To get a Canadian study permit, you must prove you can pay your tuition, travel and living costs. For applications received on or after September 1, 2026, IRCC raised the living-expense amount for a single student outside Quebec to CAD $23,448, on top of your first year's tuition and travel.
Free tool: Canada Proof of Funds Calculator 2026 works out your exact total by family size, tuition and travel, and shows any shortfall.
Proof of Funds Amounts (Outside Quebec)
These are the living-expense amounts for applications on or after September 1, 2026. Tuition and travel costs are extra.
| Family members (including you) | Living expenses required (CAD) |
|---|---|
| 1 | $23,448 |
| 2 | $29,192 |
| 3 | $35,888 |
| 4 | $43,572 |
| 5 | $49,419 |
| 6 | $55,736 |
| 7 | $62,054 |
| Each additional person | $6,318 |
Students going to Quebec must follow the amounts set by Quebec's immigration ministry instead.
How to Calculate Your Total
Total funds = first-year tuition + living expenses from the table + travel costs.
Example: a single student with first-year tuition of CAD $20,000 and a flight of about CAD $1,500 would need roughly CAD $44,948 ($20,000 + $23,448 + $1,500).
Accepted Proof of Funds
- A Canadian Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) from a participating bank.
- Bank statements for the past 4 months.
- Proof of a student or education loan from a financial institution.
- Proof that you paid tuition and housing fees.
- A letter from a person or school giving you money.
- Proof of funding from a scholarship or a Canadian-funded program.
Strong applications usually combine two or more of these, such as a GIC plus a tuition receipt.
Should You Use a GIC?
A GIC is a popular way to show living funds. You deposit the money before you apply, then receive it back in installments after you arrive in Canada. It gives visa officers clear proof that the money is available and set aside for your studies.
Tips for a Strong Application
- Show the money clearly in your name or your sponsor's name.
- Explain any large recent deposits with documents, such as a sale or a gift letter.
- Make sure amounts are converted to CAD and match the current requirement.
- Pay part of your tuition in advance if possible and include the receipt.
- Keep the funds in place until you have your permit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is tuition included in the CAD $23,448?
No. The table covers living expenses only. You must also show first-year tuition and travel costs.
Which date matters: when I apply or when I start?
The amounts apply to applications received on or after September 1, 2026.
Can a relative sponsor me?
Yes. Include a support letter, their bank statements and proof of your relationship.
The Bottom Line
For a 2026 study permit outside Quebec, plan for CAD $23,448 in living funds plus tuition and travel. Use clear, verifiable documents, ideally a GIC with proof of tuition payment.
Disclaimer: This article is general information, not immigration advice. Always confirm requirements on the official IRCC website before applying.
Sources: Passage: IRCC proof-of-funds update for September 2026; ApplyBoard: Proof of financial support 2026–2027.