Main reasons

Why Study in Canada?

Degree students can work while they study in Canada and stay to work after. Since 1 January 2026, master's and PhD students at a public DLI do not need a provincial or territorial attestation letter (PAL/TAL). Most other students need one, or a CAQ (Quebec Acceptance Certificate) in Quebec.

Why Study in Canada?

Top Benefits

Each university decides who it accepts

Many research degrees come with funding (money from the university)

Work while you study, and after you graduate

No PAL/TAL letter for master's and PhD degrees at a public DLI since 1 January 2026

223

Universities (public and private)

213

Colleges and institutes (public)

Most hours you can work off campus each week while classes run

Years of Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) after a master's of 8 months or more

Facts for students from India and Pakistan planning to start in the 2026-27 school year.

Academic Excellence

Study at Strong Universities

Large public universities offer degrees at every level, and many research degrees come with funding.

Prestigious Institutions

Academic Excellence Nationwide

University of Toronto (U of T)

University of British Columbia (UBC)

McGill University (McGill)

University of Waterloo (Waterloo)

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Career Pathways

Work During and After Your Studies

Canada's rules let some students get work experience.

Post-Study Work Pathway

Study

Work up to 24 hours a week off campus while classes run.

Graduate

Apply for the PGWP within 180 days of the letter from your school saying you finished your program.

Work in Canada

You can work while Canada's immigration office decides on your work permit, if you applied before your study permit ended.

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Post-Study Work Rights

Build your career in Canada

Duration

Up to 3 years for a master's of at least 8 months. For other programs, it depends on program length.

The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), a work permit after you finish, lets graduates of eligible programs at eligible schools gain Canadian work experience.

Key Benefits

Gain valuable work experience

Build professional networks

Pathway to permanent residency

Graduate Employment

Employment Rate

Average to Find Job

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Campus Life

Support on Campus

Universities have offices that help international students.

Quality of Life & Support

University residences

Rooms in McGill's campus housing cost from CAD 1,135 a month in 2026-27. CAD means Canadian dollars.

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Unique Advantages

Good Things for International Students

Rules that matter to students from India and Pakistan.

Work while you study

On campus there is no hour limit. Off campus, there is no limit in school breaks. Your study permit (the paper that lets you study in Canada) must allow work.

Up to 24 hours a week off campus during classes

Work after you graduate

A master's program of at least 8 months can lead to a 3-year Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). Degree graduates need English at CLB 7 (Canadian Language Benchmarks, Canada's language levels).

Up to 3 years of PGWP after a master's

Simpler path for graduate students

Since 1 January 2026, these students apply for the study permit without the letter. This is for public designated learning institutions (DLIs), schools the government approves for international students.

No PAL/TAL for master's and PhD degrees at a public DLI