Are all Canadian universities PGWP-eligible?

Yes. Every public Canadian university is on the IRCC PGWP-eligible institution list, and graduates of bachelor's, master's, or doctoral programs qualify for a Post-Graduation Work Permit regardless of field of study. The field-of-study restriction that applies to college diplomas does not apply to university degrees.

How long is the PGWP after graduating from a Canadian university?

Bachelor's and master's graduates can receive up to a three-year open work permit. PhD graduates qualify for the same three-year duration. The exact length depends on program length: programs under two years get a PGWP equal to program length; programs two years and longer get the full three-year permit.

Can US students apply to Canadian universities?

Yes, and US citizens are visa-exempt for entry. You do not need a Canadian visitor visa or eTA when holding a study permit. The study permit application itself is processed online, typically in four to eight weeks for US-based applicants. Many US students choose Canada because of lower tuition compared to US private universities and the clean PR pathway after graduation.

Which Canadian university is best for an international student?

The "best" school is the one that fits your academic profile, budget, and post-graduation goals. We don't rank universities. We look at your situation and tell you which programs you would realistically be accepted into, what tuition you can afford, and which PNP streams your eventual graduate work would qualify you for. Use this directory to filter by province and program focus, then book a consultation for personalized advice.

RCIC License R515110Independent guidance since 2015Meet the consultants

Universities Sub-hub

Universities for international students, Canada and US

362 universities total. Every Canadian university is PGWP-eligible, meaning graduates qualify for the three-year open work permit that leads to permanent residence.

Canadian universities

269

US universities

PGWP-eligible (Canada)

2026-05-15

Last updated

Why universities (and not just colleges)

For international students, the call between university and college in Canada usually comes down to three factors: degree length, PGWP duration, and tuition. Universities offer four-year bachelor\'s degrees and two-year master\'s degrees, both of which qualify for the full three-year PGWP. Colleges offer one- to three-year diplomas that, since January 2025, only qualify for the PGWP when the specific program is on the IRCC designated field list.

That makes universities the safer bet if your goal is the post-graduation pathway to permanent residence. Tuition is higher. International undergraduate tuition at top universities runs $35,000 to $65,000 CAD per year. PGWP eligibility is universal and program flexibility is broader.

For US students specifically, Canadian universities can be cheaper than US private universities and offer a clear immigration pathway that the H-1B route does not. See our US-to-Canada bridge guide for details.

All universities

93 in Canada, 269 in the US. Use the main schools hub to filter by province, state, and PGWP eligibility.

Alberta University of the Arts

Calgary, Alberta

UniversityPGWP eligible

Universities for international students, Canada and US

Why universities (and not just colleges)

All universities

Alberta University of the Arts

Concordia University of Edmonton

MacEwan University

MacEwan University School of Continuing Education

Mount Royal University

St. Mary's University

University of Alberta Year One Foundation Program (in partnership with Kaplan International)

University of Lethbridge - Calgary

University of Lethbridge - Lethbridge

Adler University - Vancouver

Capilano University - North Vancouver

Capilano University - Squamish

Fairleigh Dickinson University

Kwantlen Polytechnic University - Civic Plaza

Kwantlen Polytechnic University - Langley

Kwantlen Polytechnic University - Richmond

Kwantlen Polytechnic University - Surrey

Kwantlen Polytechnic University - Tech (Cloverdale)

Maple Leaf World School - Kwantlen Polytechnic University

Northeastern University - Vancouver

Royal Roads University

Tamwood at Simon Fraser University

Tamwood at the University of British Columbia (UBC)

Thompson Rivers University (TRU)

Trinity Western University - Langley

Trinity Western University - Richmond

University Canada West (UCW)

University of Northern British Columbia

University of the Fraser Valley (UFV)

University of Victoria - Division of Continuing Studies

University of Victoria (in partnership with Kaplan International)

Yorkville University - Vancouver

Brandon University

Providence University College

Providence University College & Theological Seminary

University of Manitoba

Crandall University

Crandall University - Sussex Campus

Mount Allison University

St. Thomas University (CAN)

University of New Brunswick - Fredericton

University of New Brunswick - Saint John

Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN) - Grenfell Campus

Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN) - St. John's Campus

Acadia University

Cape Breton University

Mount Saint Vincent University

St. Francis Xavier University (StFX)

Algoma University - Brampton

Algoma University - Brampton - Creekbank Site

Algoma University - Sault Ste. Marie

Brock University

Carleton University

Huron at Western University

International Business University (IBU)

International Business University (IBU) - Ottawa

King's University College

Lakehead University

Lakehead University - Barrie (STEM Hub)

Lakehead University - Orillia

Are all Canadian universities PGWP-eligible?

How long is the PGWP after graduating from a Canadian university?

Can US students apply to Canadian universities?

Which Canadian university is best for an international student?

Match your profile to the right university

Stay updated on Canadian immigration

Universities for international students, Canada and US

Why universities (and not just colleges)

All universities

Alberta University of the Arts

Concordia University of Edmonton

MacEwan University

MacEwan University School of Continuing Education

Mount Royal University

St. Mary's University

University of Alberta Year One Foundation Program (in partnership with Kaplan International)

University of Lethbridge - Calgary