Study Visa
Designated learning institution is a school approved by a provincial or territorial government to host international students. All primary and secondary schools in Canada are designated learning institutions.
If you plan to attend a post-secondary school, such as a college or university, make sure it’s on the list.
If you need to take certain courses before you are accepted into your program (conditional acceptance), you’ll be given a study permit for the duration of those courses. Once the college or university accepts you into your chosen program, you must apply to extend your study permit.
If you plan to attend a college or university in Quebec, current provincial rules state that international students can only attend a designated learning institution chosen by the Quebec government. You’ll also need a study permit from the Government of Canada to study in Quebec.
About your study permit
As an international student with a study permit, you must:
- Always be enrolled at a designated learning institution
- Make progress toward finishing your study program
- Respect the conditions listed on your study permit
- Stop studying if you no longer meet the requirements
- Leave Canada when your permit expires
First, it’s important to confirm that you are eligible to apply for a study permit.