Studying in Canada from China: universities, fees and study permit documents

How many Chinese students come to Canada?

Source: IRCC open data, study permit holders by country of citizenship and year the permit became effective (data to July 31, 2026). A permit “becomes effective” when it is issued, so the count includes new students and extensions. IRCC rounds values to the nearest 5.

The number of permits for Chinese citizens fell much less than for India, so China’s share has grown. On December 31, 2024, 99,650 Chinese citizens held a valid study permit. The peak was 141,710 at the end of 2018.

What changed for Chinese students?

• The fast-track streams are gone. The Student Direct Stream (SDS) and the Nigeria Student Express (NSE) ended at 2:00 p.m. ET on November 8, 2024. Everyone now applies through the regular study permit stream. IRCC says the regular stream accepts a guaranteed investment certificate (GIC) as proof of funds.
• There is a cap. Most new college and undergraduate students need a provincial or territorial attestation letter (PAL/TAL). See the study permit cap and PAL rules.
• Students in degree-granting master’s and PhD programs at public schools are exempt from the PAL/TAL from January 1, 2026. The exemption does not cover private schools.
• Proof of funds went up. For applications from September 1, 2026 (outside Quebec), one student must show $23,448 for living costs, plus first-year tuition and travel.

China was a Student Direct Stream country. Since November 8, 2024, Chinese students apply through the regular stream, using the Beijing, Guangzhou and Shanghai visa office checklist.

How much is university tuition by province?

Statistics Canada’s 2026/2027 average tuition for international students in full-time degree programs (table 37-10-0045-01). Each school and program sets its own fee.

Engineering, computer science and business usually cost more than the average. See engineering tuition compared and tuition fees in Canada. Quebec has its own rules and needs a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ): see studying in Quebec.

What does a first year cost in yuan?

Converted at the Bank of Canada rate for October 9, 2026: ¥1 = $0.2132. Your bank’s rate will differ.

For a full budget by city, use the cost of studying calculator.

What does the Beijing visa office ask for?

IRCC publishes an extra checklist for the Beijing, Guangzhou and Shanghai visa office (IMM 5977, version 02-2026). It lists these documents:

• Education, employment and travel form (IMM 0104) for you and your parents, completed in English or French and in Chinese.
• National identity card, both sides.
• Medical exam form from the panel physician, if done. A medical exam is required for China for stays over 6 months.
• Study plan of no more than 1 page, linking the program to your background and career goals, and your original household registration (hukou).
• Latest diploma or degree and transcripts.
• Police certificates if you are over 18, for each country where you lived 6 months or more in a row since age 18.
• Proof of funds with at least 12 months of history. Examples are original certificates of deposit dated in the last 2 months, deposit slips, bank passbooks or property certificates. You can add a written explanation of where the money came from. Do not send life insurance booklets.
• Parents’ employment letters, and a notarized business registration if they own a business.

All Chinese documents need an English or French translation. The checklist warns that fake documents lead to refusal and can make you inadmissible for 5 years.

How does a graduate program compare?

A master’s or PhD is another route. From January 1, 2026, degree-granting master’s and PhD programs at public schools need no PAL/TAL. Average international graduate tuition ($24,693) is also lower than undergraduate ($42,062). Research students may get funding from their school. See master’s and PhD in Canada and scholarships for international students.

After graduation, the post-graduation work permit (PGWP) rules depend on your program. Use the PGWP eligibility checker.

What are the steps, from choosing a school to arriving?

1. Choose a school and program. Check that the school is on IRCC’s DLI list and whether the program can lead to a PGWP.
2. Apply for admission. Apply to the school directly or through an agent you have checked. Pay any application fee only to the school.
3. Get your letter of acceptance and PAL/TAL. The school confirms your letter to IRCC after you apply for your permit. Most college and undergraduate students also need a PAL/TAL, which the school usually requests.
4. Gather proof of funds. Plan for first-year tuition, $23,448 for living costs and travel.
5. Book your medical exam with an IRCC panel physician, if it applies to you.
6. Apply online. Pay the $150 permit fee and the $85 biometrics fee. Upload the general checklist documents and any visa office checklist.
7. Give biometrics. IRCC says you have 30 days from the date on the request letter.
8. Wait for a decision. Check current processing times on IRCC’s website. Do not book flights you cannot change before you are approved.

For the Beijing office, start collecting savings records early. The checklist asks for at least 12 months of history, so a deposit made just before you apply will not show the history it asks for. Track your documents with the study permit checklist.

How do I pay fees from China?

China has foreign exchange rules for individuals, and banks ask for documents before sending tuition payments. Those rules are covered in paying Canadian tuition from China and bringing money from China. Pay only to the school or its named payment partner, and keep the receipt. IRCC accepts proof of paid tuition as part of your funds.

Be careful with calls or messages that claim to be from police, a consulate or IRCC and demand money. Read study in Canada scams.

Guides for students from other countries: India, Nigeria, the Philippines and Sri Lanka.

Common questions

Sources

• IRCC open data: Study permit holders by country of citizenship (data to July 31, 2026)
• IRCC: End of the Student Direct Stream and Nigeria Student Express
• IRCC: Beijing, Guangzhou and Shanghai Visa Office Additional Document Checklist, Study Permit (IMM 5977)
• IRCC: Study permit, proof of financial support
• IRCC: Provincial attestation letter (PAL/TAL)
• IRCC: Medical exam requirements by country
• IRCC: Fee list
• Statistics Canada: Table 37-10-0045-01, tuition fees by level of study (2026/2027)
• Statistics Canada: Tuition fees for degree programs, 2026/2027 (The Daily, September 16, 2026)
• Bank of Canada: Daily exchange rates

Checked against these sources on October 10, 2026. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.