To get a Canada student visa from Nepal for a 2027 intake, you need an acceptance letter from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI), usually a Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter (PAL/TAL), and proof that you can pay your first-year tuition plus CAD 23,448 for living costs (for one person, outside Quebec) and travel. That living-cost figure applies to applications from 1 September 2026, up from CAD 22,895. Canada is also capping new study permits: the government’s plan targets 150,000 new student arrivals in 2027, and the official 2027 cap is expected to be set this autumn. Strong, well-documented applications matter more than ever.
If you are a Nepali student planning a January, May or September 2027 start, this guide explains what changed in 2026, how much money you need to show, who needs a PAL, your work rights, and a practical checklist to avoid refusal.
What has changed for Canadian study permits in 2026?
Several rules now shape every study permit application from Nepal. Here is a summary of the most important ones, with the year each applies.
| Change | What it means for you | Applies from |
|---|---|---|
| Higher proof of funds | Living costs for one person rise to CAD 23,448 (was CAD 22,895) | Applications from 1 Sep 2026 |
| Study permit cap continues | 309,670 application spaces and 155,000 new-arrival target for 2026; 150,000 new arrivals planned for 2027 | 2026 cap year; 2027 cap due with the next Levels Plan |
| PAL exemption for master’s/PhD | Master’s and doctoral students at public DLIs no longer need a PAL/TAL | 1 Jan 2026 |
| PAL tied to cap year | A PAL issued for 2026 is valid only until 31 Dec 2026 and can’t be reused for a new cap year | 2026 cap year onward |
| Off-campus work limit | Up to 24 hours per week during academic sessions; unlimited in scheduled breaks | Current rule (2026) |
| Spouse work permits narrowed | Mostly limited to spouses of master’s (16+ months), PhD and certain professional-degree students | 21 Jan 2025 |
| Student Direct Stream closed | No faster “SDS” route; all Nepali applicants use the regular study permit process | Closed 8 Nov 2024 |
Is Canada still a good option for Nepali students in 2027?
Yes, for the right student and the right program — but it is more selective than it was a few years ago. Canada plans fewer new international students (155,000 in 2026 and 150,000 in each of 2027 and 2028, under its 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan). IRCC also reported that the refusal rate for new study permits was 62% as of 31 January 2026 (all nationalities).
That does not mean you should give up on Canada. It means you need a clear study plan, genuine funds and a program that makes sense for your background and career goals. Students choosing master’s or doctoral programs at public universities have one big advantage: they skip the PAL step entirely.
How much money do you need for a Canada student visa from Nepal?
You must show enough money for three things: your first-year tuition, your living expenses, and return transportation. IRCC’s living-expense amounts for study outside Quebec are below.
Proof of funds for living costs (applications from 1 September 2026)
| People applying (including you) | Living costs required (CAD, 2026) |
|---|---|
| 1 (you only) | 23,448 |
| 2 | 29,192 |
| 3 | 35,888 |
| 4 | 43,572 |
| Each additional person | +6,318 |
IRCC adjusts this figure every year on 1 September, so check again if you apply after 31 August 2027. Quebec has its own, separate financial requirements.
A worked example
Suppose your college’s first-year tuition is CAD 18,000 (an illustrative figure — check your offer letter). If you travel alone, you would need to show at least:
- Tuition: CAD 18,000 (or proof you have already paid it)
- Living costs: CAD 23,448
- Return travel: a realistic airfare estimate from Kathmandu
That is more than CAD 41,448 before flights. Convert to Nepali rupees using the current exchange rate when you prepare your file, and leave a buffer for rate changes.
What counts as proof of funds?
IRCC accepts documents such as:
- Receipts showing you have paid your first-year tuition and housing
- Bank statements for the past 6 months
- An employment letter for your sponsor showing their job or occupation
- Proof of a scholarship
For Nepali families, officers look closely at where the money came from. Sudden large deposits without explanation are a common red flag. Keep clear records of income, property, business earnings or education loans that explain your balance.
Do you need a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL)?
Most students need a PAL or TAL — a letter from the province or territory confirming you have a place under the national cap. Your college or university requests it for you after you accept your offer.
You do not need a PAL/TAL if you are:
- Enrolled in a master’s or doctoral degree program at a public DLI (from 1 January 2026)
- Going to a primary or secondary school
- An exchange student or certain government scholarship holders
Bachelor’s, diploma, postgraduate certificate and private-institution students usually still need one. A PAL is linked to its cap year, so a 2026 PAL cannot be used for a 2027 cap-year application.
Canada intakes and when to apply for 2027
Canadian colleges and universities mainly offer three intakes. The timings below are general planning guidance; always follow your institution’s published deadlines.
| Intake | Classes usually start | Start applying to schools | Aim to lodge your study permit |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 2027 (Winter) | January | Already late — check remaining seats now | As soon as you receive your LOA and PAL |
| May 2027 (Summer) | May | October–December 2026 | January–February 2027 |
| September 2027 (Fall) | September | November 2026–February 2027 | March–May 2027 |
Start early for the September intake. It has the widest choice of programs, but provincial PAL allocations can run out at some institutions.
