Study in Canada | Study Permit, PGWP Guidance

WHY CANADA

Why students choose Canada

1

3-year PGWP for degree holders

Bachelor's, Master's and PhD graduates remain exempt from field-of-study restrictions — the most stable route.

2

Even short Master's qualify fully

An 8-month-plus Master's program now gets the full 3-year PGWP, regardless of length.

3

24-hour off-campus work week

Raised from the earlier 20-hour cap, helping students manage 2026 cost-of-living increases.

4

Multicultural, welcoming campuses

Large, established Indian student communities across most major Canadian cities.

POPULAR FIELDS

What Indian students study in Canada

Computer Science Business Management Healthcare & Nursing Engineering Data Analytics Supply Chain & Logistics Hospitality (check PGWP eligibility) Skilled Trades

WHERE TO STUDY

Popular universities & institutions

A starting shortlist — your OEVS counsellor will match these against your budget, scores and career goals.

UN

University of Toronto

UN

University of British Columbia

MC

McGill University

UN

University of Waterloo

YO

York University

CO

Conestoga College

SE

Seneca Polytechnic

CE

Centennial College

Institutions listed for reference and course-matching purposes. University admission and any scholarship/partnership terms are set by the institutions themselves.

VISA & POST-STUDY WORK

Visa pathway for Canada

Student Visa Study Permit

Canada's study permit allows full-time enrolment at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI), with defined off-campus work rights.

Proof of funds: CAD $23,448/year plus first-year tuition (since Sept 1, 2026)
Off-campus work capped at 24 hours/week during academic sessions
2026 study permit target: 155,000 — a steep cut from prior years, apply early
Spousal open work permits now limited to Master's, PhD & specific professional programs

Post-Study Work PGWP

The Post-Graduation Work Permit is Canada's flagship post-study route — but eligibility now depends heavily on your program type.

Bachelor's/Master's/PhD graduates: full 3-year eligibility regardless of program length nuances
College diploma programs: field-of-study list applies — many business/hospitality diplomas are now excluded
CLB 7 language requirement for degree holders, CLB 5 for eligible college credentials
At least 50% of study must be in-class in Canada for permits locked in after Sept 2024

2026 Policy Update — Confirm Before You Apply

Canada cut its 2026 study permit target to roughly 155,000 — a major reduction from prior years — and PGWP eligibility for non-degree college programs now depends on a fixed list of approved fields (frozen, unchanged, for all of 2026). Business, general management and hospitality diplomas are common casualties. Our strong recommendation: prioritise bachelor's or master's degree programs, which stay exempt from these field restrictions and keep your PGWP pathway secure.

BUDGET PLANNING

Cost snapshot

CAD 15,000–35,000/yr

Tuition (varies by program)

CAD $23,448/yr

Proof-of-funds benchmark

CAD 150

Study permit application fee

Indicative figures for planning only — actual tuition and living costs vary by city, institution and lifestyle. Use our free Cost of Study Calculator for a personalised estimate.

TIMING

Intake calendar

September Intake

Primary intake

Widest program choice across all provinces.

January Intake

Secondary intake

Good backup for students who miss September deadlines.

May Intake

Select programs

Offered by some colleges and shorter diploma programs.

FREE TOOLS

Start with a free check

Eligibility Checker

Cost Calculator

University Shortlist

Profile Strength Scorer

FAQ

Canada — Frequently Asked Questions

When is the main intake for Canada?

September is Canada's main intake and offers the widest program choice across all provinces. Smaller intakes run later in the year at many colleges and universities, but course choice and scholarship availability are narrower, so apply early.

How much proof of funds do I need for a Canadian study permit?

Since 1 September 2026, applicants must show CAD 23,448 per year in living costs plus first-year tuition. The study permit application fee is CAD 150. Tuition typically ranges from CAD 15,000 to 35,000 per year depending on the program.

How many hours can I work while studying in Canada?

Off-campus work is capped at 24 hours per week during academic sessions, raised from the earlier 20-hour limit. Your study permit conditions apply, so confirm them on your own permit and keep within the limit.

Which students qualify for the 3-year PGWP?

Bachelor's, Master's and PhD graduates are exempt from field-of-study restrictions and can receive up to a 3-year PGWP. College diploma graduates must study an approved field, and many business and hospitality diplomas are now excluded. A CLB 7 language level applies to degree holders.

Is Canada's study permit cap a problem for applicants?

The 2026 study permit target is about 155,000, a steep cut from earlier years, so competition is higher. Applying early and choosing degree programs, which keep the PGWP pathway secure, gives the strongest position.

Can my spouse work in Canada while I study?

Spousal open work permits are now limited to Master's, PhD and specific professional programs. Rules change often, so verify the current position with IRCC or your OEVS counsellor before planning for a spouse to travel.

Get started

Ready to start your Canada journey?

Book a free session with our counsellors — no obligation, honest advice on your best-fit universities and visa pathway.

1
We review your profileAcademics, English score, budget and goals.
2
A counsellor reaches outTo discuss universities and visa options for Canada.
3
You get a clear planShortlist, intake timeline and next steps.

+91 8655849625 Chat on WhatsApp oevsmumbai@oevs.com.au

Study in Canada — free consultation

Tell us a little about your goals and a counsellor will come back with personalised advice.