Study in Canada

Why Study in Canada?

• World-class universities at lower cost than the USA or UK. Canadian universities consistently rank in the global top 200 to 300 and produce graduates recognized worldwide. Annual tuition at public universities ranges from CAD 15,000 to 35,000, meaningfully lower than equivalent US or UK programs.
• Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) gives up to 3 years of open work rights. Graduates of eligible programs at Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) receive an open work permit allowing them to work for any employer anywhere in Canada. This is the foundation of the Canadian study-to-PR pathway.
• Clear PR pathway through Express Entry and the Canadian Experience Class. Nepali students can achieve PR within 2 to 3 years of completing their studies by gaining 1 year of skilled work experience on the PGWP and submitting an Express Entry profile under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
• 24 hours per week work rights during study. As of November 8, 2024, Canada increased the weekly off-campus working hours for international students from 20 to 24 hours per week. The extra 4 hours per week meaningfully increases income during study.
• Bilingual country with strong Nepali community. Major Canadian cities including Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, and Ottawa have established Nepali communities, temples, cultural organizations, and support networks. English is the primary language in most of Canada, with French dominant in Quebec.
• Master's and PhD students are exempt from the study permit cap. While undergraduate and diploma students now face a federal study permit cap with PAL requirements, graduate students at public DLIs have major advantages in 2026 and are exempt from PAL/TAL and the cap. This is one of the most strategically important facts for Nepali students planning in 2026.

Critical 2026 Changes Every Nepali Student Must Know

Several major policy changes have reshaped the Canadian student pathway since late 2024. Applying without understanding these changes is one of the most common reasons for problems Nepali students encounter in 2026.

1. SDS (Student Direct Stream) has been discontinued

The Student Direct Stream (SDS) was officially discontinued on November 8, 2024. Following this date, all applications submitted to the Canadian government are processed under the standard Canada study permit stream. This creates a more equal system but also removes the speed advantage SDS once offered. Now, every applicant is judged the same way.

What this means in practice: there is no longer a fast-track processing stream for Nepali students who meet stricter criteria. All study permit applications go through standard processing. The GIC and high IELTS requirements that were associated with SDS still serve as strong signals in your application even without the formal SDS stream.

2. Study permit caps and the PAL requirement

In 2025, the government introduced a federal cap, which reduced the total approvals and made competition higher. For 2026, the cap is set at 408,000 study permits.

The most important practical implication of this cap is the Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) requirement. Most undergraduate and diploma students now need a PAL from their target province before IRCC will process their study permit application. PALs are issued by each provincial government based on their allocation, and once a province's allocation is exhausted for a cycle, no more PALs are issued.

Most college and undergraduate students need a PAL tied to provincial allocations. Apply early: once a province's allocation fills, no more PALs are issued that cycle. Your Canadian institution will typically coordinate the PAL with your admission process. Confirm PAL status with your institution before paying large tuition deposits.

Master's and PhD students at public DLIs are exempt from the PAL requirement. This is a major structural advantage of graduate programs for Nepali students in 2026.

3. GIC amount updated to CAD 22,895

Canada has increased its minimum fund requirements for a student visa, effective from September 1, 2025. The new GIC amount is CAD 22,895, which is approximately NPR 22 to 23 lakhs. The GIC processing fee for opening the account is CAD 200. Applications submitted before September 1, 2025 required only CAD 20,635.

4. PGWP field-of-study eligibility: the program choice crisis

This is the single most important change for Nepali students to understand before selecting a program.

As of November 1, 2024, with full implementation in January 2026, PGWP eligibility now depends on what you study, not just where you study. University degree graduates (Bachelor's, Master's, PhD) are safe: any field of study qualifies for PGWP. College diploma graduates must graduate from a program linked to an approved Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code on the government's eligible fields list.

Business programs used to account for 42% of all international student permits. Canada deliberately removed 178 fields to eliminate this volume. The practical consequence: if you enroll in a college-level business administration or general management diploma, you will graduate with no PGWP and therefore no path to Canadian work experience or PR through the standard study-to-PR route.

You don't need to meet the field-of-study requirement if you graduated with a bachelor's degree, master's degree, or doctoral degree. For 2026, IRCC will not add or remove any eligible fields of study.

The practical guidance for Nepali students: if you are applying to a college diploma program, verify the program's 6-digit CIP code on the IRCC website before enrolling and paying any deposits. If your CIP code is not on the eligible list, you will not receive a PGWP after graduation. A university degree (bachelor's, master's, PhD) bypasses this requirement entirely.

