Canada requires you to show you can cover your living costs, but that alone won't pay for everything. Here's how international students fund their studies.
The living costs you must show to be eligible for a study permit (applications from September 1, 2026, outside Quebec). Tuition and travel are on top, so you'll need other ways to cover the rest.
Most international students combine several of these.
Scholarships reward academic or community achievement. Bursaries are based on financial need.
Offered by schools, organizations, companies and governments. Competition is high for international students, so start researching early.
A private loan, especially common at the graduate level. You repay it plus interest, usually after starting your career.
International students are unable to apply for Canadian government loans like OSAP or StudentAidBC.
A loan with more flexible repayment: you're approved for a limit and withdraw only what you need.
Some Canadian banks offer them to international students, and banks in your home country may too.
Earn while you study, on or off campus, plus paid co-op, internship and research assistant roles.
Off-campus work is capped at 24 hours a week while classes are in session, with no limit during scheduled breaks.
Every StudyinCanada.com member gets full access to ScholarshipsCanada.com, our sister site for scholarships and bursaries.
You need it before you can apply for a study permit.
Start with the schools that interest you, then browse awards from other sources.
Ask each school's career office what's available.
From a Canadian bank or one in your home country.
Funds in place? Now apply for the permit that lets you study in Canada.
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