Bachelor's degree in Canada:
the complete guide for families

Canada remains a premier destination for higher education, offering an academic environment of excellence.

However, the recent immigration reforms implemented for the 2024-2026 period, including study permit caps and new conditions for the post-graduation work permit (PGWP), make preparing the application more demanding.

Application support

A bespoke 100 % support programme involving face-to-face meetings with the student.

Mastery of
process

A comprehensive assessment of admissions and the deadlines to be met.

Installation assistance and
to local life

Comprehensive support to guide you step-by-step, right up to the first day of term!

Access the training of your dreams at a prestigious university with Expat Student!

Canada is distinguished by the quality of its higher education, boasting 96 public universities and over 130 public colleges, several of which feature among the global rankings. The country offers a multicultural, inclusive environment renowned for its safety.

For French-speaking students, Quebec represents a particularly attractive option, making it possible to pursue higher education in French whilst immersing oneself in a North American environment.

The Canadian system also stands out for its cooperative programmes, which integrate paid internships directly into the academic curriculum, thereby promoting a smooth transition into the labour market.

Furthermore, graduates may be eligible for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) of up to three years, providing a structured pathway to permanent residence via the Express Entry system.

The career guidance was absolutely brilliant! I was at a loss about my future choices, but thanks to the personalised advice, I can see things much more clearly now. They helped me get to know myself better, explore different paths, and develop a plan that suits me. In particular, Louise F., who’s a great listener and always available. I’d 100 per cent recommend % to anyone looking to find their path!

Juliette S.

Student accepted to the Desautels School of Management, McGill University

Understand the country's higher education system

The Canadian university system has specific features depending on the provinces. A Bachelor's degree generally lasts three to four years. Admission procedures vary: applications for universities in Ontario are centralised via the OUAC portal, whereas other provinces mainly operate through direct application to the institutions.

One of the strengths of the Canadian system lies in its co-operative programmes. These courses, which are particularly renowned in institutions such as the University of Waterloo, integrate periods of paid work placements within companies, enabling students to gain significant professional experience even before graduation.

How Expat Student supports you through your bachelor's degree

Expat Student offers comprehensive and personalised support, designed to navigate the complexities of Canadian bureaucracy with peace of mind. Our expertise ensures every stage is secure, from initial guidance right through to the student's settlement.

Our support begins with an in-depth careers guidance assessment to evaluate the student's profile and clarify the project in terms of province, field of study and budget. In light of recent reforms, we systematically check provincial quotas, monitoring the availability of provincial attestation letters before finalising the choice of institution.

We then assist the family with putting together the application file, whether through the OUAC centralised portal for Ontario or via direct application.

Obtaining a study permit is a crucial step. If necessary, we put you in touch with lawyers specialising in Canadian immigration, who can assist you with the procedures relating to the study permit and, where applicable, the Québec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ).

A point that has become decisive since 2024 is the rigorous verification of PGWP eligibility for the intended programme, which we systematically integrate into our analysis. 

Bachelor's degree in Canada

Bachelor's degree in Canada: Cost of living and expenses to expect locally, visas and procedures

For the 2026-2027 academic year, tuition fees for international students vary considerably, ranging from CAD 15,700 to over CAD 53,000 per year, depending on the university, province and chosen programme. The cost of living must be budgeted at a minimum of CAD 23,000 per year, in addition to tuition fees.

To prove financial capacity when applying for a study permit, a student generally needs to provide a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) of approximately 22,895 CAD. In total, a realistic annual budget is between 35,000 and 75,000 CAD.

The importance of the PGWP

It is imperative to take into account the 2024–2026 reforms: a national study permit cap is in effect and distributed by province. Furthermore, eligibility for the post-graduation work permit (PGWP) now depends on the field of study of the programme followed, requiring careful verification on a case-by-case basis before any enrolment.

Administrative procedures

Immigration procedures require special attention. The student must obtain a letter of acceptance from a designated learning institution (DLI) as well as a provincial attestation letter (PAL), barring any exemption. The application must include proof of sufficient funds, the collection of biometrics (approximately 85 CAD) and a clean police certificate. Application fees amount to 150 CAD, with processing times varying from 4 to 16 weeks. For Quebec, obtaining a CAQ beforehand is mandatory. Once there, the study permit generally authorises off-campus work for up to 20 hours a week during study terms, and full-time during scheduled breaks in the academic calendar.

Prestigious universities in Canada

  • University of Toronto — Toronto, Ontario — World ranking: 21st (QS 2027)
  • University of British Columbia (UBC) — Vancouver, British Columbia — World ranking: 34th (QS 2027)
  • McGill University — Montreal, Quebec — World ranking: 70th (QS 2027)
  • McMaster University — Hamilton, Ontario — Global ranking: 84th (QS 2027)
  • University of Alberta — Edmonton, Alberta — World ranking: 111th (QS 2027)
  • University of Waterloo — Waterloo, Ontario — World ranking: 112th (QS 2027)
  • Université de Montréal — Montreal, Quebec — World ranking: 141st (QS 2027)
  • Concordia University — Montreal, Quebec — Global ranking: 497th (QS 2027)
  • Bishop’s University — Sherbrooke (Lennoxville), Quebec — Unranked in the QS World University Rankings 2027
  • Université Laval — Quebec City, Quebec — World ranking: 526th (QS 2027)
 

