Can refugee claimants or protected persons study in Canada?

Refugees and protected persons in Canada have specific rules around studying:

Refugee claimants (asylum seekers — claim not yet decided):
- You can apply for a study permit, but it is at the discretion of the immigration officer
- Some provinces (Ontario) allow refugee claimants to study in K–12 schools without a study permit
- For post-secondary study, you would typically need a study permit
- Many privately funded institutions accept refugee claimants
- Some institutions waive the differential international tuition fee for refugee claimants

Convention Refugees (claim approved — protected persons):
- You have the right to work and study in Canada without a separate permit
- You are treated similarly to Canadian permanent residents for most purposes
- Apply for PR as soon as possible — your status gives you pathways to permanent residency
- Eligible for provincial student loans in some provinces (unlike international students)

Government-Assisted Refugees (GARs):
- Already permanent residents upon arrival — have full study and work rights
- Eligible for provincial student assistance

Financial assistance:
- World University Service of Canada (WUSC) Student Refugee Program: Sponsorship for refugees to study at Canadian universities — applications through WUSC chapters on campuses
- Many universities have refugee scholarships and bursaries
- Some provincial student loan programmes are accessible to protected persons

If you are in a refugee situation and considering education in Canada, contact a settlement organisation such as the Centre for Immigrant and Community Services or a legal aid immigration clinic for guidance specific to your situation.