Canada remains one of the most popular destinations for Nepali students, valued for its post-study work options, permanent-residence pathways, and English-medium instruction. But the rules changed significantly in 2024–2026, so a guide written even a year ago may now be out of date. Here is the current process for applying from Nepal.
Step 1: Choose a DLI and get a Letter of Acceptance
You can only study in Canada at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). Every college and university on the government DLI list has a unique DLI number, which you will need for your application. Apply directly or through a consultancy, and once accepted you will receive a Letter of Acceptance (LOA). Verify the LOA is genuine — fake offer letters are one of the most common scams targeting Nepali students. See our guide on the fake university offer letter scam.
Step 2: Get your Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL)
Since 2024, most study permit applications must include a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) from the province or territory where your institution is located. Your DLI normally helps arrange this once you accept your offer and pay a deposit. Without a PAL, most applications are returned.
Step 3: Understand the proof-of-funds requirement
This is where the biggest recent change sits. For study permit applications submitted on or after 1 September 2026, a single applicant must show CAD $23,448 for living expenses. This figure is separate from — and in addition to — your first year of tuition and your travel costs. In other words, you must show funds for three things: tuition, living costs (CAD $23,448), and transport to and from Canada.
Acceptable evidence includes bank statements, a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC), an education loan sanction letter, and proof of paid tuition. A GIC is still widely used and well regarded by officers, though since the end of the Student Direct Stream it is no longer a processing shortcut.
Step 4: Know that the Student Direct Stream (SDS) has ended
The Student Direct Stream — the fast-track route many Nepali students used — was permanently discontinued on 8 November 2024. There is no transition period. Every applicant now applies through the same regular study permit stream. Practically, this means you should not pay any consultancy that claims to offer "SDS fast processing" — that stream no longer exists.
Step 5: Prepare a strong application and study plan
Because everyone now uses the regular stream, the quality of your application matters more than ever. A clear study plan (statement of purpose) that explains your choice of programme, how it fits your background, and your intentions after graduation is important. Officers assess whether you are a genuine student with the means to support yourself.
Step 6: Understand post-graduation work (PGWP)
The Post-Graduation Work Permit lets you work in Canada after you finish. Rules tightened in 2024–2025: for college diploma and certificate programmes (below bachelor's level), your field of study must be linked to an occupation facing long-term labour shortages, drawn from a list of eligible fields that IRCC confirmed will remain unchanged through 2026. Bachelor's, master's, and PhD graduates are not subject to that field-of-study restriction. If PGWP matters to you, confirm your specific programme's eligibility before you enrol.
Typical costs
Tuition varies widely by institution and level, and living costs depend on the city — Toronto and Vancouver are considerably more expensive than smaller centres. Use our cost of studying abroad calculator to model your own budget, and compare Canada against other destinations on our compare destinations tool.
Choosing a consultancy in Nepal
There are over a thousand consultancies operating in Nepal, and quality varies enormously. Before you commit:
- Read verified reviews rather than a consultancy's own testimonials — compare consultancies in Nepal on ConsultancyCheck.
- Never pay large upfront "processing" fees before you have an offer.
- Be sceptical of guaranteed-visa promises; no honest agent can guarantee a study permit.
- Get every fee and service in writing.
Read our dedicated guide to education consultancy scams in Nepal and our list of the best consultancies in Nepal for Canada.
Next steps
Prepare your document checklist with our Canada study permit document checklist, understand the most common refusal reasons in our Canada study permit refusal guide, and explore Nepal → Canada consultancies that specialise in this route.
*Requirements and fee amounts change. Always confirm the latest figures on the official Government of Canada immigration website before applying.*
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much money do I need to show for a Canada study permit from Nepal in 2026?
For applications submitted on or after 1 September 2026, a single applicant must show CAD $23,448 for living costs, in addition to first-year tuition and travel costs. These are three separate amounts.
Is the Student Direct Stream (SDS) still available for Nepali students?
No. The SDS was permanently discontinued on 8 November 2024. All applicants now use the regular study permit stream, so avoid any consultancy claiming to offer SDS fast-track processing.
Do I still need a GIC to study in Canada from Nepal?
A GIC is no longer required as a processing shortcut since SDS ended, but it remains a strong and widely accepted form of proof of funds. You can also use bank statements, an education loan sanction, and proof of paid tuition.
Will I get a work permit after studying in Canada?
The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is available to eligible graduates. For college diploma/certificate programmes your field of study must link to a long-term shortage occupation; bachelor's, master's, and PhD graduates are exempt from that field restriction. Confirm your programme's eligibility before enrolling.
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