Study in Canada FAQs: Common Questions Students and Parents Ask
Canada remains a vital place to study but the rules have become stricter. Students must now pay attention to study-permit rules, PGWP, eligibility choosing a course money matters and long-term career goals. Studying in Canada can help with a PR path but PR is not certain. Canada education must be treated as a long-term investment and not only choosing the course for immigration purposes.
Canada has long been a popular study destination among the international students because of several potential reasons. But what is Canada 2026 and what was Canada few years back – has been a major transition.
In recent times, study permit applications are managed strictly; proof of funds requirement has increased, for many programmes PGWP has changed and one cannot be a permanent resident of Canada as because the individual is Studying in Canada.
There are news going around in the social media and newspapers are also coming up with several news, students and parents you do not have to panic and must not draw the conclusion that Canada is no longer a good choice. All you need to do is to plan it more carefully.
Let’s clear the air of confusion and look at the questions that are looming large on the minds of the parents and students.
1. Is Canada still worth it for international students after all the recent changes?
Yes, Canada is still a great destination for international students but choosing appropriate course and institutions matters more. The destination continues to offer globally recognized degrees and Canadian work experience after completing education.
But the recent changes Canada has made tightened the restrictions on the international students. Students planning to study in Canada after the new immigration rules should carefully check the latest requirements.
The country under the 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan is targeting 155,000 new international student arrivals in 2026 and 150,000 in both 2027 and 2028.
Thus, the decision that the students or parents must take should not be based on Canada’s popularity or expecting easy PR or job route. The institution, course, cost, PGWP eligibility and long-term career plans must have a solid base.
2. Are Canada student visas getting harder to get?
Student Visa process has become stricter and study permit is no longer a straightforward process as once it was. Control on study permit was introduced in 2024. (Canada student visa requirements)
As per the IRCC record, new study permit applications refusal rate has increased from 52% in 2024 to 59% in 2025. Till January 31st, 2026, new study permit refusal increased to 62%. (Canada study permit refusal rate 2026)
You must not panic as this is likely not the case with every student. Application assessment varies from student to student.
Students need to show that an eligible institution have accepted them, have adequate funds, meet acceptability requirements and can convince the officer that they will abide by the conditions of their stay. (Canada student visa application process for international students)
Students you must not think whether it is harder to get the Canadian student visa instead do your own evaluation whether your academic profile, financial situation and study plan make sense for the programme you have chosen. (Canada student visa eligibility for Indian students)
3. Why are Canada student visas getting rejected?
Study permit application in Canada can get refused for several reasons that might include insufficient funds, an invalid letter of acceptance, incomplete documentation or concerns about the applicant’s study plans and intention to leave Canada when their authorised stay ends. Here are 3 important things students should pay attention before applying:
- Show sufficient proof of funds for tuition, living expenses and travel. If there are large recent deposits, be prepared to explain their source.
- A clear study plan
- Proper and complete documentation
If your application is refused, analyse the specific reasons and address them before reapplying. A well-prepared application should show genuine academic intent, financial readiness and compliance with Canada's study permit requirements. (how to reapply after Canada student visa refusal)
4. As an international student coming to study in Canada, how much money am I supposed to have?
The amount of money you need to study in Canada depends on your tuition fee, location and other costs.
Applications which are made on or after 1st September 2026, students must show CAD 23,448 (for annual living expenses, excluding tuition and transportation) applying to provinces and territories other than Quebec. The amount will increase if family members accompany the student.
But this is not the total cost of studying in Canada. You need to have funds for several other things that include tuition fees, accommodation, daily expenses, food and transportation cost, personal expenses, health insurance and emergency funds. (Total cost of studying in Canada for Indian students)
IRCC precisely requires applicants to prove that they can pay for tuition, living expenses and transportation without depending on employment in Canada.
Part-time jobs can help a student manage day-to-day expenses, but it cannot help with managing the finances for studying abroad. Budgeting is important before departure.
5. If I study in Canada now, will I still be able to get a PGWP after graduation?
PGWP essentially depends on the levels and field of study.
A PGWP (Post-Graduation Work Permit) allows eligible graduates to gain Canadian work experience after completing their studies.
But they must meet PGWP requirements, including requirements related to the institution, programme, language proficiency and in some cases field of study. (Canada PGWP eligibility for international students)
Presently there is no field-of-study requirement for Bachelor's, Master's and Doctoral graduates. The PGWP length also depends on the programme and its duration.
For example, eligible master's graduates can qualify for a three-year PGWP even if the master's programme is less than two years, provided the applicable requirements are met. Other programmes may qualify for a PGWP corresponding to the programme length, with eligible programmes of two years or more potentially qualifying for up to three years.
The important takeaway is
Do not choose a Canadian programme first and check PGWP eligibility later. Check it before paying your tuition deposit.
6. Which courses in Canada are still worth studying after the new PGWP rules?
There is no single list of courses that is automatically “best” for every student.
The better approach is to look at three things together:
PGWP eligibility | Career relevance | student's academic and professional background
For many non-degree programmes, PGWP eligibility depends on whether the programme falls under an eligible field of study. These fields are connected to areas linked to Canada's long-term labour-market needs and can change over time.
