Study in Canada from Nepal: What’s Different for 2026 and 2027 Applicants?

If Canada is on your list of study abroad destinations for 2026 or 2027, there are some important updates you shouldn’t overlook. Recent changes to study permits, financial requirements, and post-graduation work opportunities could affect how you prepare your application and choose the right study pathway. Here’s what you need to know before applying.

1. Canada Has Reduced Its Study Permit Target

Canada expects to issue up to 408,000 study permits in 2026, a 7% reduction from its 2025 target, according to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

These are national targets, not Nepal-specific quotas.

What it means for Nepali students: Choosing an eligible institution, preparing accurate documents, and understanding study permit requirements are especially important.

2. Higher Financial Requirements for Canada Study Visas

If you’re applying for a Canada student visa from Nepal, you’ll need to demonstrate sufficient funds for tuition, living expenses, and transportation.

From 1 September 2026, the minimum annual living expense requirements outside Quebec are:

For a single Nepali applicant, that’s CAD 23,448 for living expenses alone, excluding tuition and travel.

Students enrolling in programs longer than one year must also explain how they will finance the remaining study period.

3. A Positive Change for Master’s and PhD Students

Here’s some encouraging news for Nepali graduates!

From 1 January 2026, students pursuing eligible master’s and doctoral degrees at public Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) no longer need a Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter (PAL/TAL).

• Eligible public master’s and PhD applicants receive the exemption.
• Other study permit requirements still apply.
• Eligible doctoral students may receive faster application processing.
• Quebec applicants must also meet applicable provincial requirements.

This makes postgraduate study pathways worth exploring for students considering higher education in Canada.

4. PGWP Eligibility: Your Course Choice Matters

Interested in working in Canada after graduation? Your chosen qualification and institution can affect your eligibility for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).

For 2026, Canada has frozen its list of PGWP-eligible fields of study, meaning no fields will be added or removed during the year.

Applicable language requirements also remain important. Bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral graduates generally need at least CLB 7 in all four language skills, while many other college graduates need CLB 5.

Remember: Not every program at a Canadian institution qualifies for a PGWP.

5. What Should Nepali Students Do Before Applying?

If you’re considering the 2027 intake in Canada, start by checking these essentials:

• University and course: Confirm DLI status and program eligibility.
• Financial documents: Prepare sufficient, verifiable proof of funds.
• PAL/TAL requirements: Check whether your application requires an attestation letter.
• PGWP eligibility: Understand your post-study work options before choosing a course.
• Latest updates: Review IRCC requirements before submitting your application.

While these are confirmed 2026 requirements, additional policy changes may affect applications submitted in 2027.

Explore Your Canada Study Options with Goreto Consultancy

Studying in Canada is a major decision and the right guidance can help you make informed choices.

At Goreto Educational Consultancy, our experienced team supports Nepali students with university and course selection, admission applications, scholarship guidance, financial documentation and study permit preparation.

Whether you’re exploring undergraduate or postgraduate opportunities, connect with Goreto to find a study pathway that suits your academic goals.

Goreto: The Trusted Path to Study Abroad.

Official Sources and References

1. IRCC: 2026 International Student Cap and Allocations
2. IRCC: Study Permit Financial Requirements
3. IRCC: Graduate Student Study Permit Applications
4. IRCC: Post-Graduation Work Permit Eligibility
5. IRCC: PGWP Field-of-Study Requirements