Study tourism in Canada: New Requirements and Procedures

In the context of Canada’s landmark immigration policy changes, choosing to study tourism in Canada during the 2026–2027 period requires students to have thorough preparation and a strategic vision. Canada is no longer maintaining the mass settlement policies of previous years, but is shifting strongly toward a selection model based on the actual needs of the labor market. The tourism and hospitality industry still plays a vital role in the economy; however, to secure a seat for permanent residency, learners must clearly understand how priority settlement programs operate. Currently, the Canadian government is placing special emphasis on sectors such as Healthcare, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics), and Construction. For those who choose to study tourism in Canada, combining management skills with professional certifications or working in regions with labor shortages will be the key to future success.

1. Admission Requirements to Study Tourism in Canada in 2026-2027

To begin your journey to study tourism in Canada, the first and most important step is to prepare an impressive academic and language proficiency profile. Colleges and federal institutions in Canada have raised entrance standards to ensure international students are capable of keeping up with intensive training programs.

1.1. Academic Competency Requirements

Most institutions offering programs to study tourism in Canada require candidates to have graduated from high school with a GPA of 6.5 or higher. For postgraduate or senior management programs, this may range from 7.0 to 7.5. Additionally, subjects related to mathematics, geography, and social sciences are often closely scrutinized by admissions boards to assess a student’s suitability for the service industry.

1.2. Language Proficiency Requirements

English is the primary language of communication in Canada’s tourism industry. Therefore, students planning to study tourism in Canada need to achieve a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 (with no sub-score below 5.5) for College levels and IELTS 6.5 for University levels. Some schools also accept PTE Academic certificates with equivalent scores.

Possessing a high language certificate not only makes it easier to obtain an admission letter but also serves as a major advantage during visa processing and future job searches.

1.3. Letter of Explanation (Study Plan)

In a dossier to study tourism in Canada, the Letter of Explanation plays a decisive role. You need to clearly present your reasons for choosing Canada, the tourism industry, and your specific career plan. In particular, you should demonstrate an understanding of the Canadian labor market, recognizing that settlement now focuses on priority sectors, and explain how you will adapt to contribute to the country’s economy.

2. Study Permit Application Process and New Financial Requirements

From 2024 onwards, Study Permit regulations have undergone major changes that students aiming to study tourism in Canada must pay special attention to. The Canadian government has implemented quotas on the number of study permits issued, while also requiring stricter proof of financial capacity.

2.1. Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL)

Currently, to apply for a Study Permit to study tourism in Canada, students must have a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) from the province where the school is located. This is a new step designed to control the number of international students in each region. You should maintain close contact with the school’s admissions office for guidance on obtaining this document immediately after receiving your official Letter of Acceptance.

2.2. Latest Financial Requirements for 2026

The most notable change for those planning to study tourism in Canada is the level of financial proof required. According to new regulations, each student must prove they have at least approximately 20,635 CAD for living expenses for one year, excluding tuition and travel costs. This figure has doubled compared to the previous level to ensure international students can afford their lives without relying too heavily on part-time work, allowing them to focus maximum effort on studying and professional skill development.

2.3. Proof of Income Documentation

In addition to the bank account balance, an application to study tourism in Canada must include documents proving a stable source of income for the guarantor. Documents such as labor contracts, payslips, business licenses, or tax receipts are vital evidence to convince the consulate that you have solid financial support throughout your study journey in Canada.

3. 24-Hour Weekly Work Limit for Students Studying Tourism in Canada

One of the most important updates directly affecting the lives of those who study tourism in Canada is the regulation on part-time work hours. Instead of being allowed to work unlimited hours as during the pandemic, students are now only permitted to work a maximum of 24 hours per week during academic semesters.

3.1. Balancing Academics and Practical Work

The 24-hour-per-week regulation helps students who study tourism in Canada have more time to focus on theoretical lectures and mandatory internships. The tourism industry requires dynamism, but fundamental knowledge of management, marketing, and finance is equally important. Limiting work hours helps ensure the quality of the degree and the student’s health, avoiding overwork that leads to declining academic results.

3.2. Paid Internship Opportunities in the Tourism Industry

Although part-time hours are limited, students who study tourism in Canada can still take advantage of paid internship programs. These internships usually do not count toward the 24-hour work limit if they are a mandatory part of the curriculum. This is a golden opportunity for you to accumulate experience at major hotels and resorts and build a network within the industry, preparing for a settlement pathway after graduation.

