Canada offers Brazilian students a range of educational options, opportunities to gain work experience while studying if eligible, and potential pathways to work in Canada after graduation. However, work authorization and immigration eligibility depend on the rules in effect and each student's circumstances. This guide explains how to choose a program, prepare your application, plan your finances, and get ready to study in Canada.
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Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only; Canadian immigration policies and study permit criteria change frequently—always verify current rules directly with official IRCC and provincial government portals.
Why Brazilian Students Choose to Study in Canada
Canada combines high-quality education with strong work and immigration options. At the end of 2024, 12,775 Brazilians held a Canadian study permit, which made Brazil one of the top 20 countries of citizenship for international students in Canada.
Work While You Study
Eligible international students can work up to 24 hours per week off campus during regular academic sessions and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, provided they meet the applicable eligibility requirements and study permit conditions.
Work After You Graduate
Graduates of eligible programs at qualifying institutions may be able to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). The permit's availability and duration depend on the program and the applicant's eligibility; not every program at every DLI qualifies.
Potential Pathways to Permanent Residence
Canadian education and skilled work experience may help you qualify for certain permanent residence programs, including Express Entry pathways. Meeting the eligibility requirements does not guarantee an invitation or permanent residence.
Study in English or French
Canadian institutions offer programs in English and French. Language of instruction, admission requirements, and available programs vary by institution and location.
Canada by the Numbers
Step 1: Choose a Program and School
Start by deciding what you want to study, which credential you need, and where you want to live in Canada. Before applying, check the following:
- The school is a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). Only DLIs can accept international students on a study permit.
- The program type fits your goals. Universities offer bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. Colleges offer diplomas, certificates, and some degrees. Compare colleges and universities.
- The program qualifies for a PGWP, if you want to work in Canada after you graduate. Check PGWP-eligible programs.
- The cost fits your budget, including tuition, living costs, and the exchange rate between the Brazilian real and the Canadian dollar. See the cost of studying in Canada.
Step 2: Check Admission Requirements
Each Canadian institution sets its own admission requirements. Brazilian applicants should check the requirements for their chosen program and credential level. Depending on the institution, you may need:
Note: Requirements differ by school, program, and level of study. Confirm accepted credentials, language tests, minimum scores, and document translation requirements directly with the institution before applying.
Step 3: Apply and Accept Your Offer
Apply through ApplyBoard or directly to the school. Most Canadian programs start in September, and many also start in January or May. Learn about Canadian intakes.
Once you receive an offer, review the admission conditions, confirm your acceptance, and pay any required deposit according to the institution's instructions. Your institution will provide the Letter of Acceptance (LOA) needed for your study permit application. Check that your personal details, program, campus, and start date are correct. Read our LOA guide.
Step 4: Find Out If You Need a PAL
A Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter (PAL/TAL) is generally required for many international students applying for a study permit. The letter confirms that the student's application falls within the relevant province or territory's allocation under Canada's international student system.
PAL/TAL requirements depend on your program and circumstances:
Note: If you will study in Quebec, you also need a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ). Learn about study permit caps and PALs.
Step 5: Gather Your Study Permit Documents
Before applying, prepare the documents required for your situation. These may include:
- Valid Brazilian passport
- Letter of Acceptance from your DLI
- PAL/TAL, if required
- Proof of funds: your first-year tuition, plus at least CAD 23,448 for living costs if you study outside Quebec, plus travel costs. See proof of funds rules.
- A letter of explanation that explains why you want to study in Canada and your plans. Learn how to write one.
- Any other documents IRCC asks for, such as a medical exam or police certificate
Tip! Documents not in English or French must meet IRCC's translation requirements. Depending on who translates them, an affidavit may also be necessary. Review the official instructions before arranging translations.
Step 6: Apply for Your Study Permit
Most Brazilian students planning to study in Canada for more than six months should apply for a study permit before travelling. The application process generally involves:
- Create your IRCC account and complete the study permit application.
- Upload your documents and pay the fees.
- Give your biometrics (fingerprints and a photo) when IRCC asks. In Brazil, Visa Application Centres are in Brasília, Porto Alegre, Recife, Rio de Janeiro, and São Paulo.
- Wait for a decision. Check current processing times on the IRCC website.
Note: If your study permit application is approved, IRCC will issue the applicable entry document based on your passport and circumstances. Brazilian citizens generally need a visitor visa, although some may qualify for an eTA when travelling by air if they meet the specific eligibility criteria.
Read the Complete Study Permit Guide
Every requirement, step, and document you need for a Canadian study permit.
Step 7: Plan How to Pay for Your Studies
Most funding for international students comes from Canadian schools. Many offer entrance scholarships based on grades.
- School scholarships: Check each school's international awards page, and apply early. See top scholarships in Canada.
- Search on ApplyBoard: Find scholarships linked to programs you are interested in. Learn how to search for scholarships.
- Exchange and research programs: Brazil has been eligible for Canada's Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program (ELAP), which supports eligible students from participating countries to undertake short-term study or research exchanges at Canadian institutions. This is not a general scholarship for all students pursuing a full Canadian degree. Check the current program call and eligibility conditions before applying.
Step 8: Plan Your Move
- Housing: Apply for student residence early, or start your rental search. Read the Canada housing guide.
- Health insurance: Coverage depends on your province, and some provinces have a waiting period. Learn about health insurance.
- Banking: Plan how you will move money from Brazil and pay your bills. Open a Canadian bank account.
- Winter clothing: Most of Canada is much colder than Brazil from November to March. Budget for a warm coat, boots, gloves, and a hat.
- Travel documents: Keep your passport, LOA, PAL, and proof of funds in your carry-on bag. See the travel checklist.
Step 9: Arrive and Settle In
- At the airport: Show your port of entry letter and documents to the border officer, who will issue your study permit. Check that all details are correct before you leave.
- Get a Social Insurance Number (SIN) if you plan to work.
- Attend orientation and register with your school's international student office.
- Know your work rights: You can usually work up to 24 hours a week off campus during classes, and full-time during scheduled breaks.
Your Timeline
Planning note: This timeline is a general guide, not a guarantee of application processing times. Admission deadlines, PAL/TAL availability, biometrics appointments, and study permit processing can vary. Start early and check IRCC's current processing-time estimates before making non-refundable travel arrangements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most Brazilian students planning to study for more than six months need a study permit. Brazilian passport holders generally need a visitor visa to enter Canada, although some may qualify for an eTA when travelling by air if they meet the applicable eligibility requirements. IRCC determines the appropriate entry document based on the applicant's circumstances.
No. Canada's Student Direct Stream (SDS) ended on November 8, 2024. Brazilian students must apply through the regular study permit process.
Some Canadian institutions may consider ENEM results or other Brazilian qualifications, while others assess applicants using secondary school records and their own admission criteria. Check the requirements for your chosen institution and program.
For study permit applications submitted on or after September 1, 2026, a single applicant studying outside Quebec generally needs to demonstrate at least CAD $23,448 for one year of living expenses, in addition to tuition and transportation. Higher amounts apply when family members accompany the applicant. Quebec has separate financial-capacity requirements. IRCC may assess the source and availability of funds, so meeting the minimum amount alone does not guarantee approval.
Possibly. Graduates who meet the requirements may apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). Eligibility depends on factors such as the institution, program, length of study, and applicable language and field-of-study requirements. A PGWP is not guaranteed to every international graduate.
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