International students are an increasingly vital part of Newfoundland and Labrador’s (NL) demographic and economic landscape. As a welcoming destination, NL offers high-quality education, affordable tuition, and clear pathways to immigration. The province has experienced significant growth in international student enrollment in recent years, driven largely by strategic initiatives aimed at attracting and retaining global talent to address population decline and labor market needs.
International students planning to study in Canada for over six months need a study permit. Most post‑secondary applicants also require a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL), with key exceptions: K‑12 students and master’s or doctoral applicants (since January 1, 2026) do not need a PAL.
Newfoundland and Labrador accepts international student applications for both the K‑12 and post‑secondary education levels.
Quick Links
- Kindergarten to Grade 12
- Post-secondary Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs)
- Major Recent Policy Updates
- Canada’s International Student PR Pathways
K‑12 (Kindergarten to Grade 12)
All applications must be submitted through the provincial English school district, NLSchools, or the French school board, CSFP (Conseil scolaire francophone provincial). The process includes contacting the district, submitting required documents (passport, previous school records, and proof of address), and obtaining a Letter of Acceptance. International students under the age of majority without a parent or legal guardian must have a designated custodian in Canada. Health insurance is mandatory and is arranged by the school district. K‑12 students are exempt from the Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) requirement for study permit applications.
Post-secondary designated learning institutions (DLIs)
A DLI is a school approved by a provincial or territorial government to host international students. There are 3 public post-secondary DLIs and 4 private post-secondary DLIs in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Public post-secondary DLIs
Memorial University of Newfoundland
As Newfoundland and Labrador’s only university, Memorial University welcomes more than 17,000 students from over 120 countries across 300+ programs on five campuses. International students make up 20% of the student population, and nearly 40% of all graduate students are from abroad. Memorial ranked 8th in Maclean’s magazine’s top comprehensive schools category for 2026 and is positioned in the 501–600 range globally in the Times Higher Education rankings.
Memorial University Internationalization Office
The MUN Internationalization Office provides essential support for international students, including orientation, immigration advising, health insurance guidance, and cultural events. The office helps students adjust to life in St. John’s while connecting them with academic and personal support services throughout their time at the university.
Memorial University’s Internationalization Office provides comprehensive support to international students, including immigration advising, housing assistance, and cultural integration programs. The office offers in-person and virtual appointments, and organizes events to help students connect with the community. They also provide resources on off-campus housing and host various programs to enhance students’ academic and social experiences.
Visit Memorial University Internationalization Office
Study and Stay NL Program
The Study & Stay NL program helps international students transition from education to employment in the province. It offers mentorship, career-building workshops, and networking opportunities to help students make connections with local employers and explore permanent residency options after graduation.
The Study and Stay NL Program is a collaborative initiative by International Education Newfoundland and Labrador (IENL), Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN), and College of the North Atlantic (CNA). This free, 9-month online program is designed for exceptional international students in or entering their final year of full-time study at MUN or CNA who are committed to living, working, and contributing to communities in Newfoundland and Labrador post-graduation. The program offers mentorship, career development, networking opportunities, and immigration resources to support students’ transition from academia to the workforce.
College of the North Atlantic (CNA)
As Newfoundland and Labrador’s public college, CNA is one of the largest post‑secondary educational and skills training centres in Atlantic Canada. Today, the college has 17 campus locations across the province, along with international partnerships that include various partner universities in China and a technical education college for the State of Qatar. CNA offers nearly 100 full‑time programs and more than 300 part‑time courses, enrolling approximately 7,000 students each year in fields such as business and IT, engineering technology, health sciences, industrial trades, and natural resources programming.
CNA International Student Services
The College of the North Atlantic welcomes international students across its 17 campuses in Newfoundland and Labrador. CNA offers nearly 100 full-time programs and more than 300 part-time courses, with some of the lowest tuition fees in Atlantic Canada. The college provides a safe and friendly environment, student support services, and opportunities for hands-on experience through co-op and internship programs.
