- Choose a programme at a designated learning institution (DLI) using EduCanada.
- Apply to the college or university and receive your letter of acceptance.
- Accept your offer and pay tuition (in part or in full) to get a provincial or territorial attestation letter (PAL/TAL), or a CAQ for Quebec.
- Gather proof of funds covering tuition, travel and living costs (23448 CAD for a single applicant outside Quebec from 1 September 2026).
- Write a letter of explanation and complete a medical exam if required.
- Apply online for a study permit with IRCC and give biometrics.
- After approval, travel to Canada with your port of entry letter and documents; the study permit is issued at the border.
Study in Canada from Pakistan
Checked October 9, 2026 against official sources
Canada attracts Pakistani students with high-quality public colleges and universities, a welcoming multicultural society and clear routes to work after graduation. Students can work part-time during their studies and, after graduating, may gain Canadian work experience through the Post-Graduation Work Permit. Most programmes are taught in English, with French-language options especially in Quebec.
Money to show (visa)23,448 CAD / yearabout PKR 4,560,980
Student visa feesabout PKR 45,711
Work while studyingUp to 24 hours per week off campus during regular school terms; unlimited hours during scheduled breaks such as summer and winter holidays.
Work after graduationPost-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP): up to 3 years. Programmes of 8 months to under 2 years get up to the length of the programme; 2 years or more get 3 years; master's graduates can get 3 years even if the programme was shorter than 2 years.
Why Pakistani students choose Canada
- Study at a designated learning institution (DLI) to qualify for a study permit
- Work off campus up to 24 hours a week during term and unlimited hours in scheduled breaks
- Post-Graduation Work Permit of up to 3 years; master's graduates can get 3 years
- Most students need a provincial or territorial attestation letter (PAL/TAL) to apply
- Programmes available in English and French
What it costs
| Living costs to show for the study permit (single applicant, outside Quebec) For applications on or after 1 September 2026; excludes tuition and transportation. Add more for each accompanying family member. Quebec has its own requirement. |
23,448 CAD per year about PKR 4,560,980 |
|---|
Living costs: Toronto · Vancouver (daily food, transport and rent estimates).
Work out the money to show in PKR → · Tuition is listed on each university page below.
Universities in Canada
All 14 →University of Toronto
Toronto
University of British Columbia
Vancouver
CAD 48,780-66,678 per year for first-year international students at UBC Vanco...
McGill University
Montreal
CAD 54,000-71,687 per year (2026-27 tuition for international students admitt...
University of Waterloo
Waterloo
CAD 51,000-75,000 for the first year (two terms, tuition and incidental fees,...
Concordia University
Montreal
CAD 795 per credit (course-based/professional master's, 2026-27 cohort; John ...
Dalhousie University
Halifax
CAD 33,091-51,503 per year, tuition and fees for fall and winter terms (estim...
McMaster University
Hamilton
Queen's University
Kingston
CAD 35,768-60,839 tuition per year (2026/27, international; e.g. Arts & Scien...
Simon Fraser University
Burnaby (Metro Vancouver)
CAD 38,944 per year, tuition and fees (2026/27 estimate for international stu...
University of Alberta
Edmonton
University of Calgary
Calgary
CAD 2,034-7,141 per 3-unit course (international graduate course-based fee ra...
University of Ottawa
Ottawa
Scholarships in Canada
All 6 →
8 days left
Canada Graduate Research Scholarship - Doctoral (CGRS D), successor to the Vanier CGS
The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships no longer accept applications. They have been replaced by...
28 days leftLester B. Pearson International Scholarship
U of T's most prestigious award for international students, given to around 37 school-leavers eac...
37 days leftUBC International Scholars Program (incl. Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award)
UBC's need-and-merit programme for international school-leavers with top grades, leadership and r...
Check official siteMcGill University Entrance Scholarships (One-year and Major)
McGill offers merit-based entrance scholarships to first-time university students starting a full...
Check official siteUniversity of Waterloo International Student Entrance Scholarship
Every international fee-paying student admitted to a full-time first-year degree at Waterloo rece...
Check official siteYork University International Entrance Scholarships
International students applying to York are considered automatically for entrance awards worth CA...
Student visa and English
- Canada student visa: requirements, documents and fees
- Most Canadian institutions teach in English (French is common in Quebec), and each school sets its own language requirement for admission.
- Canada Express Entry - Federal Skilled Worker (CLB 7): IELTS IELTS General Training: 6.0 in each of speaking, listening, reading, writing (CLB 7); PTE PTE Core (not Academic): speaking 68, listening 60, reading 60, writing 69 (CLB 7)
- Canada Express Entry - Canadian Experience Class (TEER 0/1, CLB 7): IELTS IELTS General Training: 6.0 in each ability (CLB 7); PTE PTE Core (not Academic): speaking 68, listening 60, reading 60, writing 69 (CLB 7)
- Canada Express Entry - Canadian Experience Class (TEER 2/3, CLB 5): IELTS IELTS General Training: speaking 5.0, listening 5.0, reading 4.0, writing 5.0 (CLB 5); PTE PTE Core (not Academic): speaking 51, listening 39, reading 42, writing 51 (CLB 5)
- Canada Express Entry - Federal Skilled Trades (CLB 5 / CLB 4): IELTS IELTS General Training: speaking 5.0, listening 5.0 (CLB 5); reading 3.5, writing 4.0 (CLB 4); PTE PTE Core (not Academic): speaking 51, listening 39 (CLB 5); reading 33, writing 41 (CLB 4)
- Canadian citizenship (CLB 4): IELTS IELTS General Training (tested on/after 28 Nov 2008): listening 4.5, speaking 4.0; PTE PTE Core (not Academic): listening 28, speaking 42
Steps to study in Canada
Frequently asked questions
How much money do I need to show for a Canadian study permit?
You must show your first-year tuition, transport costs and living expenses. For applications made on or after 1 September 2026, living costs are 23448 CAD a year for a single applicant outside Quebec, with higher amounts for each family member who comes with you.
Can I work while studying in Canada?
If your study permit allows it, you can work off campus up to 24 hours a week during regular terms and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks such as summer and winter holidays. You need a social insurance number before you start working.
How long can I work in Canada after graduating?
Through the Post-Graduation Work Permit you may get up to 3 years. Its length depends on your programme length and level; master's graduates of programmes at least 8 months long can apply for 3 years. You can only get one PGWP.
Do I need a PAL to apply?
In most cases yes. Your school provides a provincial or territorial attestation letter, usually after you accept your offer and pay some or all of your tuition. Students going to Quebec need a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) instead.
Amounts in PKR use today's exchange rate. Rules change; always confirm on the official pages linked here before you apply.
