Master in Canada: anyone applying for a study permit has to prove their living costs before the immigration authority approves the application. The minimum amount rose in September 2026. This guide explains the figures, a worked example and the open questions on health insurance.
Short answer: For a Canadian study permit, a single applicant outside Quebec must show CAD 23,448 for living costs. The amount applies since 1 September 2026, and tuition is due on top. Status: October 2026, according to CIC News citing the IRCC website.
The most important points
- Living costs for students outside Quebec: CAD 23,448 for a single applicant, valid from 1 September 2026.
- The amount is CAD 553 higher than the previous figure.
- Tuition at your university comes on top.
- Applications received before 1 September 2026 are assessed under the previous amounts.
- Health insurance in Canada depends on the province and your university. Clarify your German cover before you leave.
How much money do you need to prove for a study permit?
The Canadian immigration authority IRCC requires proof of living costs for study permits. The amount is adjusted regularly, most recently on 1 September 2026.
| Item | Amount | Valid from | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Living costs, single, outside Quebec | CAD 23,448 | 1 Sep 2026 | CIC News, 31 Aug 2026, citing IRCC |
| Increase on the previous figure | CAD 553 | 1 Sep 2026 | CIC News, 31 Aug 2026 |
| Tuition | set by each university | ongoing | University |
The IRCC page on proof of funds also lists supplements for partners and children. We have not checked these figures, so please look them up on the IRCC site.
What does one master year in Canada cost?
Assumption: tuition in the first year is CAD 25,000. Replace this figure with the amount in your offer letter.
- Prove living costs: CAD 23,448, valid from 1 September 2026.
- Tuition for the first year according to your admission letter: assumed CAD 25,000.
- Total for the first year: CAD 48,448, excluding flights, insurance and moving costs.
Which health insurance do you need in Canada?
Health care in Canada is organised by the provinces. Many students are covered by a university or provincial plan, sometimes with a waiting period. We have not checked the rules of each province against an official source. Whether your German statutory insurer keeps paying depends on your status and stay, so ask before you leave. Background on stays abroad is available in our guide on health insurance for study abroad (in German).
How can you finance the master in Canada?
Proof of living costs must be available when you apply. Whether a scholarship or loan from Germany is accepted is best checked on the IRCC site and with your university. An overview of scholarships is available here: scholarships for students in Germany.
What happens after graduation in Canada?
After graduation, a temporary work permit may be possible for some graduates, depending on the programme and its length. Whether and for how long depends on your programme and status, and the IRCC website is decisive. Do not treat this as certain, check it in time.
| Topic | What to clarify | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Work permit after study | Depends on programme and length | IRCC |
| Insurance after study | Provincial or university cover ends or changes | Province, university |
| Return to German statutory insurance | Agree timing and conditions with your health insurer | Your health insurer |
If you want to stay in Canada after your master, compare the rules for extensions and follow-on stays early, because evidence and deadlines differ.
Typical planning mistakes
Many plans fail on the same points. The three mistakes below are easy to avoid with a little effort.
- Calculating only the first study year, although the studies last longer.
- Clarifying health insurance only on site instead of before departure.
- Collecting evidence too late, because translations, appointments and follow-up questions take time.
If you tick off these points before you apply, you have a solid basis for your decision.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to show the money in a bank account?
Which documents are accepted is listed on the IRCC page on proof of funds. Check in advance whether your evidence is sufficient.
Does the new amount apply to applications already in progress?
According to CIC News, applications received before 1 September 2026 are assessed under the previous amounts.
What is the amount for a partner or children?
Family members add supplements. We have not checked these figures, so please see the IRCC site.
Can I use German student aid while studying in Canada?
Whether and how much support is possible abroad is decided by the responsible German office on a case-by-case basis. We deliberately leave out a worked example here.
Do I need proof of funds again for an extension?
Extensions have their own requirements. Check them on the IRCC website in time, before your current stay ends.
Your next steps
- Ask your university for the admission letter and check the tuition for the first year.
- Calculate living costs with the amount valid from 1 September 2026 and add a buffer.
- Clarify with your health insurer and the university which insurance you need in Canada.
- Collect the evidence for the application file before you submit it.
Related guides
- Master abroad: countries, application and costs (in German)
- Scholarships for students in Germany
- Private health insurance abroad during your studies
- Student loans compared (in German)
Sources: CIC News: Canada hikes funds needed by study permit applicants (31 Aug 2026, citing IRCC)
Last updated: October 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice.
