Study Permit Costs: Funding Your Education in Canada
Canada has recently updated the minimum financial requirements for international students applying for study permits. As of September 1, 2025, international students will need to demonstrate they have sufficient funds to cover tuition, living expenses, and travel costs, with the new requirement seeing an increase of over $2,000 from previous standards.
For a single student, the total amount required will rise from CAN$20,635 to CAN$22,895. This change aims to ensure that students can adequately support themselves without needing to work while studying in Canada. These updated funds apply to all provinces and territories except Quebec.
When you apply for your study permit, you must show proof that you can afford your tuition fees, living costs, and return travel expenses for yourself and any family members accompanying you. Here are some ways to demonstrate this:
- Tuition and Housing Fees: You’ll need to show you’ve paid your first year’s tuition, especially if you’re enrolling in a multi-year program.
- Living Expenses and Travel Costs: This can be validated through a Canadian bank account in your name, proof of a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC), or statements from your bank showing your funds over the last four months.
The current regulation remains effective until the new requirements take effect, allowing students who apply before September 1, 2025, to follow the old guidelines. Canada reviews and updates these financial support requirements annually to reflect rising living expenses.
Here’s a breakdown of the financial requirements for those applying from September 1, 2025 onwards:
- 1 family member: CAN$22,895 per year (not including tuition)
- 2 family members: CAN$28,502 per year (not including tuition)
- 3 family members: CAN$35,040 per year (not including tuition)
While exploring study opportunities in Canada, those interested in working here should also consider pathways such as Express Entry or the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). If you’re looking to get sponsored for work in Canada, remember that this process might vary depending on the province and your occupation. For instance, positions that require a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) help evaluate whether hiring a foreign worker will impact local jobs.
While platforms like Job Bank and LinkedIn are useful for job searching, you can also browse VisaJobsCanada.com, where every job listing considers candidates from abroad and offers Canadian visa support.
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