Study-permit holders in Canada as of 31 July 2026.
Destinations / CanadaFind Your Study Path
Study in Canada
Explore universities, colleges and study pathways across Canada's provinces, with programmes available in English and French.
Student Community
Canada's International Student Community
Study options vary by province, institution and programme.
Education systems and requirements can differ depending on where you study.
Students requiring a study permit must attend a Designated Learning Institution.
Why Choose Canada
Why Study in Canada?
Universities + Colleges
Choose between academic university degrees and more applied, career-focused college programmes.
English + French
Study in English, French or, at selected institutions, through bilingual options.
Co-op Programmes
Selected programmes combine academic study with structured work placements related to your field.
Different Provinces, Different Options
Programme availability, language, costs and education systems can differ significantly between provinces.
Post-Study Pathways
Some programmes may offer a pathway to work in Canada after graduation. Explore PGWP eligibility.
Higher Education
How Does Higher Education Work in Canada?
Canada does not have one national higher-education system.
Each province and territory manages its own education system, which means terminology, qualifications and study pathways can vary.
Universities
Primarily offer academic degrees:
Bachelor’s
Typically 3–4 years
Master’s
Typically 1–2 years
PhD
Typically 3–6 years
Some universities also offer Honours Bachelor’s degrees, which can include additional specialisation or research.
University & College
University or College?
These are not simply two names for the same type of institution.
University
See details
Typically more academic and research-oriented.
Common qualifications:
Bachelor's · Master's · PhD
College / Polytechnic
See details
Typically more applied and career-focused.
Common qualifications can include:
Certificates · Diplomas · Advanced Diplomas · Bachelor's degrees at some institutions
Which Is Better?
Neither institution type is automatically better. Compare the qualification, curriculum, tuition, admission requirements, DLI status and PGWP eligibility against your career goals before deciding.
Can You Transfer From College to University?
Sometimes.
Some Canadian institutions have transfer agreements allowing eligible students to transfer credits from one institution or programme towards another qualification.
However:
Transfer credit is not automatic.
The amount accepted depends on the institutions, programme and transfer agreement.
If university transfer is part of your plan, verify the pathway before enrolling.
Studying in Québec
Québec Works Differently
Québec has its own education and immigration requirements.
Education system & CEGEPs
Its education system includes CEGEPs, which play an important role between secondary education and university for many Québec students.
How your qualification is assessed
International applicants do not necessarily follow exactly the same pathway as Québec secondary-school graduates. Your previous qualification is assessed by the institution.
Study Options
What Can You Study in Canada?
Engineering & Technology
Civil · Mechanical · Electrical · Aerospace · Environmental Engineering
Computer Science & Digital
Artificial Intelligence · Data Science · Software Engineering · Cybersecurity · Game Development
Business & Economics
Finance · Management · Accounting · International Business · Entrepreneurship
Science & Research
Biotechnology · Life Sciences · Physics · Chemistry · Environmental Science
Health Sciences
Nursing · Public Health · Biomedical Sciences · Pharmacy · Health Sciences
Natural Resources & Sustainability
Environmental Studies · Forestry · Agriculture · Energy · Sustainable Development
Creative & Media
Animation · Film · Digital Media · Graphic Design · UX/UI Design
Social Sciences & Humanities
Psychology · Political Science · International Relations · Sociology · Languages
Institutions
Institutions to Explore in Canada
UniversityUniversity of Toronto
Toronto, OntarioExplore strengths
University of Toronto
Toronto, OntarioExplore strengthsMedicine · Engineering · Computer Science · Research
UniversityMcGill University
Montréal, QuébecExplore strengths
McGill University
Montréal, QuébecExplore strengthsMedicine · Science · Engineering · Humanities
UniversityUniversity of British Columbia
Vancouver, British ColumbiaExplore strengths
University of British Columbia
Vancouver, British ColumbiaExplore strengthsScience · Engineering · Business · Sustainability
UniversityUniversity of Waterloo
Waterloo, OntarioExplore strengths
University of Waterloo
Waterloo, OntarioExplore strengthsEngineering · Computer Science · Mathematics · Co-op
UniversityUniversité de Montréal
Montréal, QuébecExplore strengths
Université de Montréal
Montréal, QuébecExplore strengthsHealth Sciences · AI · Science · Humanities
UniversityUniversity of Alberta
Edmonton, AlbertaExplore strengths
University of Alberta
Edmonton, AlbertaExplore strengthsEngineering · Energy · AI · Health Sciences
UniversityMcMaster University
Hamilton, OntarioExplore strengths
McMaster University
Hamilton, OntarioExplore strengthsHealth Sciences · Engineering · Research
PolytechnicSeneca Polytechnic
Toronto, OntarioExplore strengths
Seneca Polytechnic
Toronto, OntarioExplore strengthsTechnology · Business · Applied Programmes
Selected examples rather than a ranking.
