Canada's 2027 intakes explained — September, January and May entry points, DLI and PAL/TAL rules, the current proof-of-funds figure, study permit steps and what the PGWP changes mean for your course choice.
Canada has been the most actively managed of the major study destinations over the last two years. Caps on study permits, attestation letters and changes to post-graduation work eligibility have all landed in quick succession — which means advice written even eighteen months ago may now be wrong.
This guide sets out the position as verified against Government of Canada sources in September 2026, and flags clearly where you must check for updates before you apply.
An important note on outcomes: nothing here is a promise. Meeting every published requirement does not guarantee a study permit, and studying in Canada does not guarantee a work permit, permanent residence or a job. Immigration officers assess each application individually.
Canada's 2027 intakes
| Intake | Starts | Apply by (typical) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | September 2027 | Dec 2026 – Mar 2027 | Main intake. Widest course choice and most funding. |
| Winter | January 2027 | Closed or closing — check | Smaller. For a January 2028 start, apply around mid-2027. |
| Summer | May 2027 | Sep 2026 – Jan 2027 | Limited programmes, mostly colleges. |
Institutions set their own closing dates and many close earlier than the ranges above when programmes fill. Confirm on each institution's admissions page.
Step one: a Designated Learning Institution
You can only study in Canada on a study permit at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) — a school approved by a provincial or territorial government to host international students. Every DLI has a DLI number, and you will need it on your study permit application.
Before you pay any application fee, confirm the institution appears on the official DLI list published by the Government of Canada. An offer from a non-DLI cannot support a study permit.
PAL and TAL: what changed
Since 2024, most study permit applications have required a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) or Territorial Attestation Letter (TAL) — a document from the province or territory confirming you hold a place within its allocation under the national cap.
The important 2026 change: from 1 January 2026, master's and doctoral students enrolled at a public DLI no longer need to submit a PAL or TAL with their study permit application. For applicants who do still need one, IRCC has indicated that up to 180,000 study permits are expected to be issued in 2026 to PAL/TAL-requiring applicants.
What this means for you:
- If you are applying for a master's or doctoral programme at a public university, this is one fewer dependency in your timeline.
- If you are applying for an undergraduate or college programme, you will likely still need a PAL/TAL. Your institution normally requests it on your behalf after you accept your offer and pay a deposit — so accepting early matters, because the letter sits on the critical path to your visa.
- Exemptions and processes are subject to change. Confirm your situation on the official IRCC PAL/TAL page before applying.
Choosing a province and institution type
Canada's education system is provincially administered, and your choice of province affects cost, climate, the size of the international student community and — because PAL/TAL allocations are provincial — the competitive picture.
Two institution types serve different goals:
- Universities deliver bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees. Degree graduates are exempt from the PGWP field-of-study requirement, which makes this route more predictable if post-study work is part of your plan.
- Colleges and institutes deliver diplomas, certificates and applied programmes, often with strong industry links and lower tuition. These are non-degree programmes, so the PGWP field-of-study rule applies — check the CIP code before enrolling.
Neither is better in the abstract. A college programme in an eligible field with a clear career path can be a far better decision than an expensive degree chosen only for its exemption.
Budgeting realistically
Build your budget from three separate numbers, in this order:
- Tuition — take the exact figure from your programme's fee page. It varies enormously between colleges and universities, and between subjects.
- Living costs — the visa minimum below is a floor, not a forecast. Toronto and Vancouver cost considerably more than smaller cities, and rent is the dominant variable.
- One-off costs — flights, the study permit and biometrics fees, health insurance, and setting up a home from scratch in your first month.
Treat any income from part-time work as a buffer, not as part of the plan. Work rights carry conditions, they have changed more than once, and building a budget around expected earnings is how students end up in difficulty in their second semester.
Proof of funds: the current figure
IRCC updates the cost-of-living requirement every September, benchmarked to 75% of Statistics Canada's Low-Income Cut-Off.
| Application submitted | Single applicant, outside Quebec |
|---|---|
| On or after 1 September 2026 | CAD $23,448 |
| 1 January 2025 – 31 August 2026 | CAD $22,895 |
This figure covers living expenses only. You must show it in addition to your first year's tuition and your travel costs. Amounts are higher if family members accompany you, and Quebec sets its own requirements.
