Home • Study English Abroad • Study Abroad in Canada
Study Abroad in Canada
Your guide to language schools, universities, and high schools. Get free expert advice on study permits, costs, and work rights from a team that’s been there.
Why Study Abroad in Canada? Canada offers a world-class education in a safe, multicultural environment, making it a top choice for international students. When you choose to study abroad in Canada, you are choosing a country known for its stunning landscapes, friendly people, and high academic standards. Whether you want the fast-paced life of a global city or a relaxed coastal vibe, Canada has a pathway for you.
Which Canadian City is Right for You? Canada has a city for every lifestyle, from large, multicultural hubs to scenic coastal cities. You can choose to study in Vancouver, known for its oceanfront lifestyle, or in Toronto, Canada’s fast-paced financial capital.
- Toronto: Canada’s largest city, known for its career opportunities and multicultural energy.
- Vancouver: Famous for its stunning nature, milder climate, and relaxed, outdoor lifestyle.
What is the International Student Experience Like in Canada? Canada is famous for its friendly, polite, and multicultural population, which helps international students feel comfortable and welcome. Schools offer a wide range of programs, from general English to academic and career-focused courses, in an interactive, student-centered environment.
If you are just starting your research and want a complete overview of the entire process, from understanding the benefits to planning your trip, read our complete guide to English study abroad.
Key Takeaways
- The “6-Month Rule”: For courses under 6 months, you generally do not need a Study Permit. You can enter on a visitor visa or eTA.
- New “PAL” Requirement: As of 2024, most students applying for a Canada study permit need a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) from the province.
- Work Rights: You can only work while studying Canada if you have a valid Study Permit for a long-term academic course.
- High Cost of Living: Rent in Toronto and Vancouver is very high. You must budget carefully.
- Weather Reality: Outside of Vancouver, Canadian winters are freezing. You need a serious winter coat.
Canadian visas for international students
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 studying and living in Canada
Cost of Studying and Living in Canada for International Students
Canada offers a high quality of life with tuition fees that are considered competitive, but the overall cost of living is high, with accommodation being the biggest expense, especially in major cities like Toronto and Vancouver. For a single international student, estimated monthly costs range from $1,635 to $2,543 CAD, and university tuition can be between $21,100 and $40,114 CAD per year.
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.
| Type of School | Estimated Tuition Fee (CAD) |
| 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 |
Note:
Fees are estimates and vary by institution, city, and program. University fees for specialized degrees like medicine can be significantly higher.
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) |
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 in Canada
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.
International students with a Study Permit for long-term academic courses can work part-time (up to 24 hours per week during academic sessions), while those on a short-term eTA (visitor) are not permitted to work, and those on an IEC (Working Holiday) have an Open Work Permit and can work full-time. It is critical to note that only graduation from an eligible academic or vocational program, not a language course, qualifies students for the highly advantageous Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
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.
Healthcare and insurance
Healthcare and Health Insurance in Canada for International Students
Canada does not have a single national health plan for international students; the rules depend entirely on which province you choose.
Because healthcare is managed by each province, your coverage options will look very different in Vancouver (British Columbia) compared to Toronto (Ontario).
Province / City | Plan Name | Type | Estimated Cost | Key Rule |
British Columbia (Vancouver) | MSP (Medical Services Plan) | Public (Mandatory) | ~$75 CAD / month | Mandatory for stays of 6+ months. 3-month waiting period applies. |
Ontario (Toronto) | UHIP (University Health Insurance Plan) | Private (Mandatory Group) | ~$756 – $792 CAD / year | Public OHIP is generally not available to international students. |
Quebec (Montreal) | RAMQ or Private | Public / Private | Varies | Free for specific nationalities (e.g., France, Sweden); private for others. |
All Provinces (Short-Term) | Private Travel Insurance | Private | Varies | Must purchase before travel if studying for < 6 months. |
British Columbia (Vancouver)
If you study in BC for six months or longer, you must enroll in the Medical Services Plan (MSP). This is a mandatory provincial health plan. You will pay a monthly fee (approximately CAD $75 per student), and you will be billed directly by the government. Note that there is a waiting period (usually about 3 months) after you arrive before this coverage starts, so you must buy private temporary insurance for those first few months.
