Want to study in Canada and stay working after graduation? Learn about the top majors of 2026, new PGWP requirements, and which programs offer the best chances of immigration

Canada has been a leader in international education for many years and attracts applicants from all over the world, including citizens of Turkmenistan, Nicaragua and Haiti. It is chosen for its high-quality education, multicultural environment, transparent immigration policy and opportunities for employment after graduation. But in 2024, the country's government significantly changed the rules of the game for international students.

If you are planning to study in Canada in 2026, it is important not only to choose a prestigious institution, but also to comply with new requirements, without which further immigration may be unavailable.

Read about the best and most promising specialties for studying in Canada in this article.

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What has changed: new rules for obtaining a Post-Graduation Work Permit

To stay and work in Canada after studying, international students usually apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) - this allows you to gain Canadian experience and open the way to permanent residence. But from November 2024, the updated conditions apply:

1. Language requirements have become mandatory:

- CLB 7 (equivalent to IELTS 6.0–6.5) - for university programs.

- CLB 5 - for colleges.

2. The study program must be recognized as “priority” - the Canadian government annually updates the list of specialties that meet the needs of the economy and the labor market. If your program is not included in this list, a PGWP may not be provided.

Tip: before applying to a college or university, it is worth checking whether the program meets the updated requirements on the IRCC website.

What areas of study in Canada are relevant in 2026?

We have compiled a selection of the most promising specialties that not only meet the PGWP criteria, but are also in demand in the Canadian labor market.

Business, Management and Tourism

Business education in Canada has always been considered strong, but today the emphasis has shifted: the market requires specialists in the field of analytics, risk management, hospitality and the digital economy.

- Toronto Metropolitan University - a leader in the field of tourism and hotel business, its programs are recognized as one of the best in the world.

- Humber College - offers postgraduate programs in management, insurance, business analytics.

- George Brown College - focused on entrepreneurial education, with a large number of internships.

- Douglas College - business courses with an emphasis on soft skills, critical thinking and digital competencies.

IT and computer science

Canada is one of the most dynamic countries in the field of digital technologies. Specialists in programming, data analytics and cybersecurity are in huge demand here.

- Simon Fraser University - one of the strongest public universities in the field of computer science.

- Fanshawe College – practically oriented programs in IT, including cybersecurity.

- University of Windsor – known for its high level of employment of graduates in the IT field.

- George Brown College – gives students the opportunity to work on real projects while studying.

- Douglas College – modern programs in Data Science, Python, cloud technologies.

Engineering and applied technical specialties

Canada is actively developing infrastructure, energy, transport, and therefore technical specialists are needed in almost all provinces.

- Humber College – allows you to get an engineering education with mandatory practice (co-op).

- University of Manitoba – more than 20 areas, including mechanics, civil engineering, energy.

- University of Alberta – the largest engineering faculty in the country with a focus on research.

- Douglas College – technical programs with an orientation towards innovation and practice.

Creative industries: design, games, animation

Canada is one of the leaders in the video game, cartoon and visual design industries. Studying in creative specialties opens the way to work in global companies.

- Sheridan College - considered the best university in Ontario for animation and creative professions.

- Wilfrid Laurier University - UX design is among the top 10 popular specialties.

- Capilano University - attention to the individuality of the student, creative thinking.

- George Brown College - programs in multimedia, animation and graphic design.

- Douglas College - visual arts, digital media and integrated projects.

New educational trends in Canada in 2026

Several areas are rapidly gaining popularity and are included in the priority lists for PGWP:

- Data Science and Big Data - a huge demand for analysts in all industries.

- Green energy and sustainable development - relevant for Canada's environmental policy.

- Cybersecurity - especially important in the context of global digitalization.

- Innovation and entrepreneurship - supported by startup incubators at universities.

What should you consider before enrolling in a Canadian university?

- Check the PGWP status of the program before applying. Not all courses, even at prestigious institutions, give the right to a work permit.

- Take the language test in advance so as not to lose time on preparation at the last moment.

- Choose programs with practical components (co-op, internship) - this will simplify further employment.

When planning your education in Canada in 2026, it’s important to think strategically: choosing a program of study today directly affects your chances of staying in the country and building a successful career. The new rules for obtaining a Post-Graduation Work Permit mean that simply enrolling is not enough - you need to meet specific language and specialty requirements.

Focus on popular areas: IT, engineering, business analytics, sustainable development or creative industries with a focus on practice. And be sure to check if your program is on the list of priority for the PGWP.

Canada remains open to talented and motivated students from all over the world. And if you act thoughtfully, it can become not only a place to study, but also a new home.

Need help choosing a program or completing documents? Contact our education lawyers.

We will help you choose a relevant specialty that meets the new PGWP requirements, and prepare all the necessary documents for admission.

Support at every stage - from application to student visa.

Reminder! Ontario is changing its immigration rules in 2025. We have already told you how the new law affects permanent residence applicants, OINP streams and skilled workers around the world.

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