Quick Answer: South Korean students can study in Canada at the high school, undergraduate, or graduate level with a Canadian study permit. Over 20,000 South Koreans were studying in Canada in 2023 and numbers have remained steady in 2024-2026. South Korean passport holders need a study permit for programs longer than 6 months. IELTS Academic 6.5 overall (or TOEFL 90-100) is required for most undergraduate programs.
Proof of funds required: CAD 22,895 per year in living expenses, plus full first-year tuition. A Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) is required for undergraduate and diploma applicants. Korea’s high school qualification (Su-neung / CSAT system) is recognized for credit assessment at Canadian high schools. Ontario’s OSSD pathway at USCA Academy is a popular option for Korean students who want to build a stronger Canadian academic profile before entering university.
Key Highlights for Korean Students Choosing Canada in 2026
- South Korean students have a strong track record in Canada, with over 20,000 enrolled annually and a 200,000+ strong Korean-Canadian community
- South Korea ranks among the top OECD countries for scholastic achievement, and Canadian universities actively recruit Korean applicants
- Korean students choosing Canada typically cite English-medium education, proximity to Korean communities, PGWP access, and PR pathways as their primary reasons
- The PAL requirement for undergraduate applicants came into effect in 2024 and is fully active in 2026
- Master’s and PhD students at public Canadian universities are PAL-exempt from January 2026
- University of Toronto (25th QS 2025), UBC, McGill, and University of Waterloo are the top four institutions South Korean students choose
- USCA Academy’s online OSSD program allows Korean students to begin earning Ontario high school credits from Seoul before arriving in Canada
Why South Korean Students Choose Canada Over the US, UK, or Australia
Korean families have been sending students to Canada for high school and university for decades. The reasons are practical, not just aspirational. Canada’s English-medium education is fully recognized for entry to Canadian and global graduate programs. Tuition fees at Canadian universities are lower than US equivalents for comparable academic quality. The PGWP system gives graduates 1 to 3 years of work experience that directly contributes to Express Entry points and eventual permanent residency. And with over 200,000 Canadians of Korean heritage concentrated in cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Calgary, Korean students arriving in Canada find established communities, cultural familiarity, and Korean-language services.
For Korean students at the high school stage, the Ontario Secondary School Diploma pathway is particularly strong. The OSSD is recognized by all Ontario universities for OUAC admissions and provides a structured preparation period that helps Korean students adjust to Canadian academic expectations in English before entering a competitive university program. USCA Academy’s study in Canada from South Korea guide covers the full high school pathway in detail.
Comparing the Korean High School System to the Ontario OSSD
| Factor | Korean High School System | Ontario OSSD (USCA Academy) |
| University application | Suneung (CSAT) score-based | Grade 12 OSSD marks through OUAC |
| English proficiency | Separate IELTS/TOEFL test required | Academic English built into curriculum |
| Canadian university recognition | Foreign credential assessment needed | Directly recognized; no assessment needed |
| Flexibility | Fixed national curriculum | Course selection aligned with university goals |
| Class size | 25 to 35+ students | 5 to 15 students at USCA Academy |
| Study permit requirement | Not applicable | Required for 6+ month programs |
Education Pathways for Korean Students in Canada
High School Pathway: Ontario Secondary School Diploma
Korean students who come to Canada in Grade 9, 10, or 11 can complete their high school education through the Ontario Secondary School Diploma. Many schools in Ontario assess previous Korean high school records and may grant equivalent credits, reducing the number of courses needed to graduate. This credit equivalency process means a Korean student entering Grade 11 in Ontario may not need to repeat subjects they already studied in Korea.
USCA Academy also offers online high school courses in Ontario, which Korean students can begin from Seoul before arriving in Canada. This is a practical option for students who want to get ahead on required Grade 12 courses before their study permit is approved. Students who complete the OSSD then apply to Ontario universities through OUAC in the same way as Canadian students. Read our guide on the OSSD for international students to understand how the credit system works.
Undergraduate Programs
South Korean students with a completed high school diploma (3 years at a Korean high school, specifically Grades 10 to 12) can apply directly to Canadian universities. Most Canadian universities require an overall average of 75 to 85% depending on the program. For competitive programs such as engineering at the University of Waterloo, computer science at UofT, or nursing at McMaster, you will need a stronger profile and often a supplementary application. The OUAC application process is the same for all Ontario university applicants.
The Hallyu (Korean Wave) effect has increased the cultural familiarity Canadian universities have with Korean students. Some universities actively partner with Korean secondary schools and universities for articulation agreements. For Korean students interested in arts, music, media, or technology programs, Canadian institutions offering co-op programs (particularly University of Waterloo) are especially popular.
Graduate Programs
Korean students with a Bachelor’s degree can apply to Canadian Master’s and PhD programs. Most programs require a GPA equivalent to 3.0 to 3.5 on a 4.0 scale, IELTS 6.5 to 7.5 (or TOEFL 90 to 110), two to three reference letters, and a statement of purpose. Graduate students at public universities are exempt from the PAL requirement in 2026, making this the most straightforward pathway. University of Waterloo’s co-op-integrated Master’s programs are particularly popular with Korean engineering and technology graduates.
