Studying in Canada from the Philippines: costs, colleges, work rights and next steps

How many Filipino 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.

On December 31, 2024, 43,785 Filipino citizens held a valid study permit. Ten years earlier, at the end of 2014, the number was 1,810.

What changed for Filipino 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.

The Philippines was one of the Student Direct Stream countries. Since November 8, 2024, Filipino students use the regular stream and the Manila visa office checklist.

What does a college diploma cost?

The table uses Conestoga College’s published 2026/2027 international tuition as an example. Other colleges set their own fees. US-dollar figures use the Bank of Canada rate for October 9, 2026 (US$1 = $1.4271). For pesos, multiply by the current Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas reference rate.

Conestoga says its tuition does not include compulsory ancillary fees, and asks for a $2,500 deposit within 30 days of acceptance. The deposit is non-refundable except in some cases of visa refusal. Check your own school’s fee page. For hidden extras, see hidden costs for international students.

What does the Manila checklist ask for?

IRCC’s Manila Visa Office Additional Document Checklist (IMM 5836, version 02-2026) is used with the general checklist (IMM 5483). It asks for:

• Passport with at least 2 blank visa pages and at least 6 months of validity. Your permit cannot go past your passport’s expiry.
• The school’s official fee schedule, showing tuition, housing and meal plans, and other costs such as medical insurance and books.
• A personal study plan that links the program to your education, work and career goals.
• Proof of studies: all diplomas, certificates and transcripts.
• Police certificates if you are 18 or older, for every country where you lived 6 months or more in a row in the past 10 years, since age 18. For the Philippines, an original NBI clearance issued in the last 3 months, with a dry seal and your thumbprint.
• Proof of funds: 6 months of bank records or fixed deposits for you, your spouse or your parents, plus income tax documents and employment letters. If someone else pays, a letter explaining why, and their records.

If your NBI clearance shows a remark, the checklist asks for an NBI explanation, full court records and your own explanation. A medical exam is required for the Philippines if you will stay more than 6 months.

How do I choose a program?

• Check PGWP eligibility. College programs must meet field-of-study rules to lead to a post-graduation work permit (PGWP). See PGWP-eligible fields.
• Check the PAL/TAL. College programs need one. Your school requests it from the province.
• Nursing? Working as a nurse in Canada needs a licence from a provincial regulator, which is separate from your diploma. Read nursing programs for international students.
• Compare routes in college vs university.

Can I work while I study?

Full-time students at a DLI may work up to 24 hours a week off campus during classes, and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks such as summer. You need a study permit that allows work and a social insurance number. IRCC says working more than 24 hours a week during classes breaks your conditions, and you can lose your student status.

IRCC still requires you to prove you can pay your costs without working. Plan your budget on your own funds, not on expected wages. See working while you study.

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.

The Manila checklist says that any fees you pay before a decision, such as administration or tuition fees, are paid at your own risk. Track your documents with the study permit checklist.

How do I pay tuition from the Philippines?

Pay only through the methods on your school’s official website. Bank options, fees and documents are covered in paying Canadian tuition from the Philippines and bringing money from the Philippines. Watch for anyone offering a tuition “discount” or asking you to pay a personal account. See study in Canada scams.

Guides for students from other countries: India, Nigeria, China 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: Manila Visa Office Additional Document Checklist, Study Permit (IMM 5836)
• IRCC: Study permit, proof of financial support
• IRCC: Medical exam requirements by country
• IRCC: Fee list
• IRCC: Work off campus as an international student (modified April 15, 2026)
• Conestoga College: International fees and payment (2026/2027)
• Bank of Canada: Daily exchange rates

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