What Is a Canada Master’s Study Permit and How to Apply?
- Murat Koçak
- 5 hours ago
- 6 min read
Canada is one of the most preferred destinations for graduate education due to its academic quality, research opportunities, and strong post-graduation career pathways. Canada’s master’s programs offer globally recognized degrees and access to diverse academic environments.
One of the most common questions is:
What is a Canadian master’s visa, and how can it be obtained?
This guide explains the full process in detail.
What Is a Canada Master’s Study Permit?
KA Canadian master’s Study Permit is the official authorization issued by the Canadian government that allows international students to pursue graduate education at a designated learning institution (DLI). While many students refer to it as a “Canada master’s visa,” it is technically a study authorization rather than a visa itself.
A Study Permit:
Allows you to enroll in a designated institution
Grants a legal stay in Canada during your academic program
May include limited work authorization under specific conditions
Establishes your legal student status in Canada
For students from countries such as Türkiye, a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) is also required for entry. The Study Permit grants the right to study, while the TRV enables entry into Canada.
Canada’s master’s programs are generally structured as:
1-year intensive programs
2-year academic programs
Course-based programs
Thesis-based programs
Professional master’s degrees
Each structure serves a different academic and career purpose. Course-based programs focus more on practical application and professional skills, while thesis-based programs emphasize research and academic depth.
Structure Of Canada Master’s Programs
Understanding the structure of Canada master’s programs is important before applying for a Study Permit. Graduate education in Canada is academically rigorous and typically requires a full-time commitment.
Master’s programs in Canada typically include:
Core coursework
Elective modules
Research components (for thesis programs)
Capstone projects
Internships or co-op opportunities (in some programs)
Popular Canadian master’s fields include:
MBA and Business Administration
Engineering (Mechanical, Civil, Electrical, Software)
Computer Science
Artificial Intelligence
Data Science
Health Sciences
Public Health
Education
Psychology
Social Sciences
When choosing among Canada master’s programs, students should consider not only tuition fees but also program length, academic requirements, research expectations, and post-graduation opportunities.
Who Can Apply?
Eligibility for a Canadian master’s Study Permit depends on both academic acceptance and immigration compliance. Applicants must meet several key criteria before submitting their Study Permit application.
General requirements include:
A completed bachelor’s degree
Meeting academic GPA standards set by the university
Demonstrating language proficiency
Obtaining an official Letter of Acceptance
Showing sufficient financial resources
As of 2026, Canada has updated its financial requirement criteria for Study Permit applications. For provinces outside Quebec, students must demonstrate they can cover their tuition fees, as well as approximately CAD 20,635 per year in living expenses.
This amount represents the minimum required living expense threshold for a single student. If applying with accompanying family members, the required financial amount increases accordingly. Immigration officers assess not only whether the minimum threshold is met, but also whether the financial plan appears realistic, sustainable, and consistent.
It is important to understand that Canadian immigration authorities evaluate not only academic readiness but also the genuineness of the study plan. Applicants must clearly demonstrate that:
Their chosen program aligns with their academic background
Their education plan makes logical career sense
They have realistic financial planning
They intend to comply with Canadian immigration laws
A strong and coherent application structure significantly improves approval probability.
Required Documents
The Canada master’s Study Permit application requires careful preparation of documents. Even small inconsistencies may affect the assessment process.
Common required documents include:
Valid passport
Official Letter of Acceptance (LOA)
Bachelor’s diploma
Official transcripts
IELTS Academic or TOEFL score
Proof of funds
Statement of Purpose
Curriculum Vitae
Biometrics
Medical examination
Proof of funds must demonstrate the ability to cover:
Canada’s master’s tuition fees
Living expenses
Travel costs
Financial documentation may include bank statements, sponsorship letters, or official funding confirmations.
All documents must be translated properly, where necessary, and submitted in the correct format.
Language Requirement & Acceptance Letter
Language proficiency is a core component of admission to Canada master’s programs.
Most universities require:
● IELTS Academic 6.5 - 7.0 overall
● TOEFL iBT 90+
Some competitive programs may require higher scores.
The Letter of Acceptance (LOA) is mandatory before applying for a Study Permit. Without this official acceptance, the immigration application cannot proceed.
Conditional offers may be granted in certain situations; however, unconditional acceptance generally strengthens the Study Permit application.
Duration Of the Study Permit
The Study Permit is usually issued for:
Program length + 90 days.
The additional 90 days allow students to:
● Prepare to leave Canada
● Apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit
● Change their immigration status
If a program is extended, students must apply for a Study Permit extension before the original permit expires.
Maintaining a valid status throughout the program is essential.
Work Rights During Study
One of the advantages of pursuing a master’s degree in Canada is the opportunity to work during studies under specific conditions.
Students may:
● Work up to 24 hours per week during academic sessions
● Work full-time during scheduled breaks
Work authorization is typically included within the Study Permit, meaning no separate work permit application is required.
This opportunity allows students to:
● Gain Canadian work experience
● Support living expenses
● Develop professional networks
However, academic performance must remain the priority.
Post-Graduation Rights
Upon completing an eligible Canadian master’s program, graduates may apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
PGWP duration depends on program length:
● Programs of 2 years or more may qualify for up to 3 years
● Shorter programs may receive shorter work authorization
The PGWP is an open work permit, meaning graduates can work for any employer in Canada.
Canadian work experience gained during PGWP may support future applications under:
● Express Entry
● Canadian Experience Class
● Provincial Nominee Program
For many students, a Canadian master’s education serves not only as an academic investment but also as a strategic long-term pathway.
To be eligible for a PGWP, the program must be offered by a PGWP-eligible Designated
Learning Institution (DLI). Not all DLIs automatically qualify for PGWP eligibility. In recent years, certain private college programs have faced restrictions.
The program must be at least 8 months in length, and the student must have maintained full-time status throughout their studies. Therefore, when selecting a master’s program in Canada, post-graduation eligibility should be evaluated carefully alongside academic factors.
Canada Master’s Tuition Fees
On average:
● 18,000 - 35,000 CAD per year
● MBA programs may be higher
● Specialized programs may vary
In addition to tuition, students must consider:
● Accommodation
● Health insurance
● Books and materials
● Transportation
● Daily living costs
Financial planning should account for the entire duration of study.
Let’s Plan Your Master’s Journey Strategically
At C&C Canada Education, Visa and Immigration, we don’t see the Canada master’s process as just another university application. For us, it is a long-term academic and career journey that should be evaluated together with your future goals and life plans.
Every student has a unique story. Your academic background, target program, budget planning, post-graduation career expectations, and even potential immigration goals should be assessed together. Applications that move forward without a personalized strategy often miss important details.
That’s why we prioritize building a process tailored specifically to you.
How do we support you?
● In-depth university and program analysis
● Comparative evaluation of Canadian master’s programs
● Strategic application planning to strengthen your admission chances
● Realistic financial planning, including Canadian master’s tuition fees and living costs
● Proper structuring of your Study Permit application
● Clear post-graduation pathway planning, including work and long-term stay options
When planning your Canada master’s visa process, it’s not just about applying. It’s about taking the right steps in the right order. Small details can significantly impact the overall outcome of your journey.
If you are considering pursuing a master’s degree in Canada and want to structure your academic and long-term plans with clarity, starting early always creates a stronger foundation.
We would be happy to help you build a clear and strategic roadmap for your journey.
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