Study ECE in Canada 2027: Scholarships & PR Pathways
Early Childhood Education is becoming an important study option for international students who want a Canadian qualification connected to a regulated profession and future employment opportunities.
For students planning to begin their studies in 2027, ECE programs are available across multiple intake periods, while selected Canadian institutions are also providing scholarships that can reduce the initial cost of study.
Why ECE Is Worth Considering in Canada
Early Childhood Education programs prepare students to support the learning, development and wellbeing of young children through classroom training and practical experience.
The qualification can lead to opportunities in licensed childcare centres, early learning programs, kindergarten environments and other child and family services. Professional licensing or certification requirements depend on the province where a graduate intends to work.
The field also has immigration relevance. Early Childhood Education and Teaching, under CIP code 13.1210, currently remains on Canada’s list of eligible fields of study for students who must satisfy the PGWP field-of-study requirement.
January, May and September 2027 ECE Intakes
Students are not limited to a single September admission period when planning ECE studies.
Sheridan College currently lists international availability for its two-year Early Childhood Education diploma in January and May 2027 at its Brampton and Oakville campuses. The program combines academic training with three field placements and is marked as PGWP-aligned by the institution.
Other intake options are also available. Conestoga College has published a May 2027 ECE intake, while Sault College lists January and September 2027 starts for its two-year diploma. This gives prospective students more flexibility when choosing when to begin their studies.
ECE Scholarships for International Students
Scholarship availability can make some ECE programs more attractive for international applicants.
Sheridan College currently offers eligible international students entering a two-year diploma an International Entrance Scholarship worth C$3,000. Its published eligibility conditions include Winter, Spring and Fall 2027 entrants, and no separate scholarship application is required.
Funding should still be assessed school by school. Scholarship values, eligibility requirements and availability can change between institutions and intakes, so students should not choose a program based on an advertised award without confirming that they qualify.
Moving From ECE Studies to a Licensed Career
Graduating from an ECE program is only one part of entering the profession. Students should understand the licensing system in the province where they plan to work.
Ontario requires individuals who want to practise as Registered Early Childhood Educators to register with the College of Early Childhood Educators after completing recognized education. Sheridan’s two-year ECE diploma, for example, makes graduates eligible to apply for registration.
Requirements differ elsewhere. Alberta uses a three-level ECE certification system, with approved one-year education supporting Level 2 certification and approved two-year diploma education supporting Level 3. British Columbia also requires certification through its ECE Registry for Early Childhood Educators working in licensed childcare facilities.
Can ECE Support a Permanent Residence Plan?
ECE can fit into a longer-term Canadian immigration strategy, but completing the program itself does not provide automatic permanent residence.
Early childhood educators and assistants, under NOC 42202, are currently included in Canada’s Express Entry category for education occupations. Under the 2026 rules, candidates seeking selection through this category need at least one year of qualifying experience in an eligible occupation within the previous three years, alongside eligibility for one of the Express Entry programs.
For an international student, the practical route can therefore involve choosing a suitable ECE program, completing the required studies, obtaining the appropriate provincial registration or certification, building eligible work experience and later assessing the immigration programs available at that time. Policies can change, so PR planning should be based on current rules rather than an assumption made at the beginning of a course.
How Sehli Global Can Help
Choosing an ECE program requires more than finding a college with an open intake. Program eligibility, PGWP considerations, provincial professional requirements, tuition costs and the student’s longer-term immigration goals should be reviewed together.
Sehli Global can guide students through ECE program selection, Canadian study permit applications and available 2027 intakes, while also reviewing scholarship opportunities at eligible institutions.
Book a consultation with Sehli Global to start your application