English test requirements
IRCC does not set one IELTS, PTE or TOEFL score for a study permit. Your college or university sets the English requirement, and you must meet it to receive your letter of acceptance. Check each program’s page for the exact band score.
Think ahead to work after graduation too. To get a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), you will need Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7 in all four skills for a university degree, or CLB 5 for a college program, using an IRCC-approved test.
Can you work while studying in Canada?
Yes. If you meet the conditions, you can work off campus without a separate work permit:
- Up to 24 hours per week during academic sessions
- Unlimited hours during scheduled breaks such as winter and summer holidays
You must be a full-time student at a DLI, enrolled in a program of at least 6 months that leads to a degree, diploma or certificate, and have a Social Insurance Number (SIN). Do not plan to fund your tuition from part-time work — IRCC expects your funds to be in place before you arrive.
Work after graduation: the PGWP
The PGWP lets eligible graduates work in Canada after their studies:
| Program length | PGWP length |
|---|---|
| Under 8 months | Not eligible |
| 8 months to under 2 years | Up to the length of the program |
| 2 years or more | Up to 3 years |
| Master’s (at least 8 months) | Up to 3 years |
Bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral graduates have no field-of-study restriction. College and other non-degree graduates who applied for their study permit on or after 1 November 2024 must study in an eligible field linked to long-term labour shortages. Check this before you choose a diploma. You must apply for a PGWP within 180 days of completing your program.
Can your spouse come with you?
Since 21 January 2025, spouses can usually get an open work permit only if you are studying a master’s program of 16 months or longer, a doctoral program, or certain professional degrees (such as nursing, engineering, law or medicine). If you plan to bring family, add their living costs to your proof of funds as shown in the table above.
Step-by-step: how to apply for a Canada student visa from Nepal
- Choose your program and DLI. Match it to your academic background and career plan. Check PGWP eligibility.
- Prepare your English test. Meet the institution’s IELTS, PTE or TOEFL requirement.
- Apply and receive your Letter of Acceptance (LOA).
- Get your PAL/TAL through your institution (unless exempt).
- Pay a tuition deposit and gather fee receipts.
- Organise your funds and sponsor documents — 6 months of statements, income proof, loan letters.
- Write a clear Statement of Purpose explaining your choice of course, Canada and your plans after study.
- Apply online for your study permit and pay the fees: CAD 150 study permit fee plus CAD 85 biometrics (CAD 170 maximum for a family of 2+).
- Give biometrics at the Canada Visa Application Centre (VFS Global) in Kathmandu.
- Complete a medical exam or police certificate if IRCC asks for one.
- Submit your passport when requested, then plan your travel and arrival.
Document checklist
- Valid passport
- Letter of Acceptance from a DLI
- PAL/TAL (or proof you are exempt)
- Tuition payment receipt
- Bank statements (last 6 months) and source-of-funds evidence
- Sponsor’s income and employment documents
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- English test result
- Statement of Purpose
- Biometrics confirmation
- Medical exam and police certificate (if requested)
Common reasons for refusal (and how to avoid them)
- Funds not convincing: show steady savings and a clear source, not a last-minute deposit.
- Weak study plan: explain why this course follows your previous studies or work.
- Doubts about returning: officers must be satisfied you will leave Canada when your permit ends. Show your ties and goals.
- Mismatched program: a lower-level course after a bachelor’s degree needs a strong reason.
- Missing documents: an incomplete file is easy to refuse.
Read our guide to student visa rejection for Nepali students for more detail.
Frequently asked questions
How much bank balance do I need for a Canada student visa from Nepal?
You need your first-year tuition plus CAD 23,448 for living costs (one person, outside Quebec, applications from 1 September 2026) plus return travel. Add more for each family member.
Is IELTS mandatory for a Canada study permit?
IRCC does not set a fixed score for the study permit, but your institution will require proof of English, and IELTS, PTE or TOEFL are commonly accepted. Check your program’s requirements.
Do I need a PAL for a master’s in Canada?
Not if your master’s or doctoral degree is at a public DLI. Since 1 January 2026 these students are exempt. Most other students need one.
What is the Canada study permit cap for 2027?
As of 6 October 2026, the 2027 cap has not been published. IRCC says it will be set with the next Immigration Levels Plan this autumn. The current plan targets 150,000 new student arrivals in 2027.
Is the Student Direct Stream (SDS) still available for Nepal?
No. IRCC closed SDS on 8 November 2024. Nepali students apply through the regular study permit process.
How many hours can I work while studying in Canada?
Up to 24 hours per week off campus during academic sessions, and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, if you meet the eligibility conditions.
How long is the PGWP after a master’s in Canada?
A master’s of at least 8 months can lead to a PGWP of up to 3 years, provided you meet all other requirements, including CLB 7 English.
How Education Global can help
Canada rewards well-prepared applications. Education Global’s counsellors help Nepali students choose the right program and institution, check PAL and PGWP eligibility, plan a realistic budget, organise proof of funds and write a strong SOP before you submit your study permit application.
Planning for January, May or September 2027? Speak to an Education Global counsellor to plan your application.