How do I start the refund process and what's the timeline if I decide to cancel or defer my course at a Canadian university?

You start by contacting your university's registrar or international admissions office and formally submitting a withdrawal or deferral request before the institution's refund deadline. Processing typically takes a few weeks to over a month, and how much you get back depends entirely on which deadline you meet.

Steps to Cancel or Defer

What Is and Is Not Usually Refundable

Tuition is often refundable if you withdraw before your university's stated deadline, but application fees and administrative fees are usually non-refundable regardless of timing. If you already have an approved study permit and simply want to defer your start date, you generally need an updated letter of acceptance submitted to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada through your online account.

My Advice

Check your specific program's refund schedule the moment you are even considering cancelling, since Canadian universities set different deadlines for full, partial and zero refunds. If your study permit is already approved, do not simply stop attending. Complete the formal deferral or withdrawal process first to protect your immigration status.