5. IRCC portal changed: new IRCC Secure Account system

Effective from March 25, 2025, all new applications must be submitted through the IRCC secure account instead of the old IRCC portal, which is now closed. All study permit applications must be submitted through the new system. Applications submitted to the old portal after this date are null and void.

6. Visa success rate reality for Nepali students

Canada's student visa success rate from Nepal was around 33% in 2025. Officers now review documents, finances, and study plans more carefully, so weaker applications are more likely to be refused. However, the visa success rate has subsequently increased to 57% as of 2025 (January to August), up from around 41% in 2024, hinting at the increase in chances for up to 65% student visa approval in 2026 for well-prepared applicants. Genuine, well-prepared students with strong documentation continue to receive study permits every intake.

Admission Requirements for Nepali Students

Undergraduate (Bachelor's degree)

• Completed +2 (Grade 12) or A-Levels equivalent
• Minimum 60% marks at +2 level. Competitive programs expect higher.
• Academic transcripts, personal statement, passport

English proficiency for undergraduate:

• IELTS Academic: 6.0 to 6.5 overall (no individual band below 5.5 for most programs; no band below 6.0 for health and education programs)
• PTE Academic: 58 to 65
• TOEFL iBT: 80 or above

College diploma programs

• Completed +2 with 55% or above
• IELTS: 6.0 overall. Some diploma programs accept 5.5 overall but visa approval is not guaranteed at this level.
• Critical: Verify the program's CIP code for PGWP eligibility before applying. See Section above on the field-of-study change.

Postgraduate (Master's degree)

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field with 60 to 65% or above depending on institution and program
• SOP, CV/resume, two letters of recommendation, academic transcripts, passport
• Work experience recommended for MBA programs (typically 2 years)

English proficiency for postgraduate:

• IELTS: 6.5 overall with no bands lower than 6.0. PTE Academic: 60 overall with no section below 45. TOEFL iBT: 88 or above with no section below 20.

Always verify the specific requirements of your target institution and program. Requirements vary significantly between institutions and programs within the same institution.

Canadian University Intakes

Apply 8 to 12 months before your target intake. Given that the study permit process now involves PAL coordination (for undergraduate and diploma applicants) and standard processing times of 3 to 6 weeks after document completion, starting early gives you enough buffer for retakes, document preparation, and the GIC setup process.

Top Universities and Institutions in Canada for Nepali Students

Best Programs for Nepali Students in Canada: Strategic Course Selection

Choosing a program in Canada in 2026 is more consequential than in any previous year because your program directly determines whether you receive a PGWP after graduation and therefore whether you have a realistic PR pathway. The following fields provide the strongest combination of PGWP eligibility, PR pathway, and employment demand:

Programs to approach with extreme caution in 2026: General business administration diploma, hospitality management diploma, general management diploma, and any college-level program not verified against the IRCC CIP eligible fields list. These programs may offer an education but no PGWP and therefore no standard PR pathway.

Cost of Studying in Canada

Tuition fees (annual)

Living expenses (monthly)

Toronto and Vancouver are Canada's most expensive cities. Cities including Halifax, Winnipeg, Edmonton, Regina, and Fredericton offer significantly lower living costs with comparable quality of life. For Nepali students targeting PR through provincial streams, smaller cities often have more accessible PNP programs with lower competition.

Total first-year cost estimate

Note: The CAD 22,895 GIC deposit is not spent; it is released back to you at approximately CAD 1,908 per month over 12 months after arrival. Your effective first-year cost after GIC release is lower, but the upfront outlay is the figure you need to plan for before departure.

Scholarships for Nepali Students in Canada

1. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships

The most prestigious Canadian government scholarship for doctoral studies. Provides CAD 50,000 per year for 3 years to world-class doctoral candidates. Awarded jointly by Canada's three federal research councils (CIHR, NSERC, SSHRC). Applications are submitted through the applicant's Canadian university after admission.

2. University merit scholarships

Most Canadian universities offer international student merit scholarships ranging from CAD 2,000 to full tuition waivers. Notable examples:

• University of Toronto International Scholar Award (up to CAD 25,000)
• UBC International Major Entrance Scholarship (up to CAD 40,000 over 4 years)
• University of Waterloo International Student Excellence Award
• Dalhousie University International Undergraduate Scholarship
• University of Manitoba International Student Scholarship

Most are assessed automatically at the time of admission application. Check each university's international scholarship page and apply before the scholarship deadline which is often earlier than the general admission deadline.

