Important update for International Students
Important Update for International Students: Canada’s Living Expense Requirement Rises from September 2025
Starting September 1, 2025, international students planning to study in Canada will face a significant change in the financial requirements for their study permit applications. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced a nearly 11% increase in the minimum cost-of-living funds that students must demonstrate—an adjustment aimed at better reflecting the actual expenses of living in Canada.
What’s Changing?
Previously, the minimum living expense requirement for a single applicant was CAD $20,635. From September 2025 onward, this figure will rise to CAD $22,895, excluding tuition and travel costs.
Here’s a breakdown of the updated financial requirements based on family size:
| Number of People | Required Funds (CAD) | Previous Amount | % Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 (student only) | $22,895 | $20,635 | 10.95% |
| 2 people | $28,502 | $25,690 | 10.95% |
| 3 people | $35,040 | $31,583 | 10.95% |
| 4 people | $42,543 | $38,346 | 10.95% |
| 5 people | $48,252 | $43,492 | 10.94% |
| 6 people | $54,420 | $49,051 | 10.95% |
| 7 people | $60,589 | $54,611 | 10.95% |
| Each additional person | $6,170 | $5,559 | 10.99% |
Note: These figures apply to all provinces and territories except Quebec, which maintains its own financial criteria for international students.
Why This Matters
This increase is part of IRCC’s effort to align the financial requirements with Statistics Canada’s Low-Income Cut-Off (LICO), ensuring that students are financially equipped to thrive in Canada without undue hardship. Rising costs in housing, food, transportation, and healthcare have made this adjustment necessary.
What Students Should Do
If you’re planning to apply for a study permit on or after September 1, 2025, here’s what you need to consider:
- Update your financial planning: Ensure your bank statements, GICs, or sponsorship letters reflect the new minimum amounts.
- Include tuition and travel costs separately: The living expense requirement is in addition to your first-year tuition and travel expenses.
- Prepare acceptable proof of funds: This can include bank statements, education loan documents, or letters of financial support from sponsors.
Strategic Advice for Nepali Students
As someone deeply invested in guiding Nepali students toward global academic success, here’s a culturally attuned tip: when preparing your documents, consider showcasing financial readiness not just through numbers, but through clarity, credibility, and consistency. Whether you’re applying solo or with dependents, your financial documentation should reflect your long-term preparedness—not just your short-term affordability.
If you’re crafting info sheets, social media posts, or branded guidance materials around this update, I can help you design bilingual (English/Nepali) content that’s both visually engaging and emotionally reassuring.