RCIC News. 
International students at the University of Montreal face dramatically higher financial requirements starting in 2026, as Quebec implements the steepest increase in study permit costs in Canadian history
On This Page You Will Find:
- Breaking down Quebec's shocking 218% increase in financial requirements for international students
- Complete comparison table showing old vs. new financial thresholds for every family size
- Strategic financial planning tips to meet the new CA$24,617 minimum requirement
- Timeline for implementation and what current applicants need to know immediately
- Alternative provinces with lower financial requirements for your backup plan
Summary:
Quebec just delivered a financial bombshell that will reshape international education in Canada forever. Starting in 2026, the province is tripling its financial requirements for study permits, forcing single students to prove they have CA$24,617 instead of the current CA$15,508. This unprecedented 59% increase affects every new application and extension, making Quebec more expensive than any other Canadian province for international students. If you're planning to study in Quebec or currently hold a permit, this change demands immediate action to protect your educational dreams and avoid devastating financial surprises.
🔑 Key Takeaways:
- Quebec is increasing financial requirements by up to 218% for students under 18, from CA$7,756 to CA$24,617
- The new CA$24,617 minimum applies to all single applicants regardless of age, effective for 2026 applications
- Families face even steeper increases: couples jump from CA$22,745 to CA$34,814 (53% increase)
- Quebec's requirements will exceed federal standards used in other provinces, making it Canada's most expensive study destination
- Current students must prepare for these new thresholds when applying for permit extensions
Sarah Martinez stared at her laptop screen in disbelief. The 19-year-old from Mexico had been planning to pursue her master's degree at McGill University, carefully saving CA$16,000 to meet Quebec's financial requirements. Now, with Quebec's shocking announcement, that amount falls CA$8,617 short of the new minimum.
Quebec's immigration authority dropped a financial bombshell on November 21, announcing it will triple financial proof requirements for international students Government of Quebec. The minimum financial capacity required to cover basic needs during study permit applications will skyrocket to CA$24,617 for one person, whether minor or adult Government of Quebec.
This represents the most dramatic increase in international student financial requirements in Canadian history. For students under 18 traveling alone, the jump from CA$7,756 to CA$24,617 marks a staggering 218% increase. Adult students face a 59% spike from the current CA$15,508 requirement.
The Numbers That Will Change Everything
The financial reality for international students in Quebec is about to become significantly more challenging. Here's exactly what you'll need to prove you can afford:
Current vs. New Financial Requirements:
| Family Size | Current Requirement | New 2026 Requirement | Increase Amount | Percentage Jump |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| One person under 18 | CA$7,756 | CA$24,617 | CA$16,861 | 218% |
| One person 18+ | CA$15,508 | CA$24,617 | CA$9,109 | 59% |
| Couple (two adults) | CA$22,745 | CA$34,814 | CA$12,069 | 53% |
| Two adults + one child | CA$25,479 | CA$42,638 | CA$17,159 | 67% |
| Two adults + two children | CA$27,499 | CA$49,234 | CA$21,735 | 79% |
These increases far exceed the financial requirements imposed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) in other provinces IRCC. Quebec's special agreement with the federal government allows the province to set its own financial standards for temporary residents, including international students Government of Quebec.
Why Quebec Is Making This Dramatic Move
Quebec currently hosts approximately 130,000 international students, ranking third among Canadian provinces Statistics Canada. The province is home to prestigious institutions including McGill University, Université de Montréal, and Concordia University, making it a highly sought-after destination for global education.
The dramatic increase appears designed to ensure students can genuinely afford living costs in Quebec's major cities, where expenses have risen significantly. Montreal, Quebec City, and other urban centers have experienced substantial cost-of-living increases, particularly in housing and daily necessities.
This move also aligns with broader Canadian efforts to manage international student numbers more effectively. Canada currently hosts about 800,000 international students in the 2024-2025 academic year, making it the world's second-largest destination for international education Institute of International Education.
