Ottawa, July 2025 International students planning to study in Canada will soon face higher financial thresholds for proving their ability to support themselves during their stay. Starting September 1, 2025, the Government of Canada will implement a significant increase in the minimum cost-of-living requirement for study permit applicants.

According to the latest announcement from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the new cost-of-living threshold for a single applicant will be raised to CAD 22,895, up from the previous requirement of CAD 20,635. This marks an increase of over CAD 2,000, or approximately 11%.

“The revised amount reflects updated living costs across Canada and aims to ensure students are financially secure during their studies,” IRCC stated in a release.

Applies Nationwide — Except Quebec

This new requirement will apply to all provinces and territories except Quebec, which has its own financial criteria for international students. Importantly, the cost-of-living amount is in addition to other financial requirements such as:

• First year’s tuition fees
• Travel expenses to and from Canada
• Support for accompanying family members, if applicable

Breakdown of Updated Living Expense Requirements

Here’s the full breakdown of required funds based on family size (excluding tuition and travel):