Canada

World-Class Education
Canadian universities consistently rank among the global top 250, especially in engineering, computer science, life sciences, and business. Degrees are internationally recognized and highly regarded by employers.

Affordable Compared with Other English-Speaking Countries
Average annual tuition for international undergrads is often 20-40 % lower than in the U.S. or U.K. Many provinces also offer scholarships and in-province tuition rebates.

Generous Work Opportunities

During studies: Up to 20 hours/week off-campus, full-time during scheduled breaks.

After graduation: A Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) of up to three years lets you gain Canadian work experience.

Pathway to Immigration
Programs like the Canadian Experience Class and various Provincial Nominee Programs make it easier for graduates to transition to permanent residency and, eventually, citizenship.

Safe, Inclusive, and Multicultural
Canada ranks among the world’s safest nations and is celebrated for its diversity. Over 200 languages are spoken, and campuses host vibrant cultural associations that help newcomers feel at home.

Research and Innovation Funding
Government-backed grants and university research chairs support cutting-edge projects in AI, clean tech, health sciences, and more—excellent for students keen on research experience.

High Quality of Life
Cities like Vancouver, Toronto, Montréal, and Calgary routinely appear in global “most livable” rankings, offering clean environments, robust public transit, and plentiful outdoor recreation.

Bilingual Advantage
Studying in an officially bilingual country (English and French) can boost your language skills and employability, and some institutions let you earn a bilingual degree.

Co-op and Internship Culture
Many programs integrate paid cooperative education terms, giving you résumé-building work experience before you graduate.

Global Alumni Network
You’ll join a 600,000-strong international student community and an even larger alumni network, connecting you to opportunities worldwide.

These factors—academic excellence, affordability, work rights, and a clear post-study pathway—make Canada an attractive destination for students seeking both quality education and long-term prospects.

Scholorship system in study in Canada

Canada boasts a comprehensive scholarship system designed to attract and support international students, although it's important to note that competition can be high. These scholarships come from various sources and are offered at different levels of study.

Here's a breakdown of the scholarship system for studying in Canada:

Types of Scholarships for International Students:

Government-Funded Scholarships:

• Global Affairs Canada International Scholarships Program: This program offers several scholarships for international students and researchers. Some notable ones include:
  • Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Vanier CGS): Highly prestigious scholarships for doctoral students in health sciences, natural sciences, engineering, social sciences, and humanities. They aim to attract and retain world-class doctoral talent.
  • Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships: For top-tier postdoctoral talent, both national and international, undertaking research in health, natural sciences, engineering, and social sciences/humanities.
  • Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program (ELAP): For short-term exchange opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students from Latin America and the Caribbean.
  • Canada-ASEAN Scholarships and Educational Exchanges for Development (SEED): For students from ASEAN member states (Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam) to undertake short-term study or research.
  • Study in Canada Scholarships (SiCS): For undergraduate and graduate students from specific countries (e.g., Algeria, Bangladesh, Egypt, Ghana, Nepal, Nigeria, Ukraine, etc.) for short-term study or research.
  • Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship Program: Provides financial assistance for students from Commonwealth countries.
• Provincial Government Scholarships: Some provinces also offer their own scholarship programs. A prominent example is the Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS), which supports graduate students (including international students) in Ontario universities.
• Research Council Scholarships: Federal research councils like the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC), Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC), and Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) offer various awards for graduate and postdoctoral studies in their respective fields.

University-Specific Scholarships (Institutional Scholarships):

• Most Canadian universities offer a wide range of scholarships, bursaries, and awards for international students. These can be:
  • Entrance Scholarships: Awarded automatically based on academic merit during the admission process. Many universities, like the University of British Columbia (UBC) and the University of Toronto, have such awards (e.g., UBC's International Major Entrance Scholarship, University of Toronto's Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship).
  • Merit-Based Scholarships: Based on academic excellence, leadership skills, extracurricular activities, and other achievements.
  • Need-Based Scholarships: For students who demonstrate financial need.
  • Faculty/Department-Specific Scholarships: Offered by individual faculties or departments within a university, often for specific fields of study (e.g., engineering, arts, science).
  • Graduate Assistantships (Research Assistantships - RAs and Teaching Assistantships - TAs): Common at the master's and doctoral levels, these provide funding in exchange for assisting professors with research or teaching duties.

