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Quebec CAQ for Indian students: funds, fee and the two-step process
To study in Quebec you need a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) from the provincial government before you can get a federal study permit. Reporting on the 2026 rules puts the single-applicant funds requirement at CAD 24,617 from 1 January 2026, up from CAD 15,508, and the CAQ fee at CAD 135. Quebec also applies caps by institution, so apply early.
Check my eligibilityJump to the FAQAt a glance
- Who needs it
- Programmes longer than 6 months in Quebec
- Funds for one adult, from 1 Jan 2026
- CAD 24,617 (reported)
- CAQ fee (reported)
- CAD 135 per applicant
- Standard processing (reported)
- About 25 business days for 80% of complete files
- Order of steps
- CAQ first, then federal study permit
What the CAQ is
Quebec runs its own selection process for international students. You apply to the Quebec immigration ministry for the CAQ, then apply to the federal immigration department for your study permit. Quebec uses the CAQ instead of the provincial attestation letter used elsewhere in Canada, and graduate students still need a CAQ even though they are exempt from the PAL elsewhere.
Programmes of 6 months or less are generally exempt, unless they form part of a longer continuous study path.
The Quebec funds requirement from 2026
| Applicants | Until 31 Dec 2025 | From 1 Jan 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| One adult (18 or over) | CAD 15,508 | CAD 24,617 |
| Two adults | CAD 22,745 | CAD 34,814 |
| Two adults and one minor | CAD 25,479 | CAD 42,638 |
| Two adults and two minors | CAD 27,499 | CAD 49,234 |
Law-firm reports say the 2026 amounts include settlement fees and health and hospital insurance that were previously calculated separately. You must also show tuition, transport and other costs, so budget more than the minimum. These figures come from secondary sources, so confirm them on the Quebec immigration ministry site before you apply. Federal proof-of-funds rules differ, see our Canada proof of funds guide.
Step-by-step: CAQ then study permit
- Get admitted to a Quebec institution and confirm how it handles CAQ applications.
- Prepare funds proof for living costs, tuition, travel and health insurance.
- Apply for the CAQ through the Quebec ministry and pay the fee, reported at CAD 135, which is non-refundable.
- Wait for a decision. The ministry's standard is reported at about 25 business days for most complete files, with complex files taking 8 to 12 weeks.
- Apply for the federal study permit once you hold the CAQ. The CAQ acts as your attestation for the federal application.
- Renew early. Apply well before expiry, with reports suggesting at least three months.
Quebec caps and why timing matters
Quebec limits applications through institution-level caps. Reports on the first cap window describe provincial ceilings split between universities, vocational training and colleges, with allocations filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Once an institution's allocation is used, the ministry does not process more applications. Ask your institution whether your intake is still open before you pay deposits, and apply as soon as you have your offer.
Rules change quickly. Treat dates, fees and caps as a starting point and confirm them with the Quebec ministry and your institution.
What to plan next
French is useful in Quebec, both for daily life and for the PGWP and PR routes. Read our PGWP guide and Express Entry guide, and compare cities in best cities in Canada for Indian students.
Considering Montreal or another Quebec city?
AbroBot checks CAQ timing, funds and institution caps against your intake and builds a calendar for the CAQ and federal permit.
Get my free eligibility checkAsk the AI counsellorFrequently asked questions
Do I need a CAQ to study in Quebec?
Yes for programmes longer than 6 months. You get the CAQ from the Quebec government first, then apply for a federal study permit.
How much money do I need to show for the CAQ in 2026?
Reports put the single-adult amount at CAD 24,617 from 1 January 2026, up from CAD 15,508. Confirm the current amount with the Quebec ministry.
How much does the CAQ cost?
Reported at CAD 135 per applicant from 1 January 2026, and non-refundable even if the application is refused.
Do I need a PAL as well as a CAQ?
No. Quebec uses the CAQ instead of the provincial attestation letter, and the CAQ is used for the federal application.
How long does the CAQ take?
Reports put the standard at about 25 business days for most complete files, with complex files taking 8 to 12 weeks.
Are there caps on Quebec study applications?
Yes. Quebec applies caps by institution, and once an institution's allocation is used the ministry stops processing more applications.
Sources and how we verify
Facts on this page were checked in October 2026 against the official sources below and cross-checked with current university and immigration guidance. Fees, thresholds and deadlines change, so confirm the final figure on the official site before you pay or submit anything.