Temporary immigration for studies in Québec falls under the shared jurisdiction of the federal government (Canada) and the provincial government (Québec).
If you plan to come to Québec for short-term studies (a study program of six months or less), you do not need a study permit or a Québec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ).
If you plan to undertake a program lasting more than six months, regardless of the level of study, you will need:
It is also important to choose an institution that is recognized by a provincial or territorial government to host international students: a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
Watch this video from our partner, BB Immigration, an immigration law firm, which explains the steps to obtain a temporary study permit in Canada.
If you are the spouse or a dependent child of a temporary worker (TW) and wish to pursue vocational training in Québec, you should know that, in certain situations, you may be eligible for an exemption from tuition fees. This measure aims to facilitate access to a program leading to a recognized diploma and to the acquisition of skills that are in demand in high‑need occupations, which can help support your integration into the Québec labour market.
What you need to find is a level of study, a program, and a recognized Designated Learning Institution (DLI) that align with your goals for future studies in Québec City or the surrounding region.
This step is completely free, there is no need to use an intermediary.
Choose a level of study that suits your needs:
Learn more about the Québec education system and how it compares with other education systems.
For admission applications, opening and file assessment fees must be paid directly to the DLI of your choice.
If you apply through the Mon Compte Québec en tête platform to several institutions and different study programs, you may apply to up to two programs per institution for each recruitment initiative.
For more information about our student recruitment initiatives, please consult our recruitment initiatives calendar and create your profile on Mon Compte Québec en tête. Our initiatives are free of charge. Dates and targeted study levels may change depending on the DLIs participating in each initiative.
Important: Wait until you are officially accepted on to a study program by a designated learning institution (DLI) before you begin your immigration process!
You can consult the full list of DLIs on the official Canadian immigration website (IRCC) but be aware that all educational establishments that participate in our international student initiatives are, of course, recognized as DLIs.
With your letter of admission, you will be able to complete your Québec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) application for studies with the Ministry of Immigration, Francization and Integration (MIFI).
You will need:
You will also need to demonstrate that you have sufficient financial resources to cover all tuition fees (as indicated in the cost estimate), transportation expenses (round-trip travel from your country of origin), settlement costs, and living expenses for your first year of study. As an indication, for a single person aged 18 or over, the total living expenses amount to CAD $24,617 per year as of January 1, 2026, in addition to tuition fees. See more details regarding proof of financial resources.
On this Government of Québec webpage, you will find additional information about studying in Québec, including:
Once you have received a positive decision from the MIFI on your temporary selection application, you can apply for a study permit from the Canadian government.
You don’t need an intermediary to complete your application!
You can apply online or on paper. If you need help filling out your application, contact your nearest visa application centre (VAC).
Find out more about:
If an internship is an essential part of your study program, also apply for a work permit as an intern or co-op program student.
Here are some other things to know if:
you wish to be accompanied by your spouse or common-law partner;
you wish to be accompanied by your minor child(ren);
you wish to work during your studies. See also the Canadian government website Studying and working in Canada as an international student.
Note: In order to work in Canada, you must obtain a Social Insurance Number (SIN) from Service Canada.
You should also find out what the enrolment fees are for the program you have chosen! Tuition fees vary based on many criteria.
After obtaining your diploma from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI), you may be eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), which allows you to work temporarily in Canada. This open work permit enables you to work for the employer of your choice, anywhere in Canada.
However, graduating from a DLI does not automatically make you eligible for a PGWP. Since November 1, 2024, the eligibility requirements for the PGWP have changed.
As with a study permit, it is possible to include your spouse or common-law partner in your post-graduation work permit application. They may then apply for an open work permit that remains valid until the expiry of your PGWP.
Learn more about the PGWP.