3. Canada Graduate Scholarships (CGS-M)

The Canada Graduate Scholarships at master's level provide CAD 17,500 per year to master's students through NSERC, SSHRC, and CIHR. International students enrolled at Canadian universities are eligible. Apply through your university.

4. Provincial government scholarships

Several Canadian provinces offer dedicated international student scholarships. Notable examples include the Ontario Graduate Scholarship, the BC Graduate Scholarship, and the Alberta Graduate Excellence Scholarship. Check each province's student aid website for current availability and eligibility.

5. Research assistantships for master's and PhD students

Graduate students in research-based programs frequently receive teaching assistantships (TAs) or research assistantships (RAs) that cover partial tuition and provide a monthly stipend of CAD 1,000 to 2,500. Contact professors in your intended department directly about funded positions before or alongside your formal application.

The GIC (Guaranteed Investment Certificate): Complete Guide

The GIC is the financial proof mechanism central to the Canadian study permit process for Nepali students. Understanding it fully before you begin is essential.

What is the GIC?

A Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) is a financial product where you deposit a required minimum amount into a Canadian bank account before applying for your study permit. The funds are released to you in monthly installments after you arrive in Canada to cover living costs.

Current required amount (2026)

The GIC for Canada student visa funds have been updated effective from January 1, 2026, to CAD 22,895. The processing fee for opening a GIC account is CAD 200. Total transfer required: approximately CAD 23,095 (NPR 21 to 22 lakhs at current rates).

Which banks provide GIC accounts?

Only banks authorized by IRCC can provide GICs for study permit purposes. The main recognized providers for Nepali students are:

• Scotiabank: One of the most widely used. Online application available. Account can be opened from Nepal before departure.
• CIBC: Student GIC Student Plan. Fully online process.
• ICICI Bank Canada: Popular with South Asian students. Online application from Nepal.
• BMO (Bank of Montreal): BMO SPC Student GIC. Online application available.

Step-by-step GIC process from Nepal

1. Receive your Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from your Canadian institution
2. Apply for your NOC from Nepal's Ministry of Education, Science and Technology before making any international transfer
3. Apply online for your GIC account with one of the recognized banks
4. Provide your passport and LOA during the bank's application process
5. Transfer CAD 22,895 plus the CAD 200 processing fee to the bank using your NOC-authorized international transfer
6. Receive your GIC Certificate (investment confirmation letter) from the bank
7. Include this GIC Certificate in your study permit application as financial proof
8. After arriving in Canada, open a regular chequing account at the same bank to begin receiving monthly GIC releases

The GIC is not the only way to show financial proof, but it is the most reliable and widely accepted method for Nepali applicants. Bank statements alone, particularly ones showing recently deposited large amounts rather than organic accumulated savings, are increasingly scrutinized under the current quality-focused assessment approach.

Canada Study Permit Application: Step-by-Step Guide for Nepali Students (2026)

The Canadian study permit (student visa) is applied for online through the IRCC Secure Account at ircc.canada.ca. There is no embassy submission or interview for most Nepali applicants; the entire process is online.

Study permit vs temporary resident visa

The difference between a study permit and a temporary resident visa is that a study permit allows you to study in Canada, while a TRV allows you to enter and live there. Most Nepali students need both: a study permit for the academic program and a TRV to enter Canada. IRCC typically issues both together in a combined application. Confirm whether a TRV is required as part of your application based on your nationality and entry requirements.

Step-by-step process

1. Apply to and receive your Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from a Canadian DLI. The LOA from a Designated Learning Institution is the primary document for your entire application. Confirm the institution is an active DLI on the official IRCC DLI list before applying.
2. Confirm PAL status with your institution. If you are applying to an undergraduate or diploma program, confirm with your institution whether they have PAL availability for Nepali students in your intended intake cycle. If no PAL is available, IRCC will not process your study permit application.
3. Set up your GIC. After receiving your LOA and applying for your NOC, open your GIC account and transfer CAD 23,095 (CAD 22,895 plus the CAD 200 fee). Receive your GIC Certificate.
4. Complete your medical examination. Medical exams must be completed by an IRCC-approved panel physician. In Nepal, IRCC-approved panel physicians are available in Kathmandu. Book early as appointment slots can fill up. Medical results are valid for 12 months.
5. Gather all required documents (see checklist below).
6. Create your IRCC Secure Account at ircc.canada.ca and complete the study permit application form online. All new applications must be submitted through the IRCC Secure Account.
7. Pay the study permit fee (CAD 150) and biometrics fee (CAD 85) online during the application.
8. Submit biometrics. After paying the biometrics fee, you will receive a Biometric Instruction Letter (BIL). Book your biometrics appointment at the Canadian Visa Application Centre (CVAC) in Kathmandu. Biometrics are valid for 10 years.
9. Write and submit your Statement of Purpose (SOP). The SOP is a professional letter explaining the reason for choosing Canada and your plans after the completion of the education. It must be specific, personal, and consistent with your other documents. See SOP guidance below.
10. Submit your application and wait for processing. An approximate Canada study permit processing time in 2026 is 3 to 6 weeks; however, the exact time varies depending on the individual case and application profile.

