Prepare to study as an international student in Canada

Choosing a program and school, applying to a school, and the list of learning institutions for international students.

On this page:

Choosing a program and school

In Canada, each province and territory is in charge of their own education system.

Get more information about schools and the education system:

Primary and secondary schools

Schools that teach students up to the grade 12 level are known as primary and secondary schools. Primary usually means grades 1-8 and secondary usually means grades 9-12.

All primary and secondary schools in Canada can enrol international students.

There are special rules for minor children studying in Canada.

Post-secondary schools

Post-secondary schools are:

  • colleges
  • universities
  • private career colleges and
  • vocational and technical schools

Each post-secondary school has its own set of rules on how to apply, including the level of English or French you need to be accepted.

Get more information on post-secondary schools:

Also visit EduCanada to get detailed profiles, requirements, application and admission information for programs of study at Canadian CEGEPs, vocational schools, colleges and universities.

Important: Each province and territory in Canada is responsible for designating schools at the post-secondary level that may enroll international students. The designated learning institution list includes universities, colleges, CEGEPs, vocational schools and private career colleges and language schools. If you apply for a study permit and your letter of acceptance is from an institution that is not designated for international students, your application will be refused.

Private career colleges

Provincial governments do not necessarily regulate private schools. Make sure that the private school you apply to meets provincial education requirements and is included on the designated learning institution list.

Language schools

Many schools in Canada teach English or French as a second language. For more information about private language programs, contact Languages Canada.

Studying in French

There are many ways to study in French across Canada.

Designated learning institutions

Provinces and territories approve (or “designate”) schools that can enrol international students. These schools are known as designated learning institutions (DLI).

If you need a study permit, your acceptance letter must be from a DLI. If it isn’t, we will refuse your application.

All primary and secondary schools in Canada are DLIs. You can search a list of the post-secondary schools, such as colleges and universities, and language schools that have been designated.

Find a designated learning institution.

How to apply to a school, college or university

Once you choose a school, college or university, you must apply to go there. Every school has different rules on how to apply.

Make sure you apply at least

Contact the school where you want to study to learn how to apply. They will give you the list of all the documents you need to send them. Your school will be able to tell you about

Fill out the application forms for the school or schools of your choice. Follow their instructions to submit them.

If the school admits you as a student, they will send you a letter of acceptance. You need this letter to apply for a study permit.

Health insurance

The Government of Canada doesn’t pay for the medical costs of foreign students.

Health coverage for foreign students is different depending on where you live. Contact the school you are applying to for more information about health insurance.

Page details

Date modified: