Canada Study Permit from Pakistan: How Much Money You Must Show (2026)

If you apply for a Canadian study permit from Pakistan on or after 1 September 2026, you must show CAN$23,448 for one year of living costs if you study outside Quebec. On top of that you must show your first-year tuition and your travel to and from Canada. All figures checked on official Government of Canada pages on 28 October 2026.

Who this is for: Pakistani students with an acceptance letter from a Canadian school who are preparing their study permit application.

How much money do I need to show for living costs?

The amount depends on how many family members come with you. The figure is per year and covers living costs only.

The government says these amounts are updated each year. If you apply late in 2027, check the page again before you send your application.

Source: Canada.ca, Study permit: proof of financial support. Last verified 28 Oct 2026 against Canada.ca.

Do I also need to show tuition and travel money?

Yes. The living cost amount does not include tuition or transport. The official page says these amounts "do not include tuition and transportation costs".

So your total is: first-year tuition (from your acceptance letter) plus CAN$23,448 plus the cost of travel to Canada and back. If a scholarship pays only your tuition, you still need separate proof for living and travel costs.

Source: Canada.ca, proof of financial support. Last verified 28 Oct 2026 against Canada.ca.

What does the Islamabad visa office ask for?

Applicants in Pakistan also follow the Islamabad Visa Office instructions (form IMM 5829, version 02-2026). They ask for more than the general page in some places.

• Bank statements for 12 months. The instructions ask for "copies of bank statements from the 12 months prior to your application". The general page mentions 6 months, so prepare 12 to meet both.
• Large deposits explained. Explain any recent large deposits and attach documents that show where the money came from.
• Joint or business accounts. It must be clear that everyone named on the account knows the money is for your studies.
• Sponsor documents. A notarised letter of undertaking and financial documents from your parent or sponsor can be used.
• Ties to Pakistan. You must provide documents that show your ties to Pakistan.
• Translations. Any document not in English or French needs a certified translation.

The Islamabad instructions also say you "should have at least CAD $10,000 available to cover your living expenses". This is lower than the CAN$23,448 on the national page, which was updated more recently. Planning for the higher national figure is the safer choice.

Source: IRCC, Visa office instructions: Islamabad, study (IMM 5829), found via the IRCC application package for Pakistan. Last verified 28 Oct 2026 against IRCC.

Which documents count as proof of funds?

You do not need every type. You need enough to cover all the costs above. The official examples include:

• A receipt from your school showing you paid first-year tuition and housing
• Proof of a student loan from a bank
• A scholarship or government-funded programme letter
• Bank statements showing your income sources
• A letter from the person supporting you, with their job, relationship to you, number of dependants and the amount, plus their ID or business registration
• Recent pay slips, pension documents or proof of rental income
• A Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) from a Canadian financial institution, or a Canadian bank account in your name if you transferred money

The Islamabad instructions add that paying your school before you hold a visa is at your own risk.

Source: Canada.ca, proof of financial support and IMM 5829. Last verified 28 Oct 2026 against Canada.ca and IRCC.

Do I need a provincial attestation letter (PAL)?

Most applicants do. Master's and PhD students at a public school are exempt for degree programmes starting from 1 January 2026, but must still show proof of the exemption.

• The province or territory where you will study issues the PAL. Ask your school how to request it.
• Send it with your study permit application, not after.
• A PAL is tied to a cap year. A 2026 PAL is valid until 31 December 2026, and you cannot use a PAL from a previous cap year.
• Quebec uses a CAQ instead. Ask your school about it.

Source: Canada.ca, Provincial attestation letter. Last verified 28 Oct 2026 against Canada.ca.

What are the government fees?

Budget these separately from the money you show.

The Pakistan package page advises paying the biometrics fee with your application fee, as paying later may cause delays. You are strongly encouraged to apply online.

Source: IRCC fee list and IRCC application package for Pakistan. Last verified 28 Oct 2026 against IRCC.

Checklist: proof of funds for a Canada study permit from Pakistan

• First-year tuition, from your acceptance letter (or receipt if already paid)
• CAN$23,448 for living costs if you come alone (more for each family member)
• Travel to Canada and back
• Bank statements covering the last 12 months
• Explanation and documents for any large recent deposit
• Sponsor? Notarised letter of undertaking plus their financial documents and ID
• Scholarship covers tuition only? Separate proof for living and travel costs
• PAL from the current cap year, or proof you are exempt
• Documents showing your ties to Pakistan
• Certified translations of anything not in English or French
• Budget separately for the CAN$150 permit fee and CAN$85 biometrics fee

What to do next

Work out your full first-year cost, including tuition and living costs in your city, with the AbroadDreaming cost calculator.

Related: Study in Canada guide, common study permit refusal reasons, choosing a province, work after graduation (PGWP) and, if you are comparing countries, money to show for a UK Student visa.

By the AbroadDreaming Editorial Team. Facts checked against official sources on 28 October 2026. Drafted with AI assistance and reviewed by our editorial team before publishing. Rules change, so always confirm on Canada.ca before you apply.