Globally ranked universities
Toronto, McGill and UBC sit in the world's top 50, with a dozen more Canadian universities in the top 300 and a strong public college system alongside them.
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Study in Canada
High-quality, affordable education in one of the world's safest and most welcoming countries, with co-op programs that build work experience into your degree and a Post-Graduation Work Permit of up to three years. AMET's Toronto office supports your application.
100+universities and 130+ public colleges
3universities in the world's top 50
24 hrsoff-campus work a week during term
3 yearsPost-Graduation Work Permit (up to)
Why study in Canada?
World-class universities at lower cost than the US or UK, work experience built into your degree, and clear pathways from graduation to work and permanent residence.
Co-op and work experience
Co-operative education places paid work terms inside your degree, and you can work up to 24 hours a week off campus during term and full-time in scheduled breaks.
Post-Graduation Work Permit
Graduates of eligible programs can work anywhere in Canada for up to three years, with Canadian experience counting towards permanent residence through Express Entry.
Safe, welcoming and bilingual
Consistently ranked among the safest countries, with a multicultural society, public healthcare and study in English, French or both.
Value for money
Tuition and living costs are generally lower than in the United States or United Kingdom, with scholarships and graduate funding available to international students.
Diverse cities and nature
Toronto, Vancouver and Montréal are among the world's most liveable cities, with mountains, lakes and four real seasons on the doorstep.
Canada's leading universities
Canada's U15 group of research universities, and the public colleges that sit alongside them, offer internationally recognised degrees, diplomas and co-op programs. AMET's Toronto office works with institutions across the country.
Canada's highest-ranked university and one of the world's leading research institutions, with strengths across medicine, engineering, business, computer science and the arts.
97,000+ studentsThree campuses
Ask about TorontoA historic English-language university in bilingual Montréal, renowned for medicine, law, science and management.
40,000+ studentsGlobal top 30
Ask about McGill UniversityA top-40 global university on a spectacular coastal campus, excelling in forestry, engineering, business, health and computer science.
70,000+ studentsVancouver and Kelowna
Ask about British ColumbiaA leading research university with strengths in engineering, energy, health sciences and agriculture, and generous international scholarships.
40,000+ studentsResearch intensive
Ask about AlbertaHome to the world's largest co-op program, and Canada's leader in computer science, engineering and mathematics.
40,000+ studentsCo-op leader
Ask about WaterlooRenowned for health sciences and medicine, engineering and business, with a problem-based learning approach it pioneered.
37,000+ studentsHealth sciences
Ask about McMaster UniversityCanada's largest French-language university, a leader in medicine, law, AI research and the sciences.
70,000+ studentsFrench-language
Ask about Université de MontréalKnown for the Ivey Business School, medicine, engineering and one of the strongest campus experiences in Canada.
40,000+ studentsIvey Business School
Ask about Western UniversityA historic, tight-knit university with top programs in commerce, engineering, law and health sciences.
28,000+ studentsSmith School of Business
Ask about Queen's UniversityA young, entrepreneurial research university with strengths in energy, engineering, business and veterinary medicine.
36,000+ studentsEnergy and engineering
Ask about CalgaryThe world's largest bilingual university, in Canada's capital, strong in law, public policy, health and engineering.
45,000+ studentsBilingual
Ask about OttawaConsistently ranked Canada's top comprehensive university, with co-op programs across business, computing, communication and the sciences.
37,000+ studentsComprehensive leader
Ask about Simon Fraser UniversityPopular fields of study
Canadian universities and colleges lead in these fields, many of them tied to in-demand occupations for post-study work and immigration. Pick one and tell us what you have in mind.
Computer science and ITEngineeringBusiness and managementData science and AINursing and health sciencesFinance and accountingEnvironmental science and forestryHospitality and tourismEarly childhood educationSkilled trades and technologyBiomedical and life sciencesArchitecture and designMedia and communicationsPsychologyAgriculture and food sciencePublic healthLawSupply chain and logistics
Canadian study permits and work rights
International students need a study permit from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). AMET prepares the application, including the provincial attestation letter most students now need.
Study permit
For programs longer than six months at a Designated Learning Institution. Most applicants need a provincial attestation letter and proof of funds. Allows work of up to 24 hours a week off campus during term and full-time in scheduled breaks.
