- Associate Degree: An Associate Degree is typically a two-year undergraduate program offered mainly by Canadian colleges. It provides foundational academic training and may allow students to transfer credits into a bachelor’s degree program.
- Certificat d’acceptation du Québec (CAQ): International students planning to study in Quebec for more than six months must obtain a certificate of acceptance (CAQ) before applying for a Canadian study permit. The CAQ is issued by the Government of Quebec and confirms that the province has approved the student’s admission.
- Co-op Program: A Co-operative Education (Co-op) Program combines academic studies with paid or unpaid work placements related to the student’s field. International students must have:
- A valid study permit
- A co-op work permit
- Confirmation from their institution that work placements are required to complete the program.
- Designated Learning Institution (DLI): A Designated Learning Institution (DLI) is a school approved by a provincial or territorial government to host international students. Students must receive a Letter of Acceptance from a DLI to apply for a study permit.
- EducationPlannerBC: EducationPlannerBC is a centralized online application portal used to apply to universities, colleges, and institutes in British Columbia. Students can create an account, apply to multiple institutions, and track application progress through one platform.
- Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC): A Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) is a financial investment used by many international students to demonstrate proof of funds for their study permit. Students deposit a fixed amount with a Canadian bank, and the funds are released in installments to help cover living expenses after arrival.
- Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC): Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is the Canadian government department responsible for managing immigration, visas, citizenship, and refugee programs. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.
- Letter of Acceptance (LOA): A Letter of Acceptance is an official document issued by a Canadian institution confirming that a student has been admitted to a program. It is required when applying for a Canadian Study Permit.
- Ontario College Application Service (OCAS): OCAS, accessed through ontariocolleges.ca, is the centralized application system for Ontario colleges. Students can explore programs, apply to multiple colleges, and track their applications through the platform.
- Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC): OUAC is the centralized application system for undergraduate programs at Ontario universities. OUAC processes applications and sends them to the universities selected by the student.
- Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP): The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) allows international graduates from eligible Canadian institutions to work in Canada after completing their studies. The permit can be valid for up to three years, depending on the duration of the study program.
- Proof of Funds: International students applying for a study permit must demonstrate they have sufficient funds to cover: Tuition fees, living expenses and travel costs. Acceptable proof includes bank statements, GIC certificates, education loans, or scholarship letters.
- Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL): A Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) is a document issued by a province confirming that an international student has been allocated a study permit spot within the province’s quota. Most study permit applicants must provide a PAL when applying for a Canadian study permit. In Quebec, the CAQ serves the same purpose as a PAL.
- Provinces and Territories: Canada is divided into 10 provinces and 3 territories.
- Provinces: British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador.
- Territories: Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut.
- Study Permit (Student Visa): A Study Permit allows international students to study in Canada for programs longer than six months. Applicants must have: A Letter of Acceptance from a DLI, Proof of funds and Supporting immigration documents. The permit also outlines conditions that students must follow while studying in Canada.
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