About studying in Canada
Canada remains a popular choice for Pakistani students who want a recognised degree, part-time work rights and a clear route to work after graduation. Since 2024, though, the rules have tightened: Canada now caps study permits each year, most applicants need a provincial attestation letter (PAL), and the funds you must show have gone up.
If you plan to study in Canada from Pakistan, choose your program carefully. Universities, colleges and program levels now lead to different outcomes for post-graduation work permits and family visas. This guide explains the current rules for 2026: costs, proof of funds, entry requirements for Matric/FSc, A-level and Pakistani degree holders, the study permit process through IRCC and VFS, work rights and options after you graduate.
Meezab Future Consulting helps Pakistani students who want to study in Canada: choosing the right course, applying to universities and preparing the student visa file.
- Major cities
- Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Calgary, Ottawa, Edmonton, Winnipeg
- Tuition (undergraduate) approx.
- CAD 25,000–60,000/yr (national average about CAD 41,700)
- Tuition (postgraduate) approx.
- CAD 20,000–50,000+/yr (national average about CAD 24,000)
- Proof of living funds
- CAD 23,448 for year 1 (from 1 Sep 2026), plus tuition and travel
- Main intakes
- September (main), January, some May
- Student visa
- Study permit (online via IRCC) + PAL/TAL in most cases
- Visa fee
- CAD 150 study permit + CAD 85 biometrics
- Work while studying
- 24 hrs/week off campus in term; unlimited in scheduled breaks
- Post-study work
- PGWP up to 3 years, depending on program length and level
Why Pakistani students choose Canada
- Degrees from Canadian universities and colleges are widely recognised by employers and universities worldwide.
- You can work up to 24 hours a week off campus during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks.
- Graduates of eligible programs can get a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) of up to 3 years.
- Canadian work experience after graduation can count towards permanent residence through Express Entry.
- From 2026, master's and PhD applicants at public institutions no longer need a PAL.
- Spouses of master's (16 months or longer) and PhD students can usually apply for an open work permit.
- Pakistani communities are large in cities like Toronto, Mississauga, Calgary and Vancouver.
Universities in Canada (8)
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Popular subjects
Study cities
Cost of studying in Canada
Tuition depends on the institution, province and program. Statistics Canada puts the 2025/26 national average at about CAD 41,700 a year for international undergraduates and about CAD 24,000 for international graduate students. Engineering, business, computer science and professional master's programs often cost much more, and colleges usually charge less than universities. Living costs depend heavily on the city. Toronto and Vancouver are the most expensive, mainly because of rent.
For the study permit, outside Quebec, you must show you can pay your first-year tuition, travel to and from Canada, and living costs. The living-cost minimum is CAD 23,448 for a single student who applies on or after 1 September 2026 (it was CAD 22,895 for applications from 1 January 2025 to 31 August 2026). The amount goes up for each family member who comes with you. Quebec sets its own amounts. Pakistani applicants usually show funds through bank statements (their own or a parent's or sponsor's), an education loan, a scholarship letter, a tuition receipt or a GIC. Officers look at where the money came from. Unexplained large deposits are a common reason for refusal, so keep the source-of-funds documents ready (salary slips, tax returns, property or business income).
Entry requirements for Pakistani students
- Undergraduate: HSSC/FSc (12 years) or A-levels with good marks in the required subjects. Competitive universities and programs set higher cut-offs.
- Master's: most universities expect a 16-year qualification (a 4-year bachelor's or a 2-year bachelor's plus a 2-year master's). With a 14-year BA/BSc, a postgraduate diploma or college program is often the route.
- English: universities typically ask for IELTS Academic 6.5 overall (no band below 6.0) and colleges often 6.0; TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic and sometimes Duolingo are also accepted, but each school sets its own rules.
- A letter of acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI), plus a PAL/TAL unless you are exempt (for example, master's/PhD at a public DLI from 2026).
- Academic documents: Matric/SSC and FSc/HSSC certificates (IBCC attested where the school asks) and degree transcripts (HEC attested), plus a statement of purpose and a CV for postgraduate programs.
- Proof of funds, a valid passport, and a medical exam by an IRCC panel physician when required. This is usually required for Pakistani applicants staying more than 6 months.
Canada student visa from Pakistan
You need a study permit, which you apply for online through your IRCC account. The documents are a letter of acceptance from a DLI, a provincial or territorial attestation letter (PAL/TAL) or proof that you are exempt, proof of funds, your passport, academic documents, and a study plan or letter of explanation. Since January 2026, applicants to master's and doctoral degree programs at public DLIs do not need a PAL, but most undergraduate, diploma and private-institution applicants still do. Your school usually issues the PAL after you accept the offer and pay a deposit. The fees are CAD 150 for the study permit and CAD 85 for biometrics (CAD 170 maximum for a family applying together). If you need a visa to enter Canada, it is issued with the study permit approval.
