Study Permit Requirements
All international students planning to study in Canada for more than six months require a study permit from the Government of Canada.
Before you apply for a study permit, you need:
- A letter of acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) (both MUN and CNA are DLIs)
- A valid passport or travel document
- Proof of financial support to cover tuition and living expenses
- Letter of explanation describing your study plans
Please refer to the IRCC official document requirements page for the most accurate and up to date information.
A designated learning institution is a school approved by a provincial or territorial government to host international students. All primary and secondary schools in Canada are designated learning institutions. If you plan to attend a post-secondary school, such as a college or university, make sure it’s on the list.
If you need to take certain courses before you are accepted into your program (conditional acceptance), you’ll be given a study permit for the duration of those courses. Once the college or university accepts you into your chosen program, you must apply to extend your study permit.
If you plan to attend a college or university in Quebec, current provincial rules state that international students can only attend a Designated Learning Institution chosen by the Quebec government. You’ll also need a study permit from the Government of Canada to study in Quebec.
Important Note for 2026: Starting January 1, 2026, Master's and PhD students at public institutions do not require a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL). Graduate diploma students still need a PAL unless they meet an exception.
Get more information on Provincial attestation letter
Immigration Support:
- MUN: Immigration Advising Team provides free support - Connect with an Immigration Advisor
- CNA: International Student Coordinator - CNA International students
For complete information, visit Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) or EduCanada.
Before You Arrive
Essential steps to complete before your journey to Newfoundland and Labrador.
Study Permit
Apply as soon as you receive your letter of acceptance. Processing times vary by country. Check current processing times for your region.
Housing Arranged
MUN: Offers on-campus residence options.
Visit MUN-Live on campus
CNA: Has residence at select campuses (Bay St. George, Burin, Happy Valley-Goose Bay); helps students find off-campus housing.
Visit CNA-Student Housing
For off-campus rentals, check Kijiji and local Facebook groups.
Health Insurance
International students are automatically enrolled in health coverage. Apply for MCP (Medical Care Plan) after arrival. Coverage includes doctor visits, surgeries, and emergency care at no charge.
Learn more about MCP (Medical Care Plan)
Winter Clothing
Pack or plan to buy warm winter clothing. NL winters range from 0°C to -15°C with wind and snow. You'll need a winter coat, boots, gloves, and hat.
Pre-Arrival Steps
MUN: Complete the Arrivals Form before arriving.
CNA: Contact your International Student Coordinator for pre-arrival guidance. Both institutions can arrange airport pickup at select campuses.
Important Documents
Bring: passport, study permit, letter of acceptance, proof of funds, academic transcripts, medical records, and prescriptions. Keep copies separate from originals.
Support Services for International Students
Both Memorial University and College of the North Atlantic provide comprehensive support systems to help you succeed academically and personally.
Memorial University of Newfoundland
Internationalization Office (MUN)
Location: Global Learning Centre, Room 2004
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Contact: international@mun.ca | Office hours and contact information
Provides immigration advising, orientation programs, cultural adjustment support, and connects students with resources.
Peer Support Programs
Current students help new international students adjust to life at Memorial. Get answers about campus life, academics, and settling into St. John's from students who've been through it.
Orientation & Academic Support
MUN 101: Comprehensive orientation for new students
EDGE Program: Academic support services
Graduate Orientation: Specific programming for graduate students
Student Unions
MUNSU (MUN Students' Union): Represents over 11,000 undergraduate students on St. John's campus
GSU (Graduate Students' Union): Represents approximately 4,400+ graduate students across three campuses
Both provide advocacy, services, and social programming.
College of the North Atlantic
International Student Services
Contact: internationaladmissions@cna.nl.ca
Visit: CNA-Student Support
Pre-arrival guidance, airport pickup (select campuses), orientation sessions, immigration support, healthcare assistance, cultural adjustment, and academic advising.
Student Support Services
Counselling Services: Personal and academic counseling
Accessibility Services: Support for students with disabilitiesc
Library Services: Learning resources and tutoring
Career & Employment
Co-operative Education: Work-integrated learning
Student Job Finder: Part-time job opportunities
Career Services: Resume help, job fairs, PGWP guidance
Campus Life
Small class sizes with personalized attention from instructors. Hands-on learning with labs, workshops, and real-world training through co-ops and practicums. Multi-campus presence across NL (17 locations).
Student Groups & Community
Connect with diverse communities and build lasting friendships through student-led organizations and multicultural events.
Memorial University Student Organizations
College of the North Atlantic Community
CNA's international students create a vibrant, multicultural community across all campuses. The college organizes monthly international events, cultural celebrations, and recreational activities including sports leagues, outdoor adventures (hiking, snowshoeing, ice skating), and community engagement opportunities. Student Council coordinates various events and activities throughout the year.
Visit CNA website for more information
Settling Into Life in NL
First Week Essentials
• Open a Canadian bank account (bring passport and study permit).
• Get a Canadian SIM card (major carriers: Rogers, Bell, Telus).
• Apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN) if you plan to work
• Apply for MCP at 45 Major's Path, St. John's
Getting Around
•
Metrobus: Public transit in St. John's -
Monthly/30-Day Pass (Adult): $78.00
Student Semester Pass: $275.00
Visit Metrobus for more information
• Walking: St. John's campus is walkable
• Winter: Allow extra time due to weather
• Ride-sharing: Uber and local taxi services available
Climate Adjustment
• Buy winter gear locally if needed (better selection)
• Layer clothing for indoor/outdoor temperature changes
• Maritime climate = milder than inland Canada but windier
• Fog is common in spring/summer
Building Community
• Attend orientation events and welcome sessions
• Join student clubs related to your interests or culture
• Participate in campus activities and social events
• Connect with peer mentors and student groups
Academic Success
• Attend MUN 101 orientation session
• Visit EDGE program for academic support
• Meet with academic advisors early in the semester
• Join study groups in your program
Work Opportunities
• Study permit allows 24 hours/week work during studies
• Minimum wage: $16.00/hour (April 1, 2025)
• On-campus jobs: MUCEP, ISWEP programs
• Apply for SIN before starting work
Important Contacts
Memorial University
Internationalization Office
Email: international@mun.ca
Phone: (709) 864-8368
Location: Global Learning Centre, Room 2004
Campus Security (24/7)
Emergency: (709) 864-8561
SafeWalk program available
For more visit: Campus Enforcement and Patrol | Protective Services
College of the North Atlantic
International Student Services
Email: internationaladmissions@cna.nl.ca
Phone: (709) 758-7290
General: 1-888-982-2268
Student Services Division
1 Prince Philip Drive, P.O. Box 1693
St. John's, NL, Canada A1C 5P7
Fax: (709) 758-7304
For more visit: Security and emergency contact information
General NL Resources
24-Hour Mental Health Crisis Line
Local: (709) 737-4668
Toll-free: 1-888-737-4668
Available 24/7 for mental health support
For more visit: Health and Community Services
Ready to Begin Your Journey?
Explore more resources to help you settle in and succeed in Newfoundland and Labrador.