Proof of Funds · 2026

Proof of funds for studying in Canada: the exact, up-to-date thresholds

Two different thresholds exist depending on your destination province — and both changed recently, the federal one again on September 1, 2026. Here are the verified figures, their evolution, and what they actually cover.

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1Why there are two different thresholds

Proof of funds shows the institution, Quebec (via the CAQ) and/or IRCC that you can support yourself during your studies. The threshold is not the same across Canada:

Quebec (CAQ)

Amount set by the Quebec government — applies to any institution located in Quebec, including Collège Ellis

Rest of Canada (federal IRCC)

Amount set by the federal government — applies to every other province

Mixing up the two is the most common mistake we correct in the files that reach us.

2The exact amounts, at a glance

Family sizeQuebec (CAQ)Rest of Canada (federal)
1 person24 617 CAD23 448 CAD
2 people34 814 CAD29 192 CAD
3 people42 638 CAD35 888 CAD
4 people49 234 CAD43 572 CAD
Each additional personconfirm on quebec.ca+ 6 318 CAD

These amounts cover the first year of studies. We update this table as soon as a change is announced — last verified directly on canada.ca and quebec.ca: September 12, 2026.

3A recent and important change

Both thresholds have moved sharply in a short time, and the federal one just changed again:

Quebec (CAQ)

For minors: from 7 756 CAD to 24 617 CAD (more than tripled). For adults: from 15 508 CAD to 24 617 CAD (about +CAD 9,000), effective January 1, 2026. Next review expected 1er janvier 2027.

Federal (IRCC)

From 20 635 CAD (January 1, 2024) to 22 895 CAD (September 1, 2025), then 23 448 CAD since September 1, 2026. IRCC adjusts this amount every year, indexed to the low-income cut-off (LICO).

4What this amount covers — and doesn't cover

This amount covers living expenses only for the duration of your studies — housing, food, everyday costs. It does not include:

Tuition fees

Paid separately to the institution, on top of proof of funds

Transportation

Flights and travel, not included in the threshold

A realistic budget adds all three: proof of funds + tuition + transportation. This is what we check line by line during the assessment.

5How to prove your funds

Accepted documents (bank statements over several months, guaranteed investment certificate, sponsor's letter of support, etc.) and their exact format vary depending on whether it's the CAQ or the federal permit, and change regularly. Rather than giving you a fixed list that could be outdated, we confirm the expected documents with you during your assessment, then help you prepare them.

6Why this figure is so often wrong online

⚠️ Why this figure is so often wrong online: many sites and intermediaries still quote a single, generic "for Canada" amount — left over from before the 2025–2026 revisions, or even from a version that has already been replaced. With two now clearly distinct thresholds (Quebec vs. federal) that have each moved several times in two years, a figure that doesn't state the province or the update date should be treated as suspect. Always check the date on canada.ca (IRCC) and quebec.ca (CAQ) before building your budget.

Let's check your budget together

BahiaEd's free assessment compares your real situation to the current thresholds — Quebec or federal depending on your destination.

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