DLI & PGWP
DLI Does Not Automatically Mean PGWP Eligible
DLI
Institution checkSee details
DLI
Institution checkA Designated Learning Institution is an institution approved by a provincial or territorial government to host international students.
Students who require a study permit generally need to attend a DLI.
PGWP
Specific programme checkSee details
PGWP
Specific programme checkA Post-Graduation Work Permit may allow eligible graduates to work in Canada after completing their studies.
Check the institution AND the programme
Studying at a DLI does not automatically make your programme PGWP eligible.
Admissions
Admission Requirements for Moroccan Students
YOUR MOROCCAN BAC
Can you apply? Yes.
A Moroccan Baccalauréat can be used to apply for undergraduate study in Canada, without a universal requirement for an additional foundation year.
Admission requirements vary by institution and programme. Have your academic background checked by an advisor.
What institutions assess
Universities may assess your:
- Bac stream
- Grades
- Prerequisite subjects
- Language proficiency
Academic requirements
Examples of programme-specific requirements:
Engineering: mathematics and science prerequisites may apply.
Business: mathematics or other programme-specific prerequisites may apply.
Creative programmes: a portfolio may be required.
Language Requirements
Language Requirements
English or French?
Outside Québec
English is the predominant teaching language at many institutions.
Québec
A large selection of programmes is taught in French, alongside English-language and other programme options depending on the institution.
Always check the specific programme's language of instruction rather than assuming based on province alone.
English-Taught Programmes
See details
Institutions commonly accept tests such as:
IELTS · TOEFL
Required scores vary.
French-Taught Programmes
See details
French-language requirements are determined by the institution and programme.
Always check the exact accepted qualification and minimum score.
Application Essentials
Additional Application Requirements
Depending on the programme, you may also need:
- Personal statement
- References
- CV and evidence of relevant experience
- Portfolio or audition
- Interview
- Supplementary application
Competitive and specialist programmes can have additional selection requirements. More student resources on our Blog.
How to Apply
How Do You Apply?
There is no single Canadian university application portal. Your route depends on the province and institution.
Direct Application
Some universities and colleges accept applications through their own systems.
Provincial Systems
Some provinces use centralised application services. For example, Ontario universities use Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC).
Always check the application procedure for each institution on your shortlist.
Study Permit
From Admission to Your Study Permit
Receiving a university or college offer is not the final step. Your immigration process can involve several documents.
Letter of Acceptance
Receive a Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from your institution.
PAL / TAL
Many applicants need a Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter. Exemptions apply to certain applicants.
Québec Students
Students studying in Québec generally also need a Québec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ).
Study Permit
Complete the applicable Canadian study-permit process.
Requirements depend on your individual circumstances and current immigration rules.
Scholarships
Scholarships & Financial Support
Entrance Scholarships
Some universities provide scholarships based on academic achievement. Depending on the institution, you may receive automatic consideration or need to apply separately.
University Awards
Institutions may offer merit-based, need-based or international student awards. Eligibility and amounts vary.