Ontario (Toronto)
International students in Ontario are generally not eligible for the public health plan (OHIP). Instead, most public universities and colleges mandate enrollment in the University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP). This is a private group plan designed to replace public coverage. It typically costs between CAD $756 and $792 per year and is usually charged directly to your student account .
Short-Term Students (Less than 6 Months)
If you are visiting for a short course (less than 6 months), you are not eligible for public health plans. You must purchase comprehensive private travel medical insurance from your home country that covers your entire stay before you travel: Go! Go! English can assist you with private travel insurance for students.
Public Transportation
Public Transportation Rules and Costs in Canada
Public transport in Canada is efficient and safe, but payment systems and student discounts vary wildly by city. Unlike some countries with a national travel card, each Canadian city has its own independent transit authority and payment card.
City | Transport Card | Student Discount System | Key “Need to Know” |
Vancouver | Compass Card | U-Pass BC (Mandatory Fee) | Unlimited travel is often included in tuition for public colleges. Link it online monthly (You must “request” your U-Pass online every single month before the 1st). |
Toronto | Presto Card | Monthly Pass (Purchase Required) | You must get a separate TTC Photo ID card first to be eligible for the discount. |
Vancouver (TransLink)
Vancouver offers the most seamless experience for students through the U-Pass BC system. If you attend a participating public institution (like UBC or SFU), a mandatory fee (approx. $46/month) is added to your tuition. This gives you unlimited travel on buses, the SkyTrain, and the SeaBus across all zones . You simply link your pass to a Compass Card.
Toronto (TTC)
Toronto does not have a universal U-Pass for all students. To get a discounted “Post-Secondary Monthly Pass” (approx. $128), you must first obtain a specific TTC Post-Secondary Photo ID card. You have to visit a Photo ID Centre in person with your proof of enrollment to get this ID. Without it, you cannot use a student concession fare on your Presto card.
Student living in Canada
Life in Canada for International Students
Canadian life is defined by politeness, a multicultural “mosaic,” and a love for the outdoors, and the country is considered one of the safest in the world for international students due to its low crime rates and stable political environment. Key cultural norms include being famously polite, tipping is expected (15-20%), and removing shoes when entering a home, while main accommodation options for students are homestay, student dormitories, and private apartments
Canadian Culture and Social Etiquette
Canadians are famously polite, respectful, and considerate. Using “please,” “thank you,” and “sorry” (even when it’s not your fault) is a normal part of daily life. Unlike a “melting pot,” Canada is a “mosaic,” where diverse cultures are encouraged to maintain their identities.
- Tipping: Tipping is expected (15-20%) for services like restaurants and taxis.
- At Home: It is a strong cultural norm to remove your shoes when entering someone’s home.
Safety in Canada
Safety for International Students in Canada
Canada is consistently ranked as the safest country in North America and one of the safest nations in the world.
According to the 2025 Global Peace Index, Canada ranks 14th globally out of 163 countries. For international students, this offers a level of security and political stability that is difficult to find elsewhere in the region. However, like any major study destination, it is important to understand the local reality behind the rankings.
Rising Crime in Major Cities
While Canada remains exceptionally safe globally, it has experienced a recent decline in peacefulness that students should be aware of. The 2025 report notes that Canada’s overall score deteriorated by 5.8% over the last year. This was driven by two main factors:
- Violent Crime: The report highlights a trend where violent crime rates have risen by 43.8% since 2014. Specifically, there have been notable increases in robbery, extortion, and assault.
- Political Tension: Relations with neighboring countries have notably deteriorated due to intensifying trade tensions and tariffs with the United States.
What does this Mean for International Students?
Canada is not a “crime-free utopia.” In major student hubs like Toronto and Vancouver, you must exercise the same “street smarts” you would use in any big city (e.g., London or Sydney). Be aware of your surroundings at night, secure your belongings, and avoid isolated areas.
Accommodation in Canada
Accommodation Options in Canada for International Students
We are here to help you find the right living experience for your goals and budget. Every international student is different, and we can help you understand your options, from living with a local family to finding a private apartment.
