1The 4 steps of your project, with realistic timelines
A Canadian study project almost always follows the same sequence, whether you are aiming for Quebec or another province. What changes from one file to the next is the timeline and the amounts — and that is exactly where most websites give outdated information.
Admission to a recognized institution (official letter of acceptance)
CAQ — Quebec Acceptance Certificate (only if the institution is in Quebec)
Federal study permit (IRCC) — mandatory in every case
Departure preparation: housing, flight, settlement budget
IRCC processing times vary by country of residence and time of year — we would rather not display an unverified precise figure for your country than give you a false sense of certainty. One simple rule almost always holds, however: submit your permit application as soon as you receive the admission letter, ideally 4 to 6 months before your intended term.
2Proof of funds: current thresholds
The threshold depends on the destination province — Quebec (CAQ) and the rest of Canada (federal IRCC) apply two different amounts, and both changed recently. Many sites still display a single generic figure: it is almost always wrong.
24 617 CAD
effective January 1, 2026
34 814 CAD
23 448 CAD
since September 1, 2026
These amounts cover living expenses only — they are in addition to tuition and transportation, which are not included. Quebec's threshold more than tripled for minors and rose by over CAD 9,000 for adults on January 1, 2026; the federal threshold is reassessed every year and has just increased again on September 1, 2026. We break down both thresholds, their evolution, and how to prove them on our dedicated page: proof of funds for studying in Canada.
3Language and academic prerequisites
Language: IRCC does not require a standardized language test for the study permit itself — the requirement is set by the host institution (the DLI), not by the federal government. As a rough guide, English-language programs often ask for an IELTS Academic score around 6.0–6.5 or a TOEFL iBT of 80–90; French-language programs in Quebec generally expect a TCF/TEFAQ level B2, with some college programs (CEGEP) accepting a B1 with upgrading. These benchmarks vary widely by institution: the number that matters is the one confirmed directly by the school you are targeting.
Academic prerequisites: a secondary school diploma (or equivalent) is generally enough for conditional admission to a Quebec CEGEP; undergraduate programs require a school record judged equivalent, sometimes with specific prerequisites (sciences, mathematics); graduate programs require a bachelor's degree in a relevant field. These are general benchmarks — the actual equivalence is always determined by the host institution.
4Common pitfalls in West Africa → Canada applications
1. The single "CAD 22 600 for Canada" figure. It still circulates everywhere — it is now too low for Quebec (24 617 CAD) and out of date for the rest of Canada (23 448 CAD since September 1, 2026).
2. The promise of a "guaranteed visa". No serious intermediary can guarantee a decision that belongs to IRCC alone.
3. A budget that stops at proof of funds. This amount covers living expenses only — tuition and transportation are additional, and many families discover this too late.
4. An unverified institution. A valid DLI (Designated Learning Institution) is the baseline condition for any study permit — always verify this status before spending money.
This is exactly why BahiaEd publishes its trust and verification page (in French): our partnerships, what we guarantee, and what we refuse to promise.
Your file, assessed honestly
BahiaEd's free assessment reviews your academic level, real budget, and chances — no inflated promises.
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