Study in Canada Guide
Admission requirements for high school, college, bachelor's, master's and PhD, the study permit, work rights and the post-graduation work permit — all on one page.
- Canada applies an annual cap to study permit applications that require a provincial attestation letter (PAL/TAL).
- From 1 January 2026, master's and PhD students at public universities (public DLIs) do not have to provide a PAL/TAL.
- From 1 September 2026, the living costs to be shown rose to CAD 23,448 for a single person.
- The post-graduation work permit (PGWP) has a language requirement and, for college programs, a field-of-study requirement.
The Canadian Education System
In Canada, education is the responsibility of the provinces; as a result, application systems, dates and some rules vary from province to province.
| Level | Duration | Description |
|---|---|---|
| High school (secondary, usually grades 9–12) | Usually 4 years | In Québec, high school ends in grade 11; students then attend pre-university CEGEP. |
| College / Polytechnic | 1–3 years | Certificate, diploma, advanced diploma and graduate certificate programs; applied and career-focused. |
| Bachelor's | Usually 4 years | Some provinces also have 3-year general bachelor's programs. |
| Master's | 1–2 years | Thesis (research) or coursework-based programs. |
| PhD | Usually 4–6 years | Research and dissertation; mostly after a master's. |
High School in Canada
In Canada, international students can study, for a fee, at both private schools and public school boards that have an international student program. Students usually stay with a host family (homestay) or at a boarding school.
For students under 17 who are not coming with a parent, a custodian must be appointed — a Canadian citizen or permanent resident who lives in Canada and is at least 19 years old. The custodianship declaration must be notarized both in Canada and in Turkey. The age of majority is 18 or 19 depending on the province.
You can explore high school and high school completion programs in Canada on our program search page.
ContentsCollege and Polytechnic Programs
Canada's college system stands out for its practical, work-oriented training, and is usually shorter and more affordable than university.
Certificate / Diploma
Career-focused programs of 1–3 years after high school.
Graduate certificate
1-year specialization programs for bachelor's graduates.
University transfer
At some colleges, courses taken can count toward a bachelor's at partner universities.
For college and polytechnic programs (except university bachelor's, master's and PhD programs), to be eligible for a PGWP the program must be linked to a field with a long-term labour shortage. Always check PGWP eligibility before choosing a program.
Bachelor's in Canada
- Application: Made directly to the university or through provincial systems (e.g. OUAC for Ontario universities).
- Turkish students: You can apply directly with a Turkish high school diploma and grade average; the required average and prerequisite courses (e.g. mathematics) vary by program.
- English: IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT or other exams accepted by the university. French-language institutions require French proficiency.
- Deadlines: For a September intake, applications usually open in the autumn of the previous year; deadlines are generally between January and March. Popular programs can fill early.
- Additional documents: Some programs require a personal statement, references or a portfolio.
To get the PAL/TAL needed for the study permit, most schools require you to confirm your admission and pay part or all of the tuition. Because of the provincial caps, do not delay this step. Students who want to change schools also need a new PAL/TAL (apart from limited exceptions).
For choosing a university, you can also see our University in America and Canada page.
ContentsMaster's and PhD in Canada
- Master's: 1–2 years; in thesis programs, finding a supervising faculty member is often the key to admission.
- PhD: Usually 4–6 years; the research proposal, academic references and fit with a supervisor are decisive.
- Application file: Diploma and transcript, a statement of purpose, references, a CV and an English exam; some programs require the GRE or GMAT.
- Funding: Scholarships and assistantships are more common in research-focused master's and PhD programs.
PAL/TAL exemption
From 1 January 2026, master's and PhD students at public universities do not provide a PAL/TAL.
3-year PGWP
Master's graduates can apply for a 3-year PGWP even if the program is shorter than 2 years, as long as it lasted at least 8 months.
Work permit for a spouse
Spouses of students in master's and PhD programs of 16 months or longer can apply for an open work permit.
The Study Permit, Step by Step
- Step 1Admission: Get a letter of acceptance from a school authorized to enrol international students (a DLI — designated learning institution).
- Step 2PAL/TAL or CAQ: A provincial attestation letter is required for most students; it is usually issued through the school after you confirm admission and pay a fee. Those studying in Québec get a Québec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ).
- Step 3Documents: Proof of finances (first-year tuition + living costs), passport and other required documents.
- Step 4Online application: Apply from an IRCC account; the study permit fee is CAD 150.
- Step 5Biometrics: Fingerprints and a photo; the fee is CAD 85 (maximum CAD 170 for a family).
