Canada is one of the top destinations for Iranian students — strong universities, lower tuition than the US or UK, the right to work part-time during study, and the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) that effectively bridges study to permanent residence. This page walks through every step from picking a DLI to securing your PGWP.
Study Permits are only issued for schools on the DLI list. Critically, only graduates of "PGWP-eligible" DLIs qualify for the Post-Graduation Work Permit — always check the PGWP-eligible column on the official list before paying any tuition deposit.
canada.ca — apply for study permit
Canada's Tehran visa office is closed; Iranian applications are processed through Ankara or Istanbul. Biometrics must be given at a VAC in Türkiye, the UAE, or another third country. Processing typically takes 8 to 16 weeks — plan with generous buffer before your program start date.
Verify current status at ircc.canada.ca
Since 2024, the minimum living-cost proof of funds is CAD $20,635 per student per year, plus first-year tuition. The easiest method is purchasing a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) from a Canadian bank like Scotiabank, RBC, or CIBC — the funds release to you in monthly instalments after arrival.
SDS is IRCC's fast-track stream for students from selected countries (India, China, Vietnam, etc.). Iran is NOT on the SDS list, so Iranian applicants must use the regular study-permit stream — same documents required, but processing is slower.
Most Canadian universities accept IELTS Academic with overall 6.5 (6.0 in each band); public colleges usually accept 6.0 overall. CELPIP is only offered inside Canada, so IELTS is more practical from Iran. For Quebec institutions, French TEF/TCF is also required for some programs.
wes.org/ca — World Education Services
For both university admission and later Express Entry, your Iranian credentials must be evaluated by an IRCC-designated body. WES, ICAS, CES, and IQAS are accepted; WES is usually fastest for Iranian applicants because of established procedures for major Iranian universities.
The PGWP is an open work permit issued after graduating from an eligible DLI — valid 8 months to 3 years depending on program length. The Canadian work experience you build on a PGWP is exactly what qualifies you for CEC under Express Entry, making PGWP the main bridge to PR.
canada.ca — student work rules
Students with a valid study permit can now work up to 24 hours per week off-campus (raised from 20 hours in November 2024), with full-time work allowed during scheduled breaks. A SIN is required, and unauthorized work can destroy your future PR application — never risk it.
The Lester B. Pearson (UofT undergrad, full ride), Vanier (PhD, $50,000/year), and Trudeau (humanities) scholarships are the most prestigious. Every university also offers entrance scholarships to international students — usually no separate application needed, just strong grades and references.
Statistics Canada — tuition data
Quebec is the cheapest province for international students (roughly half of Ontario), and Newfoundland is another affordable option. Ontario and BC are the most expensive but have stronger graduate job markets. International tuition is 3 to 5 times the domestic rate everywhere in Canada.
Co-op programs (e.g., University of Waterloo, SFU, Sheridan College) integrate paid professional work terms into your degree. A separate Co-op Work Permit is required and issued alongside your Study Permit. The Canadian work experience dramatically strengthens both your resume and PR prospects.
The Government of Canada's official portal for international students — search programs by field, find scholarships, and read visa guides all in one place. Information here is always more up-to-date than third-party agency sites — check this source first before trusting any agent.
Before you fly, have these ready: ✅ passport valid 6+ months · ✅ admission letter + Port of Entry Letter of Introduction · ✅ GIC receipt + proof of funds · ✅ transcripts with certified translations · ✅ IELTS results · ✅ biometrics + visa · ✅ medical exam (if required) · ✅ interim health insurance for the first weeks · ✅ initial accommodation booked · ✅ some Canadian cash on hand.
پس از رسیدن: SIN بگیر، حساب بانکی باز کن، کارت سلامت استان را اقدام کن، و سیمکارت کانادایی بگیر — راهنمای کامل در راهنمای شهرها.
For complex Study Permit files, refusal appeals, or PGWP-to-PR transitions, work with an RCIC or immigration lawyer. Browse Farsi-speaking consultants in our directory.
Farsi-speaking immigration consultants →
Information current for 2026