🇱🇰 Sri Lanka → 🇨🇦 Canada

Study in Canada from Sri Lanka

Studying in Canada from Sri Lanka offers a clear post-study work permit and a recognised pathway to permanent residency, drawing many Colombo students each year.

Tuition CAD 15,000–CAD 35,000/year Visa 4–12 wks Free for students

🇱🇰 Sri Lanka

From

🇨🇦 Canada

4–12 wks

Visa

PGWP

Post-study

Canada is a popular destination for Sri Lankan students because the Post-Graduation Work Permit can run up to three years and feeds into Express Entry and provincial nominee routes. Both colleges and universities qualify.

Tuition of CAD 15,000–CAD 35,000 a year and proof of funds plus first-year tuition make budgeting important, and biometrics form part of the IRCC study permit process.

Credential steps and the IRCC study permit from Sri Lanka

Apply through OUAC or directly to institutions, obtain University Grants Commission equivalency where required, and have your transcripts attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Colombo, with IELTS booked through the British Council. The IRCC study permit is submitted online with biometrics given at the visa application centre in Colombo; the application itself is decided by IRCC rather than at a local visa office.

Costs, scholarships, visa timeline and the PGWP

Plan for tuition of CAD 15,000–CAD 35,000 a year and living costs of CAD 1,200–2,000 a month, plus proof of CAD 20,635 alongside first-year tuition. The study permit typically takes 4–12 weeks. Sri Lankan students can target the Vanier scholarship, IDRC awards or entrance scholarships, and graduates may apply for a PGWP of up to three years leading towards permanent residency.

Your path from Sri Lanka to Canada

Apply via OUAC (Ontario) or directly to institutions. IRCC Study Permit applied online. Biometrics required. Processing: 4–12 weeks.

1
Register free & build your profile
Create a student account and tell us your grades, budget and goals. It takes five minutes and costs nothing.
2
Get matched to universities
Our advisors shortlist programmes that fit your profile and explain admission requirements and deadlines.
3
Prepare documents & apply
We help you assemble transcripts, language scores and financial proof, then submit strong applications.
4
Visa & departure support
Once admitted, we guide your student visa application and help you prepare for arrival.

Costs, visa & requirements

Tuition	CAD 15,000–CAD 35,000/year
Living costs	CAD 1,200–2,000/month
Visa type	Study Permit (IRCC)
Financial proof	CAD 20,635 + first year tuition
Processing time	4–12 weeks
Language	IELTS 6.0–6.5
Scholarships	Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship, IDRC Scholarship, University Entrance Awards

In-person support in Colombo

Our Sri Lanka office helps Sri Lanka students with UGC equivalency support, Bank fund verification, British Council IELTS partnership and more — free of charge.

Visit our Sri Lanka office →

Frequently asked questions

How much money do I need for a Canadian study permit from Sri Lanka?

You must show CAD 20,635 for living costs plus your first-year tuition, which is the current IRCC requirement for applicants outside Quebec.

How long does the Canadian study permit take?

IRCC typically processes study permits in 4–12 weeks, and you will need to give biometrics, so apply early and budget time for that step.

Can Sri Lankan graduates stay and work in Canada?

Yes. The Post-Graduation Work Permit can last up to three years depending on your programme, and it can support a route to permanent residency through Express Entry or a provincial nominee programme.