Study in Canada
Canada is the world's second-largest country and one of the safest, most multicultural study destinations — offering a clear pathway from student visa to permanent residency.
World-Class Education, Work Rights & a Path to PR
World-Class Education, Work Rights & a Path to PR
Quality Education & Variety
The Canadian education system is internationally recognized for its quality, diversity of programs, and research output. Canada has 26 universities in the QS World Top 500 rankings.
Work & Permanent Residency Path
Graduate with a PGWP (Post-Graduation Work Permit) for up to 3 years. Then apply for Permanent Residency through Express Entry or Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP).
Major Intakes
September (Primary — widest selection), January (Secondary), May (Limited — colleges only)
Required Documents:
- Valid Passport (minimum 6 months validity beyond intended stay)
- Academic Transcripts and Certificates (Class 10, Class 12 / NEB, Bachelor's Degree and Transcripts)
- IELTS Academic or PTE Academic Score Sheet
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Updated Resume / CV
- Letters of Recommendation (2 — academic or professional)
- Proof of Financial Funds (tuition fee receipt + CAD 10,000 living expenses proof)
- PAN Card (required for tuition fee payment from Nepal)
- Passport-size Photographs (white background, recent)
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from Nepal Ministry of Education, Science and Technology
Eligibility for Nepali Students
Undergraduate / Bachelors
- 1
Minimum 3.0 GPA in NEB +2 Certificate (High School) or equivalent percentage (approx. 60%).
- 2
IELTS 6.0–6.5 overall with no individual band below 6.0 (varies by institution). Diploma programs may accept IELTS 6.0 with no band below 5.5.
- 3
PTE Academic 58–65 is accepted as an alternative to IELTS.
- 4
Some universities require SAT/ACT scores for admission to top-tier bachelor's programs.
- 5
Duolingo English Test (DET) score of 100–115 is accepted at many Canadian colleges and universities.
Masters / Postgraduate
- 1
Bachelor's degree with minimum 60% aggregate (first division) from a recognized university.
- 2
IELTS 6.5 overall with no individual band below 6.0 (most universities require 6.5; some programs require 7.0).
- 3
GMAT (for MBA programs) — typically 550–600+. GRE may be required for science/engineering master's programs.
- 4
2+ years of relevant work experience (required for MBA programs; preferred for professional master's degrees).
- 5
Statement of Purpose (SOP) addressing research interests and career objectives.
Canada Study Permit — Step-by-Step Journey for Nepali Students
Step 1: Receive Your Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from a DLI
Apply to your chosen Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada. All valid study permit institutions are DLIs approved by the Canadian government. After meeting admission requirements, you will receive a conditional or unconditional Letter of Acceptance (LOA). This is your primary document for the study permit application.
Step 2: Apply for No Objection Certificate (NOC) from Nepal MOEST
All Nepali students must obtain a No Objection Certificate from the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MOEST) before applying for the study permit. Apply online through the MOEST portal. Required documents include your LOA, passport, academic transcripts, and sponsorship letter. Processing typically takes 7–14 business days. Transit Education assists with the complete NOC documentation.
Step 3: Pay Tuition Fees via PAN Card (GIC for SDS)
Pay your first semester or first year tuition fee to the Canadian institution using your PAN card through a Nepali bank. Keep the official fee payment receipt. If applying under the Student Direct Stream (SDS), you must also open a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) of CAD 20,635 with a participating Canadian bank (such as CIBC, Scotiabank, or TD). The GIC satisfies the financial proof requirement for SDS applicants.
Step 4: Medical Examination by IRCC-Approved Panel Physician
Undergo a mandatory immigration medical examination (IME) with an IRCC-approved panel physician in Nepal. In Kathmandu, approved physicians are listed on the IRCC website. The medical exam typically includes a physical examination, blood tests, and a chest X-ray. Results are uploaded directly to IRCC by the physician. This must be done before submitting your visa application.
Step 5: Submit Study Permit Application & Biometrics
Submit your Study Permit (Temporary Resident Visa + Study Permit) application online through the IRCC portal. Upload all documents: LOA, NOC, tuition receipt/GIC, passport, IELTS/PTE scores, SOP, financial documents, and medical results. After submission, you will receive a Biometric Collection Request — attend a VFS Global center in Kathmandu to provide fingerprints and photo. Processing time is 8–16 weeks for non-SDS and approximately 20 calendar days for SDS-eligible applicants.
Frequently Asked Questions
To apply for a Canada Study Permit from Nepal, you need: (1) An acceptance letter from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI), (2) A No Objection Certificate (NOC) from Nepal's Ministry of Education, (3) Proof of financial funds — tuition payment receipt and living expense proof (CAD 10,000 minimum or a GIC for SDS), (4) Medical examination results, (5) IELTS or PTE scores, and (6) A valid passport. Transit Education guides you through the entire process, including NOC, SDS eligibility assessment, and document preparation.
The Student Direct Stream (SDS) is a faster processing pathway for applicants from eligible countries including Nepal. To qualify for SDS, you need: IELTS 6.0 in all four bands (no exceptions), a GIC of CAD 20,635, full tuition payment for year one, and a clean medical and background check. SDS applications are typically processed in 20 calendar days versus 8–16 weeks for non-SDS. Transit Education will assess your eligibility and advise on the best route.
SDS (Student Direct Stream) applications: approximately 20 calendar days if all criteria are met. Non-SDS applications: typically 8–16 weeks, though processing times can vary based on volume and seasonal demand. We recommend applying at least 3–4 months before your intended start date to allow sufficient processing time.
Yes. Your spouse or common-law partner may be eligible for an Open Work Permit (OWP) if you are enrolled in a full-time program at a designated institution. This OWP allows them to work for any employer in Canada. Your dependent children can obtain study permits to attend school in Canada. Bring complete family documents including marriage certificate, birth certificates, and proof of relationship.
The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) allows graduates of eligible Canadian institutions to work in Canada for a period equivalent to their study duration — up to a maximum of 3 years. For example, a 2-year diploma program gives a 2-year PGWP; a 4-year bachelor's gives a 3-year PGWP. After gaining work experience, you can apply for Canadian Permanent Residency through Express Entry (CEC stream) or a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). Canada is one of the most accessible PR pathways for Nepali students globally.
Tuition fees vary by institution type and province: College diploma programs CAD 12,000–20,000/year; Undergraduate university programs CAD 18,000–35,000/year; Postgraduate master's CAD 16,000–40,000/year; MBA CAD 30,000–70,000/year. Living costs: approximately CAD 12,000–18,000/year depending on city. Toronto and Vancouver are the most expensive; cities like Winnipeg, Halifax, and Saskatoon are significantly more affordable.
Key scholarships include: (1) Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships — CAD 50,000/year for PhD students (highly competitive); (2) University-specific entrance scholarships ranging from CAD 2,000–15,000 based on academic merit; (3) Province-specific scholarships such as Ontario Graduate Scholarship; (4) Institution-specific awards — University of Manitoba, University of Regina, and many others offer automatic consideration for merit awards on admission. Many colleges also offer in-study bursaries. Transit Education identifies applicable scholarships for your profile during the counselling process.