Canada is one of the most popular destinations for international students. It offers high-quality education, diverse cultural experiences, and a welcoming environment. Understanding how much it costs to study in Canada helps you plan your studies effectively. The average costs range between CAD 10,000 and CAD 40,000. The exact cost depends on the course and city. This blog explores the various expenses associated with studying in Canada, from tuition fees to living costs and additional expenses.
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Total Estimated Cost of Studying in Canada
International students’ total cost of studying in Canada ranges from CAD 27,460 to CAD 67,100+ per year, depending on factors such as tuition fees, location, and lifestyle. Major expenses include tuition fees (CAD 13,000 to 40,000), accommodation (CAD 8,000 to 15,000), and food (CAD 2,400 to 4,800). Additional costs like transportation, health insurance, and study materials contribute to the overall budget.
Miscellaneous expenses, such as entertainment and personal items, add another CAD 2,000 to 3,600 annually. Proper planning and financial management are essential to cover these costs and maximize the educational experience.
| Expense | Average Cost (CAD/year) |
| Tuition Fees | 13,000 to 40,000 |
| Accommodation | 8,000 to 15,000 |
| Food | 2,400 to 4,800 |
| Transportation | 960 to 1,800 |
| Health Insurance | 600 to 900 |
| Study Materials | 500 to 1,000 |
| Miscellaneous Expenses | 2,000 to 3,600 |
| Total | 27,460 to 67,100+ |
Also Read: About to complete your studies or have they already been completed? Learn about how to repay your student loan in Canada and ease the financial burden.
Tuitions Costs in Canada
The cost of studying in Canada is influenced by factors such as the type of program, field of study, and institution. Renowned universities like the University of Toronto or McGill University may charge higher fees than smaller institutions. Also, programs like medicine and engineering involve higher tuition due to resource-intensive training. Provinces like Ontario and British Columbia often have higher tuition rates compared to smaller provinces.
Undergraduate Programs
- Average Annual Cost: CAD 13,000 to CAD 40,000
- Undergraduate programs in Canada typically span 3 to 4 years, depending on the institution and field of study.
- Fees vary significantly based on the discipline.
| Field of Study | Annual Tuition Fees (CAD) |
| Humanities and Arts | 13,000 to 20,000 |
| Engineering and Technology | 20,000 to 40,000 |
| Medicine | 30,000 to 60,000 |
Postgraduate Programs (Master’s)
- Average Annual Cost: CAD 17,000 to CAD 40,000
- Postgraduate programs in Canada are usually 1 to 2 years long and are research- or coursework-based.
- Specialization and prestige of the program can influence costs, with MBA programs being particularly expensive.
| Program Type | Annual Tuition Fees (CAD) |
| General Postgraduate | 17,000 to 40,000 |
| MBA | 30,000 to 100,000 |
Diploma and Certificate Programs
- Average Annual Cost: CAD 10,000 to CAD 20,000
- These programs are shorter (typically 6 months to 2 years) and focus on skill-based learning.
- Popular among international students as cost-effective alternatives for entry into the job market.
Though the costs of studying in Canada are high, it is worth the experience. Aspiring students can consider opting for the cheapest courses to study in Canada. Some of the one-year courses in Canada, including the 14-month Executive MBA, MA in Sociology, and MA in History, start from CAD 8,000 per year. They give you insightful learning experience and gain relevant experience.
You can also look for fully funded scholarships to study in Canada and bursaries offered by Canadian institutions. Consider community colleges for affordable diploma programs.
Opt for public universities, as they often have lower tuition fees compared to private ones. These cost-saving tips help you plan tuition costs effectively.
Also Read: Did you know that you can get an income tax rebate on education loans? Check out how to avail, calculate, and claim tax deductions.
Living Costs in Canada for International Students
The cost of living in Canada is a significant factor for international students and varies based on the city, lifestyle, and choices for accommodation, food, and transportation. International students should budget around CAD 10,000 to 15,000 annually for living expenses, excluding tuition. You can offset these costs by working part-time or applying for scholarships. Use student discount cards for discounts on transport, entertainment, and even groceries in some stores.
Accommodation Costs
Accommodation is often the largest expense after tuition. International students can choose between on-campus housing or off-campus living options:
| Type of Accommodation | Estimated Cost |
| On-Campus Housing | CAD 8,000 to 10,000 per year |
| Off-Campus Housing | CAD 400 to 1,500 per month |
| Shared Apartment | CAD 250 to 700 per month (per person) |
- City Impact: Cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal have higher rental prices. For example, a one-bedroom apartment in downtown Toronto could cost upwards of CAD 2,000/month, while in smaller cities, it might be CAD 800 to 1,200/month.