After you submit, IRCC sends a biometrics instruction letter. You then have 30 days to give your fingerprints and photo at a Canada Visa Application Centre run by VFS Global. There is one in Islamabad; check the VFS Pakistan site for other centres and appointments. IRCC usually asks Pakistani applicants for an upfront or requested medical exam with an IRCC-approved panel physician. Processing times change often, so check IRCC's processing-times tool before you plan your travel. Health coverage depends on the province: some provinces cover international students and others require the school's health plan or private insurance.
Work while studying and after graduation
With a valid study permit and full-time enrolment, you can work up to 24 hours a week off campus during academic terms, and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks such as summer and winter holidays. After graduation, you may qualify for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). Programs of at least 8 months but under 2 years usually get a PGWP as long as the program. Programs of 2 years or more, and master's degrees of at least 8 months, can get up to 3 years. Since November 2024, PGWP applicants must prove their language ability (CLB 7 for university degree graduates, CLB 5 for college graduates). College and non-degree programs must also be in an eligible field of study, but bachelor's, master's and PhD graduates are exempt from the field-of-study rule. Canadian skilled work experience gained on a PGWP can help you qualify for permanent residence, for example through the Canadian Experience Class.
Intakes and when to apply
September (Fall) is the main intake with the most programs and scholarships. January (Winter) is the second intake, and some colleges also offer May. For September, apply to universities from Pakistan between October and January (many deadlines fall in December to February), take IELTS/PTE before you apply, and leave at least 3–4 months for the PAL, biometrics, medical and the study permit decision.
How Meezab Future Consulting helps you study in Canada
- 1Profile check
Share your grades, budget and goals. We suggest courses and universities in Canada that fit your profile.
- 2Applications
We help you prepare documents, statements and applications, and follow up for your offer letter.
- 3Visa file
We guide you on funds, documents and interview preparation for your student visa.
- 4Before you fly
Accommodation, travel and arrival tips so you are ready for your first semester.
Study in Canada from Pakistan: FAQs
How much does it cost to study in Canada from Pakistan?
Plan for tuition (roughly CAD 25,000–60,000 a year for most undergraduate programs, approx.) plus living costs. For the study permit you must show first-year tuition, travel costs and at least CAD 23,448 for living costs (applications from 1 September 2026; Quebec has its own amounts). Most students spend more than this minimum in big cities.
What IELTS score do I need for Canada?
IRCC does not set one IELTS score for the study permit; your school does. Universities typically want IELTS Academic 6.5 overall with no band below 6.0, and colleges often accept 6.0. Keep in mind that to get a PGWP later you will need an approved test showing CLB 7 (degree graduates) or CLB 5 (college graduates).
Can I apply with a study gap?
Yes. There is no fixed gap limit, but you should explain the gap clearly in your study plan with evidence such as job letters, salary slips or courses you completed. Officers check that your chosen program logically follows your education and work history.
Can I take my spouse and children to Canada?
Your spouse can usually get an open work permit only if you are in a master's program of 16 months or longer, a doctoral program, or certain professional degrees such as medicine, law, engineering, nursing or education. Otherwise your spouse may apply as a visitor. Your children can join you and attend school. You must show extra funds for each family member.
Can I get PR after studying in Canada?
Study alone does not give PR. Many graduates work on a PGWP, gain at least one year of skilled Canadian work experience, and then apply through Express Entry (Canadian Experience Class) or a provincial nominee program. Selection is competitive and draw cut-offs change, so PR is not guaranteed.
Are there scholarships for Pakistani students in Canada?
Most funding comes from universities: entrance scholarships for undergraduates and, for research master's and PhD students, funding packages, teaching or research assistantships. Fully funded awards are limited and competitive. Check each university's international awards page and apply early, often by the admission deadline.
Can Meezab Future Consulting help me study in Canada from Pakistan?
Yes. Meezab Future Consulting helps Pakistani students apply to universities in Canada, from choosing a course to preparing the visa file. You can visit our offices in Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, Faisalabad, Peshawar, Gujranwala, Mandi Bahauddin, or contact us on WhatsApp.
Sources: canada.ca/financial-support.html, canada.ca/provincial-attestation-lette…, canada.ca/apply.html, ircc.canada.ca, canada.ca/work-off-campus.html, canada.ca/eligibility.html, canada.ca/help-your-spouse-common-law-…, www150.statcan.gc.ca
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Meezab Future Consulting is a Pakistan-based study abroad consultancy. Our counsellors help students choose the right course and university, prepare and submit applications, and get their visa file ready.