- Step 6Approval and entry: If approved, the entry visa is issued automatically; the study permit itself is issued by the border officer when you enter Canada.
| Entry for Turkish citizens | Visa-required; a visitor visa is issued automatically with the first study permit |
|---|---|
| Study permit fee | CAD 150 |
| Biometrics | CAD 85 (per person) · CAD 170 (family maximum) |
| Living costs (outside Québec) | CAD 23,448 per year (1 person) · 29,192 (2) · 35,888 (3) · 43,572 (4) — excluding tuition and transport |
| Québec | Amounts set by the Québec government and the CAQ |
| Proof of finances | The last 6 months of bank statements, a GIC (Guaranteed Investment Certificate) at a Canadian bank, an education loan or a scholarship letter |
| Medical exam | Usually not required for applicants from Turkey; may be required for those working in health or childcare and for medical students |
Official source: IRCC — Study permit
ContentsWorking While Studying
During the term
A maximum of 24 hours per week off campus.
During scheduled breaks
Unlimited during the school's scheduled breaks, such as the summer and winter holidays.
Requirements
Being a full-time student, having started the program, and a Social Insurance Number (SIN).
Those enrolled only in an English or French language program, those taking only general-interest courses, or those taking only the prerequisite courses needed for admission to a full-time program cannot work off campus. The program must last at least 6 months and lead to a degree, diploma or certificate.
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
| Program at least | 8 months (900 hours in Québec) |
|---|---|
| Programs shorter than 2 years | A PGWP as long as the program |
| Programs of 2 years and above | 3 years |
| Master's | 3 years if the program is 8 months or longer |
| Language requirement | CLB 7 for university bachelor's, master's and PhD graduates; CLB 5 for other programs (in all four skills) |
| Field-of-study requirement | For college and other programs, fields with a long-term labour shortage; university bachelor's, master's and PhD programs are exempt |
| When to apply? | Within 180 days of confirmation that the program is complete |
| Repeat | A PGWP can be obtained only once |
Official source: IRCC — PGWP eligibility
ContentsLiving in Canada
- Costs: Toronto and Vancouver are the most expensive cities; Montréal, Ottawa, Calgary, Halifax and smaller university towns are usually more affordable. The official living-cost amount (CAD 23,448 per year) is a starting point for your budget.
- Health insurance: The rules vary by province; in some provinces international students can join the provincial health plan, while in others the school's private insurance plan is mandatory.
- Accommodation: Campus residences, homestays and student housing are common; rent is high in big cities, so research early.
- Climate: Winters are long and cold in many regions; budget for winter clothing.
- Two languages: Canada's official languages are English and French; in Québec, daily life and many schools are in French.
Sample Timeline: September 2027 Entry
- Summer – Autumn 2026Research into province, city, school and program; checking PGWP eligibility; IELTS/TOEFL preparation.
- October 2026 – March 2027Applications (deadlines vary by school and program).
- February – May 2027Letters of acceptance.
- Right after admissionConfirming admission, deposit or fee payment, PAL/TAL (CAQ for Québec).
- April – June 2027Proof of finances; study permit application and biometrics.
- June – July 2027Approval; arranging accommodation and health insurance.
- August 2027Entry to Canada; the study permit issued at the border.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply to a university in Canada with a Turkish high school diploma?
Yes. Canadian universities accept direct applications with a Turkish high school diploma and grade average. The required average, prerequisite courses and English score vary by university and program.
What is PAL/TAL and do I need it?
The PAL/TAL is an attestation letter issued by the province or territory where you will study, under its study permit cap. It is required for most students; from 1 January 2026, some groups — such as master's and PhD students at public universities and primary/secondary school students — are exempt. It is usually obtained through the school after you confirm admission and pay a fee.
How much money do I need to show for a Canadian study permit?
From 1 September 2026, outside Québec you must show living costs of CAD 23,448 per year for a single person, plus the first year's tuition and transport costs. The amount increases if you are going with family.
Can I work while studying?
Eligible full-time students can work up to 24 hours per week off campus during the term, and unlimited hours during the school's scheduled breaks. Students enrolled only in a language program cannot work off campus.
Can I work in Canada after graduating?
Eligible graduates can work for up to 3 years with a PGWP, depending on the length of their program. Master's graduates can get a 3-year permit if the program is 8 months or longer. There is a language requirement, and a field-of-study requirement for college programs.
Can my spouse come with me and work?
From 21 January 2025, the open work permit for spouses is limited to students in master's programs of 16 months or longer, PhD programs and some professional degree programs. Spouses of bachelor's and college students generally cannot apply for this permit.
We're With You for Your Education in Canada
From choosing a province, school and program to the application file and IELTS and TOEFL preparation, we have supported students since 2009.
Information was verified on 17 September 2026 from the Government of Canada's official site (canada.ca, IRCC). Study permit rules, fees and proof-of-funds amounts change frequently; confirm the current information from official pages before applying.