Last updated on September 8, 2026
Planning to study in Canada requires more than paying the study permit fee. Your Canada study visa cost in 2027 can include the study permit application, biometrics, medical examination, tuition, living expenses, travel, insurance, and other pre-departure costs.
For applications made on or after September 1, 2026, a single student applying to a province or territory other than Quebec must show CAD $23,448 per year for living expenses, excluding tuition and transportation. This amount is in addition to the money required for tuition and transportation.
It is also important to clarify one common source of confusion: Canada’s Student Direct Stream (SDS) ended on November 8, 2024. New applicants now apply through the regular study permit process. A Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) can still be used as evidence of financial support, but it is not an SDS requirement because the SDS no longer accepts applications.
This guide explains the current Canada study visa fees, proof-of-funds requirements, GIC, tuition and other costs so you can build a realistic study budget.
Canada Study Visa Cost 2027 at a Glance
Your total budget depends on your university or college, program, city, and personal expenses. The main costs include:
| Expense | Estimated/Required Cost |
| Study permit application | CAD $150 |
| Biometrics | CAD $85 if required |
| Living expenses for 1 student outside Quebec | CAD $23,448/year for applications from Sept. 1, 2026 |
| Tuition | Varies by institution and program |
| Medical examination | Varies by approved physician |
| Language test | Varies by test provider |
| Police certificate | Varies by country |
| Airfare | Varies by destination and season |
| GIC | Optional financial-support method; amount depends on the financial product/provider |
The government study permit fee is CAD $150, while the individual biometrics fee is CAD $85 when biometrics are required.
Important: The CAD $23,448 living-expense requirement does not include tuition or transportation.
Canada Student Visa Fees 2027: Official Charges
The government fees are only one part of your overall budget.
1. Study Permit Fee
The current study permit application fee is CAD $150 per person. This is the main IRCC application fee for a new study permit.
2. Biometrics Fee
If you are required to provide biometrics, the fee for an individual applicant is CAD $85. Families applying together have a maximum biometrics fee of CAD $170.
3. Medical Examination
Some applicants must complete a medical examination with an approved panel physician. The cost is paid directly to the physician and varies by location and required tests.
Because medical fees are not a fixed IRCC study permit charge, do not treat a single CAD amount as an official government fee.
4. Police Certificate
You may need a police certificate depending on your circumstances and IRCC’s document requirements. Any related fee depends on the issuing authority.
5. Visa Application Centre Services
If you use a Visa Application Centre for services such as document handling or other optional services, additional third-party charges may apply. IRCC notes that services such as medical examinations, police certificates, language testing and VAC services can involve separate third-party costs.
Is SDS Still Available for Canada Study Visa Applications in 2027?
No. The Student Direct Stream (SDS) ended on November 8, 2024. Applications submitted after the deadline are processed through the regular study permit stream. This means students applying in 2027 should not plan their application around an SDS vs Non-SDS choice.
What happened to SDS?
SDS was previously available to eligible students from several countries, including Pakistan, and offered a more structured application pathway.
Canada ended the program to provide prospective international students with equal access to the study permit application process.
What does this mean for students?
You should now focus on the requirements for the regular Canadian study permit, including:
- Admission to a designated learning institution (DLI)
- Required provincial or territorial attestation documentation, where applicable
- Proof of financial support
- Required identity and supporting documents
- Biometrics, if required
- Medical examination, if required
- A convincing study plan and supporting evidence
Do not use old SDS checklists as a guide for a 2027 application.
GIC for Canada Study Visa: Is It Required in 2027?
A Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) is not a mandatory SDS requirement in 2027 because SDS has ended.
However, a GIC can still be used as part of your financial-support evidence. IRCC specifically states that students applying through the regular study permit stream can use a GIC as proof of financial support.
The important distinction is:
GIC = possible financial-support document
SDS = discontinued program
Therefore, do not automatically add a historical SDS GIC amount to every student’s 2027 visa budget. Your financial documents should demonstrate that you can cover the costs required for your studies and stay in Canada.
