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Canada, 2026/27

How to get a Canadian study permit, step by step

In short: for a Canadian study permit, get accepted by a designated learning institution, get a provincial attestation letter unless you are exempt (master’s and PhD programmes at public institutions starting from 1 January 2026 are), show CAD 23,448 for a year’s living costs plus tuition and travel (for applications from 1 September 2026), then apply online and give biometrics. Processing times depend on the country you apply from.

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The 5 steps

  1. 1. Get accepted by a designated learning institution

    You need an acceptance letter from a designated learning institution (DLI).

    Source: IRCC

  2. 2. Get your provincial attestation letter (PAL/TAL)

    Most applicants need a letter from the province or territory confirming a study place under the cap; your institution provides it. Master’s and doctoral degree programmes at public institutions starting on or after 1 January 2026 are exempt, as are some others. In Quebec you need a CAQ instead. Letters for 2026 are valid until 31 December 2026.

    Source: IRCC: attestation letters

  3. 3. Prove your money

    For applications from 1 September 2026, show CAD 23,448 for a year’s living costs for one student outside Quebec, plus your tuition and travel. Bank statements for 6 months, a paid-tuition receipt, a scholarship or an education loan can count.

    Source: IRCC: proof of financial support

  4. 4. Apply online and give biometrics

    Apply online with your documents and pay the fee (CAD 150 in our Canada guide, from IRCC), then give fingerprints and a photo when asked. The visa office for your country may ask for more documents.

    Source: IRCC

  5. 5. Check how long it takes

    IRCC publishes study permit processing times by the country you apply from, updated regularly.

    Source: IRCC processing times

From our Canada guide: A 2026 cap and a 59% refusal rate make the study permit hard to get, and a Provincial Attestation Letter is required for most bachelor's applicants.

Last checked: 7 Nov 2026. Each step links to the IRCC page it comes from.

What to do next

  1. Budget the year with the cost calculator for Canada.
  2. Compare: the UK and Canada, Germany and Canada, all English-speaking countries.
  3. Look for a scholarship open to your nationality.

Questions

How do I get a Canadian study permit in 2026?

for a Canadian study permit, get accepted by a designated learning institution, get a provincial attestation letter unless you are exempt (master’s and PhD programmes at public institutions starting from 1 January 2026 are), show CAD 23,448 for a year’s living costs plus tuition and travel (for applications from 1 September 2026), then apply online and give biometrics. Processing times depend on the country you apply from.

How much money do I need for a Canadian study permit?

CAD 23,448 for one student’s living costs for a year outside Quebec, for applications from 1 September 2026, plus tuition and travel, according to IRCC (CAD 22,895 before that date).

Do master’s students need a provincial attestation letter?

Not if the programme is a master’s or doctoral degree at a public designated learning institution starting on or after 1 January 2026, according to IRCC. Others usually do.

What next?

1Study in CanadaThe full guide, every figure sourced2Canada study permitMoney, fees and work rights3Visa processing timesHow long each country takes4Get free help applyingAn adviser helps with your application, free