Complete document checklist

• Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity beyond intended study period)
• Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from your Canadian DLI
• Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) if required for your program level and province
• GIC Certificate showing CAD 22,895 deposited
• Proof of first-year tuition payment or ability to pay
• IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL score report meeting your program's requirements
• Statement of Purpose (SOP)
• Academic transcripts and certificates from all completed levels
• Medical examination certificate from an IRCC-approved panel physician in Nepal
• Police clearance certificate
• Biometrics (submitted after application through CVAC Kathmandu)
• Proof of NOC from Nepal's Ministry of Education
• Passport-sized photographs meeting IRCC specifications

Writing your SOP: what IRCC officers look for

The SOP is the most carefully read document in your application. IRCC officers are assessing three core questions:

• Are you a genuine student? Do you clearly understand your program, why this specific institution and program suits your goals, and how it connects to your academic background?
• Do you have genuine ties to Nepal? Do you have family, professional commitments, or career plans that make returning to Nepal realistic and credible? Or does your SOP read as someone planning to stay in Canada at all costs?
• Is your financial plan credible and consistent? Does your explanation of how you will fund your studies match the documents you have submitted?

Do not use templates. IRCC officers process thousands of SOPs from Nepal and recognize copied formats immediately. A short, personal, specific SOP (600 to 900 words) that directly addresses these three questions in your own voice is more effective than a long generic statement.

Working While Studying in Canada

• 24 hours per week off-campus during academic sessions (increased from 20 hours as of November 8, 2024)
• Full-time during scheduled breaks (summer, winter, spring)
• No separate work authorization required. Off-campus work rights are a condition of your study permit for eligible full-time students at eligible DLIs.
• On-campus work is unlimited and does not count toward the 24-hour weekly limit
• Common jobs: hospitality, retail, warehousing, healthcare support, campus jobs, tutoring
• Minimum wage varies by province. Ontario: CAD 17.20 per hour (2026). British Columbia: CAD 17.40 per hour. Alberta: CAD 15.00 per hour. At 24 hours per week in Ontario or BC, this generates approximately CAD 1,650 to 1,680 per month before tax.

Important for PR planning: Work experience gained while you are a full-time student does not count towards your 1-year (1,560 hours) Canadian Experience Class (CEC) requirement. Only work experience after graduation on the PGWP counts toward CEC. Study-period work does not directly contribute to your PR application points, though it builds professional networks and income.

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP): The Gateway to PR

The PGWP is the single most important document in the Canadian study-to-PR pathway. A PGWP is an open work permit issued to international students who graduate from an eligible Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada. It allows you to work for any employer anywhere in Canada, with no restrictions on hours.

PGWP duration

You can only receive a PGWP once in your lifetime. If you plan to pursue multiple programs, consider applying after completing your longest program to maximize validity up to three years.

Field-of-study requirement for college graduates

You do not need to meet the field-of-study requirement if you graduated with a bachelor's degree, master's degree, or doctoral degree. If you applied for a study permit before November 1, 2024, you are also exempt regardless of level.

College diploma graduates who applied for their study permit after November 1, 2024 must verify that their program's CIP code appears on the current IRCC eligible fields list at canada.ca before enrollment. The list is frozen for 2026 (no additions or removals), so what you verify today will remain stable through the year.

Language requirement for PGWP (new in 2024)

Minimum language levels now formally apply to many PGWP applicants: usually CLB 7 for degrees and CLB 5 for college credentials, unless exempted by having applied before November 2024. Plan for this when timing your English test relative to graduation.

Pathway to Permanent Residency from Canada

The study-to-PR pathway for Nepali students in Canada is well-established and achievable within 3 to 5 years from the start of study, provided the right program and occupation choices are made upfront.

