All About: Studying in Canada as a Student from China
Chinese students, here's your guide to studying in Canada as an undergraduate or graduate student.
Canada's a popular choice for students from China, thanks to world-class colleges and universities and a welcoming, diverse population from all corners of the globe. China is in the the top 3 countries of origin for recent immigrants to Canada! Indeed, China is in the #1 country of origin for international students worldwide.
Why you should choose Canada as a Chinese student
Canada has long been one of the top destinations for international students around the world, with nearly one million international students in Canada in 2024. With the United States scaling back on recruiting students, Canada is increasingly seen as a safe harbour, with a strong, democratic system of governance, and a welcoming, diverse population. You'll fit right in in Canada!
Get matched to schools and programs in Canada
If you're a Chinese student considering Canada for your undergraduate or graduate studies, this guide covers everything you need to know, from finding the right program, to getting your study permit, to staying in Canada after graduation.
Step 1: Choosing the right program and school in Canada
Sites like StudyinCanada.com make browsing Canadian programs and schools easier. You can browse by program category here, or take the program quiz to help you decide on the right program and school. By creating a free StudyinCanada account, you can get matched to schools, programs, and scholarships based on your interests.
- Undergraduate programs are for students with a completed high school diploma
- Graduate programs are for students with a completed undergraduate degree
You can go ahead and apply to the schools and programs that interest you. You will likely need to submit results from a language test, like IELTS or TOEFL — each school has its own requirements.
Be aware that Canadian institutions require documents to be professionally translated to English or French from other languages. For example, if your secondary school transcript is in Mandarin or Cantonese, you'll need to get it translated. WES.org is a standard choice for this kind of service, but there is a cost.
Submitting a completed application doesn't guarantee you a seat in a program, but you cannot receive a study permit in Canada without first being accepted at an accredited college or university.
You may want to choose a program that is PGWP-aligned. A post-graduation work permit (PGWP) allows you to remain in Canada to work after graduating from college or university.
All university degree programs, master's, and doctoral programs are eligible for a PGWP on completion.
College diploma, certificate, or non-degree programs are NOT eligible for a PGWP, unless they fall under specific areas. (See the full list on the IRCC website.) Here are the areas that ARE eligible for a PGWP at the non-degree level:
- Agriculture and agri-food
- Education
- Healthcare and social services
- STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics)
- Trades
- Transportation
Not sure if your program of interest is PGWP-aligned? Check your college's website, or contact them directly for more information.
If you care about remaining in Canada to work, and potentially pursue permanent residency or even citizenship in Canada, be sure to choose a PGWP-aligned program.
Step 2: Understanding the requirements to study in Canada
To be eligible to study in Canada, you'll need the right documents. First is an acceptance letter. If you haven't yet been accepted to a Canadian college or university, be sure to apply to programs you're eligible for. Most program listings on StudyinCanada include prerequisite information to help you choose a program that fits your skills and experience.
Undergraduate students: PAL / TAL / CAQ required
Undergraduate students require a PAL / TAL — a Provincial / Territorial Attestation Letter. This letter is issued by your school of study, confirming that you have been accepted as a student. Your PAL / TAL comes from your school of study. Contact school staff to learn how and when you'll receive your PAL / TAL after you confirm your acceptance letter.
If you're studying in Quebec, you'll instead receive a Quebec Acceptance Certificate, or CAQ (certificat d'acceptation du Québec). The CAQ is equivalent to a PAL / TAL and is provided by your school of study.
You can learn all about PAL / TAL / CAQ on the Government of Canada's website, including timelines, validity periods, and potential exemptions.
Graduate students: No PAL / TAL required
Graduate students at public colleges and universities, pursuing a master's or doctoral program, do not require a PAL / TAL.
If you're pursuing graduate studies in Quebec, you will require a Quebec Acceptance Certificate, or CAQ (certificat d'acceptation du Québec). The CAQ is equivalent to a PAL / TAL and is provided by your school of study.
Biometrics and a medical exam
You will need to share your fingerprints and an official photo when you apply in Canada. These are called "biometrics." There is a small fee, and you'll receive instructions on how and where to get your biometrics collected.
