How to Apply to School in Canada: Admissions, Documents and Timelines

School admission and a study permit are two separate steps. The school decides whether to admit you; IRCC decides whether to issue a study permit. Handling them in that order helps you choose a program carefully before committing to immigration paperwork.

Build a focused shortlist

Compare three to five programs by curriculum, prerequisites, tuition, city, deadlines and support for international students. Universities, colleges and vocational schools serve different goals. Contact the admissions office directly if a requirement is unclear.

Prepare documents early

Most applications request a passport, transcripts, diplomas, language test results and sometimes a résumé or statement. Arrange certified translations where needed. Keep clean digital copies and use the school’s naming rules for files.

Submit and follow the portal

Keep your application number and payment receipt. Check email and the admission portal regularly. A conditional offer may require a final diploma, language score or deposit. Read the refund policy before paying tuition or an acceptance deposit.

After receiving an offer

Confirm the program, campus, start date and fees on the letter of acceptance. Ask the school how it issues a PAL/TAL if one is required. In Quebec, confirm the CAQ steps. The same details should appear consistently in your study permit application.

Avoid common mistakes

• applying to a school without checking DLI status;
• using altered academic documents;
• confusing an admission offer with study permit approval;
• paying an agent without understanding the school’s process.

EduCanada explains how applications differ for schools, colleges and universities in its official school application guide.