International Student Guide

Coming to Canada from abroad? This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the application process, study permits, and thriving as an international student.

Why Study in Canada?

Key Advantages

World-class education - Universities ranked globally
Diverse and welcoming - Students from 190+ countries
Work opportunities - Study permits allow part-time work
Post-graduation pathways - PGWP and immigration options
Safe environment - Among the safest countries globally
Quality of life - High standard of living

University of Toronto Snapshot

As Canada's flagship university:

Ranked #1 in Canada
Top 25 globally
Students from 160+ countries
680,600+ alumni worldwide

The 105F Application Process

International students apply through OUAC 105F.

Timeline

Date	Action
September	Applications open
November 7	Recommended early application
January 15	Most program deadlines
January-May	Decisions released
May-August	Accept offer, apply for study permit

Required Documents

Academic transcripts (translated if necessary)
Proof of English proficiency
Passport copy
Financial documentation
Credential evaluation (if required)

Study Permits

A study permit is required for programs longer than 6 months.

Study Permit Requirements

Letter of Acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
Proof of funds for tuition and living expenses
Valid passport
Application forms
Biometrics (fingerprints and photo)
Medical exam (if required)
Police certificates (if required)

Proving Financial Support

You must demonstrate funds for:

Full tuition fees
Living expenses (~$20,000-25,000/year)
Return transportation

Acceptable proof:

Bank statements
GIC (Guaranteed Investment Certificate)
Scholarship letters
Sponsor letters with bank documents

Processing Times

Vary significantly by country
Apply at least 3-4 months before classes
Consider Student Direct Stream (SDS) for faster processing

Critical: Do NOT book flights until you receive your study permit!

English Language Requirements

Accepted Tests and Minimum Scores

Test	Typical Minimum
IELTS Academic	6.5 overall (no band below 6.0)
TOEFL iBT	89-100
Duolingo English Test	120-130
PTE Academic	60-65

Requirements vary by university and program.

Exemptions

You may be exempt if:

English is your first language
Completed 3+ years of English-medium education
From a country where English is the primary language

Housing

Residence Guarantee

Many universities guarantee residence for first-year international students:

U of T Policy: International students entering first-year full-time studies are guaranteed residence if they apply on time.

Residence Costs

Type	Estimated Cost (8 months)
Traditional	$7,500 - $9,000
Suite-style	$9,000 - $12,000
Apartment-style	$10,000 - $14,000

Meal plans typically $3,000 - $9,000 additional.

Working While Studying

On-Campus Work

No additional work permit required
Work for the university or student organizations

Off-Campus Work

With a valid study permit:

Up to 20 hours/week during classes
Full-time during scheduled breaks
No separate work permit needed

Co-op Work Terms

Require a co-op work permit
Paid work integrated into program
Waterloo students earn up to $137,000 over their degree

After Graduation

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)

Work in Canada after graduation
Duration based on program length (up to 3 years)
Gain Canadian work experience
Pathway to permanent residence

Immigration Pathways

Canadian Experience Class
Provincial Nominee Programs
Express Entry system

Financial Planning

Estimated Annual Costs

Expense	Cost (CAD)
Tuition	$45,000 - $65,000
Housing + Meals	$15,000 - $25,000
Books & Supplies	$1,000 - $2,000
Personal	$3,000 - $5,000
Health Insurance	$600 - $1,000
Total	$65,000 - $98,000

Scholarships for International Students

University entrance scholarships
Lester B. Pearson (U of T - full funding)
President's Scholarship (Waterloo)
Country-specific government scholarships

Sources: Study in Canada, U of T International