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CanadaStudyLast checked October 16, 2026

Study permit

A study permit lets a foreign national study at a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada. Most applicants need a letter of acceptance from a DLI, and most also need a provincial or territorial attestation letter (PAL/TAL), or a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) for Quebec. Applicants must show they can pay tuition, living costs and return travel. Most people apply online before travelling.

See requirements ↓
3 entry rules for Canada based on recent travel

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Life in Canada

Money

3

Currency

Canadian Dollar

CAD

Canadian Dollar

Cost of living

90

Price level · US = 100

World Bank price levels, 2025

Tax

14–33%

Income tax (national)

Federal top rate applies above CAD 258,482 (2026); provinces/territories add their own income tax (roughly 4% to 21% at the top), giving combined top rates of about 44% to 54%.

Official rates, 2026 · headline only

Living

1

Happiness

6.7

#24 of 145 countries

World Happiness Report 2025

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Who it’s for

People accepted by a Canadian designated learning institution who want to study in Canada for longer than 6 months.

Eligibility

  • Enrolled at a DLI

    You must be enrolled at a designated learning institution and hold a letter of acceptance from it.

  • Enough money

    You need to prove you can pay tuition, living costs for you and any accompanying family, and return transportation.

    CAD 23,448

    Living-cost minimum for one person (outside Quebec)

    From 1 September 2026
    • This is on top of first-year tuition and travel costs.
    Official wording

    You must prove you can pay tuition, living expenses for yourself and any family members who come with you, and return transportation. Outside Quebec, the living-cost minimum for one person is CAD 23,448 for applications on or after 1 September 2026 (CAD 22,895 for applications from 1 January 2025 to 31 August 2026), on top of first-year tuition and travel.

  • Proof of funds for family

    Show a higher living-cost minimum as your family size grows.

    Living-cost minimum by family size

    From 1 September 2026
    Just yououtside Quebec
    CAD 23,448
    2 people
    CAD 29,192
    3 people
    CAD 35,888
    4 people
    CAD 43,572
    5 people
    CAD 49,419
    6 people
    CAD 55,736
    7 people
    CAD 62,054
    Each extra personbeyond 7 people
    CAD 6,318
    • Quebec sets its own amounts through the CAQ process.
    Official wording

    For applications on or after 1 September 2026, the living-cost minimum rises by family size: CAD 29,192 for 2, 35,888 for 3, 43,572 for 4, 49,419 for 5, 55,736 for 6, 62,054 for 7, plus CAD 6,318 for each extra person. Quebec sets its own amounts through the CAQ process.

A sneak peek at what's inside

  • Next requirementPAL/TAL in most cases
  • Document checklistLetter of acceptance
  • FeesStudy permit (including extensions), per person

The full requirements are for members

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  • 7 more requirements
  • 11 documents
  • 3 fees
  • 6 steps
  • Processing times and conditions
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