, if everything is in order, will issue your actual study permit. Ensure you check the details on your study permit for any conditions.
University Name | Known For | QS Rank 2025 | Annual Tuition (CAD) |
|---|---|---|---|
University of Toronto | Top research-intense university, innovation-driven | 25 | $40,000 |
McGill University | Renowned for Engineering courses | 29 | $27,000 |
University of British Columbia | Strong in teaching, research, consistent ranking | 34 | $34,000 |
University of Alberta | Top in Engineering, Humanities, Health Sciences, Business | 96 | $21,000 |
University of Waterloo | Leading in Computer Science, Engineering, Science, Math | 115 | $40,000 |
Western University | Excellence in education, research, healthcare | 120 | $23,000 |
University of Montreal | Largest university complex, prominent research | 159 | $17,000 |
McMaster University | Research-intense, notable for nuclear reactor | 176 | $45,000 |
University of Ottawa | Thrives on Excellence, Relevance, and Impact | 189 | $30,000 |
University of Calgary | Strong research, diverse university culture | 198 | $37,000 |