The main route: Express Entry Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

The sequence works as follows:

1. Complete an eligible program at a public DLI and receive PGWP
2. Secure skilled employment (NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3) with any Canadian employer on your PGWP
3. Accumulate 1 year (1,560 hours) of full-time skilled work experience in Canada
4. Achieve CLB 7 language score (IELTS 6.0 in each band, or CELPIP equivalent)
5. Create an Express Entry profile and enter the pool
6. Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) if your CRS score meets the draw cutoff
7. Submit PR application within 60 days of ITA

Nepali students can achieve PR within 2 to 3 years of completing their studies by following this pathway.

Why master's degrees are the strongest PR choice in 2026

For Nepali students whose primary goal includes Canadian PR, the master's degree pathway offers structural advantages that no other program type matches in 2026:

• Exempt from the study permit cap
• No PAL required
• No field-of-study restriction for PGWP
• 3-year PGWP regardless of program length (even for 1-year master's programs)
• Spouse eligible for an open work permit while you study
• Higher CRS points in Express Entry for Canadian master's degree holders
• BC PNP International Post-Graduate stream offers direct PR without a job offer for Master's in Science, Health, and Engineering.

Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)

Every Canadian province has its own PNP with targeted streams for international graduates. A provincial nomination adds 600 CRS points to your Express Entry profile, essentially guaranteeing an ITA. Strategically, studying in a province with an active PNP stream that matches your field is one of the most effective ways to accelerate PR.

Notable PNP streams for Nepali graduates:

• BC PNP Tech Pilot and International Post-Graduate stream (BC)
• Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) - Masters Graduate stream and PhD Graduate stream
• Manitoba PNP - International Education stream (one of the most accessible for Nepali graduates)
• Nova Scotia PNP - Labour Market Priorities stream for STEM and healthcare
• Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) - covers New Brunswick, PEI, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland with lower competition and dedicated employer-led streams

Student Life in Canada

Canada is genuinely multicultural. Cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Calgary have large and well-established South Asian communities. Nepali temples, restaurants, cultural events, and student associations are present in all major Canadian cities. The Nepalese community in Canada is active, professional, and supportive of new arrivals.

Canadian universities offer comprehensive student services including counseling, academic support, career services, and international student offices. Most universities run orientation programs specifically for international students at the start of each intake.

Canada has a universal healthcare system, but coverage for international students varies by province. Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta require international students to purchase private health insurance until they become eligible for provincial health coverage. Quebec covers international students under RAMQ after a waiting period. Check your province's policy and arrange appropriate coverage before arrival.

Canadian winters are genuinely cold. Most of the country experiences temperatures between -10 and -30 degrees Celsius from December to February, with some cities (Winnipeg, Calgary) colder still. Invest in proper winter clothing before departure. Many Nepali students find the first winter a significant adjustment.

Before You Apply: Practical Checklist

1. Choose your program strategically. If PR is a goal, prioritize a master's degree or a college diploma with a verified PGWP-eligible CIP code. Verify on canada.ca before paying any deposits.
2. Confirm PAL availability with your institution before making large financial commitments. If no PAL is available for your intake, your study permit application cannot be processed.
3. Prepare for IELTS or PTE. Target IELTS 6.5 for postgraduate programs, 6.0 for undergraduate and diploma programs.
4. Open your GIC account with a recognized Canadian bank after receiving your LOA. Apply for your NOC before making the international transfer.
5. Book your medical examination with an IRCC-approved panel physician in Kathmandu. Results are valid for 12 months.
6. Submit your study permit application through the IRCC Secure Account, not the old portal.
7. Book biometrics at the Canadian Visa Application Centre (CVAC) in Kathmandu after paying the biometrics fee in the application.
8. Write your SOP personally and specifically. Do not use templates.

Next Steps

Canada's 2026 landscape requires more strategic planning than any previous year. Program selection, PAL coordination, GIC setup, CIP code verification, and SOP preparation all benefit from guidance by a consultancy with current Canada expertise. Compare verified Canada-specialist consultancies on ConsultancyHunt:

Also Read

• How to Apply for NOC to Study Abroad from Nepal (2026)
• IELTS in Nepal: Exam Fee, Test Dates and Complete Guide
• PTE in Nepal: Exam Fee, Test Dates and Complete Guide
• Study in Australia from Nepal: Complete 2025-2026 Guide
• Study in the UK from Nepal: Complete 2025-2026 Guide
• Study in the USA from Nepal: Complete 2025-2026 Guide
• Study in New Zealand from Nepal: Complete Guide