View CNA International Students website
Western Regional School of Nursing
Owned and operated by Western Health (NL), the Western Regional School of Nursing offers a four-year Bachelor of Nursing program in partnership with Memorial University’s School of Nursing and the Centre for Nursing Studies. It also provides a two-year Fast Track Nursing Degree option for students with an existing degree or advanced placement status.
Visit Western Regional School of Nursing website
Private post-secondary DLIs
Keyin College
As a private, for-profit career and technical institution with five campuses and four adult learning centres across the province, its primary mission is to equip career seekers with practical, industry-driven skills to flourish in a competitive job market. Believing in innovative learning, student wellness, and an industry-engaged curriculum, Keyin offers an array of government-approved and accredited certificate and diploma programs in fields ranging from healthcare and information technology to business administration, trades and human services. It also maintains distinctive educational pathways through agreements with institutions like Cape Breton University.
As a Designated Learning Institution (DLI), Keyin welcomes international students and offers practical, hands‑on diploma programs in business, IT, healthcare, trades, and more. The college provides mandatory work terms, industry relationships, and career placement assistance to help graduates succeed in the Canadian workforce. International applicants receive dedicated support, including assistance with study permits and program selection.
Gander Flight Training
Gander Flight Training (GFT) offers Transport Canada-approved programs ranging from Private and Commercial Pilot Licenses to multi-engine and instrument ratings. As the flight training division of the EVAS Group of Companies, GFT provides students with real-world experience in all four seasons, including challenging weather conditions that produce confident, adaptable pilots. Graduates are well-prepared for professional careers, with many joining major airlines such as Air Canada, WestJet, Jazz, and PAL Airlines.
International student advisors at the school help prospective students navigate the application process and answer any questions they have about studying in Canada.
Visit Gander Flight Training website
Academy Canada
With 15 locations across Newfoundland and Labrador—including main campuses in St. John’s and Corner Brook—Academy Canada offers over 35 hands‑on one‑ and two‑year diploma programs in high‑demand fields such as construction trades, business, health and personal care, justice, creative studies, and animal care. Committed to practical, career‑focused training, the college blends strong academic foundations with real‑world experience. Partnerships with local employers and rolling admissions with monthly start dates provide flexibility for students eager to enter the workforce quickly.
Academy Canada is also dedicated to supporting international students by offering clear English proficiency requirements, multiple start dates throughout the year, and tailored assistance to help learners from around the globe succeed.
Queen’s College
Established in 1841 as the Theological Institute of the Diocese of Newfoundland and later renamed Queen’s College in honour of Queen Victoria, Queen’s College is one of Canada’s oldest theological institutions. Affiliated with Memorial University, the college shares its campus, library, and student services. The Faculty of Theology offers the Bachelor of Theology, Master of Divinity, Master of Theological Studies, and Master of Theology, as well as certificates and diplomas in ministry.
International applicants for Queen’s College must hold a secondary‑school diploma (or equivalent) . The college operates on a rolling admissions basis; prospective students should contact the Registrar at queens@mun.ca or call 709‑753‑0116 (toll‑free 877‑753‑0116) for application details and current tuition and fee schedules.
Major Recent Policy Updates
The landscape of Canadian international education looks vastly different today than it did just a few years ago. A sweeping series of reforms rolled out from 2024 through 2026 has fundamentally reshaped the International Student Program (ISP). The government has overhauled everything from enrollment quotas and weekly off-campus work limits to Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) criteria and spousal visa eligibility.
Study Permit Caps and Allocation
The federal government has implemented national caps on new study permits to manage temporary migration levels.
- Target Reduction. 2026 target cap is 155,000, which was 305,900 in 2025.
- Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) Requirement: Since 2024, most international students must include a PAL (or territorial attestation letter) from their province or territory with their study permit application, confirming their place within the provincial allocation.
