If you are planning to study in Canada and your studies last no more than six months, you can study in Canada with an eTA. If your studies run for more than six months, you will need a study permit.

An eTA is enough for short term studies in Canada

If you are travelling to Canada to follow a training, a course, or an exchange program with a duration of less than six months, you can simply apply for an eTA. There is no need to apply for a visa nor a study permit.

If your studies will last longer than six months, an eTA will not be enough. Bear in mind that the eTA does not allow you to follow a long study program by making several short stays. Likewise, the eTA does not allow to follow a study program with a duration of more than six months in total. The only exception to this are students going to Canada for an exchange program. As long as the exchange program does not exceed six months, an eTA is enough, even if the exchange programme is actually part of a longer study.

To qualify for an eTA Canada, you must be a national of the United Kingdom or an European Union country. Swiss and Norwegian travellers can also apply for an eTA. You can check if your nationality is eligible for an eTA here.
Apply for an eTA Canada

The eTA is suitable for tourists and business travellers, but it can also be used for short studies in Canada

In which cases must you apply for a study permit?

You can also apply for a study permit. A study permit is an addition to the eTA Canada. To check in on a flight to Canada, you always need an eTA or a visa. If you obtain a study permit, you will automatically receive an eTA with it. Applying for a study permit offers several advantages.

For instance, a study permit allows you to stay in Canada until you have completed your study program, plus an additional 90 days. A study permit also allows you to work in Canada, whereas you are not allowed to work with an eTA. Universities sometimes offer opportunities to earn some extra money by taking a part-time job, on or off campus. Under certain conditions, a study permit allows you to work an unlimited number of hours on campus, but also 24 hours a week outside the campus. If you want to work more than 24 hours outside the campus, you will need a work permit.

Let op! Your eTA may expire earlier than your study permit
If you leaving Canada during your studies, for example, to travel to the United States, or to briefly visit your family or friends outside Canada, remember that you must always have a valid eTA with you when you fly back to Canada to resume your studies. It may happen that your study permit is still valid but your eTA isn't, for instance because you have renewed your passport. In that case, you should apply for a new eTA with your new passport.