- On-Campus Housing: Includes utilities and is close to academic facilities, making it convenient but sometimes more expensive.
- Shared Apartments: Popular among students for cost-sharing and affordability.
Food and Grocery Expenses
Food costs depend on whether students cook at home or dine out.
| Expense Type | Estimated Monthly Cost |
| Groceries (home-cooked meals) | CAD 200 to 400 |
| Dining Out (casual meals) | CAD 10 to 25 per meal |
- Cost-Saving Tip: Buying groceries and cooking at home is significantly cheaper than eating out. Shopping at budget stores like No Frills or Walmart can save money.
- Dining Out: A mid-range restaurant meal can cost CAD 15 to 25, while fast-food options like a burger meal cost around CAD 8 to 12.
Transportation Costs
Canada offers extensive public transportation systems, which are economical for students:
| Mode of Transport | Monthly Cost |
| Public Transit (buses, trains) | CAD 80 to 150 |
| Student Transit Pass | Discounted rates (varies by city) |
| Owning a Car | CAD 500 to 1,000 (fuel, insurance, maintenance) |
- Public Transit: Monthly passes are cheaper for students. For instance, in Toronto, the TTC student pass costs about CAD 128/month, while in Vancouver, the TransLink Compass Card is around CAD 100/month for students.
- Car Ownership: Though convenient, it is significantly more expensive due to insurance (CAD 200 to 400/month), gas, and parking costs.
Additional Living Expenses
| Category | Estimated Monthly Cost (CAD) |
| Utilities (if off-campus) | CAD 150 to 200 |
| Internet | CAD 50 to 100 |
| Mobile Phone | CAD 30 to 100 |
| Entertainment & Leisure | CAD 100 to 300 |
- Utilities: Heating and electricity can significantly increase costs in colder provinces during the winter months.
- Internet and Phone: Packages combining high-speed internet and phone services can be bundled for savings.
- Entertainment: Includes movies, gym memberships, or occasional outings.
City-Wise Cost Comparisons
Living costs can vary drastically depending on the city.
| City | Monthly Cost of Living (CAD) |
| Toronto | 1,500 to 3,000 |
| Vancouver | 1,800 to 3,200 |
| Montreal | 1,200 to 2,000 |
| Calgary | 1,200 to 2,100 |
| Halifax | 1,000 to 1,800 |
Also Read: Check here all the major details about the education loan to study in Canada without collateral. Know the best banks, interest rates, and eligibility.
Additional Costs of Studying in Canada
While tuition and basic living costs are significant, international students in Canada also face additional costs that are often overlooked. These expenses include mandatory health insurance, academic materials, and administrative fees. You must also consider the hidden costs of living in Canada, like seasonal clothing, social activities, and unforeseen personal expenses. Check out the same below:
Additional Costs
| Category | Details | Estimated Cost (CAD) |
| Health Insurance | Mandatory for all international students. Costs vary by province and coverage. | 600 to 900 per year |
| Study Materials | Includes textbooks, lab equipment, and software. Some programs (e.g., engineering, medicine) may incur higher costs. | 500 to 1,000 per year |
| Application Fees | Charged by universities during the admission process. Fees vary by institution. | 50 to 250 per institution |
| Visa and Permit Fees | Includes the study permit (CAD 150) and biometrics fee (CAD 85). Proof of funds is required for the visa process (typically CAD 10,000 per year for living expenses). | 235 (permit + biometrics) |
| Mobile Phone & Internet | Monthly costs for a phone plan and internet. Combining services can reduce expenses. | 50 to 100 per month |
| Entertainment & Personal Expenses | Includes leisure activities, personal shopping, and outings. Varies greatly depending on lifestyle. | 200 to 300 per month |
| Category | Details | Estimated Cost (CAD) |
| Seasonal Clothing | Winter gear (jackets, boots, gloves) is essential in most provinces. | 300 to 500 (one-time purchase) |
| Banking Fees | Monthly charges for maintaining a bank account or using international banking services. | 5 to 15 per month |
| Unforeseen Expenses | Medical emergencies, travel within Canada, or replacement of damaged items. | Varies (set aside emergency fund) |
| Cultural & Social Activities | Participation in local events, trips, or student clubs. | 100 to 200 per month |
| Transportation for Breaks | