How much initial fee payment is required for Canadian universities?
Most Canadian universities require an initial tuition deposit of CAD 1,000 to 5,000 to secure your seat, though high-cost or specialized programs may charge up to CAD 6,000 to 10,000. This deposit is credited toward tuition and required before you receive your Letter of Acceptance and Attestation Letter.
Your initial payment for a Canadian university is really a tuition deposit, not an extra charge, and it is required before you can move ahead with your study permit paperwork. The exact amount depends on your program and institution.
Typical Deposit Ranges
| Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| General deposit range | CAD 1,000 to 5,000 |
| High-cost or specialized programs | CAD 6,000 to 10,000 |
| Separate application fee | CAD 100 to 250 |
How This Deposit Works For Your Visa
- It is credited directly toward your total first-semester or first-year tuition, not an extra cost
- Paying it is usually mandatory to receive your Letter of Acceptance and Provincial Attestation Letter, both required for your study permit
- If your study permit is officially refused, most universities refund the deposit, minus a small administrative fee
- This deposit is separate from your GIC, the guaranteed investment certificate that covers your living expenses for your permit
My Advice
Always read your offer letter's refund policy line by line before you pay, since refund conditions differ from university to university if your permit gets refused. Pay your deposit as soon as you can once admitted, because your Letter of Acceptance and Provincial Attestation Letter cannot be issued until it clears.
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