Canada · Education sector‘A massive punch in the face’: Students pay the price for ILAC’s sudden collapse
The PIE News ↗ (read at source)
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Study in
Imagine a co-op term at a Toronto tech company, winter skating after class, and up to three years to build your career after you graduate.
Co-op programmesUp to 3 years’ post-study work24 hrs/week term-time work
TorontoVancouverCalgaryMontreal
Your journey
From choosing a course to working in Canada
Seven steps, using Canada’s real rules. Tap any step, or let it play.
Step 1 of 7 · Start here
Choose a career
- Start with what you enjoy and the career you want.
- Pick a course in Canada that leads there.
- An adviser checks the entry requirements with you, free.
Key facts
Taught master’s1–2 years
Work after graduatingup to 3 years
Work while studying24 hrs/week
IntakesSeptember (main) · January · May
Master’s1–2 years
Bachelor’s4 years
Post-study workPGWP up to 3 years (field-of-study rules apply to college programmes)
Term-time work24 hrs/week off-campus; full-time in scheduled breaks
Living funds (IRCC)CAD 23,448+ per year for a single student, plus tuition
Every policy line is checked against official sources. Last verified: 22 Sep 2026.
Life in Canada
Climate
Cold winters (–10 °C to –25 °C in many cities). Budget for a proper winter coat
Transport
TTC and PRESTO in Toronto, with student discounts
Healthcare
Provincial plans or university insurance
Typical rent
CAD 1,000–2,000 / month shared
Part-time wage
Provincial minimum wage (Ontario ≈ CAD 17+)
Careers here
What students build in Canada
Careers with example courses at our partner universities in Canada. Open one to see its career ladder and the courses.
Grows with AI
AI, data & analytics
Build and question the systems everyone else will use.
Data analyst, junior data engineer, BI analystExample courses in Canada Grows with AISoftware & cybersecurity
Every AI system needs to be built, connected and kept safe.
Junior developer, SOC analyst, cloud support engineerExample courses in Canada Human-centredNursing & healthcare
The careers AI supports but cannot replace.
Registered nurse, public health officer, pharmacy technicianExample courses in Canada Grows with AIEngineering & robotics
Put AI into the physical world: machines, cities, energy.
Graduate engineer, engineering technologist, CAD technicianExample courses in Canada Grows with AIClimate, energy & environment
The energy transition needs people who understand the science.
Environmental officer, sustainability analyst, field technicianExample courses in Canada Grows with AIBiotech & life sciences
Where biology meets data and AI.
Lab technician, quality control analyst, research assistantExample courses in Canada Changing with AIBusiness analytics, finance & FinTech
Numbers are automated. Judgement about them isn’t.
Financial analyst, business analyst, audit associateExample courses in Canada Changing with AIManagement, marketing & supply chain
Lead people and projects in AI-powered organisations.
Operations coordinator, marketing executive, supply chain analystExample courses in Canada Changing with AIDesign, UX & digital media
AI makes images. Designers solve problems for people.
Junior UX designer, content producer, game artistExample courses in Canada Human-centredTeaching & early childhood
AI tutors exist. Children still need teachers.
Early childhood educator, teaching assistant, ESL teacherExample courses in Canada Changing with AILaw, justice & compliance
AI drafts contracts. Lawyers carry the responsibility.
Paralegal, compliance analyst, legal researcherExample courses in Canada Human-centredHospitality, tourism & events
Experiences are made by people.
Front office supervisor, events coordinator, commis chefExample courses in CanadaAlready studying in Canada?
Free help for students in Canada →Our service for your next course is free: advice, applications to our partner universities and colleges, and document checks, planned around your visa end date. Tuition and the university’s own fees are paid to the university as usual.
Checklists
Admission & student visa checklists for Canada
Free for everyone. Tick items off as you go (saved on this device), keep a printable copy, then ask an adviser for a free check of your list.
- Required
- Required
- Required
- If applicable
- Required
- If applicable
- If applicable
- If applicable
- If applicable
- If applicable
Want a dated plan to your intake? Build your full checklist for Canada.
Free adviser check
Send us your list. We’ll tell you what’s missing.
An adviser reviews your checklist for Canada and replies within one working day with:
- Which “if applicable” documents apply to you
- A realistic, dated plan to your September 2027 intake
- Courses at our partner universities that fit your profile
- The common mistakes that delay Canada applications
CanadaSeptember 20270% ready8 required to go
Free. Your checklist summary is sent with your message, so you don’t have to type it. We give general guidance on official checklists; we do not prepare visa applications.
Education system
How education works in Canada
ElementaryKindergarten–Grade 8Varies by province
SecondaryGrades 9–12e.g. Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)
CollegeCertificate / diploma1–3 years, career-focused, many with co-op
Graduate certificatePost-degree8–12 months
UniversityBachelor’s4 years (Honours)
GraduateMaster’s / PhDCourse-based or thesis-based
Institutions
Universities, colleges and schools
Search the institutions we work with, by type.
