Graduate study in Canada: Guide for international students

There are two important requirements for international students applying to study in Canada: language proficiency and proof of sufficient finances. 

Canada is a bilingual country, with English and French both widely spoken. French is the official language in the province of Québec, and universities across the country offer programmes in both languages.  

If you are not a native speaker, you may be required to provide proof of proficiency in the language of instruction for your chosen programme. 

In addition, applicants must demonstrate they have sufficient funds to cover living expenses for the duration of their studies. 

If you plan to study in Canada for six months or less, a study permit is not required, making it relatively easy to spend a semester abroad.  

However, depending on your country of citizenship, you may still need to obtain a travel document. For programmes longer than six months, you will need a Canadian study permit, which serves as your visa for the duration of your stay. 

Depending on your nationality, you may also be required to obtain a temporary residence visa (TRV), which can typically be processed alongside your study permit application.  

It is important to apply well in advance as processing through the Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) website  can take up to 10 weeks. 

To apply, you’ll need an official letter of acceptance from a recognised Canadian post-secondary institution. If you’re planning to study in Québec an additional step is required: you must first obtain a Certificat d’acceptation du Québec (CAQ) from the provincial government before applying for a study permit.  

Once accepted, you can access the application package through the CIC website, your local visa office, or the Canadian embassy or consulate in your country.  

Upon approval, you will receive a letter of introduction. Students from countries requiring an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) and/or a Temporary Resident Visa will also receive these documents if needed.  

When you arrive in Canada, present your letter of introduction, passport, proof of financial support, and letter of acceptance to border officials, who will then issue your study permit. 

Schulich School of Business has a dedicated International Relations team which provides comprehensive support tailored to the unique needs of international students, including personalised assistance with study permits and immigration processes.  

Through pre-arrival webinars, one-on-one advising sessions, and dedicated resources, the team ensures a smooth transition to life in Canada and academic success at Schulich.  

This commitment to individualised support, combined with Schulich's innovative programmes and global partnerships, makes it an exceptional choice for international students pursuing graduate studies in Canada.  

Meet the Schulich International Relations Team in this short video. 

As is common in many countries, tuition fees in Canada are generally higher for international students than domestic students. Costs vary based on the province, institution and specific programme of study. 

To help assess affordability, you can refer to the QS Best Student Cities ranking which compares the cost of living across major student hubs. Among the Canadian cities featured, Quebec currently stands as the most affordable. 

In addition to tuition, be sure to budget for compulsory health insurance and everyday living expenses, including food, transportation, course materials, and of course money for social, athletic, and cultural activities. 

Exceptional international students may be able to obtain scholarship funding, which is available both from the Canadian government and individual universities. 

Notable examples include the Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship Program, and the ‘International Tuition Award’ offered by many Canadian universities. 

The latter aims to assist full-time international graduate students enrolled in research-based master’s and doctoral programmes. Eligible students are automatically considered for this award based on specific criteria. 

When exploring funding options, check each university website for details on scholarships, grants, assistantships, fellowships and bursaries.  

You may also find it useful to consult the information provided by the Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials website, or the Canadian government’s dedicated website for international scholarship programmes. 

Your Canadian study permit also allows you to work up to 20 hours per week alongside your studies, and full-time during scheduled breaks. 

If you wish to remain in Canada once your studies have finished, you’ll need to apply for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP), which allows you to work in the country for up to three years following graduation. 

Canada continues to experience strong demand for skilled graduates across a diverse range of sectors, including engineering, finance, graphic design, human resources, information technology, healthcare and the natural sciences.  

Schulich graduates are eligible for Canada’s post-graduation work permit (PGWP). The International Relations team can support you with these and other immigration questions, such as how to effectively complete the study permit application process. 

If you’d like to learn more about being an international student at the Schulich School of Business, you can review the International Student Services page on the Schulich website for additional information.  

You can also learn more about their graduate programmes by browsing their interactive MBA and/or Masters viewbooks, registering for an upcoming Schulich event, or connecting directly with a recruiter.