Eligibility, Visas and Permits

Each college and university sets its own admission standards. These standards may change from year to year. This information can be found on each school's website and in their course calendars.

• Ontario colleges
• Ontario universities

The Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials provides useful information if you want to have your existing credentials assessed. You may also consult World Education Services, a not-for-profit organization specializing in foreign credential evaluation.

When applying to a college or university in Ontario you need to submit, along with your application:

1. All academic transcripts: original or certified copies of your high school record and, if applicable, postsecondary education records, including the courses you took and the grades you achieved.
2. Proof of English-language or French-language proficiency. Generally, accepted results include: Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL); the International English Language Testing System (IELTS); and the Canadian Academic English Language (CAEL) Assessment.

Depending on your citizenship, you might also need to pass a medical examination. Go to Canada Immigration's listing of countries of origin to see if you require a medical examination.

You should set up an exam as soon as you are accepted to an Ontario postsecondary institution. Otherwise it may add up to three months to the processing of your application.

Only a physician on Canada's list of designated medical practitioners can conduct your medical examination.

If you attend a university in Ontario, you must enrol in the University Health Insurance Plan.

If you are attending a college in Ontario, or a private college or university, contact the international student office for further information regarding health care insurance for international students.

If you plan to study in Ontario for more than six months, you'll need to obtain a study permit. In most cases, whether or not you plan on staying for six months, you must apply for a study permit before coming to Canada. You can apply at the Canadian visa office in your country.

Here's what you need to apply:

1. A letter of acceptance from the school you want to attend.
2. Proof of identity (such as a passport or travel document) for you and any family members who come with you to Canada.
3. Proof that you have enough money to pay school fees, support yourself and any family members who come with you while you study as well as to pay for return transportation for you and any family members.
4. A return ticket or other document that demonstrates to an immigration officer that you and any family members who come with you will return home after you complete your studies.
5. You must be in good health and willing to complete a medical examination.

Depending on your country of origin, you may also need a temporary resident visa (aka "entry visa") to enter Canada to visit, study or work temporarily. Check the list of countries and territories whose citizens need an entry visa here.

Many visa offices have specific local instructions about which documents you must submit with your application. To find out the requirements and to get an application, consult the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website to find your nearest international visa office.

If you are bringing any family members to Ontario with you, you'll need a marriage certificate or completed statutory proof of common law union form, birth certificates for your children and Study Permits to allow your children to attend public or private school.

Find out what other forms you need by contacting your nearest international visa office.

If you have any criminal conviction you may be asked to provide a Police Clearance Certificate to demonstrate that you will be a law-abiding once you arrive.