Studying in Canada: A list of essentials for international students

Whether you received your acceptance by email, link or via a physical letter in the mail, be sure to have a printed copy of your acceptance for when you arrive in Canada. When you apply for your study permit, you’ll need to show Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) proof of acceptance to a university or college program. Make sure to include your application form as well.

When you're travelling to Canada, your passport isn't the only form of government ID you'll need to bring with you. Make sure to bring additional proof of identification like a driver’s license or insurance card from your home country. Before you book that one-way ticket, double-check the expiration date on your passport. It needs to be valid for a minimum of six months and ideally, for the duration of your study period. It's important to remember that a study permit can't be issued for a period beyond the validity of your passport. 

If you need to renew your passport, make sure you apply as soon as possible. Processing times vary from country to country but can often take six weeks or longer. If you wait until you’ve arrived in Canada to renew your passport, you’ll have to face embassy visits, long line-ups and even more forms — the last thing you want to deal with when you’re starting school. 

It's important to keep your money safe and accessible to cover expenses while you’re living and studying in Canada. To get a student visa, you’ll need to provide supporting documents. International students studying outside of Quebec are required to prove they have a minimum amount of $20,635 Opens in a new window.  CA, in addition to funds for tuition. In Quebec, it’s $11,000 Opens in a new window.  CA. 

A great way to demonstrate approved financing is with a $20,635 CA Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC). GICs can help you show proof of funds and give you immediate access to money you’ll need. 

One of Canada’s oldest banks, CIBC has locations across Canada, including on or near Canadian university and college campuses. CIBC’s Student GIC Program is a great choice for international students who want a convenient way to fund their education, without the steep service fees of other banks. It’s a quick and easy process that allows you to get your GIC confirmation as soon as possible. 

Other than a GIC, you can provide proof with a number of different financial support documents. You'll want to provide proof of:

• A Canadian bank account in your name 
• A student loan or educational loan from a bank 
• Your bank statements from the past four months
• A bank draft that can be converted to Canadian dollars 
• Payment of your tuition and housing 
• Funding paid from within Canada if you received a scholarship

While costs vary depending on institution, program and location, you'll likely need between $10,000 CA and $30,000 CA Opens in a new window.  annually to cover your tuition in Canada.  

Most Canadian universities accept bank drafts or money orders in Canadian funds. However, if you'd prefer to pay in your home country’s currency, ask your school about CIBC’s International Student Pay program Opens in a new window.. You can pay your school fees from anywhere in the world in just a few steps.

There are a variety of payment methods to choose from and you, a parent or an agent acting on your behalf can make the payment. With this program, you’ll also get access to competitive live exchange rates that you can lock in, as well as receive detailed instructions and updates about your payment.

Upon arriving in Canada, you can book meetings with CIBC representatives who can help you in many languages, including Hindi, Punjabi, Cantonese, Mandarin and Vietnamese. 

In order to study in Canada, you'll need to obtain a Canadian study permit which serves as a Canadian student visa for the duration of your stay. 

You may not need a Canadian study permit if your course or program lasts six months or less, but it may be a good idea to apply for one anyway. Otherwise, if you decide you want to continue your studies in another program, you’ll need to leave Canada to apply for a study permit again through a visa office. 

To apply for a study permit, you need to show proof of acceptance, proof of identity and proof of financial support (the first three tips on this list). You can apply online or through a paper application, which can be obtained from the CIC Opens in a new window. . 

However, paper applications typically take about twice as long. Check the processing times Opens in a new window.  well in advance so you’re not left scrambling. 

To apply online, you’ll need a credit or debit card and the ability to create electronic copies of your supporting documents using a scanner or camera. The visa office in your country will provide specific instructions about which documents you need to provide, as this can vary depending on your location. If you need help, contact your nearest visa application center (VAC) Opens in a new window. . 

Depending on your home country, you might be required to pass a medical examination before you can live and study in Canada. Make sure to bring the medical documents requested by your school. These are typically your medical, dental and vaccination records, which you can request from your doctor and dentist. 

Speaking of vaccinations, you should also visit your doctor for a full medical check-up to ensure you have all the necessary shots before you travel. Lastly, you’re going to want to stock up on your medications. Foreign prescriptions aren't always available in Canada — give yourself some extra time to collect your prescriptions so that your medication won’t run out once you’re here. 

If travelling to Canada with prescription medication, ensure you have proof of the prescription available to show to Canadian border authorities upon request. 

It’s typical for a Canadian post-secondary student to use a laptop for note-taking and studying and a smartphone for keeping in touch with new friends and classmates. If you’re bringing tech from home, make sure it’s in good condition and compatible with Canadian outlets and voltages. If in doubt, pick up a few adapters so you can keep your gadgets charged up. You might also want to get a local SIM card and data plan so you don’t have to deal with roaming charges.

You have many options when it comes to finding accommodation as an international student. Staying on campus is a great choice, as it offers the easiest access to the university. However, if you’re looking for a more budget-conscious option, homestays can offer a home-like experience while also keeping costs low. Some options include Canada Homestay Network Opens in a new window.  and YES Canada Opens in a new window. .

Don’t just rely on your smartphone! In case of emergencies, create a list of contacts including parents, siblings, guardians, local friends and relatives and email it to yourself and your roommates. Print out a physical copy and keep it with your important documents so you always know where to find it.

You should also provide a similar list to any local relatives or friends so they know how to contact you or someone close to you.

It might seem like an unnecessary cost, but travel insurance can be a lifesaver for international students. For a small, one-off payment, travel insurance will cover you during your studies, whether it be illness, injury or theft. 

Additionally, all international students in Canada must have health insurance. Medical coverage available to international students varies from province to province, so you might need to spend some extra money to arrange private health insurance coverage. 

If you live somewhere sunny with a temperate climate, Canada’s winter temperatures may be something of a shock to you. From September to early December, you may experience a mixture of sunny and warm days and the occasional rainfall. But as winter arrives, the temperature will drop to an average of -6°C. 

You can wait until you arrive to pick up winter essentials like a winter coat, hat, gloves and warm socks. And remember, if you’re not used to living through extreme weather, it’s a good idea to prepare for a range of temperatures and precipitation.

However, don’t put off that shopping trip for too long. Winter weather has been known to arrive as early as October.