Canada may suit learners who plan to continue into college or university, for example through a pathway programme. This guide covers permits, school selection, costs, work options and a comparison of Vancouver and Toronto, so you can decide if Canada is right for you.
Do you need a study permit?
Whether you need a study permit depends on your nationality, the length of your course and your dates. Rules and fees change, so confirm the current requirements with the school and the official immigration authority before booking, and apply in good time.
Choose a DLI school
Study permits are tied to a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). Ask the school for its DLI number and check it against the official DLI list before enrolling. If you need a permit, avoid schools that cannot give you a DLI number.
Work & co-op
Work rights depend on your permit and programme, and a language course alone may not include them. If earning while you study matters, ask the school about pathway or co-op options and confirm the rules with the official immigration authority before you book.
Vancouver vs Toronto
- Vancouver: mild, coastal, mountains on the doorstep.
- Toronto: a large city with a four-season climate.
Both cities have language schools, but tuition and living costs depend on the school and the area. Other cities such as Montreal (French-speaking, with English programmes) or Calgary are also options. Ask each school for an itemised quote.
Cost of English courses in Canada
Tuition depends on the school, the course and the hours per week. Accommodation (homestay or a rented apartment), meals, insurance and living expenses are normally separate. Ask each school for an itemised quote for your dates, and ask whether a part-time course changes your permit or work options.
How to choose a school for your goals
Decide first whether you want a pure language experience or a pathway to higher education. For university preparation, look at Pathway Programmes and ask the school in writing what admission to a partner college depends on. For general English or exam prep (IELTS/TOEFL), ask about teacher qualifications and class size. Check the school's accreditations, for example membership of Languages Canada, a national body for language schools. Read reviews from former students, but take them with a grain of salt.
Red flags to avoid
- No DLI number for study permit programmes
- No itemised quote of tuition and fees
- No clear policy for cancelling your booking
- Promises of work without proper permits
Comparing Canada to alternative destinations
For a shorter, intensive burst of speaking practice, compare Canada with one-to-one immersion in the Philippines or our guide to places to learn English abroad. Philippine schools in our catalogue list exact four-week prices; for example, 3D Academy in Cebu City lists a room with three meals a day from $899 (six-bed room) to $1,399 (single room). Registration, local fees, flights and insurance are charged separately. If your long-term plan is to study in Canada, you can also start with a language course there.
If you aim for a Canadian college or university, check its English requirements with the institution. You might also consider English schools in the Philippines for preliminary training before moving to Canada. Read whether people in the Philippines speak English and see our cost guide for course costs and extra fees.
In the end, the choice comes down to your budget, time and goals. If you choose Canada, plan carefully, choose a DLI school if you need a permit, and ask for an itemised quote.
Comparing schools alone is hard, especially across countries. If you're torn between Canada and the Philippines, or want to explore all your options, get a free consultation. Our matching service is free for students, and school prices have no mark-up. Julia has personally visited campuses and can advise on enrolment if you need it in the Philippines. Get a free, no-mark-up school match today.