Proof of Funds for Canada Study Visa 2027
Proof of funds is one of the most important parts of a study permit application.
For applications submitted on or after September 1, 2026, a single student applying to a province or territory other than Quebec must show CAD $23,448 for one year of living expenses, excluding tuition and transportation.
You must also demonstrate sufficient funds for:
- Your tuition
- Living expenses
- Transportation to and from Canada
- Other costs associated with your stay
For example, if your first-year tuition is CAD $20,000, your minimum living-expense requirement is CAD $23,448, and your transportation costs are CAD $1,500, your financial plan would need to account for at least CAD $44,948, before considering other expenses.
This is an example for budgeting, not a universal total because tuition and transportation vary.
Proof of Funds for Families
The financial requirement increases when family members accompany you.
| Family members | Annual living expenses, excluding tuition and transportation |
| 1 | CAD $23,448 |
| 2 | CAD $29,192 |
| 3 | CAD $35,888 |
| 4 | CAD $43,572 |
| 5 | CAD $49,419 |
| 6 | CAD $55,736 |
| 7 | CAD $62,054 |
| Each additional person | CAD $6,318 |
These figures are official IRCC amounts and apply to applications made from September 1, 2026. Quebec has separate financial requirements.
What Documents Can Show Financial Support?
The exact documents you need depend on your situation and IRCC’s personalized document checklist. Financial evidence may include documents such as:
- Bank statements
- Proof of tuition payment
- Scholarship documentation
- Education loan documentation
- A GIC
- Proof of financial support from a sponsor
- Other acceptable evidence of available funds
Your financial history should be clear and credible. Avoid unexplained large deposits shortly before submitting your application. If funds have recently entered your account, be prepared to document their legitimate source.
Canada Study Visa Total Cost: Example First-Year Budget
There is no single fixed total Canada study visa cost because tuition and personal expenses differ significantly.
Consider this example:
| Cost | Example amount |
| Study permit | CAD $150 |
| Biometrics | CAD $85 |
| First-year tuition | CAD $20,000 |
| Required living funds | CAD $23,448 |
| Transportation | CAD $1,500 |
| Medical examination | Variable |
| Language test | Variable |
| Insurance and personal setup | Variable |
The example above totals CAD $45,183 before variable medical, testing, insurance, and other costs.
This demonstrates why students should not calculate their budget using the CAD $150 study permit fee alone.
Tuition Fees for International Students in Canada
Tuition is usually one of the largest parts of the total study budget. The actual amount depends on:
- Program type
- Institution
- Province
- Degree level
- Course duration
- Number of credits
For this reason, avoid presenting a single average Canada tuition fee as an official visa requirement. Instead, use the tuition amount stated on your letter of acceptance when preparing your financial plan. If your first-year tuition is CAD $18,000, for example, use that actual amount rather than a generic national estimate.
Hidden Costs of Studying in Canada
Students should also budget for expenses that are not included in the basic study permit fee.
Language Test
IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, and other language tests have separate fees set by the test provider.
Medical Examination
If required, the medical examination is paid directly to an approved panel physician.
Police Certificate
If required, obtaining a police certificate may involve local government or administrative charges.
Document Translation
Documents that need translation may create additional costs.
Airfare
Flight prices vary according to your departure city, destination, airline and booking date.
Accommodation Deposit
Students may need to pay a deposit before moving into private accommodation or student housing.
Initial Settlement Costs
Your first few weeks may involve expenses for:
- Winter clothing
- Local transportation
- Food
- SIM card
- Bedding
- Household items
- Temporary accommodation
Planning for these expenses can prevent financial pressure after arrival.
Cheapest Way to Apply for a Canada Study Visa in 2027
There is no legitimate shortcut that removes IRCC’s required fees or financial requirements. You can, however, reduce unnecessary expenses by planning carefully.
1. Compare Tuition Before Choosing a Program
Do not select a program based only on its reputation. Compare tuition, location, and expected living expenses.
2. Apply Through the Official Process
You can submit your study permit application online through IRCC rather than paying an unnecessary third party simply to submit the application.
