Canada Visa & Study Permit Process for Scholarship Students 2026

Canada remains one of the top destinations for international students, especially for African scholarship recipients seeking high-quality education, multicultural exposure, and career opportunities. If you’ve secured a scholarship to study in Canada, whether from a Canadian university, government, or external body, the next major step is getting your study permit and visa approval.

This comprehensive 2026 guide walks you through:

The difference between a visa and a study permit
Who needs to apply
How to apply for a Canadian study permit
Required documents (for scholarship recipients)
Biometrics, processing times, and fees
Tips for a smooth and successful application

🇨🇦 What Is a Canadian Study Permit?

A study permit is an official document issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that allows foreign nationals to study at Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) in Canada.

Note: A study permit is not a visa. You may also need a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or eTA to enter Canada — these are typically issued automatically once your permit is approved.

Step-by-Step: How to Apply for a Study Permit (2026)

Step 1: Receive Your Scholarship and Letter of Acceptance

Before applying, you must have:

A valid Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from a Canadian Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
Proof of scholarship funding or financial support

Popular scholarships include:

Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship
University of Toronto, McGill, UBC, and University of Alberta scholarships
African Students Scholarships by provincial governments

Ensure your admission letter contains:

Program name
Start and end dates
School’s DLI number
Your full name and details

Step 2: Gather All Required Documents

Here’s a checklist for scholarship-funded students:

Mandatory Documents:

Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from a Canadian institution
Scholarship award letter (mentioning coverage and amount)
Valid passport
Two passport-sized photos (per IRCC specs)
Proof of ties to home country (to show you’ll return)
Academic transcripts and certificates
Statement of Purpose (SOP) / Letter of explanation
Police clearance certificate (if required)
Medical examination results (if required)
Family information form (IMM 5645)

Financial Proof (even with scholarship):

Your scholarship letter should state it covers:
- Tuition
- Living expenses (minimum CAD 10,000/year for student, plus extra for dependents)
- Travel allowance (if applicable)

If your scholarship covers only partial costs, you must show how you’ll fund the rest.

Step 3: Apply Online via IRCC Portal

Visit: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada.html

Create an IRCC account
Answer eligibility questions
Upload all required documents
Pay the application fee (CAD 150)
Book a biometrics appointment (cost: CAD 85)

You will receive a Biometrics Instruction Letter (BIL) after submission.

Step 4: Attend Biometrics & Wait for Processing

Attend your biometrics appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC)
Wait for visa processing (average 6–10 weeks, but can vary)

Track processing time here:
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/check-processing-times.html

Step 5: Receive Letter of Introduction (LOI) + Visa

Once approved, you’ll receive:

Letter of Introduction (LOI) – present this to the border agent on arrival
Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) – attached to your passport

Your actual study permit will be printed and handed to you at your Canadian port of entry.

Sample Statement of Purpose (SOP) for Scholarship Students

A strong SOP should include:

Your academic/professional background
Why you chose Canada and your specific university/program
Details of your scholarship (full or partial)
How your studies align with your future goals
Proof of ties to your home country

Sample extract:

“I have been awarded the fully funded Mastercard Foundation Scholarship to pursue a Master’s in Public Health at McGill University. My decision to study in Canada is based on the quality of education, diversity, and global faculty offered by McGill. Upon completion, I will return to South Africa to lead maternal health programs in rural communities…”

Special Notes for South African and African Applicants

South Africans do not require a visa to enter Canada, but still need a study permit
Students from Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, and other African countries require both a visa and study permit
Always verify if your country is eligible for the Student Direct Stream (SDS) — it allows faster processing for some countries (Note: Not currently open to most African nations)

How Much Money Must You Show?

As of 2026, IRCC guidelines require:

Minimum CAD 10,000 per year (outside Quebec)
CAD 11,000 per year if studying in Quebec
CAD 4,000–5,000 for each accompanying family member

Your scholarship letter can be used as financial proof if it covers these expenses.

When Should You Apply?

Apply at least 3–4 months before your program starts.

Example:
If your program begins in September 2026, submit your study permit application by May or June 2026.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Submitting incomplete or unclear documents
Not translating documents into English or French (if required)
Applying too late
Using generic or weak SOP
Not showing proof of intent to return to home country

Can You Renew Your Study Permit?

Yes. If your program is extended or you plan to pursue further studies, you can apply to extend your study permit from within Canada.

Submit the extension at least 30 days before your current permit expires.

Post-Arrival: What to Expect at Canadian Airport

Upon arrival:

Present your passport, LOI, and scholarship/acceptance letters
Answer questions about your studies and funding
Receive your printed study permit from a CBSA officer

Can Scholarship Students Work in Canada?

Yes. Your study permit usually allows:

Up to 20 hours/week of part-time work during semesters
Full-time work during scheduled breaks

Check your permit conditions. Most scholarship students can work on- or off-campus.

After Graduation: Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)

You may be eligible for a PGWP, which allows you to stay and work in Canada for up to 3 years after graduation. This can be a pathway to:

Permanent Residency (PR)
Canadian work experience
Settling in Canada (if desired)

Summary Checklist

Task	Status
Receive admission letter	✅
Secure scholarship confirmation	✅
Prepare documents	✅
Create IRCC account	✅
Submit application & biometrics	✅
Receive visa and LOI	✅
Arrive in Canada	✅

Official Links for Application

Study Permit Guide:
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada.html
Apply Online (IRCC):
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/account.html
Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs):
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/study-permit/prepare/designated-learning-institutions-list.html

N/B:

As a scholarship recipient, you already have a major advantage in funding. Now, the key is to successfully navigate the Canadian visa and study permit process, so you can start your academic journey stress-free.

Stay organized, start early, and ensure that your documents reflect your scholarship award, academic intentions, and plans.

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