Studying in Canada from the DRC: the key steps

Every year, Canada attracts many Congolese students, notably thanks to its French-speaking institutions. A study project there must be prepared well in advance: allow about a year between choosing a programme and leaving.

1. Choose your programme and institution

Your choice depends on your background, budget and career plans. In Quebec, many programmes are taught in French. Check that the institution is a designated learning institution (DLI), the only kind allowed to host international students.

2. Get admitted

Each institution has its own calendar and requirements: transcripts, diplomas, a cover letter, sometimes a language test. Deadlines often fall almost a year before the start of the academic year.

3. Authorisations for Quebec

To study in Quebec, you must first obtain the Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ), issued by the Government of Quebec, before applying for the federal study permit.

4. The study permit

The application is made online with IRCC, with the letter of acceptance, proof of funds, identity documents and, depending on the programme, a provincial attestation letter. A biometrics appointment is then required.

• Proof of funds covering tuition and living expenses, according to the amounts set by the authorities
• Civil status documents and diplomas, translated if necessary
• A letter explaining your study plan and your plans after graduation

5. Prepare your arrival

Housing, health insurance, plane ticket, opening a bank account, airport pick-up: good preparation makes the first weeks, often the hardest, much easier.

How Wanderlust supports you

We help you choose your institution, prepare your admission and visa files, then organise housing, insurance, flights and settling in. We guarantee neither admission, which is up to the institutions, nor the visa, which is up to the authorities: we do everything we can to submit complete, consistent and genuine files.