What This Means for Your Financial Planning
If you're planning to study in Quebec, your financial strategy needs an immediate overhaul. The new requirements demand more than just having money in the bank – you need to demonstrate sustained financial capacity throughout your studies.
For Single Students:
- Minimum proof required: CA$24,617
- Recommended buffer: Additional 20-30% (CA$30,000-CA$32,000 total)
- Consider exchange rate fluctuations if funds are in foreign currency
- Plan for annual increases in living costs
For Students with Families: The financial burden multiplies significantly for those bringing spouses or children. A couple now needs to prove access to CA$34,814, while families with children face requirements approaching CA$50,000.
Strategic Alternatives and Backup Plans
With Quebec becoming Canada's most expensive province for international students, many are exploring alternatives:
Other Canadian Provinces:
- Ontario: Federal requirements apply (lower than Quebec's new standards)
- British Columbia: Follows federal guidelines
- Alberta: Competitive costs with federal requirements
- Maritime provinces: Often more affordable with welcoming immigration policies
Financial Planning Strategies:
- Consider studying in other provinces for undergraduate degrees, then Quebec for graduate studies
- Explore scholarship opportunities specific to Quebec institutions
- Investigate work-study programs that can help offset costs
- Look into provincial nominee programs that might offer financial benefits
Timeline and Implementation Details
The new financial requirements will affect all applications submitted for the 2026 academic year and beyond. Current students planning to extend their permits must also prepare for these new thresholds.
Critical Dates:
- Effective for all new applications starting 2026
- Current permit holders: New requirements apply to extensions
- Application deadlines remain unchanged, but financial proof requirements are now significantly higher
Impact on Quebec's International Education Sector
This policy shift will likely reshape Quebec's international student landscape dramatically. Universities and colleges may need to adjust their recruitment strategies, potentially focusing on students from higher-income countries or those with substantial scholarship funding.
The change could also affect Quebec's long-term immigration goals, as many international students traditionally transition to permanent residence after graduation. Higher financial barriers might reduce the pool of potential future Quebecois residents.
Preparing for the New Reality
If Quebec remains your preferred destination despite these increased costs, start preparing immediately:
- Financial Documentation: Ensure all funds are properly documented and meet Canadian banking standards
- Exchange Rate Planning: Account for currency fluctuations if your funds are in foreign currency
- Scholarship Research: Investigate Quebec-specific scholarships and funding opportunities
- Alternative Timelines: Consider deferring applications if you need more time to accumulate required funds
The Broader Canadian Context
Quebec's decision reflects growing concerns across Canada about international student numbers and their impact on housing, services, and local communities. Other provinces may follow suit with their own requirement increases, making this Quebec change a potential preview of national trends.
The federal government has already implemented various measures to manage international student flows, including caps on certain programs and enhanced scrutiny of applications IRCC.
Looking Ahead: What Students Should Do Now
The window for adapting to these changes is narrowing quickly. Prospective students have roughly one year to adjust their financial planning or consider alternative destinations.
Current students in Quebec should begin preparing for permit renewals under the new requirements, even if their current permits remain valid for several more years. The financial landscape for international education in Quebec has permanently shifted, and success requires adapting to this new reality.
For many international students, Quebec's world-class universities and unique cultural experience remain worth the increased financial investment. However, this decision now requires significantly more financial planning and commitment than ever before.
The dream of studying in Quebec isn't dead – it's just become considerably more expensive. Those who can meet these new requirements will find themselves in an increasingly selective group of international students who can afford Quebec's premium educational experience.
References
- Government of Quebec. "International Student Program Financial Requirements." Quebec.ca, 2024.
- Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. "Study Permits and Financial Requirements." Canada.ca, 2024.
- Statistics Canada. "International Students in Canadian Provinces." StatCan.gc.ca, 2024.
- Institute of International Education. "Open Doors Report 2024." IIE.org, 2024.