Graduate Funding
Master’s and PhD funding may include:
- Research assistantships
- Teaching assistantships
- Fellowships
- Supervisor-funded research
Availability depends on the programme and institution.
Intakes
When Can You Start?
Canada commonly offers three intake periods, but programme availability differs considerably.
SEPMAIN INTAKESeptember
See details
September
Largest programme selection
Academic year generally begins late August/September
JANSECONDARY INTAKEJanuary
See details
January
Available at many institutions
Smaller programme selection than September
MAYLIMITED INTAKEMay
See details
May
Selected programmes and institutions only
Much smaller selection
There Is No National Application Deadline
Deadlines vary by:
Institution · Programme · Intake
Competitive programmes may close earlier.
Allow additional time after admission for the study-permit process and other pre-departure requirements.
Student Life
Student Life in Canada
Work Opportunities
Can International Students Work in Canada?
Eligible international students may work while studying, subject to the conditions of their study permit.
24hours per weekOff campus during regular academic terms, for eligible students
Off Campus
During scheduled breaks, eligible students may generally work unlimited off-campus hours, provided they meet the applicable conditions.
On Campus
Eligible students may work on campus without a separate work permit.
Federal rules do not set the same fixed hourly limit that applies to off-campus work, provided the student continues to meet the eligibility requirements.
Co-op
Co-operative education combines:
Academic Study
Structured Work Experience
Students complete work placements related to their field as part of the programme.
If a co-op or internship is a mandatory component of your programme, international students may need a separate co-op work permit.
YOUR NEXT CHAPTER
Can You Work in Canada After Graduation?
PGWP
Eligibility is not automatic.
Some international graduates may qualify for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
What can affect your eligibility?
Eligibility depends on current requirements relating to factors such as your:
- Institution
- Programme
- Programme length
- Field of study where applicable
- Student status
If post-study work matters to your plans, check PGWP eligibility before choosing your programme, rather than after graduating.
Your Study Route
Your Route to Studying in Canada
Profile
Review your academic background, language level, budget and goals.
Compare
Identify suitable provinces, institutions and programmes.
Verify
Check:
Admission eligibility · DLI status · PGWP eligibility · Tuition · Language · Application route
Apply
Prepare and submit your university or college applications.
Permit
After admission, identify the immigration documents required for your situation:
LOA → PAL/TAL where required → CAQ for Québec where applicable → Study Permit
Prepare
Plan your accommodation, finances, insurance and move to Canada.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Use a Canadian Degree in Morocco?
A Canadian qualification may be recognised in Morocco, depending on the qualification and how you intend to use it.
A Canadian qualification may be accepted directly for many private-sector opportunities in Morocco.
Formal equivalence can become relevant when an official Moroccan equivalent is required, particularly for:
- Regulated professions
- Certain public-sector positions
- Some academic pathways
Whether equivalence is necessary therefore depends on your qualification and how you intend to use it in Morocco.
Do Moroccan students need a study permit?
For studies longer than six months, Moroccan students generally need a Canadian study permit.
What is a PAL or TAL?
A Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter confirms an applicant has been allocated a study place under the applicable provincial or territorial system. Many study-permit applicants need one, although exemptions exist.
Do I need a CAQ to study in Québec?
Students studying in Québec generally need a Québec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) in addition to meeting federal study-permit requirements.
Can I change institutions after arriving?
Potentially, but changing your Designated Learning Institution can affect your immigration requirements and may require a new study-permit application. Check the applicable rules before transferring.
Can my family accompany me?
Depending on your circumstances, a spouse or partner and dependent children may be able to accompany you.
However, immigration rights available to accompanying family members, including eligibility for a spouse's open work permit, depend on your programme and current immigration rules.
Other destinations
Want to Learn About Our Other Destinations?
Your Study Plan
Build Your Canada Study Plan
Don't choose a programme based only on the university name or city.
Check the qualification, costs, admission requirements, DLI status and PGWP implications before you commit.
Atlas Scholars can help you compare the options that fit your profile.
Start Your Initial AssessmentSpeak to an Advisor