How to Apply for Canada Study Permit from Nepal — Study Permit & PTE 2026
Complete Canada study permit pathway for Nepali students. DLI shortlisting, PTE Academic (study permit) + PTE Core (Express Entry PR + PGWP language proof), Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL), GIC, LOA, biometrics, and the PGWP post-study work permit — plus 1-on-1 PTE mentorship from Smriti Simkhada (90/90 PTE Academic scorer). Note: the Student Direct Stream (SDS) was discontinued by IRCC on 8 November 2024; Nepal was never SDS-eligible. All applicants now use the standard stream.
The 8-step Canada application process from Nepal
- 1
Shortlist DLI (Designated Learning Institution) + program
Only DLI-registered colleges and universities qualify for the study permit. Canada has three intakes — September (Fall, primary), January (Winter), and May (Summer). Public universities (Toronto, McGill, UBC, Waterloo, McMaster) and PGWP-eligible public colleges (Seneca, Conestoga, Centennial, Humber) are typical Nepali picks. Shortlist 5–8 institutions.
- 2
Take PTE Academic or PTE Core
Most Canadian universities accept PTE Academic (Overall 58–70 typical). For Canada PR via Express Entry, PTE Core is the accepted Pearson test (mapped to CLB 7–10). If you plan to study + immigrate, take PTE Core now so the score is ready for your post-graduation Express Entry / CEC application. Target CLB 7 (PTE Core L60 R60 W69 S68) at minimum; CLB 9 (L82 R78 W88 S84) unlocks higher CRS points.
- 3
Apply to DLIs
Apply directly via each university's portal or via OUAC (Ontario undergraduate central application). Submit transcripts (NEB-attested, WES-evaluated for some institutions), SOP, PTE score, references, and the application fee (CAD 100–250 per university). Expect 4–10 weeks for an offer letter.
- 4
Accept offer → pay tuition deposit → receive LOA
Once you accept the offer and pay the first-semester tuition (usually CAD 10,000–20,000), the DLI issues your LOA (Letter of Acceptance) — the document you need for the study permit application. LOA includes program length, tuition, and DLI number.
- 5
Get your Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL/TAL) + prove funds (CAD 22,895)
Since January 2024, most study permit applicants need a Provincial/Territorial Attestation Letter (PAL/TAL) from the province where their DLI is located — the university or the province issues it after you accept the offer. Master's, PhD, and K-12 applicants at public DLIs are exempt as of 2026. Separately, prove cost-of-living funds: CAD 22,895 (single applicant outside Quebec, IRCC rate from 1 September 2025). Most students buy a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) for this amount from an approved Canadian bank (Scotiabank, ICICI Bank Canada, CIBC, RBC, SBI Canada). The GIC is released to you in monthly instalments after arrival.
- 6
Apply for the Canada Study Permit (standard stream)
The Student Direct Stream (SDS) was discontinued by IRCC on 8 November 2024 — and Nepal was never on the SDS country list anyway. All Nepali applicants now use the standard study permit stream. Apply online via the IRCC Portal. Fee: CAD 150 + biometrics CAD 85 = CAD 235 total. Required: LOA from a DLI, PAL (if your category needs one), proof of funds (GIC or bank statements), proof of any tuition paid, medical exam, English test report. Processing time varies by visa office — typically 8–16+ weeks from Nepal; check the IRCC processing-time tool for the current estimate.
- 7
Biometrics + medical exam
Submit biometrics at VFS Kathmandu (no other Nepal location does Canada biometrics). Medical exam from an IRCC-approved panel physician (limited list in Kathmandu — IOM Kathmandu is standard). Both must be completed before the visa decision. Biometrics fee CAD 85; medical exam NPR 8,000–12,000.
