- International students applying on or after September 1, 2025 must show CAD 22,895 in living funds for a single applicant, on top of first-year tuition and travel
- Average international tuition for 2025-2026 is CAD 41,746 for undergraduates and CAD 24,028 for graduates
- The study permit fee is CAD 150 plus CAD 85 for biometrics, and eligible students can work up to 24 hours per week off campus.
How Much Money Do You Need to Start Life in Canada as a Student?
To start life in Canada as a student in 2026 you typically need CAD 22,895 in proof of living funds plus one year of tuition, which averages CAD 41,746 for undergraduates. Adding the study permit, biometrics, travel and initial setup, most single students should budget roughly CAD 45,000 to 75,000 for their first year.
The initial amount to settle in Canada as an international student is made up of three parts: the government proof of funds you must show to get a study permit, your first year of tuition, and one-time arrival costs such as flights, a housing deposit and winter clothing. Your exact number depends heavily on your program, your city and whether you choose a college diploma or a university degree.
What Is the Proof of Funds Requirement for 2026?
For study permit applications submitted on or after September 1, 2025, a single applicant outside Quebec must prove CAD 22,895 in available funds for living costs. This is separate from tuition and travel, must cover one full year, and rises for each accompanying family member you bring to Canada.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada updates this cost-of-living threshold each year using Statistics Canada data, so always confirm the live figure before you apply. You can prove the funds in several accepted ways:
- Bank statements or proof of a Canadian bank account holding the funds
- A Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) from a participating Canadian bank
- Proof of an education or student loan from a recognised bank
- Bank drafts in a convertible currency
- Proof that tuition and housing fees have already been paid
- A letter from a person or school giving you money, or proof of funding from within Canada
How Much Is Tuition for International Students in Canada?
International tuition varies widely by program and province. Statistics Canada reports average 2025-2026 fees of CAD 41,746 per year for international undergraduates and CAD 24,028 for graduates. College diploma programs run about CAD 16,000 to 25,000, while some professional undergraduate degrees, such as engineering at top universities, exceed CAD 70,000 annually.
| Programme Type (2025-2026) | Average International Fee (CAD/year) |
|---|---|
| University undergraduate (average) | 41,746 |
| University graduate (average) | 24,028 |
| College diploma / vocational | 16,000 - 25,000 |
| Engineering / professional (top universities) | up to 70,060 |
What Are the Monthly Living Costs in Canada?
Beyond tuition, budget around CAD 23,000 per year for living expenses, roughly in line with the proof of funds figure. In big cities like Toronto or Vancouver, off-campus rent alone runs CAD 800 to 2,000 monthly, while on-campus residence with a meal plan ranges from about CAD 13,000 to 16,000 yearly.
| Living Expense (2026) | Estimated Cost (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Off-campus rent | 800 - 2,000 / month |
| On-campus residence + meal plan | 13,000 - 16,000 / year |
| Groceries and food | 300 - 500 / month |
| Public transit pass | 100 - 150 / month |
| Books and supplies | 1,500 - 2,000 / year |
| Total living funds required (proof of funds) | 22,895 / year |
What Does the Study Permit and Visa Cost?
The Canadian study permit application fee is CAD 150, plus CAD 85 for biometrics, totalling CAD 235. You must also hold a Provincial Attestation Letter and, in most cases, meet the CAD 22,895 proof of funds. The Student Direct Stream that once fast-tracked applications was discontinued in November 2024.
Budget a little extra for supporting steps: a medical exam where required, Visa Application Centre service charges, and document translation or notarisation. These are usually modest but can add a few hundred dollars depending on your country of application.
Part-Time Jobs in Canada for StudentsRead →How Can Students Offset Costs by Working in Canada?
Eligible international students can work up to 24 hours per week off campus during academic sessions, and full time during scheduled breaks. Provincial minimum wages generally range between CAD 15 and 18 per hour, so part-time work can meaningfully offset living costs, though it should not replace your required proof of funds.
To work legally you need a Social Insurance Number, which is free to obtain once you arrive and your study permit lists work authorisation. On-campus jobs, co-op placements and internships (with a co-op work permit) are additional ways to earn during your studies.
Canada PR from India — Complete GuideRead →What Is a Sample First-Year Budget to Settle in Canada?
A realistic first-year budget for a single student combines tuition, the CAD 22,895 living requirement, the CAD 235 permit and biometrics, roughly CAD 1,200 to 2,000 for flights, and CAD 2,000 to 4,000 for setup like deposits, winter clothing and a phone. Totals commonly land between CAD 45,000 and 75,000.
| First-Year Cost Item (2026) | Amount (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Tuition (undergraduate average) | 41,746 |
| Living expenses (proof of funds) | 22,895 |
| Study permit + biometrics | 235 |
| Flights to Canada | 1,200 - 2,000 |
| Initial setup (deposit, winter gear, phone) | 2,000 - 4,000 |
| Approximate first-year total | 45,000 - 75,000 |
A college diploma student in a smaller city will sit near the lower end, while a university undergraduate in Toronto or Vancouver will approach the upper end. Scholarships, on-campus housing and part-time work can each pull the real cash needed down, but always plan for the higher figure so you arrive financially secure.