Study Permit Process for Korean Students in 2026
South Korean students require a Canadian study permit for programs longer than 6 months. The application is submitted online through the IRCC portal. Processing times from South Korea are typically 6 to 10 weeks. Apply at least 3 to 4 months before your program start date.
| Requirement | Detail |
| Acceptance letter | From a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada |
| Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) | Required for undergraduate/diploma; not required for Master’s/PhD at public universities |
| Proof of funds | CAD 22,895/year for living expenses + full first-year tuition + travel costs |
| Language test | IELTS Academic 6.5+ or TOEFL 90-100 (set by institution, not IRCC) |
| Passport validity | Must remain valid throughout your entire program |
| Biometrics | Fingerprints and photo at a Visa Application Centre in Korea |
| Study permit fee | CAD 150 (plus CAD 85 biometric fee) |
| Medical exam | Required if requested by IRCC; complete with an approved panel physician |
Cost of Studying in Canada from South Korea
Total annual costs for Korean students in Canada depend on the city and program type. Budget for the following:
- Undergraduate tuition: CAD 25,000 to 45,000 per year at most Ontario universities
- Graduate tuition: CAD 18,000 to 35,000 per year at public DLIs
- Living expenses in Toronto/Mississauga: CAD 13,000 to 18,000 per year (rent is the largest cost)
- Living expenses in smaller Ontario cities: CAD 10,000 to 14,000 per year
- Health insurance: Bundled into student fees at most Ontario universities
- Textbooks and supplies: CAD 800 to 1,500 per year
- Total annual budget estimate: CAD 38,000 to 63,000 for Ontario (approximately KRW 37 to 62 million)
Working While Studying in Canada as a Korean Student
Korean students with a valid study permit can work up to 24 hours per week off-campus during academic sessions (updated April 1, 2026 by IRCC). During scheduled breaks such as summer and winter holidays, full-time work is permitted. On-campus jobs have no hourly restrictions. Co-op programs at universities like Waterloo integrate paid work terms into the degree itself. For Korean students interested in the pathway to Canadian permanent residency, work experience gained through PGWP is a key input to Express Entry points.
Korean Community and Cultural Life in Ontario
Ontario, particularly Toronto and Mississauga, has one of the largest Korean communities outside Korea. Koreatown in Toronto (Bloor Street West area), Korean shopping districts in Mississauga, and Korean restaurants, grocery stores, and cultural centers throughout the GTA mean Korean students in Ontario do not have to completely give up the food, language, and social connections they are used to. USCA Academy in Mississauga, which sits within the GTA, has supported Korean students as part of its international student intake for years. The school’s international school programs are designed with multicultural student populations in mind.
| Interested in the OSSD pathway from South Korea? USCA Academy accepts Korean students year-round for its Ministry-inspected high school programs, online OSSD courses, and university preparation programs. Call +1 (905) 232-0411 or explore international student programs at USCA Academy. |
Frequently Asked Questions: Study in Canada from South Korea
1. Do South Korean students need a visa to enter Canada for school?
South Korean citizens do not need a visitor visa (TRV) for short stays but do need an eTA for air travel to Canada. For programs longer than 6 months, a study permit is required. The study permit and an eTA are typically processed together when you apply through IRCC. Korean students can also visit Canada as a visitor for programs of 6 months or less without a study permit, which is relevant for language programs or short credit courses.
2. Is the Korean CSAT (Suneung) accepted by Canadian universities?
Yes. Canadian universities accept Korean high school qualifications including Suneung scores and transcripts from Korean secondary schools (grades 10 to 12). Some universities may request a credential evaluation. Students who complete the Ontario Secondary School Diploma through a program like USCA Academy’s Grade 12 courses bypass the credential assessment requirement entirely because the OSSD is a Canadian qualification recognized directly by OUAC.
3. Can Korean students work while studying in Canada?
Yes. With a valid study permit, Korean students can work up to 24 hours per week off-campus during the academic term. This was increased from the previous 20-hour limit effective April 1, 2026. Many Korean students find part-time work in Toronto, Mississauga, and other Ontario cities relatively easy to find. Note that co-op work terms at universities do not count against the 24-hour weekly limit as they are part of the academic program.
4. What is the PGWP and how does it benefit Korean graduates?
The Post-Graduation Work Permit allows international graduates from eligible Canadian institutions to work in Canada for up to 3 years after completing a degree. For Korean students, this is a significant advantage: three years of Canadian work experience substantially strengthens an Express Entry profile for permanent residency.
From 2026, PGWP applicants must submit language test results (CLB 7 for degree holders, CLB 5 for diploma holders). Graduates from public DLIs retain full access. Read our complete guide to studying in Canada for the full PR pathway explained.