3.3. Benefits of Complying with Work Regulations

Strict compliance with work hour regulations is a prerequisite for maintaining legal residency status in Canada. For those planning to study tourism in Canada with a goal of settlement, having a clean record without labor violations will make the process of applying for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) and Permanent Residency (PR) much smoother.

4. How to Choose Majors and Schools to Study Tourism in Canada

Choosing the right school and the right niche when you study tourism in Canada will determine 70% of your ability to find a job and settle. You should not only choose major cities like Toronto or Vancouver but also consider regions with high labor demand and preferential settlement policies.

4.1. Selecting Reputable Public Institutions

To be eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit, students who study tourism in Canada should prioritize public Colleges or Universities. These institutions typically offer practical training programs, have close relationships with major enterprises, and provide maximum support for students seeking internships. Names like Seneca College, Humber College, and Algonquin College are always top choices for this field.

4.2. Choosing a Major Aligned with Market Trends

Instead of studying general tourism, you should choose specialized majors such as International Hotel Management, Event Management, or Ecotourism. In particular, if you can combine your efforts to study tourism in Canada with certifications in data management or technology in services, you will have a massive competitive advantage. This brings you closer to the STEM category, one of the top priority groups for settlement in Canada today.

4.3. Considering Provinces with Favorable Settlement Policies

Provinces such as New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, or Saskatchewan often have specific settlement programs for local graduates. When you study tourism in Canada in these areas, you will receive bonus points in provincial nomination systems. Furthermore, the cost of living here is significantly lower than in bustling metropolises, helping to reduce financial pressure on your family.

5. Education, Employment, and Canada Settlement Roadmap via Priority Skilled Trades

Settling in Canada in 2026 and 2027 is no longer a flat road for everyone. The government has clearly identified priority sectors including Healthcare, STEM, Construction, Agriculture, and Transport. So, what do students who study tourism in Canada need to do to settle successfully?

5.1. Building a Strategic Career Roadmap

After completing a program to study tourism in Canada, students need to maximize the duration of their Post-Graduation Work Permit to find jobs in management or specialist categories. Although tourism is not directly in a priority group like Healthcare or STEM, if you hold senior management positions or work in tourism businesses that apply high technology, you still have opportunities through general immigration streams or provincial nomination programs.

5.2. Transitioning or Supplementing Skills into Priority Sectors

A smart tactic for students who study tourism in Canada is to take additional short-term certifications related to sectors experiencing labor shortages. For example, you could study project management in construction or information system management certifications. The combination of customer service skills from the tourism industry and specialized knowledge from priority groups like STEM will turn you into a potential and distinct candidate in the eyes of employers and immigration authorities.

5.3. Leveraging Regional Settlement Programs

Canada’s Rural and Northern Immigration programs often have more flexible requirements for service industries. Students who study tourism in Canada and work in these regions can easily qualify to apply for permanent residency. This is a sustainable direction instead of trying to compete in big cities where Healthcare and Construction sectors are dominating settlement invitations.

6. Evaluate Your Canada Settlement Potential 2027 Now

The journey to study tourism in Canada is a major investment in both time and money. In a context of constantly changing immigration regulations, researching information on your own can sometimes lead to avoidable mistakes. To ensure your roadmap is on the right track and to optimize settlement opportunities in priority areas like STEM, Healthcare, or Construction, you need consultation from experienced experts.

Don’t let your dream of settling in the land of the maple leaf become distant due to a lack of updated information. Take the initiative to evaluate your profile and build a study strategy today. Understanding your own strengths and grasping Canada’s recruitment trends will help you feel more confident on your chosen path.

If you are interested in a roadmap to study tourism in Canada and want to learn more about settlement opportunities in the 2026–2027 period, contact SIEC immediately for specialized support. Our consulting team will help you evaluate your profile, select the most suitable school and major for your abilities and long-term settlement goals.

Let SIEC accompany you in realizing your dream of studying and settling in Canada. We provide the most accurate and updated information on visa policies, financial requirements, and priority skilled settlement programs for your perfect preparation.

Access the link below to register for a consultation and receive a detailed roadmap for your study plan.

Register for Canada study and settlement counseling at SIEC today so you don’t miss your chance!

🌐 Website 1: https://siec.com.vn/

🌐 Website 2: https://www.facebook.com/duhocSIEC