Study Permit Guide 2026
Complete guide for Nepali students - top universities, popular courses, dependent visa rules, and step-by-step application process.
25,000+
Nepali Students (2025)
8-12 Weeks
Processing Time
24 Hrs/Week
Work While Studying
Up to 3 Years
PGWP Duration
Important 2025-2026 Updates
- SDS Program Closed (Nov 2024): Student Direct Stream is no longer available. All applications now go through regular stream.
- Study Permit Cap: Canada has set a cap of 4,37,000 new study permits for 2025-2026.
- PAL Required: Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) is mandatory for most undergraduate programs.
- Financial Requirements: Increased to CAD 22,895 (effective Sep 2025) + tuition + travel costs.
- Spousal Work Permits: Now limited to spouses of Masters (16+ months), Doctoral, and professional degree students only.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Get Letter of Acceptance
Apply and receive acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
Obtain PAL (if required)
Get Provincial Attestation Letter for undergraduate programs
Gather Documents
Passport, financial proof (CAD 22,895+), English scores, transcripts
Create GIC Account
Open Guaranteed Investment Certificate with CAD 20,635
Apply Online via IRCC
Submit application through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada portal
Biometrics
Submit fingerprints and photo at designated center
Medical Exam
Complete medical examination with panel physician
Wait for Decision
Processing takes 8-12 weeks for regular stream
Top Universities for Nepali Students
University of Toronto
Toronto, Ontario
Tuition: CAD 60,000 - 65,000/year
McGill University
Montreal, Quebec
Tuition: CAD 25,000 - 55,000/year
University of British Columbia
Vancouver, BC
Tuition: CAD 35,000 - 55,000/year
University of Waterloo
Waterloo, Ontario
Tuition: CAD 45,000 - 60,000/year
University of Alberta
Edmonton, Alberta
Tuition: CAD 30,000 - 45,000/year
Top Colleges Popular Among Nepali Students
Humber College
Toronto, Ontario
Tuition: CAD 16,000 - 20,000/year
George Brown College
Toronto, Ontario
Tuition: CAD 15,000 - 18,000/year
Conestoga College
Kitchener, Ontario
Tuition: CAD 15,000 - 17,000/year
Centennial College
Toronto, Ontario
Tuition: CAD 14,000 - 16,000/year
Seneca College
Toronto, Ontario
Tuition: CAD 15,000 - 18,000/year
Popular Courses for Nepali Students
Computer Science & IT
Software development, cybersecurity, cloud computing. High demand with excellent salaries.
Data Science & Analytics
Big data, machine learning, AI. 305,000 job openings projected.
MBA & Business Management
Finance, marketing, operations. 86% employment within 3 months.
Engineering
Mechanical, Civil, Electrical. Strong demand in manufacturing and construction.
Healthcare & Nursing
Severe shortage in Canada. Direct PR pathways available.
Project Management
PMP certification pathway. High demand across all industries.
Spouse & Dependent Visa Rules (2025-2026)
Important changes have been made to spousal open work permits for international students. Effective January 21, 2025: Only spouses of students in specific programs are eligible.
Eligible Programs:
- Master's Degree Programs: Must be 16 months or longer
- Doctoral Programs: All doctoral students spouses are eligible
- Professional Programs: Medicine, dentistry, law, etc.
| Student Program | Spouse Work Permit | Children Study |
|---|---|---|
| Master's (16+ months) | Eligible for SOWP | Free public schooling (K-12) |
| Doctoral (PhD) | Eligible for SOWP | Free public schooling (K-12) |
| Professional Degree | Eligible for SOWP | Free public schooling (K-12) |
| Undergraduate/Bachelor | Not Eligible | Must pay international fees |
| Diploma/Certificate | Not Eligible | Must pay international fees |
Key Updates for 2025-2026
Intake Cap: Canada has set a national cap of 4,37,000 study permits for 2025, reduced from 4,85,000 in 2024.
Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL): Required for most undergraduate programs. Masters, doctoral, and K-12 students are exempt.
SDS Program Ended: The Student Direct Stream was closed on November 8, 2024. All applications are now processed through regular stream.
Cost of Living Proof: Increased to CAD 22,895 for applications submitted from September 2025 onwards.
PGWP Changes: Graduates of public-private partnership colleges no longer eligible. Masters graduates get 3-year PGWP.
Eligibility Requirements
- Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
- Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) for most undergraduate programs
- Proof of Funds: CAD 22,895 + first year tuition + travel costs
- Valid Passport for the duration of your study plus buffer
- Language Proficiency: IELTS/TOEFL/PTE scores as per institution requirements
- Medical Exam from panel physician
- Police Clearance Certificate
- Statement of Purpose explaining study plans
Working While Studying
| Work Type | Hours Allowed | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Off-Campus Work | 24 hours/week | During academic sessions. Full-time during scheduled breaks. |
| On-Campus Work | Unlimited | Work at your institution (library, labs, cafeteria, etc.) |
| Co-op/Internship | Full-time | Must be part of your program. Need separate Co-op Work Permit. |
| After Graduation (PGWP) | Full-time | Work permit duration based on program length (up to 3 years). |
Complete Costs Breakdown
Application Fees
Living Costs (Annual)
Tuition Fees (Per Year)
Scholarships for Nepali Students
Vanier Canada Graduate
CAD 50,000/year
For doctoral students demonstrating academic excellence and leadership. 3-year funding.
University Entrance Awards
CAD 2,000 - 40,000
Automatic consideration at universities like UofT, UBC, McGill based on academic performance.
Ontario Trillium Scholarship
CAD 40,000/year
For international PhD students at Ontario universities. Renewable for up to 4 years.
Research Assistantships
CAD 15,000 - 25,000
Paid research positions for graduate students. Many STEM programs fully funded.
Canada Study Intakes
Fall Intake
Application Deadline
January - March
Classes Start
September
Winter Intake
Application Deadline
August - October
Classes Start
January
Summer Intake
Application Deadline
December - February
Classes Start
May
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a DLI?
A Designated Learning Institution is a school approved by a provincial or territorial government to host international students. You MUST have a Letter of Acceptance from a DLI to be eligible for a study permit.
What is a GIC?
A Guaranteed Investment Certificate is a secure Canadian investment that serves as proof of funds. Amount: CAD 20,635 - 22,895. You receive a lump sum on arrival and monthly installments over 12 months.
What is PAL?
A Provincial Attestation Letter confirms that your study permit application falls within your provinces allocation under the national cap. Required for most undergraduate programs starting 2024.
Can I get PR after studying?
Yes! After completing your studies, you can apply for PGWP for up to 3 years. Canadian work experience qualifies you for Express Entry and PNP programs with additional CRS points.
What is the processing time?
Currently 8-12 weeks for regular stream applications. Apply 3-4 months before your program start date. SDS is no longer available.
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