Canada snapshot for UAE students
Canada offers publicly-funded universities, a rules-based immigration system and clear pathways from study to work to permanent residence. UAE-based families like Canada for its safety, multicultural cities and — for many programs — moderate tuition compared with the US or UK.
Our Dubai counsellors handle the shortlist, application, Letter of Acceptance, Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) where required and the study permit filing on the IRCC portal.
Why UAE students choose Canada
- PGWP pathway — Eligible programs qualify for a Post-Graduation Work Permit of up to 3 years.
- PR route — Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Programs reward Canadian study and work experience.
- Public universities — Publicly funded universities and colleges with strong quality controls.
- Cost balance — Tuition sits between the US and Europe; several Prairie provinces are especially affordable.
Tuition & living costs (2026 planning ranges)
Canadian tuition varies by province, program and institution type (university vs college). The figures below are typical planning ranges — we finalise your budget after shortlisting.
Annual budget ranges (CAD)
- College diploma / PG diploma
- $15,000 – $22,000
- Undergraduate degree
- $20,000 – $40,000
- Master's degree
- $18,000 – $45,000
- Living cost (metro cities)
- $15,000 – $22,000
Eligibility & entry requirements
- Undergraduate — 12th-grade completion with a solid overall score; specific subject scores for STEM programs.
- PG Diploma / Master's — Recognised bachelor's degree; some programs require 1–3 years of experience.
- English proof — IELTS Academic 6.0–7.0 overall (SDS route requires 6.0 minimum in each band) or PTE/CELPIP equivalents.
- Financial proof — First-year tuition + CAD 20,635 living + travel funds, or a GIC (SDS route) of CAD 20,635.
Canadian study permit from the UAE
You apply online through the IRCC portal after receiving your Letter of Acceptance and — for most colleges and undergraduate programs — a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) or Territorial Attestation Letter (TAL).
Study permit fees (2026, indicative)
- Study permit application
- CAD 150
- Biometrics fee
- CAD 85
- Medical exam (panel physician)
- AED 500 – 800
- GIC (SDS route)
- CAD 20,635
- 01Receive LOAInstitution issues the Letter of Acceptance after you accept the offer.
- 02Obtain PAL / TALProvince issues the attestation letter where required — we handle the application.
- 03Fund proofShow CAD 20,635 + tuition, or open a GIC for the SDS route.
- 04IRCC applicationComplete the online study permit application and pay CAD 150.
- 05Biometrics + medicalComplete biometrics at VFS Dubai and medical with a panel physician.
- 06POE handlingStudy permit stamped on arrival at a Canadian port of entry.
How the process works from Dubai
- 01Free profile reviewGrades, budget, target province and intake mapped in a 20-minute call.
- 02University / college shortlist6–10 institutions matched to your profile and PGWP eligibility.
- 03Application packStatement of Purpose, transcripts, IELTS/PTE scores, LORs where required.
- 04Offer & fee depositEvaluate offers, pay tuition deposit, receive LOA.
- 05PAL + study permitPAL/TAL where needed; complete IRCC application and biometrics.
- 06Pre-departureForex, GIC activation, insurance, housing and POE briefing.
Why UAE families choose Stanford Global
Canada's rules have tightened since 2024 — PAL caps, higher GIC amounts, tighter PGWP eligibility. Working with a counsellor who follows IRCC updates weekly matters more than ever.
We only recommend Designated Learning Institutions whose programs qualify for the PGWP where students want that pathway.
- PGWP-eligible program shortlisting
- PAL / TAL handling included
- SDS-route financial planning
- Only Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs)
- Mock POE interview coaching
- GIC + forex + accommodation help