Document Guide

Study Plan (Letter of Explanation)

Your own letter explaining why this programme, school and country

Last updated Oct 27, 2026

Educational only — not legal advice.

What it shows

A study plan, or letter of explanation, is your own letter explaining why you want to study in Canada, why this programme at this school, how it fits your earlier studies and work, how the studies are paid for and what you plan to do afterwards. IRCC recommends it and sets no format or length.

Strong vs. weak

Strong

Explains why this programme, at this school, in Canada, and why now
Shows how the programme follows from earlier studies and work, or explains a change of field or a gap
Names the same school, programme, dates and amounts as the rest of the file

Weak

A generic or template letter that could belong to any applicant
A letter that names a different school or programme
Claims that the documents in the file contradict

How to prepare it

Write in your own words and be specific about the programme and school
Explain any change of field or gap in studies directly
Check every name, date and amount against the letter of acceptance before you sign

Common mistake

Submitting a generic letter. One that contradicts the documents weakens the application.

Where this evidence is used

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