University degrees
Explore bachelor’s, master’s and research programmes. Check the department’s entry criteria and whether your previous qualification meets them.
2026/27 STUDY DESTINATION GUIDEStudy in Canada.
Study in Canada.
Build a plan beyond the offer.
Compare Canadian university and college programmes with the qualification, cost and eligibility details in view. Make a study decision that fits your academic record and long-term goals.
Reviewed
Know the qualification you are choosing
A college diploma, graduate certificate, bachelor’s degree and master’s degree are different qualifications. Compare their entry requirements, academic level, course content and recognition. For Pakistani students, the institution’s DLI status and the exact programme’s post-graduation work eligibility need separate checks.
College & applied programmes
Compare the qualification level, course length and practical content. A graduate certificate should not be confused with a master’s degree.
Co-op & placements
Establish whether work experience is required, optional or competitive, and what authorisation is needed before it starts.
Study interests to explore
- Computing & technology
- Business
- Engineering
- Environmental studies
- Applied programmes
- Research degrees
Compare study options in Canada
| Compare | A useful question to ask |
|---|---|
| Degree or applied qualification | Compare the academic level and full programme structure.What qualification will I receive and how does it fit my goals? |
| Exact campus and programme | Check the institution, campus and programme-specific conditions.Which study-permit and PGWP eligibility checks apply to this programme? |
| Practical study and funding | Compare placement arrangements and the complete study budget.What is confirmed in writing about costs, co-op selection and required permissions? |
Entry requirements & application documents
Institutions assess academic and language evidence for the individual programme. English or French requirements, prerequisite subjects and application deadlines vary. Check whether a course includes a placement and whether access to it is guaranteed or competitive.
- Prepare complete academic transcripts, certificates, a passport and the institution’s required English or French evidence.
- Check the qualification level, DLI, campus, programme duration and any professional-recognition conditions.
- For postgraduate programmes, prepare references, a statement, CV or research material where requested.
- Confirm the next intake, deposit and refund terms, plus the current letter-of-acceptance and study-permit documentation process.
Tuition fees & living costs in Canada
Request an itemised fee schedule in Canadian dollars for the entire qualification. Tuition, compulsory fees, health cover and accommodation vary by institution and location. IRCC financial-support evidence is a separate requirement: check the current amount, household rules and Quebec requirements where relevant.
Plan your budget in CAD · Canadian dollars
- Compare living costs in your actual campus city and allow for a housing deposit, utilities, transport and seasonal clothing.
- Add application charges, travel and the current study-permit and biometrics fees where applicable.
- Verify scholarships and bursaries in writing, including any academic conditions for renewal.
- Budget without relying on part-time employment or a future PGWP approval.
Canada study permits, work rights & PGWP
A study permit application needs the required acceptance and supporting evidence. A provincial or territorial attestation letter (PAL/TAL) is often required, but exemptions apply. From 1 January 2026, degree-granting master’s and doctoral programmes at public DLIs are exempt from PAL/TAL requirements. Quebec has its own CAQ requirements.
Working during your studies
Eligible international students may work off campus for up to 24 hours a week during regular academic sessions. Different rules apply during scheduled breaks. Eligibility and the conditions on your study permit must be met before you start working.
After graduation
A DLI listing alone does not make every programme PGWP-eligible. Check the exact programme and all IRCC conditions. Current language requirements include CLB/NCLC 7 for bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral graduates; these degrees have no field-of-study restriction. Other qualifications can face different language and eligible-field requirements, depending on the programme and application dates.
CURRENT PLANNING NOTE
Check PGWP eligibility before paying a deposit
Ask for the exact programme title and confirm its current eligibility. A university’s status, an agent’s claim or a course’s name is not enough to establish your future work-permit eligibility.
How to apply to study in Canada
Compare the qualification and campus
Match the programme’s academic level, content, recognition and cost to your goals.
Submit a complete institution application
Include the academic, language and course-specific evidence requested.
Review the offer and permit documents
Check acceptance, fees, PAL/TAL or exemptions, and Quebec documents if relevant.
Prepare your study-permit evidence
Confirm funding, required documents, health or biometrics steps and arrival instructions.
STUDY GUIDANCE FROM IPF ABROADYour ambition.
Your ambition.
Let’s make a plan.
Tell us a little about your Canadian study plans. Our Lahore team will help you explore suitable courses and organise your next steps.
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Your personalised study enquiry
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Your enquiry is with IPF Abroad.
Our team will review your details and contact you to discuss your study options. Keep your reference for the next conversation.
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IPF ABROAD · YOUR QUESTIONS, ANSWERED
FAQs about studying in Canada
Practical answers for your next study decision, with guidance from IPF Abroad.
Does every Canadian college course qualify for a PGWP?
No. DLI status alone is not enough. The exact institution, programme and applicant must meet IRCC requirements, including any applicable language and field-of-study conditions.
Do all master’s applicants need a PAL or TAL?
Current rules exempt students applying for degree-granting master’s or doctoral programmes at public DLIs from 1 January 2026. Other exemptions and Quebec requirements may also be relevant. Verify your specific application category.
Can I work more than 24 hours during the semester?
If you rely on off-campus student work eligibility, the published limit during regular academic sessions is 24 hours per week. Your permit conditions and eligibility still apply. Scheduled-break rules are different.
Can I apply to Canada with a study gap?
A gap is assessed in the context of the programme and your circumstances. Prepare an accurate academic and employment history and a clear explanation of your study plans. Admission and study-permit decisions remain separate.
How can IPF Abroad help me compare a Canadian degree and diploma?
Compare the qualification level, entry standard, curriculum, duration and recognition. IPF Abroad can help you identify academically suitable options and separately check any relevant post-graduation work-permit conditions.
What should I verify about a Canadian campus?
Confirm the exact campus, institution, programme title and delivery format. IPF Abroad can help you organise the checks rather than relying on an institution’s name alone.
Are Canadian co-op placements always guaranteed?
Check who arranges the placement, whether it is mandatory, any selection conditions and the relevant work authorisation. IPF Abroad can help you ask the provider for clear written information.
How do I compare the total cost of Canadian offers?
Use current tuition quotes and actual accommodation options, including compulsory insurance and course expenses. IPF Abroad can help you compare the full qualification rather than a first-term payment alone.
What should I check before accepting a Canadian offer?
Review the course and campus, conditions, deposits, refund terms and required study-permit documents. IPF Abroad can help you identify the separate institution and immigration checks for your circumstances.
How do I request Canadian study guidance from IPF Abroad?
Complete the Canada enquiry form on this page. IPF Abroad can discuss your qualifications, intended study level, subject, intake and budget before organising a practical shortlist.
Sources & review information
Guidance reviewed on . IRCC requirements can depend on your programme, application dates and personal circumstances. A study permit, PGWP, job or permanent residence outcome is not guaranteed.
- IRCC · Study-permit documents
- IRCC · PAL/TAL and exemptions
- IRCC · Off-campus work
- IRCC · PGWP eligibility
Use this guide for initial planning. Check the current provider and official requirements before applying or paying a deposit.