Post-Graduation Work Permit
Graduates of eligible programs can work for up to three years, depending on program length and level. University degree graduates qualify broadly; college programs must be in an eligible field of study. A language test is required.
Spouse and child permits
Spouses of students in master's, doctoral and certain professional degree programs may apply for an open work permit, and dependent children can attend Canadian schools.
Estimated study and living costs
Approximate annual figures in Canadian dollars. Tuition varies by province, institution and program, and Toronto and Vancouver cost more to live in than smaller cities; your counsellor will confirm exact fees and scholarships.
| Expense | Estimated annual cost (CAD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate tuition | $25,000 – $45,000 | Higher for engineering, business and at Toronto, UBC and McGill |
| Postgraduate tuition | $18,000 – $40,000 | MBAs higher; many research master's and PhDs are funded |
| College diploma or postgraduate certificate | $15,000 – $25,000 | One- to three-year programs, often with co-op |
| Accommodation | $9,000 – $18,000 | Residence, homestay or shared apartment |
| Food, transport and personal | $6,000 – $10,000 | Student transit passes in most cities |
| Health insurance | $600 – $1,000 | Provincial or institution plan, depending on province |
| Books and supplies | $1,000 – $1,500 | Digital resources widely available |
| Total estimate | $32,000 – $70,000 | Tuition plus living costs, per year, before scholarships |
Funds for your permit
CAD $22,895 a year
The living-cost amount IRCC requires a single study permit applicant to show on top of first-year tuition and travel (outside Québec, which sets its own figure), through bank statements, a Guaranteed Investment Certificate or a sponsor letter. Check the current figure with your counsellor before you apply.
Admission requirements
Requirements vary by institution and program; these are the standard requirements for international applicants.
- Academic qualificationsUndergraduate: completion of Year 12 or equivalent, with subject prerequisites for engineering, science and business. Postgraduate: a bachelor's degree, typically with a B average (GPA 3.0) or higher.
- English or French proficiencyIELTS 6.5 overall (no band below 6.0), TOEFL iBT 86–100, or an accepted alternative such as PTE Academic or Duolingo; TEF or TCF for French-language programs.
- Statement of purposeA personal statement or study plan explaining your academic background, career goals and why you chose Canada and this program; also useful for the study permit.
- Letters of recommendationUsually two academic or professional references for postgraduate applications; research programs may ask for a proposal and a supervisor.
- Financial evidenceProof of funds for first-year tuition, living costs and travel, held through bank statements, a Guaranteed Investment Certificate or a sponsor letter.
- Provincial attestation letterMost study permit applicants need an attestation letter issued through their province, which the institution arranges after you accept your offer.
- Medical exam and biometricsAn immigration medical exam is required for applicants from many countries, and biometrics are collected as part of the permit application.
- Valid passport and letter of acceptanceA passport valid for your stay and the official letter of acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution.
How to apply, step by step
The main intake is Fall (September), with Winter (January) and, at colleges, Spring (May) intakes. Applications for Fall close between January and March at most universities, so start 9 to 12 months ahead to allow time for the offer, attestation letter and study permit.
AMET's Toronto office and our counsellors worldwide handle every step below at no cost to you.
- 1Research and choose your program
Compare universities and colleges on program, co-op options, cost, province and post-study work eligibility.
- 2Meet the language requirement
Sit IELTS, TOEFL or an accepted alternative, allowing time for a retake.
- 3Prepare your application
Transcripts, test scores, statement of purpose, references and financial documents, certified where required.
- 4Submit through AMET
We lodge your application through the provincial application centre or directly with the institution and follow it to a decision.
- 5Accept your offer and pay your deposit
Your institution then issues the letter of acceptance and arranges your provincial attestation letter.
- 6Apply for your study permit
Apply online to IRCC with your letter of acceptance, attestation letter, proof of funds, medical exam and biometrics.
- 7Arrange accommodation and travel
Book your residence or homestay, health insurance and flights, and plan for orientation.
- 8Arrive and begin your studies
Receive your study permit at the border, attend orientation and register for classes.
Ready to study in Canada?
From university degrees to college co-op diplomas, AMET's counsellors guide you from shortlist to study permit, at no cost to you.
Got a question about studying in Canada?
Tell us a little about your plans and a counsellor from AMET's Toronto team will get back to you within one working day.
Enquiry sentThanks for contacting AMET. A counsellor will reply within one working day.