UniversityLaurentian UniversitySudbury
- Master of Science - Computational Sciences
UniversityAlgoma University - Sault Ste. MarieSault Ste. Marie
- Bachelor of Computer Science - Mobile Software Engineering - Honours
- Bachelor of Computer Science - Honours
- Bachelor of Arts - Accounting - General
- Bachelor of Arts - Law and Justice - Honours
CollegeCentennial College - ProgressToronto
- Advanced College Diploma - Business Administration - Supply Chain and Operations Management (Optional Co-op)
UniversityAlgoma University - BramptonBrampton
- Bachelor of Business Administration - Human Resources - Honours
CollegeLoyalist College - Belleville CampusBelleville
- College Diploma - Civil Engineering Technician
CollegeConfederation College - Thunder BayThunder Bay
- College Diploma - Civil Engineering Technician
UniversityBrock UniversitySt. Catharines
- Bachelor of Public Health (Honours)
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)
UniversityToronto Metropolitan UniversityToronto
- Bachelor of Applied Science - Public Health (Optional Co-op)
CollegeConestoga College - DoonKitchener
- Graduate Certificate - Information Technology Business Analysis
- Graduate Certificate - Project Management
- Graduate Certificate - Enhanced Practice for Internationally Educated Nurses
- Graduate Certificate - Broadcasting Performance and Digital Media
CollegeSheridan College - TrafalgarOakville
- Advanced College Diploma - Computer Systems Technology - Software Development and Network Engineering (Optional Co-op)
- Bachelor of Game Design (Honours)
CollegeRed River College Polytechnic - Notre DameWinnipeg
- College Diploma - Business Administration - Logistics and Supply Chain Management
UniversityLakehead UniversityThunder Bay
- Bachelor of Engineering - Civil Engineering
CollegeSt. Lawrence College - KingstonKingston
- Advanced College Diploma - Civil Engineering Technology
- Advanced College Diploma - Biotechnology Advanced
- Advanced College Diploma - Graphic Design
- College Diploma - Early Childhood Education
CollegeConestoga College - Cambridge Fountain StreetCambridge
- Graduate Certificate - Robotics and Industrial Automation (Optional Co-op)
CollegeHumber Polytechnic - NorthToronto
- Bachelor of Science (Honours) - Nursing
CollegeSt. Clair College - Windsor CampusWindsor
- College Diploma - Pharmacy Technician
UniversityMount Allison UniversitySackville
- Bachelor of Science - Environmental Science
UniversityThompson Rivers University (TRU)Kamloops
- Master of Science - Environmental Science (Thesis)
- Master of Education
- Post-Baccalaureate Diploma - Managing Festivals and Events
UniversityCapilano University - North VancouverNorth Vancouver
- Bachelor of Early Childhood Care and Education
CollegeNorthern Lights College - Dawson CreekDawson Creek
- College Diploma - Criminology
CollegeJustice Institute of British Columbia - New Westminster CampusNew Westminster
- Post-Baccalaureate Diploma - Law Enforcement Studies
CollegeWinston CollegeNew Westminster
- College Diploma - Hospitality Management
UniversityUniversity of Prince Edward IslandCharlottetown
- Bachelor of Business Administration - Tourism and Hospitality (Optional Co-op)
UniversityDalhousie UniversityHalifax
- Master of Applied Computer Science (MACSc)
- Bachelor of Computer Science (BCS)
UniversityCarleton UniversityOttawa
- Bachelor of Computer Science (BCS)
UniversityUniversity of ManitobaWinnipeg
- Master of Engineering (MEng) – Electrical and Computer Engineering
- Bachelor of Commerce (Honours)
A selection of the institutions we work with. Register with us for personalised course recommendations.
Curriculum
What and how you’ll study
- Education is run by each province, so curriculum and graduation rules differ between Ontario, BC, Alberta and the rest.
- Co-op terms alternate study with paid work. From 1 April 2026, required co-op placements no longer need a separate work permit.
- Course-based master’s programmes are shorter. Thesis-based programmes usually include funding through research or teaching assistantships.
Assessment
How you’ll be assessed
| Continuous | Assignments, quizzes, labs and participation all year |
|---|---|
| Midterms and finals | Each term (September–December, January–April) |
| GPA | 4.0 or 4.33 scale, varies by school |
| Co-op | Employer evaluation plus a work-term report |
K-12
School placement for your child
K-12 service available
Children aged 5–18 can attend public school boards or private schools. A parent can usually come with them as a visitor or custodian. Most school boards assess English themselves, so a separate IELTS score is often not required.
K-12 admission guide →Costs & work
What it costs
| Tuition (college) | CAD 15k–22k / yr |
|---|---|
| Tuition (university) | CAD 25k–45k / yr |
| K-12 public boards | CAD 14k–20k / yr (sample) |
| Study permit fee | CAD 150 |
Sample ranges. Confirm your programme’s exact fees in your offer letter.
Self-service
True cost & proof of funds
TuitionCAD 25,000
Living costsCAD 23,448
Visa feeCAD 150
Health coverCAD 900
Total for 1 yearCAD 49,498≈ USD 36,134 at sample rates · IRCC cost-of-living figure for a single applicant
Sample 2026 figures and exchange rates. The live calculator uses the dated policy register and daily exchange rates.
Latest news
Canada: education & immigration updates
Official visa announcements and international-education news, updated automatically every day.
Canada · Education sectorAgents and former staffers left in the dark after ILAC goes bust
The PIE News ↗ (read at source)Canada · Education sectorEC English and ILAC’s closures tell an uncomfortable truth about Canada’s ELT sector
The PIE News ↗ (read at source)Canada · Education sectorILAC co-founder and ex-CEO opens new Toronto language school
The PIE News ↗ (read at source)Canada · Education sectorLanguages Canada vows to help students affected by "sudden and disorderly" ILAC closure
The PIE News ↗ (read at source)Canada · Education sectorBREAKING: ILAC Education Group in Canada files for bankruptcy
The PIE News ↗ (read at source)Canada · Education sectorCarney calls for Canada to join Erasmus in push for closer EU ties
The PIE News ↗ (read at source)Canada · Education sectorNumber of new international grad students soars in Canada
The PIE News ↗ (read at source)How we help with visas. Luminous International is an education consultancy. We are not licensed immigration consultants (RCIC) or lawyers, and we do not represent anyone to any immigration authority. We provide general guidance and document checklists. For Canadian study permits, visa guidance is free and general only. Our paid services cover admissions documents, not immigration documents. We do not offer paid visa document preparation for any destination.