A study permit is not needed if you want to take short-term courses or programs of study of six months or less. You may enrol in short-term programs at any learning institution, regardless of whether or not it is designated.
If, however, you would like to get a study permit for studies of six months or less, you must attend a designated learning institution.
Are there activities for which a study permit is not required?
Yes, there are courses that do not require a study permit. Generally, a study permit is not required for:
attending preschool;
completing a distance learning program;
following audit courses (where a student is permitted to attend an academic course without obtaining credits);
taking courses included in tour packages as a secondary activity for tourists;
taking a course which is not academic, professional or vocational in nature that is of general interest and can be completed within the period authorized upon entry to Canada;
taking a course or a program of study which is six months or less that can be completed within the period authorized upon entry into Canada.