Degree programmes also require careful consideration. Bachelor's, master's and doctoral graduates are currently excused from the PGWP field-of-study requirement, although other PGWP eligibility requirements still apply.
Students should therefore avoid selecting a course simply because it is an “easy PR course” or a “high-demand course”. (Best courses to study in Canada for long-term career opportunities)
7. Is studying in a Canadian college still a good option, or should I choose a university?
Both can be good options, but the right choice depends on the student's academic goals, career plans, budget and programmes.
Universities offer a wider range of bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees and is mainly applicable for students aiming at research, professional or academic career options.
Colleges offer more career focussed and realistic study options which best for students looking for specific industry skills and practical learning. (Best colleges in Canada for international students)
IRCC precisely states that not all programmes at a DLI are eligible for PGWP. Students you must check the specific programme and not think that DLI status of the institution is enough.
8. If Canadian education loses points in Express Entry, what exactly is the incentive to study in Canada?
The question has led to an interesting new way of considering Canada by students.
The notion of value for education in Canada goes beyond just the CRS score. (Benefits of studying in Canada for international students)
Under the current Express Entry CRS system, students will earn 0 - 15 points for studying in Canada on any eligible education level of 1 or 2 years, and 0 - 30 points for a program of 3 or more years.
However, perhaps, the most important thing remained unsaid, namely that studying in Canada carries much more than simply a Canadian diploma and education experience in Canada.
Unfortunately, one might mistakenly take the previously mentioned advantages as a guarantee of getting a job in Canada, which is not right.
The effects of getting an education in Canada depend on the complexity of obtained education, skills and experience.
It is vital to keep in mind that if one has migration goals, they must be balanced out with the strategies and plans regarding one’s study visa application.
9. How much will I spend to study and live in Canada for one year?
There is no one amount applicable to all students.
Key factors include the province, tuition fees, institution selected, educational programme and way of living.
Statistics Canada made note that average cost of tuition for students from abroad in Canada in 2025/26 will be about CAD 41,746 for undergraduate programmes and CAD 24,028 for postgraduate ones in public degree-awarding institutions across Canada. Still, real cost of education varies across educational establishments, study programmes and provinces.
To give you an example, the lowest tuition cost for undergraduates will be about CAD 18,867 in Newfoundland and Labrador and the highest one in Ontario – CAD 49,802.
Another thing that should be taken into consideration is accommodation costs, food, transport, healthcare, study materials and travel expenses.
That is why the financial plan must account for:
Tuition fees + expenses related to living + travelling + insurance + personal expenses + emergency fund. (Total budget required to study in Canada for Indian students)
10. Can I realistically find a part-time job in Canada as an international student?
International students eligible to work can do so while enrolled at an educational institution in Canada. However, students need to be aware of the fact that they should not depend on that source of income as their only means to pay for their studies.
Eligible students are permitted to work off-campus for 24 hours every week during the academic terms. They can also work during breaks, but they must follow regulations.
Nonetheless, a job is not guaranteed to any person. Various factors will determine whether a student will find a job or not. Among others, such factors as the student’s study location and experience in work, fluency in either English or French, availability of jobs and the student’s curriculum will have an impact on the final result. (Job opportunities in Canada for international students)
Students often manage to find a job in the fields of retail and hospitality or in customer service organizations or administration departments. The type of work one will find will depend on the student’s skills and opportunities available in the region.
11. How can international students get a scholarship to study in Canada?
It is possible to get scholarships for studies, but it is important to know that there are tons of rules and amounts available depending on the university and the program. Scholarships can be divided into
| Scholarships offered directly by the university | Entrance scholarships for new students | Awards based on academic performance | Scholarships specific to certain programs | Funding for research or graduate studies | Government or private scholarships from outside the school |
It is important for both students and parents to realize what the principal difference between scholarships and partial awards is. While a scholarship covers the full tuition cost, partial award covers only a part of it. In case a scholarship covers only tuition every international student must prove that he/she has enough money to cover his/her living expenses.
Canada has been a popular destination for international students for some time now. However, things have evolved and it is no longer sufficient to just choose a country and submit an application. Now, students and their families must think carefully and thoroughly about which courses to take and their plans for post-graduation work permit eligibility. They also need to plan well when picking the school and think in advance about their future career plans and objectives.
Students should focus on selecting a program that equips them with the necessary knowledge and skills that they will require after graduation regardless of whether they have a visa or not.
For parents, the emphasis should be on getting the best value for the money spent on tuition. Studying abroad is a costly decision, and its real value lies not in being able to work in the country where you studied but in the education itself, opportunities to travel the world, and future jobs.
If you are confused about the right course to choose about which university would suit you the most and your budgetary issues, or whether you can apply for scholarships and what to do after graduating, Global Reach is there to help you.
Global Reach specializes in assisting students every step of the way. Call Global Reach right now and start your Canadian studying process in an assured way. (Canada education consultants for Indian students)
Contact Global Reach for personalized guidance.
