Skip to main content
CanadaFinancial Requirements

Canada's study permit living-cost requirement rises to CAD 23,448

Status: In effect

For study permit applications made on or after 1 September 2026 to study outside Quebec, a single applicant must show CAD 23,448 for the first year's living expenses, up from CAD 22,895. Tuition and travel are additional, and Quebec sets its own amounts.

What changed

  • 1 person: CAD 23,448 (previously CAD 22,895).
  • 2 people: CAD 29,192 (previously CAD 28,502).
  • 3 people: CAD 35,888 (previously CAD 35,040).
  • 4 people: CAD 43,572 (previously CAD 42,543).
  • 5 people: CAD 49,419 (previously CAD 48,252).
  • 6 people: CAD 55,736 (previously CAD 54,420).
  • 7 people: CAD 62,054 (previously CAD 60,589).
  • Each additional family member beyond seven: CAD 6,318 (previously CAD 6,170).

Key dates

Officially announced
In effect from

Who may be affected

  • Study permit applicants applying on or after 1 September 2026 to study anywhere in Canada except Quebec.
  • Applications made between 1 January 2025 and 31 August 2026 used the previous amounts.

Key takeaways

  • These amounts cover living expenses only and exclude tuition and transportation.
  • IRCC updates these amounts each year.

What students should do

  1. Show at least CAD 23,448 for living costs, plus your first-year tuition and travel costs.
  2. If you will study in Quebec, check the Quebec government's own requirement for the CAQ.

Official sources

Read the Official Update(opens Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) in a new tab — you are leaving the MATES website)

Opens the government website in a new tab. You will be leaving the MATES website.

Before you act on this

Visa and immigration requirements can change. Review the linked official government source and confirm the latest requirements with MATES before making an application decision.

This is general information, not legal or immigration advice. MATES cannot influence a government decision.

Related updates

  • CanadaStudent Work Rights
    Status: In effect

    Canada drops the separate co-op work permit for post-secondary students

    Since 1 April 2026, eligible post-secondary international students no longer need a separate work permit for work placements required by their programme, such as co-op placements and internships. IRCC is withdrawing eligible pending co-op work permit applications.

    Announced

Ready to Begin Your Study-Abroad Journey?

Speak with a MATES counsellor and explore destinations, universities and programmes suited to your profile.