Study in Canada

Canada is one of the world's most preferred study destinations, offering globally recognized qualifications, excellent academic standards, affordable education compared to many Western countries, and strong pathways to employment and immigration. International students benefit from a multicultural society, safe environment, and attractive post-graduation work opportunities.

Visa requirements

Step 1 – Admission Assessment Evaluate academic profile, study gap, English proficiency, and financial capacity. Step 2 – Apply to Institution Submit: Academic Documents Passport English Test CV SOP Step 3 – Receive Offer Letter Institution issues Conditional or Unconditional Offer. Step 4 – Pay Tuition Deposit Student pays required tuition deposit. Step 5 – Receive Letter of Acceptance (LOA) Institution issues official Letter of Acceptance. Step 6 – Obtain PAL Provincial Attestation Letter (where applicable). Step 7 – Prepare Financial Documents Prepare: Tuition Fee Payment Proof Bank Statement (Block Account) Source of Funds Sponsor Documents GIC (if required) Income Evidence Step 8 – Lodge Study Permit Application Submit online through IRCC Portal. Step 9 – Biometrics Attend VAC for biometrics. Pakistan VAC Locations: Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi Step 10 – Medical Examination Complete medical examination through IRCC-approved panel physician. Step 11 – Additional Review IRCC may request: Updated Financial Documents Additional Explanations Employment Verification Updated SOP Step 12 – Passport Request (PPR) Upon approval, Passport Request is issued. Step 13 – Visa Stamping Submit passport for visa counterfoil. Step 14 – Travel to Canada Carry: Passport LOA PAL Financial Documents Tuition Receipts Accommodation Details Note: All academic and other documents must attested from the relevant authoritiesLike IBCC Attestation (SSC/HSSC) HEC Attestation (Bachelor's/Master's) MOFA Apostille / Attestation (where required) Updated CV / Resume

Academic requirements

Diploma / Foundation Minimum 60% Marks in HSSC. Bachelor's Degree Minimum 70% Marks in HSSC. Master's Degree Recognized Bachelor's Degree with minimum 2.5 CGPA or 60% Marks. Graduate Certificate Recognized Bachelor's Degree or equivalent qualification. PhD Relevant Master's Degree with a strong academic and research profile. Admission is subject to the availability and acceptance of a suitable research supervisor and the university's doctoral admission requirements.

English requirements

Accepted Qualifications: IELTS Academic IELTS One Skill Retake (where accepted) PTE Academic TOEFL iBT Duolingo (selected institutions) CAEL (selected institutions) Typical Requirements: Diploma: IELTS 6.0 Bachelor's: IELTS 6.0 Overall Master's: IELTS 6.5 Overall PhD: IELTS 6.5–7.0

Financial requirements

Applicants must demonstrate sufficient and readily available funds to cover: First-year tuition fees Minimum required living expenses Return transportation Expenses of accompanying family members, where applicable For applications submitted on or after 1 September 2025, the minimum living-expense requirement for one student outside Quebec is CAD 22,895, excluding tuition fees and transportation costs. Guaranteed Investment Certificate — GIC A Canadian Guaranteed Investment Certificate may be used as proof of living funds and is commonly referred to as a “blocked account.” The required amount may be transferred to an eligible Canadian financial institution and released to the student according to the institution’s payment schedule after arrival. A GIC is an accepted and strong form of financial evidence but is not automatically mandatory for every regular study-permit application unless required by the selected institution, financial arrangement or specific application strategy. Other Accepted Financial Evidence Where a GIC is not used, the applicant may provide: Canadian or foreign bank statements for the previous four months Proof of a Canadian bank account in the applicant’s name Student or education loan approval Bank draft convertible into Canadian dollars Scholarship or funding confirmation Proof of first-year tuition and housing payments Sponsor’s financial-support letter Sponsor’s income, employment or business documents Evidence explaining the source and availability of funds The applicant must show adequate funds for the first year and explain how the remaining duration of the programme will be financed. Recommended AFI Financial Structure Preferred option: First-year tuition fee paid or substantially deposited GIC of at least CAD 22,895 for living expenses Separate funds for travel and incidental expenses Supporting sponsor income and source-of-funds documents Alternative option: First-year tuition payment Minimum CAD 22,895 living funds demonstrated through acceptable bank evidence At least four months of banking history Clear and verifiable source of funds Sponsor’s income, taxation, employment or business evidence Recommended Overall Budget: PKR 8–12 million, depending on tuition fees, exchange rate, programme, province and accompanying family members.

AFI success benchmark

Based on AFI student outcomes, 70.0% of well-prepared profiles for Canada proceed successfully through admission and visa stages.