Study in Canada from India: intakes, PAL and proof of funds
I want to study in Canada from India for September 2027. How much money does IRCC ask me to show, what is a PAL, and when do universities close applications?
For a study permit applied for on or after 1 September 2026, IRCC asks a single student to show CAD 23,448 a year for living costs, on top of tuition and travel, outside Quebec. Quebec follows its own figures through the CAQ. Most applicants also need a provincial or territorial attestation letter (PAL or TAL), which the school provides. The permit fee is CAD 150 and biometrics CAD 85. UBC and the University of Toronto both close undergraduate applications for September 2027 on 15 January 2027.
This page may be out of date. It was due for a re-check on 30 November 2026. Confirm every rule with the official source before acting on it.
As of 31 October 2026: we re-read every figure here on the official page linked next to it. Governments revise these amounts, often once a year, so open the official page again before you pay or apply.
At a glance
- Living costs to show, 1 person
- CAD 23,448 a year (applications on or after 1 September 2026), excluding tuition and travel[1]
- Two people (student plus one family member)
- CAD 29,192 a year[1]
- Quebec
- Applicants for a CAQ follow the amounts set by Quebec's immigration ministry (MIFI), not the federal table[1]
- Study permit fee
- CAD 150 per person; biometrics CAD 85[2]
- Attestation letter
- A PAL or TAL is usually required: a letter from the province or territory confirming there is space for you, which your school gives you[3]
Living costs IRCC asks you to show, by family size
UBC dates for September 2027 entry
Government fees for one student
| People coming | CAD a year |
|---|---|
| 1 (you) | 23,448 |
| 2 | 29,192 |
| 3 | 35,888 |
| 4 | 43,572 |
| 5 | 49,419 |
| 6 | 55,736 |
| 7 | 62,054 |
| Each extra person | 6,318 |
For applications made on or after 1 September 2026. IRCC says the amounts are updated each year. The previous single-person figure was CAD 22,895.[1]
| University | Dates |
|---|---|
| University of British Columbia | Applications open early October 2026; deadline 15 January 2027; International Scholars award applicants by 15 November 2026 (UBC) |
| University of Toronto | Recommended early date 7 November 2026; deadline 15 January 2027 for programmes such as Engineering and Arts & Science (U of T) |
Undergraduate dates from each university's own page.[5]
IRCC lists examples, and says the list is not complete: a GIC from a Canadian financial institution, bank statements for the past 6 months, proof that tuition is paid, a scholarship letter, or a letter from the person giving you money with their own proof of income. You must show you can pay tuition, living costs and travel without working in Canada.[1]
- Letter of acceptance from your school (always required)
- Provincial or territorial attestation letter in most cases; Quebec needs a CAQ
- Passport or travel document
- Proof of financial support (always required)
- A letter of explanation (recommended)
Source[4]
IRCC's study permit document list has no English test. The school sets the requirement. The University of Toronto, for example, asks for an IELTS Academic overall band of 6.5 with no band below 6.0.[7]
Tips and tricks
- Check the date on your application against IRCC's table: the amount changed on 1 September 2026, and the higher figure applies to applications made on or after that day.[1]
- Ask your school when it will issue the PAL or TAL. Without it most study permit applications are incomplete.
- If you are going to Quebec, read the CAQ rules first; the federal living-cost table does not apply there.
- Scan bank statements as one clean PDF per account so the upload stays readable.
Questions people ask
How much money do I need to show for a Canada study permit in 2026?
For applications on or after 1 September 2026, IRCC lists CAD 23,448 a year for one person outside Quebec, plus tuition and travel. Two people need CAD 29,192.[1]
Is a GIC compulsory for a Canada study permit?
IRCC lists a GIC as one example of proof, alongside bank statements for the past 6 months, paid tuition receipts and scholarship letters. It says the list is not complete.[1]
What is a PAL for a Canada study permit?
A provincial or territorial attestation letter confirms that the province has space for you. IRCC says most applicants need one, and the school provides it.[3]
What is the Canada study permit fee?
IRCC's fee list shows CAD 150 per person for a study permit, including extensions, and CAD 85 per person for biometrics.[2]
Connected pages
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Official and partner links
Sources
- Study permit: proof of financial support, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. Accessed 31 October 2026.
- Fee list, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. Accessed 31 October 2026.
- Provincial or territorial attestation letter, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. Accessed 31 October 2026.
- Study permit: get the right documents, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. Accessed 31 October 2026.
- Dates and deadlines, University of British Columbia. Accessed 31 October 2026.
- Deadlines, University of Toronto. Accessed 31 October 2026.
- English language requirements, University of Toronto. Accessed 31 October 2026.
Found an error or a newer rule? Tell us through the corrections page. Updated 31 October 2026.