How do US students get accepted to a Canadian university?
Short answer: You apply directly to the university (or through a provincial application centre), submit your high school or college transcripts, prove English or French proficiency if required, and meet the program's prerequisites. Canadian admissions are heavily grades-focused. Most programs accept SAT and AP scores, and many do not ask for admissions essays or extracurriculars the way US schools do.
- Shortlist Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) and programs you qualify for.
- Submit transcripts and, where required, SAT or AP scores and English/French test results.
- Meet the program-specific prerequisites and application deadlines.
- Receive your Letter of Acceptance (LOA), then request your Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL).
- Apply for your study permit with the LOA, PAL, and proof of funds.
Our study in Canada universities guide and the official study in Canada as an international student page are good starting points.
How hard is it for an American to get into a Canadian university?
Short answer: For most programs it is more straightforward than the US system, because Canadian admissions weigh grades far more than essays, recommendation letters, or extracurriculars. A strong GPA usually carries the application. Note that Canadian and US grade scales differ, so a low-80s average in Canada is competitive. Highly selective programs such as engineering, computer science, and health sciences at flagship universities are still demanding and have higher cutoffs. The practical takeaway for US students: focus on your transcript and meet the specific prerequisites, and your odds at many excellent Canadian universities are good.
Is it cheaper for Americans to study in Canada?
Short answer: Often, yes, especially compared with US private universities. International tuition in Canada is higher than what domestic Canadian students pay, but it frequently lands below the sticker price of comparable US private schools, and the lower Canadian dollar stretches a US budget further. Costs vary widely by program and province.
| Rough annual tuition (international) | Typical range |
|---|
| US private university | Often USD $50,000–$65,000+ |
| US out-of-state public | Often USD $30,000–$55,000 |
|
These are general ranges, not quotes. Engineering, business, and medicine sit at the top; arts and many undergraduate programs sit lower. Always confirm the exact tuition for your specific program before you plan.
What study permit do US students need, and how do you apply?
Short answer: You need a standard study permit for any program longer than six months. The core requirements are a Letter of Acceptance from a DLI, a Provincial Attestation Letter, proof you can pay tuition and living costs, and ties showing you will follow the terms of your stay. US citizens and US permanent residents can apply online, or use the facilitated option to apply at a Canadian port of entry on arrival. Apply early, because processing and the document checklist matter.
Get your documents right the first time. A clean application with a valid LOA, PAL, and solid proof of funds is what separates a smooth approval from a refusal. You can review the official requirements on the Government of Canada study permit page, and our study permit overview explains the steps for newcomers.
What is the US-to-Canada bridge, and what happens after you graduate?
Short answer: The "bridge" is the path from a Canadian degree to staying in Canada to work and, eventually, to permanent residence. After graduating from an eligible program, many students qualify for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), which lets you work in Canada and build the experience that feeds Express Entry and provincial nominee programs. For US students weighing the H-1B lottery at home, the Canadian route to long-term status is more predictable.
If you are starting from a specific state, our focused guides for Texas students and California students cover the transfer route in detail. Just remember the PGWP now has its own language and documentation rules, which we cover in our PGWP guide.
How can Go Far Global help US students move to Canada?
Short answer: Go Far Global is a licensed Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) firm in Toronto. We help US students choose DLIs and programs that fit their goals, prepare a study permit application that avoids the common refusal triggers, and map the longer route from a Canadian degree to a Post-Graduation Work Permit and permanent residence. The earlier we plan it, the cleaner the bridge.
If you are a US student considering Canada, book a consultation and we will build a plan around your program, budget, and timeline. You can also explore our study in Canada hub for more.
This article is general information, not legal advice. Study permit and admissions rules change. Confirm the current requirements for your situation with a licensed representative or on the official Government of Canada website before you apply.
Frequently asked questions
How hard is it for an American to get into a Canadian university?
It is generally more straightforward than the US system because Canadian admissions are grades-focused, with most programs not requiring admissions essays or extracurriculars. A strong transcript usually drives the decision, and SAT or AP scores are widely accepted. Selective programs like engineering and computer science at top universities remain competitive with higher cutoffs, but many excellent Canadian universities are very accessible to American students with good grades.
Is it cheaper for Americans to study in Canada?
Often yes, particularly versus US private universities. International tuition in Canada is higher than what domestic students pay, but it frequently falls below comparable US private-school sticker prices, and the lower Canadian dollar helps a US budget go further. Costs vary by program and province, with engineering, business, and medicine at the higher end. Always confirm the exact tuition and living costs for your specific program before budgeting.
Is Canada rejecting student visas in 2026?
Canada has tightened study permit rules and capped the number of new international students, so overall refusal rates have risen and applications now require a Provincial Attestation Letter in most provinces. That said, a complete, well-documented application with a valid Letter of Acceptance and strong proof of funds still has a good chance. US citizens generally apply from a strong position, and getting the documents right is the single biggest factor in avoiding a refusal.
Can I get a full scholarship to study in Canada?
Full-ride scholarships exist but are limited and highly competitive. Many Canadian universities offer entrance scholarships based on grades, plus program-specific awards and bursaries, though most international students fund a meaningful share of their costs themselves. Apply early, check each university's international scholarship page, and treat a full scholarship as a bonus rather than the base plan. Strong grades are the best lever for merit awards.
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