Privately-Funded Scholarships:

• Various private organizations, foundations, and individual donors offer scholarships for international students. These can be discipline-specific, for students from certain regions, or based on other criteria. Examples include the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarships.

Applying for a Canada Student Visa (also known as a Study Permit) from Nepal involves a structured process. It's crucial to be meticulous with your application to ensure a smooth and successful outcome.

Here's a detailed breakdown of the application process:

Step 1: Obtain an Acceptance Letter from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)

This is the absolute first step. Before you can even think about a visa, you need to be accepted by a Canadian educational institution that is on the list of Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs). DLIs are approved by the Canadian government to host international students.

• Research and Apply: Research programs and universities/colleges that align with your academic and career goals. Apply for admission and receive an unconditional Letter of Acceptance (LOA).
• Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ): If you plan to study in Quebec, you'll also need to apply for a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (Certificat d'acceptation du Québec - CAQ) from the Quebec government. Your DLI in Quebec can guide you through this process. The CAQ acts as your Provincial Attestation Letter for Quebec.
• Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) or Territorial Attestation Letter (TAL): As of January 22, 2024, most new post-secondary study permit applications require a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) or Territorial Attestation Letter (TAL) from the province or territory where you plan to study. Your DLI will usually provide you with this letter or guide you on how to obtain it. There are some exemptions, so always check the latest IRCC guidelines.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

This is a critical phase, as missing or incomplete documents can lead to delays or refusal. Here's a comprehensive list of documents typically required for Nepalese students:

• Valid Passport: Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your intended stay in Canada. It's recommended to have at least six months of validity beyond your planned submission date.
• Letter of Acceptance (LOA): The original or electronic copy of your unconditional LOA from the DLI.
• Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) / Territorial Attestation Letter (TAL) / Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ): As mentioned above.
• Proof of Financial Support: This is one of the most crucial requirements. You must demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to cover your tuition fees, living expenses for yourself (and any accompanying family members), and return transportation. As of 2025, the living expense requirement (outside Quebec, not including tuition) is CAD $20,635 for a single student. For Quebec, it's CAD $15,078 for an individual aged 18 or above.
  • Acceptable forms of proof of funds include:
    • Canadian bank account in your name (if money has been transferred).
    • Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) from a participating Canadian financial institution (often required for Student Direct Stream - SDS applicants).
    • Proof of a student or education loan from a bank.
    • Your bank statements for the past four months.
    • A bank draft convertible to Canadian dollars.
    • Proof of paid tuition and housing fees (receipts).
    • A letter from the person or institution providing your funding (e.g., an Affidavit of Support from parents/sponsors, along with their bank statements and pay stubs).
    • Scholarship or funding letters (if applicable).
    • Proof of funding from within Canada (if you have a scholarship or are in a Canadian-funded educational program).
• Immigration Medical Exam (IME) Report: You must undergo a medical examination by a panel physician approved by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) in Nepal. The panel doctor will send the results directly to IRCC. It's often recommended to complete an "upfront medical exam" before applying to expedite processing.
• Police Clearance Certificate (PCC): A certificate from the Nepal Police confirming you have no criminal record.
• English Language Proficiency Test Results: (e.g., IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Duolingo English Test). The required scores vary by institution and program. For general study permit applications, the minimum is often an overall IELTS band score of 6.0 (no band less than 5.5 for undergraduate programs) and 6.5 (no band less than 6.0 for postgraduate programs).
• Statement of Purpose (SOP) / Letter of Explanation: A well-written letter explaining your academic goals, why you chose Canada and your specific program, how it aligns with your future career aspirations, and how you will use your education to contribute to society after returning to Nepal. It also needs to assure the visa officer of your intention to leave Canada after completing your studies.
• Educational Documents:
  • Certified copies of all academic transcripts (mark sheets).
  • Degree certificates, provisional certificates, and diplomas.
  • Secondary school certificates.
• Proof of Identity:
  • Passport-sized photographs (two recent ones, meeting IRCC specifications).
  • Copy of your national identity card.
• Resume/Curriculum Vitae (CV) and Work Experience Letters (if applicable): If you have any work experience, include a detailed CV and letters from employers.
• Family Information (if applicable): If you are applying with accompanying family members, you'll need additional documents for them, such as marriage certificates, birth certificates, and proof of funds for their living expenses.

