When becoming an international student, you’ve got a lot to learn even before you start classes. For this reason, we’re sharing five important things to know before studying in Canada. Whether it’s understanding how working while studying works, or by sharing some scholarship opportunities, we hope this list is helpful.
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1. You Can Work While Studying in Canada
Most international students may work while studying in Canada. In most cases, you won’t need a separate work permit to work on-campus or off-campus, as long as you’re enrolled as a full-time student at a designated learning institution (DLI).
However, if your program includes a co-op term, you will need a co-op work permit. If you need support with that process, connect with your institution’s international student office. They can help you directly, or connect you with someone who can.
Working while studying offers valuable work experience, while also helping you live within your budget. You’ll also develop an international professional network, which can help you build your career after graduation.
2. Many Scholarships Are Available
All levels of Canadian government, many post-secondary institutions, and private foundations and organizations offer hundreds of scholarship awards, grants, and bursaries to make post-secondary study more accessible.
In fact, there are many scholarships created exclusively for international students! The best part about scholarships is that unlike a bank loan, you don’t have to pay the money back. Be proactive, save yourself some financial stress, and apply for scholarships well ahead of time.
As you apply to study in Canada, you’ll need to prove that you have access to enough money to travel to Canada, pay for tuition, and support yourself. The minimum proof of funds amount is updated yearly, so check the Government of Canada’s website for current details.
3. You Don’t Need to Speak French (But It’s Helpful If You Do)
Canada has two official languages: French and English. And, around a third of Canada’s population can converse in French. However, no more than five percent of each Canadian province’s population are Francophone (speak French as a first language) outside of Quebec and New Brunswick.
That said, some parts of Canada are functionally bilingual. That means if you’re studying in a city like Montreal or Ottawa, you can get by with English, but speaking both can help you make friends and connect with the local culture. Being able to speak French in a Francophone province can also make finding a part-time job easier.
If you’re fluent in French, the Francophone Minority Communities Student Pilot might be a great fit for you. It’s open to future international students from select countries who plan to study outside of Quebec.
4. Tips Are (Mostly) Mandatory
In many countries, tipping service staff is only required if service is very good. However, in Canada, service staff are typically paid minimum wage. As a result, tipping is essential for service staff to make a decent living.
Some general tipping guidelines, current as of 2026:
- Dine-in restaurants: 15 to 20 percent of the total bill is expected
- Beauty and wellness services (barbers, hairstylists, manicurists): 15 to 20 percent is expected
- A drink at a bar: at least C$1 per drink
- To-go coffee or takeout: 10 to 15 percent is appreciated but not required
- Delivery food orders: at least C$5, or 10% of the total bill
- Taxis or rideshares: 10 to 15 percent is expected
- Hotel: tip housekeepers C$2-$5 per day, and a couple of dollars per bag that a bellhop helps you with
If service is very good or bad, you can choose to add or deduct from these numbers. In larger cities or specific businesses, other tipping percentages might be suggested by the tipping screen, but a tip of 15% or higher is widely considered standard or acceptable. If you’re tipping less, it’s usually an indication something is wrong.
You might also find a tipping screen somewhere unexpected, like a retail store. In general, tips are optional outside of the service and hospitality spaces in Canada.
5. It’s Not Always Cold
Canada has a reputation for cold weather—and, during the winter, it’s true. Temperatures can drop below -30°C, and stay below 0°C for three to six months in many Canadian communities.
However, Canadians also enjoy warm summers. If you’re studying in the central or southern parts of Quebec, Ontario, or British Columbia, prepare for humid 25°C days. Inland provinces are less humid, but temperatures still climb to the high 20s. On the west and east coasts, the local climate is balanced out by sea breezes. These communities have fewer swings from hot to cold weather, but also more rain. Generally, weather in the late spring and early fall is nice, with longer, sunny days and cooler nights. So, if you’re arriving in August for studies in September, it will still be fairly warm.
Your key takeaway? Dress in layers. You might start the morning in a t-shirt, a sweater, and a light jacket, but by the afternoon, you might just be wearing the t-shirt. It’s also wise to save space for a rainproof layer or umbrella in your school bag. Lastly, winter clothes like warm boots and coats are bulky, and you can only pack so much when traveling to Canada. So, consider buying your winter clothes in Canada.
Wondering what to pack for studying in Canada? We’ve got you.
We hope that this guide to living and studying in Canada is helpful, and wish you luck with your study abroad journey.
If you’re researching study abroad programs, check out the ApplyBoard platform to learn about current study opportunities across Canada.