3. Prepare Your Financial Documents Early
Strong documentation reduces the risk of delays caused by missing or unclear evidence.
4. Compare Accommodation Options
Living outside Canada’s most expensive city centres can reduce your monthly expenses.
5. Budget for the Entire First Year
Do not prepare only the amount needed to submit the application. Plan for tuition, living costs, travel and initial settlement expenses.
Common Financial Mistakes to Avoid
A strong financial file should be consistent and easy to understand.
Avoid:
- Unexplained large deposits
- Incomplete bank statements
- Inconsistent sponsor information
- Borrowed funds without clear evidence
- Incorrect currency conversions
- Ignoring tuition already paid
- Using outdated SDS requirements
- Treating a GIC as mandatory for every applicant
- Showing funds that do not realistically support the proposed study plan
The goal is not simply to show a large amount of money. Your financial evidence should clearly support your ability to pay for your studies and stay in Canada.
Canada Study Visa Cost: How to Plan Your Budget
Use this simple approach before applying:
Step 1: Confirm Your Tuition
Check the exact tuition amount stated by your institution.
Step 2: Check the Current IRCC Living Requirement
For applications submitted from September 1, 2026, use the applicable IRCC amount. For one student outside Quebec, this is CAD $23,448 for one year, excluding tuition and transportation.
Step 3: Add Transportation
Include the expected cost of travelling to Canada.
Step 4: Add Application and Pre-Arrival Costs
Budget for:
- Study permit
- Biometrics
- Medical examination, if required
- Language testing
- Police certificate, if required
- Translation
- Other document-related costs
Step 5: Keep an Emergency Reserve
Your financial plan should not leave you with no funds after paying tuition and travel expenses.
How AEL Consultants Can Help With Your Canada Study Plan
Understanding the Canada study visa cost is only one part of preparing a successful application. AEL Consultants can support students with:
- Course and institution selection
- Admission applications
- Financial-document guidance
- Study permit documentation
- Visa application support
- Pre-departure guidance
Our goal is to help you build a study plan that matches your academic background, budget, and long-term goals.
Conclusion
The Canada study visa cost includes the study permit fee, tuition, living expenses, transportation, biometrics, medical examination, language testing, and settlement costs. To apply successfully, students must meet the current IRCC proof-of-funds requirements and show they can afford their studies and stay in Canada. The Student Direct Stream is no longer available, so new applicants follow the regular study permit process. Planning your Canada study visa cost helps avoid financial gaps. Contact AEL Consultants for expert admission and visa guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the Canada study visa fee in 2027?
The study permit application fee is CAD $150. If you need to provide biometrics, the individual biometrics fee is CAD $85.
How much money do I need for a Canada student visa in 2027?
For applications submitted on or after September 1, 2026, one student applying outside Quebec must show CAD $23,448 for annual living expenses, excluding tuition and transportation. You must also demonstrate funds for your tuition and transportation.
Is SDS available for Canada student visas?
No. The Student Direct Stream ended on November 8, 2024. New study permit applications are processed through the regular study permit stream.
Is a GIC mandatory for a Canada study permit in 2027?
No. A GIC is not an SDS requirement because SDS has ended. However, a GIC can be used as evidence of financial support for a regular study permit application.
Can I apply for a Canada study permit without a GIC?
Yes. Since new applications are processed through the regular study permit stream, you do not need to obtain a GIC specifically to qualify for SDS. You must still provide acceptable evidence that you have enough money for your tuition, living expenses, and transportation.
Does visa refusal mean I have to pay the study permit fee again?
If you submit a new application after a refusal, you generally need to pay the applicable application fee again. Prepare your application carefully and check the current IRCC requirements before submitting.
How much does a medical examination for a Canadian study permit cost?
There is no single IRCC-set price for the medical examination. The cost depends on the approved panel physician and any additional tests required.
How much should I budget to study in Canada for the first year?
There is no universal total because tuition, accommodation, transportation and personal expenses vary. Start with your actual first-year tuition, the applicable IRCC living-expense requirement and transportation, then add application, medical, testing and settlement costs.
