Schools in Canada
Schools in Canada
Whether you’re drawn to Canada’s big cities or its natural beauty, you’ll find English programs that suit your needs. Schools across the country offer a range of options, from general English to academic and career-focused courses. Canadians are known for being friendly and respectful, which makes it easier for students to practise speaking and settle into daily life.
Canada’s multicultural population also means students often feel comfortable, no matter their background. If you’re looking for a country where education, quality of life, and cultural experiences come together, Canada is a strong choice.
Language schools in Canada
CEL Vancouver
RCIIS
Global Village Canada
VECTOR English
DEA Canadian College
Further education schools in Canada
DEA Canadian College
Types of visas
Types of Visas in Canada for All International Students
The visa you need in Canada depends entirely on the length of your course. Always check the official rules at Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
| Visa Pathway | Length | Work Rights? | Best For |
| Visitor Visa / eTA | < 6 Months | NO | Short-term language courses. |
| Study Permit | > 6 Months | YES (Part-time) | Long-term academic study. |
| IEC (Working Holiday) | Up to 1 Year | YES (Open Work Permit) | Work & Travel (Japan, Korea, Italy). |
The "6-Month Rule" for Studying in Canada
You do not need a Study Permit for any English course that is six months or less. This creates two very different pathways for students:
- Pathway 1: Short-Term Study (Up to 6 Months): If your course is less than six months, you only need a visitor visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to enter Canada. Citizens of Japan, South Korea, and Italy are all eTA-eligible. This is a simple online application. However, you cannot work while studying on an eTA. Find the list of eligible countries. You must apply for the eTA before flying (cost is $7 CAD).
- Pathway 2: Long-Term Study (Over 6 Months): If your program is longer than six months, you must apply for and receive a Study Permit before you travel to Canada.
International Experience Canada (IEC) Program
This is the “Working Holiday Visa” for Canada, and it’s the most flexible option for young people who want to work and travel.
Eligible Ages:
- Italy & South Korea: 18–35
- Japan: 18–30
- Other countries: You can find if you are eligible here: Work and Travel in Canada or contact us.
This visa is an “Open Work Permit,” meaning you can work for almost any employer full-time. It also allows you to study for up to 6 months. This is the best option for Japanese, Korean, and Italian students who want to study English and work to fund their travels.
Always check the official rules at Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.
Cost of living
Cost of Studying and Living in Canada for International Students
Canada offers a high quality of life, but this comes with a high cost of living, especially in its major cities.
Estimated Tuition Fees
Canada’s tuition fees are known to be competitive, but they vary widely between different provinces and school types. Below are estimated annual fees for international students. English language schools are typically billed weekly.
Note: Fees are estimates and vary by institution, province, and program. University fees can be higher in provinces like Ontario.
Type of School | Estimated Tuition Fee (CAD) | Localized Cost (e.g., JPY) |
English Language Schools | $360 – $600 per week | |
Elementary Schools | $8,000 – $16,000 per year | |
High Schools | $10,000 – $30,000 per year | |
Universities | $21,100 – $40,114 per year | |
Vocational Schools (College) | $7,000 – $22,000 per year |
Estimated Cost of Living
Your biggest expense will be accommodation. Toronto and Vancouver are two of the most expensive rental markets in North America. Below is an estimated monthly budget for a single international student in a major city.
Expense Category | Estimated Monthly Cost (CAD) | Estimated Monthly Cost (JPY) |
Accommodation (Shared) | $1,100 – $1,800 CAD | |
Food & Groceries | $350 – $450 CAD | |
Transport (Public) | $135 – $143 CAD | |
Utilities & Phone | $50 – $150 CAD | |
Total Estimated Monthly | $1,635 – $2,543 CAD |
Work rights
Working While Studying in Canada for International Students
Yes, many study in Canada programs for international students allow work, but the rules are very strict and depend entirely on your permit.
Visa Type | Work Rules | Study Limit |
Study Permit | Yes (Part-time). Up to 24 hours per week during regular academic sessions, and full-time during scheduled academic breaks (e.g., summer holidays). | No limit (must be a full-time student). |
eTA (Visitor) | No. Not permitted. | Yes (Limited). Up to 6 months. |
IEC (Working Holiday) | Yes (Full-time). This is an open work permit. | Yes (Limited). Up to 6 months. |
The "SIN" (Social Insurance Number)
To work in Canada (if eligible), you must apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN). It is free to apply at Service Canada. You cannot get paid legally without one.
The Post-Study Work Availability in Canada
It is critical to understand that language courses do not qualify for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). The PGWP is one of Canada’s biggest advantages, but it is only for students who graduate from an eligible academic or vocational program at a DLI (e.g., a 2-year diploma or a 4-year degree). An English course is a pathway to one of these programs, not a direct path to a work visa.
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Your Path to Studying Abroad
How Go! Go! English Helps You Study Abroad
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Go! Go! English
Go! Go! English Live and Study Abroad!
Go! Go! English was launched to help people from all over the world fulfill their dreams of living abroad. We do this by helping them choose and enroll in the right school, apply for their student visa, find accommodation, and any other services needed to settle into their lives abroad. We partner with different types of schools; English language schools, universities, Vocational Colleges and high schools.
