Canada study permit funds have increased from September 1, 2026, meaning international students must now show more money to cover their living expenses.
The higher requirement applies to students applying outside Quebec and comes as Canada tightens its international student programme.
For a single student, the required amount for living expenses has increased to C$23,448, excluding tuition fees and transportation costs.
This was C$22,895 for applications submitted between January 1, 2025 and August 31, 2026.
Canada Study Permit Funds Increase
The latest increase means a student now needs to show C$553 more than under the previous requirement.
The amount is meant to cover one year of living expenses and is separate from the money required for tuition and travel.
The requirement also rises when family members accompany the student.
For two family members, including the applicant, the required amount is C$29,192, while a family of three must show C$35,888 for annual living expenses.
For families of four, the requirement is C$43,572. The amount increases further for each additional family member, with C$6,318 added for every person beyond seven.
More Money Needed Beyond Tuition Fees
Students should note that the financial requirement is not the total amount needed to study in Canada.
The funds shown for living expenses do not include tuition fees or transportation costs.
Canada’s immigration authorities require applicants to demonstrate that they have enough money to pay tuition, support themselves and accompanying family members, and cover transportation to and from Canada.
Students enrolled in programmes lasting more than one year must also explain how they plan to finance the remaining period of their studies.
Evidence can include scholarships, education loans, employment income of parents or other financial support.
Source of Funds Will Also Matter]]
Showing the required balance alone may not be enough.
Canadian authorities assess both the amount of money available and its source when examining financial capacity.
Applicants can use documents such as bank statements, education loan records, scholarship documents and evidence of income or financial support.
Bank statements may also need to establish where the money came from.
This makes proper financial documentation particularly important for Indian students planning to apply for a Canadian study permit.
Applicants should ensure that their financial evidence clearly supports the funds declared in the application.
Canada Tightens Student Immigration Rules
The higher financial requirement is part of Canada’s wider effort to manage its international student population and reduce pressure on housing and other services.
Canada has also reduced its target for new international student arrivals in 2026.
For students planning to study in Canada, the change means financial preparation has become an even more important part of the study permit process.
Applicants need to account for tuition, living costs and travel rather than relying on future employment in Canada to meet their expenses.
