Colleges and universities

The system

• Colleges, institutes and universities, run by the provinces.
• According to CMEC, public universities are largely autonomous: they set admission standards and degree requirements; governments mainly handle funding, fee structures and new programs.
• Public colleges work closely with business and industry, with many applied and vocational programs.

Reference tuition (CMEC)

In 2020–2021: about CAD 6,580 a year on average for Canadian undergraduates; about CAD 32,000 a year for international students. Tuition varies widely by school, program and province.

Tuition by status

• Citizens and permanent residents pay domestic tuition.
• Study permit holders usually pay international tuition.
• Children of families with temporary status should ask the school which rate applies.

Governments also support students through loans, grants and education tax credits (for those eligible).

Study permits

• International students need a study permit and a letter of acceptance from a designated learning institution (DLI).
• Study permit fee: CAD 150.
• The Francophone Minority Communities Student Pilot (FMCSP) is only for citizens of certain French-speaking countries in Africa, the Middle East and the Americas; Vietnam isn't on the list (checked October 19, 2026).

Choosing a school and program

• Check job prospects for the field on Job Bank.
• For regulated professions (health, engineering), check the program is recognized by the regulator.
• Ask about international student support, housing and internships.

Note Adults can study again in Canada too: many colleges offer programs for working people and bridging programs for those with foreign credentials.