Canada Hikes Living Expense Requirement: What It Means for Indian Students in 2025
7/4/2025
Canada Hikes Living Expense Requirement: What It Means for Indian Students in 2025
In a significant update affecting thousands of aspiring Indian students, Canada has increased the minimum financial requirement for international study permits. Effective September 1, 2025, students must now show CAD $22,895 (~₹14 lakh) as proof of funds for living expenses—up from CAD $20,635 (~₹12.6 lakh).
This change is crucial for Indian families planning to send students to Canada. Canada remains one of the top destinations for higher education among Indian youth.
What’s Changed: Key Highlights for Indians
- Old Requirement (till Aug 31, 2025): CAD $20,635 (~₹12.6 lakh)
- New Requirement (from Sept 1, 2025): CAD $22,895 (~₹14 lakh)
- Applies to study permit applications submitted on or after Sept 1, 2025
- Reflects rising cost of living tied to Canada’s Low-Income Cut-Off (LICO)
Estimated First-Year Cost for Indian Students
- Living Expenses: ₹14 lakh
- Tuition Fees: ₹8–₹25 lakh (varies by program)
- Travel & Miscellaneous: ₹1–2 lakh
- Total: ₹23–₹40 lakh
Accepted Proof of Funds (for Indian Students)
- Bank statements (last 4 months)
- Education loan approval letter from a recognized bank
- GIC from approved Canadian banks (Scotiabank, RBC, etc.)
- Fixed deposits with lien
- Income proof from parents or sponsors
- Sponsorship affidavit with financial documents
- Scholarship/funding letters
🇮🇳 Why This Affects Indian Students More
- India is Canada’s top source of international students (320,000+ in 2025)
- Middle-class families now face a higher financial barrier
- Rupee fluctuations could increase real-time costs further
Strategic Tips for Indian Families
- Apply before August 31, 2025, to use the lower ₹12.6 lakh benchmark
- Start education loan & GIC processes at least 3–4 months in advance
- Use multiple proof sources—loans + savings + FD
- If using a sponsor, include verified documents & affidavits
- Keep funds in liquid and verifiable formats
Canada vs Other Countries
| Country | Living Expense Requirement | Avg. Tuition for Indians |
|---|---|---|
| Canada | CAD $22,895 (~₹14 lakh) | ₹8–25 lakh |
| USA | USD $10,000 (~₹8.4 lakh) | ₹15–45 lakh |
| Australia | AUD $24,505 (~₹13 lakh) | ₹10–30 lakh |
| UK | GBP £9,207–£12,006 (~₹10–15 lakh) | ₹10–30 lakh |
Application Timeline to Note
- Before Aug 31, 2025: CAD $20,635 (~₹12.6 lakh)
- From Sept 1, 2025: CAD $22,895 (~₹14 lakh)
Final Thoughts: Act Now to Stay Ahead
If you're planning to study in Canada, this is the time to take action. Work on gathering the required funds, start your loan or GIC early, and prepare documents in advance.
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