- Graduate Student Exemption: Starting January 1, 2026, master’s and doctoral students at public designated learning institutions (DLIs) are exempt from the PAL requirement, and their applications no longer count toward the national cap. Doctoral applicants also benefit from a new 14-day expedited processing standard, including for accompanying family members
View Supplementary Information for the 2026-2028 Immigration Levels Plan
Increased Financial Requirements
Prospective students must now demonstrate significantly higher available funds for living expenses.
- Rest of Canada (excluding Quebec): As of September 1, 2025, the minimum living expense requirement increased from CAD 20,635 to CAD 22,895 per year (approximately 10–11%).
- Quebec: A dramatic increase took effect January 1, 2026, with the minimum financial capacity required for a single international student rising from approximately CAD 7,756 to CAD 24,617
View Increased Financial Requirements Policy
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Reforms
The PGWP program has been significantly restructured, introducing new eligibility requirements tied to program length, field of study, and language ability.
- Field of Study Requirements: PGWP eligibility is now restricted based on the academic program. Students from public colleges—previously broadly eligible—now face tighter restrictions.
- Language Requirements: New language proficiency standards have been introduced for PGWP applicants. CLB/NCLC 7 is required for degree-level graduates; CLB/NCLC 5 is required for non-degree graduates.
- Program Length: Only graduates from programs of sufficient duration and in designated fields of study are eligible. This has reduced the number of eligible programs overall
Off-Campus Work Hours
The temporary pandemic-era policy allowing unlimited off-campus work hours has ended, replaced by a more balanced approach.
- During Academic Terms: Eligible international students can now work up to 24 hours per week off-campus while classes are in session, replacing the previous 20-hour limit.
- During Scheduled Breaks: There is no limit on off-campus work hours during scheduled academic breaks (e.g., summer and winter holidays)
Closure of the Student Direct Stream (SDS) and Nigeria Student Express (NSE)
The popular fast-track visa program for students from 14 countries including India, China, the Philippines, Brazil, and Nigeria was terminated.All applicants now apply through the standard study permit process, potentially leading to longer processing times and increased documentation requirements. Notably, SDS-specific language proficiency requirements no longer apply, creating a more flexible but also more uncertain application environment
- Date of Closure: As of November 8, 2024, IRCC officially ended the Student Direct Stream (SDS) and the Nigeria Student Express (NSE) programs.
View SDS and NSE Closure Policy
Dependent and Spousal Visa Restrictions
Spousal open work permits (SOWPs) have been significantly restricted.
- Effective January 21, 2025: Open work permits are now only available to spouses or common-law partners of international students enrolled in: (1) Master’s programs with a duration of 16 months or longer; (2) Doctoral programs; (3) Select professional programs (e.g., medicine, law, dentistry).
Navigating Canada’s International Student PR Pathways
Securing permanent residency as an international student is no longer a one-size-fits-all journey. With Canada focusing heavily on targeted economic needs, the transition from a study permit to PR involves navigating a dynamic mix of federal, provincial, and language-specific streams, ranging from federal economic programs (work-based programs) like the Canadian Experience Class to province‑driven streams (regional programs) and French‑language pathways. Each pathway has distinct eligibility requirements—field of study, language proficiency, work experience, job offers, and geographic location. The optimal route depends entirely on your specific career goals and credentials.
For international graduates, there are two specific programs to help them to settle in Newfoundland and Labrador:
The Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP): International Graduate Category
A Newfoundland and Labrador international graduate meeting the following requirements might be eligible:
(1) A valid post-graduation work permit (PGWP)
(2) A full-time job offer
(3) A valid English or French language test (Minimum CLB 5 or equivalent)
(4) Sufficient settlement funds
The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP): Atlantic International Graduate Stream
A Newfoundland and Labrador international gradate meeting the following requirements might be eligible:
(1) Completed at least a 2-year program in an Atlantic province.
(2) A full-time job offer from a designated employer in the province
(3) A valid English or French language test (minimum CLB4 or equivalent)
(4) Sufficient settlement funds