Some students are required to take an Immigration Medical Exam (IME), determined by your country of origin. The list of countries that require an IME changes periodically.
At time of writing, students from China, Hong Kong, and Macau require an IME. You can find a list of eligible panel physicians in China on the Government of Canada website. You can get your IME before or after you apply to study in Canada. (Students from Taiwan are exempt from the IME requirement.)
Step 3: Funding your education
Funding is a huge part of the journey to studying in Canada. To receive a study permit for Canada, you will be required to show proof of sufficient funds. You must show you have the funds, without working in Canada, to cover tuition, living expenses, and transportation to and from Canada.
Proof of funds can be shown many ways, and the required funds vary depending on the number of family members you will travel with, including yourself. You must show you have resources to cover your first full year of study in Canada, and have a plan to pay for subsequent years, depending on your program's length.
As of January 1, 2026, the figure for one student is $22,895 CAD — approximately 元 113,605 at time of writing.
Proof of funds often comes in the form of a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) from a Canadian bank, or by showing you have already paid for tuition and housing at your school of choice.
Because
China uses foreign exchange controls, Chinese students should plan to obtain documents showing that you're allowed to export funds from China for the purposes of study. The Bank of China as more information and advice on procedures.
Scholarships and bursaries for Chinese students in Canada
Finding funding as a Chinese student can be a challenge. You must have proof of sufficient funds to pursue studies in Canada, but you may also be eligible for scholarships and bursaries, depending on your school and program of study and your specific circumstances.
You can explore ScholarshipsCanada's section for International students, or try these results pages to find awards that may fit you:
You can also try the new MPOWER student loan tool. It lets international students explore loans for studies abroad, and may help you source additional funding here in Canada.
Get matched to funding on ScholarshipsCanada
Step 4: Apply for your study permit
When you have your letter of acceptance, your PAL / TAL / CAQ, and as many of the required documents prepared as possible, you can apply online for a study permit. The IRCC website has instructions on how to apply.
There is an application fee of $150 CAD (approximately 元 745 at time of writing). Processing time varies by country. For China, processing time is approximately 5 weeks. Do not submit another application while you wait!
Step 5: Prepare for Canada, your studies, and beyond
Once your study permit is approved, you're ready to study in Canada. If you've reached this step, congratulations! We're excited to see what you'll do next.
You'll want to think about living on- or off-campus, items to pack, and perhaps get started on your Canadian resumé. Recruitment staff at your school of choice can help you further prepare and get oriented once you arrive.
Challenges to watch for as a Chinese student
Here are some things to watch out for throughout the study abroad process as a Chinese student.
- Ignoring PGWP alignment. Be sure you're aware of any PGWP limitations that may apply to your program, if you want to stay in Canada after graduation.
- Cost of living. Canada can be expensive. Don't underestimate expenses, and don't assume you can earn all you'll need by working while you study.
- Not planning for your IME. You'll need an official medical exam, but be sure you get it at the right time, so it's valid when you need it.
- Foreign exchange documentation. You may need to prove you're permitted to move funds out of China for purposes of your studies. See the Bank of China website for details.
- Leaving your PAL / TAL / CAQ too late. Canada has a cap on the total number of PAL / TAL / CAQs that can be issued. Submit your application early.
- Forgetting about document translations. You will need your official documents professionally translated to English or French. WES.org is a standard option for these services.
Canada's instructional and social culture
Be aware that compared to many schools in China, colleges and universities in Canada often place greater emphasis on participation in classes and labs. You might face fewer high-stakes exams in favour of continuous assessment throughout the year.
Also, be cautious about isolating solely with other Mandarin or Cantonese speakers. Canada is host to many Chinese students, so there will be plenty of opportunities to speak your home language! Still, take advantage of Canada's multicultural tapestry to expand not only your language skills, but your social and networking circles!
What to do next as a Chinese student ready to choose Canada
Be sure to explore your program options at Canadian schools, and browse the profiles of the schools that interest you most.
Creating your free StudyinCanada account can help you get matched to schools, programs, and scholarships that fit you. It takes just a few minutes to create your account and start exploring your matches.
When you're ready, go ahead and apply to Canadian schools! We can't wait to see you here in Canada.
Get matched to schools and programs in Canada