- 8
Travel + arrival in Canada
Once approved you receive a Port of Entry (POE) Letter — not the study permit itself. Show the POE letter at the Canadian airport — the officer prints your study permit on arrival. Register with the DLI, apply for SIN (Social Insurance Number) within 1 week, set up provincial health card, and open a Canadian bank account. PGWP (Post-Graduation Work Permit) is available for up to 3 years after program completion.
PTE scores for Canada study + PR
PTE Academic for the study permit and university admission. PTE Core for IRCC Express Entry, PNP, and CEC permanent residence.
| Course / Stage | Overall score | Component minimum |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate (most universities) | PTE Academic 58–65 | L/R/W/S 50+ |
| Postgraduate (Master's) | PTE Academic 60–70 | L/R/W/S 58+ |
| College / Diploma (PGWP-eligible) | PTE Academic 50–58 | L/R/W/S 50+ |
| Study Permit (standard stream) | No fixed IRCC minimum | Meet your DLI's English requirement |
| Express Entry CEC — CLB 7 (minimum) | — | PTE Core L60 R60 W69 S68 |
| Express Entry FSW — CLB 9 (better CRS) | — | PTE Core L82 R78 W88 S84 |
| Express Entry — CLB 10 (max language points) | — | PTE Core L89 R88 W90 S89 |
Full breakdown: PTE Core for Canada · PTE Core → CLB chart · CRS language points.
Cost of studying in Canada from Nepal — CAD + NPR
| Item | CAD / NPR | Approx. NPR |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition (undergraduate) | CAD 18,000–35,000 / year | NPR 20–39 lakh / year |
| Tuition (postgraduate) | CAD 20,000–45,000 / year | NPR 22–50 lakh / year |
| College / diploma program | CAD 14,000–22,000 / year | NPR 16–25 lakh / year |
| Proof of funds (GIC preferred) | CAD 22,895 (released in monthly instalments) | NPR ~25.5 lakh |
| Study Permit visa fee | CAD 150 | NPR ~16,700 |
| Biometrics fee | CAD 85 | NPR ~9,500 |
| Provincial health + private insurance | CAD 800–1,200 / year | NPR 89,000–1.34 lakh / year |
| PTE Academic / PTE Core | NPR ~38,000 | NPR ~38,000 |
| Medical exam (panel physician) | NPR 8,000–12,000 | NPR ~10,000 |
| Tuition deposit | CAD 10,000–20,000 | NPR 11–22 lakh |
NPR conversion uses NPR 111.47 / CAD (NRB selling rate, 16 May 2026). Verify the current rate before sending funds.
Documents for Canada study permit (standard stream)
- Valid Nepali passport (minimum 6 months validity beyond study permit end)
- NEB +2 transcripts, Bachelor's transcripts (for Master's) — original + WES evaluation if required by DLI
- PTE Academic score report (meeting your DLI's English requirement); PTE Core if planning Express Entry post-study
- LOA (Letter of Acceptance) from a DLI
- Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL/TAL) from your province — required for most undergrad, college, and non-degree applicants since January 2024; Master's, PhD, and K-12 at public DLIs are exempt as of 2026
- GIC certificate (CAD 22,895) — preferred proof of funds, OR equivalent liquid funds with full bank statements
- Proof of any tuition paid (accelerates processing)
- Statement of Purpose for university + study plan for visa
- 2 academic or professional references
- Bank statements (12 months) + sponsor affidavit + source of funds
- Medical exam report from IRCC-approved panel physician
- Biometrics submission receipt (VFS Kathmandu)
- Police clearance from Nepal Police
- Custodian declaration (only if applicant is under 18)
- Passport-size photos (Canada visa biometric spec — 35×45 mm)
Already in Canada? PTE Core coach for Canada PR
If you're already in Canada — finishing PGWP, applying via Express Entry, or pursuing a PNP — Smriti coaches PTE Core for CLB 9/10 in your local evening (Toronto 8:00 PM EST = Nepal 6:45 AM next day; usually morning Toronto / evening Nepal is best). Resources:
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