Country guide

Study Abroad in Canada

Canada pairs a long post-study work permit with historically clear permanent-residence pathways, though recent policy shifts mean the settlement route needs closer checking than it used to.

Updated 2026-09-20

Canada

Unemployment ~5–7%1
Cost of living
CAD 16,000–23,500/yr (higher in Toronto/Vancouver).2
Tuition (international)
CAD 18,000–35,000/yr for most master's programs.3
Work & internship access
Off-campus work allowed up to 24 hours/week during academic sessions. Co-op and internship programs are common at many universities.4
Post-study work visa
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), issued by IRCC, typically up to 3 years depending on program length.5
Work visa ease
PGWP itself is straightforward; transition to work permits/PR depends on points systems and evolving policy.
Long-term settlement
Historically strong via Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Programs; currently more policy-sensitive and tightening.

Study specialisations seen as strengths

CS/ITData/AnalyticsEngineeringHealth SciencesEnvironmental/Resource fields

Highest job-market demand

SoftwareData/CloudHealthcareSkilled EngineeringTrades & technical roles
Figures above are illustrative starting points, not verified statistics — confirm tuition, visa rules, and processing times with Canada's official immigration and university sources before deciding.

Sources

  1. Unemployment rate — Statistics Canada — Labour Force Survey (Tier 1, as of August 2026)
  2. Cost of living — IRCC — Study permit: Get the right documents (proof of financial support) (Tier 1, as of $22,895 CAD (1 Jan 2025 - 31 Aug 2026); rising to $23,448 from 1 Sept 2026)
  3. Tuition — Statistics Canada — Tuition in Canada, 2025/2026 (Tier 1, as of 2025/2026 academic year)
  4. Work & internship access — IRCC — Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (off-campus work conditions) (Tier 1, as of current (accessed 2026))
  5. Post-study work visa — IRCC — International Student Program reforms (PGWP update for master's graduates) (Tier 1, as of effective 15 February 2024)
Common question

How long can I work in Canada after graduating?

How long can I work in Canada after graduating?

The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) can run up to 3 years, depending on the length of your study program.

Weighing up Canada? Before you commit, work through our checklist of questions to ask universities, advisors, and yourself.

Work through the checklist →

Compare Canada with other destinations →

Explore other destinations

United States United Kingdom Australia Germany Ireland Netherlands New Zealand Singapore Japan