Step 3: Create an IRCC Online Account and Start Your Application

• Visit the Official IRCC Website: Go to the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website (canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship).
• Create a GCKey Account: You will need to create a GCKey account to securely access the online application portal.
• Complete the "Check your eligibility" questionnaire: This questionnaire will determine which specific forms and documents you need to submit. At the end, you'll get a personal checklist code (valid for 60 days) and a document checklist.
• Fill Out the Application Form (IMM 1294): Download and complete the "Application for a Study Permit Made Outside of Canada [IMM 1294]" form using Adobe Reader (version 10 or higher). Ensure all sections are filled accurately and completely. Do not sign the form if applying online. After filling, click the "Validate" button to generate barcodes.
• Upload Documents: Scan all your required documents clearly and upload them to your online account.

Step 4: Pay the Application Fees

• Study Permit Fee: CAD $150.
• Biometrics Fee: CAD $85 per person (maximum CAD $170 for a family of two or more applying together).
• Payment Method: You can pay online using a valid credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, JCB, UnionPay) or Visa/MasterCard debit card.

Step 5: Provide Biometrics (Fingerprints and Photo)

• After submitting your online application and paying the fees, you will receive a Biometrics Instruction Letter (BIL).
• You must provide your biometrics (fingerprints and a photograph) in person at the nearest Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Nepal (e.g., VFS Global in Kathmandu) within 30 days of receiving the BIL. It's advisable to book an appointment beforehand.

Step 6: Await Processing and Potential Interview

• Processing Time: The processing time for Canadian student visas from Nepal can vary, but generally ranges from 4-6 weeks, and can extend to 9-11 weeks or even longer depending on various factors like:
  • Your nationality.
  • The type of application (e.g., Student Direct Stream - SDS applications generally have faster processing times, but SDS is not available for Nepalese applicants at present).
  • Completeness of your application.
  • Volume of applications.
  • IRCC policies.
  • Your responsiveness to requests for additional information.
• Interview (If Required): In some cases, a visa officer may request an interview at the Canadian Embassy or Consulate to assess your eligibility and verify information. If an interview is required, you will be notified.

Step 7: Receive Your Visa Decision

• If your application is approved, you will receive a Port of Entry (POE) Letter of Introduction and, if required, a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA).
• The POE Letter of Introduction is not your study permit. You will receive your official study permit from an Immigration Officer at the Canadian port of entry (airport) upon arrival.
• If your application is refused, you will receive a refusal letter explaining the reasons.

Important Tips for Nepalese Applicants:

• Start Early: Begin the process well in advance of your program's start date, ideally 3-6 months beforehand.
• Accuracy and Honesty: Provide accurate and truthful information in your application. Any misrepresentation can lead to refusal and future immigration bans.
• Strong SOP: A well-crafted Statement of Purpose is crucial. Clearly articulate your genuine intent to study and return to Nepal after your studies. This addresses the "dual intent" concern.
• Organize Documents: Keep all your documents well-organized and readily accessible.
• Stay Updated: Regularly check the official IRCC website for the latest updates on policies, financial requirements, and processing times, as these can change.
• Consult an Expert: Consider seeking guidance from a reputable education consultant or immigration lawyer in Nepal who specializes in Canadian visas. They can help you navigate the complexities and ensure your application is strong.

By following these steps and paying close attention to detail, Nepalese students can significantly increase their chances of a successful Canadian student visa application.