Want to Study in Canada? Here’s What You Need to Know

When it comes to studying abroad, many international students see Canada as the land of ice and snow, but it's also home to some of the top educational institutions in the world. (Plus, you can dress like the locals in a stylish parka and toque.)

According to U.S. News and World Report, Canada is ranked fourth in the world for higher education. If you're thinking about applying to become an international student, here's what you need to know.

How to come to Canada as an international student

International students can come to Canada by obtaining a study permit, which requires:

• Letter of acceptance from a designated learning institution (DLI)
• Proof of funds
• Provincial attestation letter (PAL) or territorial attestation letter (TAL), which shows that your enrollment is confirmed under current international student enrollment caps

Applicants must also meet health and security requirements, and most must apply online from outside Canada. Students already studying or working in Canada, and certain family members of foreign workers who are already in Canada, may be able to apply from within the country.

How much money do international students need to support themselves during their studies in Canada? The amount varies, but in 2026 a single student attending school in a Canadian province or territory other than Quebec will need to be able to cover:

• The first year's tuition. The cost varies by program and school, but the average tuition for international students in 2025/2026, according to Statistics Canada, was $41,746 for undergraduate students and $24,028 for graduate students.
• An additional $22,895(in Canadian dollars) for living expenses. The required amount increases if the student is bringing family members with them. A single student who wants to study in Quebec must have at least $24,617, plus tuition fees.
• The cost of transportation to and from Canada (including any accompanying family members).

Students typically show they meet financial support requirements by providing banking documents such as account statements, scholarship or funding letters, or proof of student or education loans.

If you are selecting a program that takes less than six months to complete (a foreign exchange program, for example), you generally do not need a study permit, but you may need an electronic travel authorization (eTA) or Temporary Resident Visa.

Residency and immigration status

As an international student, you will be considered a temporary resident. Here are some possible entitlements, which vary by the type of study permit:

• Off-campus work: Eligible students can work up to 24 hours per week off campus while classes are in session, without a work permit.
• Full-time work: You can work full-time during regularly scheduled school breaks, provided you are enrolled as a full-time student before and after the break.
•  On-campus work: There is no limit on the number of hours you can work on campus, if you maintain full-time student status.
• Co-op or internship: If your program requires work experience, you are entitled to apply for a co-op work permit.
• Post-graduation work permit (PGWP): When you graduate, you may be entitled to a PGWP to gain Canadian work experience.
• Health care: Some provinces provide access to their health-care plans, but others require international students to enroll in private health-care plans. (Before you do, check if your school automatically enrolls international students in a health plan.)

Your immigration status is separate from your tax residency status. International students living in Canada are usually considered residents for tax purposes.

Do international students have to file taxes in Canada?

International students living in Canada are considered residents for tax purposes. If you earn income in Canada or want to receive benefits or claim tuition tax credits, you'll need to pay taxes and file a tax return using a Social Insurance Number (SIN).

You must report worldwide income, not just money earned in Canada. That could include money from:

• Foreign employment, including money earned in your home country 
• Investment income
• Rental income from properties abroad
• Any business income

Canada has tax treaties with other countries. That may mean that you can claim the taxes that you paid to another country to avoid paying taxes a second time.

What is a SIN number and do I need one?

Most international students are eligible for a SIN. In order to be granted a SIN, your student visa needs to stipulate your eligibility for working in Canada. You generally need a SIN to work in Canada, file student taxes, and access government benefits. You can apply for a SIN through Service Canada online, by mail, or in person.

When and how students can file taxes

The tax filing deadline in Canada is at the end of April. Those who have self-employed income or a spouse with self-employed income can file later, by June 15, although any amounts owed must be paid by the end of April to avoid penalties. Here are some general tips for filing:

• Check out ourtax checklist for documents to collect.
• Find yourT2202. You'll need this form from your educational institution to claim any tuition credits at tax time. You can download it from your student portal before the end of February.
• Keep receipts for rent, books, and other expenses for your tax return and to provide eligibility for certain benefits, such as provincial rent subsidies or credits.
• You can file online using CRA-certified preparation software, like TurboTax, and submit your tax return digitally with a NETFILE access code or by mail.
• Set up a Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) account. Once you've filed your first Canadian tax return, you can open an online CRA account. This houses a wealth of information including tax slips, previous tax returns, and where to find help.

Learn more tax tips for international students who are filing taxes in Canada.

Should students file a tax return even if they have nothing to report?

It's usually worth it to file a tax return even if you have no income to declare. Filing is the only way to access several financial benefits and long-term tax savings: 

• Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit: Eligible residents receive tax-free quarterly payments to help with everyday costs. New residents may need to fill out Form RC151, in addition to filing a tax return.
• Provincial credits: Some provinces offer additional credits such as the Ontario Trillium Benefit, which helps low-income families cover energy costs, sales tax, and property tax.

• Tuition tax credit: You can claim your tuition fees using Form T2202. Even if you have no income now, these credits carry forward indefinitely to reduce the tax you will owe in future years when you start working in Canada. If you don't file a tax return in the year you paid the tuition, you may lose the ability to use those credits later.

Tools that can help

Online tax preparation tools like TurboTax can make filing your taxes easy. TurboTax can automatically import much of your tax information directly from your CRA account and take you through your tax return step by step. If you need help, you can access tax experts who can answer your questions and even review your return before you submit.