Essential checklist for international students in Canada

Canada is one of the countries that has many prestigious schools with a variety of professions. Here are the factors that you should consider when choosing a school and program to study in Canada:

• Learn about high schools, colleges, and universities in Canada.

• Check the entry requirements (GPA, English proficiency, prerequisite coursework).

• Verify whether the school is on the DLI (Designated Learning Institution) list or not.

See also: Suggested 15 Best Universities in Canada 2025!

After choosing the right school, you need to prepare your application and certificate according to the school's requirements. Here are the necessary documents and certificates that you should prepare:

• Transcripts & degrees (notarized translation into English/French).

• English language certificate: IELTS (usually requires 6.0+), TOEFL, or Duolingo.

• Some programs may require the GRE or GMAT.

• If you study in French, you need to take the TEF/TCF.

See more: How much IELTS do you need to study in Canada?

Once you have all the required academic documents and certificates, you should quickly apply for admission to avoid exceeding the deadline. Here are the procedures you need to follow when applying for admission:

• Apply through the school's website or through the online application portal.

• Pay the admission fee.

• Prepare documents: personal essay, letters of recommendation, CV (if needed).

• Wait for a Letter of Acceptance (LOA).

A Study Permit Canada is a study permit that allows you to study and live in Canada legally. Here are the documents required to apply for a Canadian student visa:

• Apply online through the IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) website.

• Required documents:

• Letter of Offer of Admission (LOA) from a Canadian school.

• PAL Letter - Provincial Attestation Letter (with a program)

• Proof of finances (tuition + living expenses, minimum 10,000 CAD/year (outside Quebec) Note: This is a reference minimum, you should estimate the actual cost may be higher.

• The passport is valid for the duration of the study.

• Medical examination certificate (if required).

• Statement of Purpose (SOP) essay.

• Get biometrics and pay the visa fee (~150 CAD).

Hãy lên kế hoạch tài chính chi tiết, để đảm bảo bạn có đủ nguồn lực để trang trải chi phí du học Canada. Dưới đây là một số điều mà bạn cần quan tâm về vấn đề tài chính: 

• Mở GIC (Chứng chỉ Đầu tư Đảm bảo) để có thể xin visa theo diện SDS.  

• Thanh toán tiền đặt cọc học phí cho trường (nếu cần).  

• Mở tài khoản ngân hàng quốc tế.  

Your study abroad journey will be more convenient if you arrange accommodation and settle down before the start of the official semester. Here are some helpful suggestions for international students:

• IDP supports essential services for students, such as choosing a dormitory, a homestay, or renting a private home.

• Book airport pick-up (if needed).

• Check the baggage allowance for international students.

Health is one of the top considerations when studying abroad away from home, so you should make sure to do your research before studying in Canada. Here is some information about Health Insurance in Canada:

• Some provinces offer free health insurance for international students (British Columbia, Alberta, etc.).

• If the province does not provide free health insurance, purchase private health insurance.

Immigration is the last step before you officially arrive in Canada. For a smooth entry process, make sure you have all the following important documents:

• Bring your passport and Study Permit approval letter.

• Original letter of offer of admission (LOA) from the school.

• Proof of finances (bank statement, GIC).

• Medical examination records & prescriptions (if any).

• Contact information of the school and relatives in Canada.

Once you have arrived in Canada, in order to quickly adapt to life here, you should learn some of the following things in advance:

• Learn about Canadian laws, weather & culture.

• Activate your bank account & phone SIM on arrival.

• Attend a school orientation & register for classes.

Hopefully, the above checklist for studying in Canada will help you fully and steadily prepare for the journey of studying in the land of maple leaves. However, admission policies, student visas, and requirements from schools in Canada may change from time to time. Therefore, contact the IDP 19006955 hotline to always update the latest and most accurate information.

If you need assistance from choosing a school, hunting for scholarships, completing your study abroad application, to preparing your luggage before you go, IDP's team of experts is always ready to accompany you. In addition, IDP also supports you to find housing, transfer money internationally, register for the IELTS test... With more than 55 years of experience in the field of study abroad consulting, IDP is proud to be a bridge to help thousands of Vietnamese students make their dreams of studying abroad in leading countries, such as Australia, the UK, the US, Canada, New Zealand and Ireland.

Please contact the IDP 19006955 hotline immediately for detailed advice and realize your plan to study in Canada in the most convenient way.