The main types of accommodation are:
- Homestay: Live with a local host family to experience the culture and practice your English.
- Student Dormitory: Live in a residence with other international students, often close to your school.
- Sharehouse: Rent a room in a house or apartment with other students or young professionals.
- Private Apartment: Rent your own apartment for more independence and privacy.
Expert Tip
In Canada, electricity is often called 'Hydro'. When renting an apartment, always check if 'Hydro' is included in the rent or if you have to set up your own account.
Our team can advise you on the best match for your study. For a detailed breakdown of each option and to get help with booking, please visit our student accommodation page.
Canadian weather conditions
Seasons and Weather in Canada
Be prepared for the weather, which varies dramatically by coast. Toronto has hot, humid summers and very cold, snowy winters. In contrast, Vancouver has mild, rainy winters with very little snow.
City | Avg. Jan Temp (High/Low) | Avg. July Temp (High/Low) |
Toronto | -1°C / -7°C (30°F / 18°F) | 25°C / 17°C (77°F / 63°F) |
Vancouver | 6°C / 2°C (43°F / 36°F) | 22°C / 14°C (72°F / 57°F) |
Where to study in Canada?
Top Student Cities in Canada for International Students
Your choice of city will define your Canadian experience, from the big-city career focus of Toronto to the laid-back nature of Vancouver.
Toronto and Vancouver are the most popular choices, each offering a different lifestyle.
City | Vibe | Best For |
Toronto | Fast-paced, multicultural, “big city” energy | Students focused on career goals & city life |
Vancouver | Relaxed, nature-focused, outdoor lifestyle | Students who love nature & a milder climate |
Travel spots in Canada
Must-See Travel Spots in Canada for International Students
Canada’s natural beauty is a major reason international students choose to study Canada.
- The Rocky Mountains: Explore iconic national parks like Banff and Jasper for stunning hikes and turquoise lakes.
- Niagara Falls: Located near Toronto, this is one of the world’s most famous waterfalls.
- Whistler: A world-class ski resort near Vancouver, also popular for hiking in the summer.
FAQ
FAQ About Studying in Canada
- Can I work while studying English in Canada?
It depends on your visa. If you have a Study Permit (for long-term study), you can usually work 24 hours per week off-campus. If you are on a Visitor Visa or eTA (short-term study), you are not allowed to work. - Does studying English lead to a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)?
No. This is a critical rule. English language courses are not eligible for the PGWP. You must complete a degree or eligible diploma (at least 8 months long) to qualify . - Is the Working Holiday visa a good option?
Yes, for eligible citizens (like those from Japan, Korea, and Italy). The IEC Working Holiday visa allows you to work for almost any employer and study for up to 6 months, offering great flexibility. - Do I need health insurance?
Yes. It is mandatory. In British Columbia, you must enroll in the MSP public plan if staying over 6 months. In Ontario, you will likely be enrolled in UHIP (private) by your school. - How much does it cost to live in Canada?
It varies by city. Toronto and Vancouver are the most expensive, with monthly living costs (rent + food + transport) often ranging between CAD $1,700 and $2,700. - What is important to remember about sales tax in Canada when budgeting for purchases?
The price you see on the shelf is not the price you pay. Sales tax (12-15% depending on the province) is added at the cash register. Always budget for this extra cost when shopping.
Summary
In Summary: Is Studying in Canada Right for You?
Canada is an ideal study abroad destination for students who prioritize safety, academic quality, and long-term opportunity.
While the cost of living in major cities like Toronto and Vancouver is high, the quality of education and the welcoming, multicultural environment make it a worthwhile investment. The visa system offers clear choices: simple electronic entry (eTA) for short courses, or a Study Permit with work rights for longer programs.
Ideally, Canada serves the student who is looking for more than just a language trip—it is a pathway for those considering a future in North America.
Unsure if Canada is the right fit for you? Compare Canada’s costs, safety, and visa rules with other top destinations in our guide on choosing the best country to learn English.
Go! Go! English is part of the Go! Go! World family, helping students since 2009. We partner with language schools, universities, and high schools to help you find the right program, apply for your visa, and find accommodation. Our expert support from a team of former students is completely free. Contact our team for free advice.