What counts as proof
- Bank statements covering the past six months
- A Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) from a participating Canadian financial institution
- Proof of a student or education loan from a bank
- Proof of funds transferred to a Canadian account in your name
- Scholarship or funded-programme documentation
- A letter from the person or institution funding you
Show a clear, traceable source of funds. Large unexplained deposits shortly before applying invite questions.
The study permit process
- Get an acceptance letter from a DLI.
- Obtain a PAL or TAL if your category requires one.
- Gather documents: passport, acceptance letter, proof of funds, photographs, and a statement of purpose explaining your study plan.
- Complete a medical exam if required for your country or intended activity.
- Apply online through the IRCC portal and pay the fees, including the biometrics fee.
- Give biometrics at a Visa Application Centre.
- Wait for a decision. Processing times vary considerably by country and season — check the official IRCC processing-times tool rather than relying on anecdotes.
English language requirements
Institutions set their own English requirements, typically IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL or an accepted equivalent, and they vary by programme and level. Some pathways — including certain streams for faster processing — have their own test and score conditions. Check both the institution's requirement and the relevant IRCC page, since they are separate.
Thinking ahead: the PGWP field-of-study rule
The Post-Graduation Work Permit is the route many students plan around, and the eligibility rules have changed in ways that should influence your course choice — not just your post-graduation plans.
- Language proof is required for PGWP applications submitted on or after 1 November 2024.
- The field-of-study requirement applies to non-degree programmes. If you study a college diploma or certificate, your programme must fall within an eligible field of study, identified by CIP code and linked to occupations in long-term shortage.
- Degree graduates are exempt from that requirement. Bachelor's, master's and doctoral graduates from eligible institutions do not need to meet the field-of-study test.
- The eligible list changes. In June 2025, 119 fields were added and 178 removed, leaving 920 eligible fields. IRCC has stated that for 2026 no fields will be added or removed.
If you are considering a non-degree programme, verify that its CIP code is on the currently eligible list before you enrol — and understand that eligibility is assessed under the rules in force when you apply for the permit, which may differ from today's.
Common mistakes
- Applying to a non-DLI. Check the official list first.
- Budgeting the proof-of-funds figure as your total. It is living costs only, on top of tuition and travel.
- Leaving the PAL/TAL to chance. If you need one, it depends on your institution and province, and it takes time.
- Choosing a college programme without checking PGWP field-of-study eligibility.
- A vague statement of purpose. Explain why this programme, why Canada, and how it fits your plans.
- Assuming last year's rules still apply. Canada's international student rules have changed repeatedly since 2024.
Frequently asked questions
Is Canada still accepting international students in 2027?
Yes. Study permits continue to be issued, within annual limits managed through the cap and the PAL/TAL system. Expect competition and plan early.
Do I need a PAL for a master's degree?
From 1 January 2026, master's and doctoral students at public DLIs are not required to submit a PAL/TAL. Confirm your specific situation on the official IRCC page, as exemptions can change.
Does a GIC guarantee approval?
No. A GIC is one accepted way to evidence funds. It satisfies part of the financial requirement; it does not guarantee a permit.
How much money do I need in total?
At minimum, first-year tuition plus CAD $23,448 in living costs plus travel, for applications from 1 September 2026. Actual living costs vary by city and may exceed the minimum.
Will studying in Canada lead to permanent residence?
Not automatically. Study, work permits and permanent residence are separate processes with their own criteria, which change over time. Plan your studies on their academic merits.
Planning your 2027 intake with Favuni Global
Planning your 2027 study abroad journey? Favuni Global can help you explore universities, courses and application options, and build a timeline that fits your profile and budget. Our counsellors work through your academics, test scores and finances with you, and point you to the official sources for every requirement so you are never relying on second-hand information.
Book a free consultation to map out your 2027 application, or browse our scholarships listing to see what you may be eligible for.
This article is general information, not immigration or financial advice. Visa rules, deadlines and fees change — always confirm the current position on the official government and university websites linked above before you apply.