Our parent testimonials
Expat Student support

Exemplary support for our daughter Juliette!
We would like to warmly thank Louise and, more generally, Expat Student for their professionalism, attentiveness and the high quality of their support throughout Juliette's journey. From the very first contact, the team proved to be available, reassuring and extremely competent. Every stage was handled with care and kindness, from choosing destinations to administrative procedures, as well as the personalised support that Juliette received.
Thanks to Expat student and especially Louise Fernet, she was able to approach this experience abroad with confidence and peace of mind. As parents, it is a real relief to be able to rely on such dedicated professionals.

We strongly recommend Expat Student to all families who want to give their children a successful and supervised international experience.
Well done to the whole team for this high-quality and professional work!

Emilie S.

Mother of a student accepted into the Desautels School of Management, McGill University

The career guidance was absolutely brilliant! I was at a loss about my future choices, but thanks to the personalised advice, I can see things much more clearly now. They helped me get to know myself better, explore different paths, and develop a plan that suits me. In particular, Louise F., who’s a great listener and always available. I’d 100 per cent recommend % to anyone looking to find their path!

Juliette S.

Student accepted to the Desautels School of Management, McGill University

Expat student guided us step by step with university applications for two countries: the Netherlands and Canada. Good, regular follow-up with my daughter one-to-one and with me for feedback and deadlines not to be missed in each country's process. Contact via video call, email or even telephone. Proofreading of application letters, advice, answers to our questions, dates and research for open days and important webinars.
Good stay, pleasant and reassuring, I recommend.

Marie P.

Mother of a student who has received offers from McGill, Concordia, University College Utrecht and Amsterdam University College for Liberal Arts

The questions parents ask themselves about a bachelor's degree in Canada

Yes, the Canadian government maintains a national cap on the issuance of study permits. This cap is distributed among the various provinces through the provincial attestation letter system.

You need to allow for a realistic total budget of between CAD 35,000 and CAD 75,000 per year. This amount includes both tuition fees and the cost of living locally.
No. Since the 2024 reforms, eligibility for the post-graduation work permit depends on the field of study. Although Bachelor's degrees delivered by public universities remain mostly eligible, a case-by-case verification is essential.
Yes, students wishing to study in Quebec must obtain a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) before they can submit their study permit application at the federal level.
Absolutely. Given the frequent regulatory adjustments since 2024, this rigorous verification is an integral part of our support to secure your child's professional project.

Processing times generally range from 4 to 16 weeks, depending on the country of residence from which the application is submitted. It is therefore advisable to start the process as early as possible.

Bachelor's degree in Canada

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The Expat Student support step by step

Expat Student offers comprehensive and bespoke support for students wishing to enter a prestigious university, guiding them through every stage of their academic project.

From defining the ideal path to final admission, the team provides personalised expertise to help each student enhance their profile, choose the institutions best suited to their ambitions and maximise their chances of success.

1. The initial consultation is without obligation

2. The selection of courses and universities

3. Assistance with drafting the cover letter

4. Planning and preparation of each application

5. The final decision

Job opportunities and careers in the country

Canada offers excellent career prospects for international graduates. Subject to the eligibility of the programme studied, the PGWP allows individuals to work in Canada for up to three years after obtaining a Bachelor's degree.

This period is particularly strategic. Combined with the professional experience gained on Canadian soil, obtaining a Bachelor's degree is often the decisive first step in an immigration pathway towards permanent residency, particularly via the Express Entry system, if that is your child's long-term plan.

Bachelor's degree in Canada

Expat Student, your partner for study abroad success

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We are working
for you!

We do not receive commission from the universities you apply to. Our advice is independent and you can be sure that we have only your best interests at heart.

A world
of possibilities

A world of possibilities

Our support service is aimed at secondary school students in France or abroad, regardless of the track and educational system followed—French Baccalaureate, International Baccalaureate, A levels, etc. We help you to select, from the very wide variety of courses offered by foreign universities, the one that best suits you.

One-to-one and tailored support

One-to-one and tailored support

We develop a strategy tailored to each candidate's personality, skills and wishes. At Expat Student there are no group meetings. We guide you individually through every stage of your application.

Excellent relations with universities

Excellent relations with universities

Over the years, we have developed excellent professional relationships with the top universities. You can count on us to represent you with them whenever necessary.

A recognition of your career path

A recognition of your career path

We work with you to ensure your personal statement is glowing, impactful and sincere, all in perfect English. It is a key element of your application that can make the difference between two candidates.

A helping hand for your installation

A helping hand for your installation

Our services do not stop once you have received an offer from the university of your choice. We provide you with practical advice to make your settlement in your new country and your integration into the university easier.

We support you with the bachelor's degree in other countries!

Expat Student's expertise is not limited to Canada; we offer bachelor's degree support in other countries:

Bachelor's degree
Netherlands

Bachelor's degree
Spain

Bachelor's degree
Italy

Bachelor's degree
United Kingdom

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