1Why there are two different thresholds
There are two proof-of-funds thresholds for studying in Canada — Quebec's (CAQ) and the federal one (IRCC) for other provinces — and they are never interchangeable.
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:
Amount set by the Quebec government — applies to any institution located in Quebec, including Collège Ellis
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
For one person, proof of funds is 24 617 CAD in Quebec (CAQ) or 23 448 CAD in the rest of Canada (federal); the amount increases with family size (see the table below).
| Family size | Quebec (CAQ) | Rest of Canada (federal) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | 24 617 CAD | 23 448 CAD |
| 2 people | 34 814 CAD | 29 192 CAD |
| 3 people | 42 638 CAD | 35 888 CAD |
| 4 people | 49 234 CAD | 43 572 CAD |
| Each additional person | confirm 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
Quebec's threshold more than tripled for minors and rose by about CAD 9,000 for adults on January 1, 2026; the federal threshold just increased from 22 895 CAD to 23 448 CAD on September 1, 2026.
Both thresholds have moved sharply in a short time, and the federal one just changed again:
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.
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
Proof of funds covers living expenses only (housing, food, everyday costs) — it excludes tuition and transportation, which must be budgeted separately.
This amount covers living expenses only for the duration of your studies — housing, food, everyday costs. It does not include:
Paid separately to the institution, on top of proof of funds
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, guaranteed investment certificate, sponsor's letter) vary between the CAQ and the federal permit and change regularly; BahiaEd confirms them case by case during the assessment.
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
A proof-of-funds figure that doesn't state the province or the update date is almost always outdated — always check the date on canada.ca or quebec.ca 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.
Start my free assessment →