Official Insight from Right & Associates – Best Education Consultancy in Nepal

At Right & Associates, Canada has always been one of the most requested destinations during counselling sessions in Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan, Butwal, Bardaghat, Kawasoti, Kumaripati, Damauli and Hetauda. The 2026 news about Canada’s study permit cap and provincial allocations, however, has made many Nepali students and parents anxious about whether Canada is still a realistic option.​

Our answer, based on current policy and ground reality: yes, Canada is still a great option—but the safest path in 2026 is shifting toward master’s and higher-value programs, not random low-cost diplomas.

This blog explains the cap, how it affects Nepali students, and why master’s degrees in Canada are emerging as the “new safe zone”.

What Is the Canada Study Permit Cap 2026?

In 2026, the Canadian government introduced a cap on study permits, distributing a limited number of permits across provinces and territories. The goals are:​

  • To control the rapid growth of international students.
  • To ensure institutions maintain quality and proper support.
  • To prioritize higher-value programs and reduce abuse of low-quality pathways.​

For Nepali students, this means:

  • Canada is still open, but competition for permits is higher.
  • Applications must be more strategic—strong programs, strong profiles.

Who Is Most Vulnerable Under the Cap?

From Right & Associates’ perspective, the groups most at risk are:

  • Students applying to very low-quality or unregulated private colleges.
  • “Cheap” short diplomas with no clear career path.
  • Files that are weak academically and financially, targeting any offer they can get.

These profiles are more easily filtered out when provinces allocate limited study permits.

Why Master’s Degrees Are the “New Safe Zone”

Under the cap, Canada is more inclined to protect and prioritize:

  • Public universities and reputable public colleges.
  • Higher-level study with real economic and research value—especially master’s programs.​

For Nepali students, this creates a clear strategy:

  • A well-chosen master’s program at a strong public institution is more likely to be aligned with Canada’s priorities.
  • These programs also usually offer better post-graduation work permit (PGWP) lengths and stronger PR pathways.

Right & Associates is now advising many eligible students to upgrade their plan from random diplomas to focused master’s programs in fields like IT, business analytics, public health, engineering and social sciences.

Benefits of Master’s in Canada for Nepali Students (Under the Cap)

1. Better Alignment with Canada’s Economic Goals

Canada wants skilled professionals in areas like:

  • IT & Data Science
  • Healthcare & Public Health
  • Engineering & Technology
  • Business & Management

Master’s programs in these fields:

  • Fit well with Canada’s labour market needs.
  • Often lead to stronger chances for Express Entry or Provincial Nominee Programs later.

2. Stronger PGWP and PR Pathways

Most full-time master’s programs at public institutions provide:

  • Up to 3 years PGWP, depending on program length.
  • High-quality Canadian work experience, which is central to Canadian Experience Class (CEC) PR.

Compared to low-level diplomas, master’s graduates often:

  • Earn higher salaries.
  • Qualify faster for PR points based on education + Canadian work.

3. More Predictable Institutional Support

Public universities and well-established colleges:

  • Have better international student support systems.
  • Are more careful about maintaining compliance under the permit cap.

This makes them safer choices in a tightened regulatory environment.

What Does This Mean for Students from Nepal?

From our branches across Nepal, we are now recommending:

  • Eligible bachelor’s graduates should strongly consider master’s in Canada instead of only chasing cheap diplomas.
  • Students with strong academic backgrounds, good English scores and realistic finances should treat Canada as a medium to long-term investment, not just a short diploma plan.

How to Position Your Profile for Canada Under the Cap

1. Strengthen Your Academic Profile

  • Maintain a good CGPA or percentage in bachelor’s.
  • Choose related master’s fields where your background makes sense.
  • Use a well-structured SOP to connect your past study, chosen program and future goals.

2. Aim for Competitive English Scores

Under tighter caps, weak English scores make it easier for institutions to filter you out.

  • IELTS Academic: Aim for 6.5+ (with no band less than 6.0) for many master’s programs.
  • PTE/TOEFL/Duolingo: Equivalent scores where accepted.

Right & Associates supports test prep through English Test Preparation:
https://rassociates.edu.np/services/english-test-preparation​

3. Choose Institutions Strategically (Public Over Random Private)

Priority order we recommend:

  1. Public universities with strong programs.
  2. Recognized public colleges with good PGWP-eligible programs.
  3. Private institutions only when they are reputable and aligned with your goals.

Our counsellors help you avoid risky institutions that might be squeezed under the cap.

4. Build Solid Financial Documentation

Even with a strong master’s plan, financial documents remain crucial:

  • Tuition + GIC + additional funds for living.
  • Transparent source of funds (salary, business, property, remittance etc.).
  • Proper documentation for sponsors.

Right & Associates’ Student Visa Services integrate Canada-specific financial structuring into your file:
https://rassociates.edu.np/services/student-visa

Who Should Still Consider Diplomas and UG?

We still see space for:

  • Recent +2 graduates targeting well-chosen diploma/advanced diploma programs at public colleges.
  • Students with limited budgets who may not yet qualify for master’s but can structure a clear long-term path.

However, under the cap, these applications must be:

  • More carefully designed (course choice, institution, finances).
  • Supported by strong English scores and a mature SOP.

How Right & Associates Guides Canada Applications Under the Cap

As Right & Associates, our Canada counselling now focuses on:

  • Profile-first planning: We assess your academics, finances and goals before recommending any level or course.
  • Clear advice on whether master’s, bachelor’s or diploma is more appropriate under the current rules.
  • Integrated support:
    • Country & course counselling
    • English test preparation
    • Application & SOP guidance
    • Financial documentation planning
    • Study permit file preparation and follow-up.

Our multi-branch presence ensures that students in Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Chitwan, Pokhara, Butwal, Bardaghat, Kawasoti, Damauli and Hetauda all receive consistent, up-to-date Canada guidance.​

When Canada Might Not Be the Right Choice

Because of the cap, it’s important to be honest:

  • If your academics, English scores and finances are significantly below expectations, Australia, UK or Europe might currently be more realistic.
  • Our counsellors will tell you this directly instead of pushing you into risky Canada applications.

Ready to Plan Your Canada Pathway the Right Way?

If you want to use the 2026 cap environment to your advantage—by targeting solid master’s degrees and high-value programs—start with a counselled plan, not random college offers.

Frequently Asked Questions

No. Canada has introduced a cap and provincial allocations, which means permits are more controlled, but well-planned applications are still being approved.

Master’s programs at public institutions align closely with Canada’s economic and immigration goals, so they are more likely to be prioritized when permits are limited.

Yes, but competition is higher. You need carefully chosen programs, good English scores and strong financial documentation; random low-cost diplomas are riskier now.

Generally yes. Master’s programs often require stronger academic records and higher English scores, but they also offer better return in terms of work and PR potential.

We design a cap-aware Canada plan: destination choice, level (master’s vs diploma), institution selection, SOP, English prep and visa file—all coordinated through our Nepal network.