Settling in a new province or country can be exciting, but it also requires careful planning and consideration of many factors, including the funds needed to live comfortably in the new place, recreational expenses, studies, among others.
As I am sure you have read in our previous blogs, Quebec is a popular destination for international students. A vital part of studying in Quebec is proving that you have funds available in a bank account to cover your tuition and living expenses. In this province there are some specific considerations that students must take into account when it comes to settling down individually.
First of all, it is important to consider the costs of living in the province. In general, Quebec is one of the most affordable provinces in Canada, but costs may vary depending on the city or region in which you settle. Students should consider the costs of rent, transportation, food and other daily expenses.
Montreal tends to have high housing costs, especially in the city centre, so if you plan to settle in Montreal, it is important to consider living near a metro line that can get you downtown without any problems and reduce your housing costs.
Following on from the verification of funds, financial solvency is the basis for the approval of the study permit, in particular for Quebec, the government of Canada provides for an amount of $13, 134 Canadian dollars per year of study, this is not including the tuition fees of the school where the courses will be taken. It is important to note that, if the school has not been paid for, it will be worth taking the amount of at least the first year of school to prove these funds.
So in addition to day-to-day costs, students should also ensure that they have sufficient funds to cover tuition fees, books and other education-related expenses. International students may be subject to higher tuition fees, so it is important to research and plan carefully to avoid financial surprises.
In terms of family funding, students should consider the same daily and educational costs mentioned above, but should also take into account family-related expenses such as childcare and health care costs. If the family plans to work in Quebec, they must also take into account costs related to the job search, such as transportation costs.
For the Quebec governmentIn the case of the federal government, sufficient funds per person for the period of one year are $14,349 and these costs are added to if the number of people increases, as in the case of coming as a family. Although the amounts for the federal and provincial governments differ, it is recommended to always take into account the provincial government's amount.
The Quebec government's reference for the amounts required for establishment in the province are as follows:
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For a person under 18 years of age: |
$7,176 CAD |
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For persons aged 18 and over: |
$14,349 CAD |
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For two people over 18 years old: |
$21,046 CAD |
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For two people over 18 years old and one person under 18 years old: |
$23,575 CAD |
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For two people over 18 years old and two people under 18 years old: |
$25,444 CAD |
It is important to note that settling in Quebec, or anywhere else, requires careful financial planning and there are a number of mechanisms that can support you in organising and planning properly.
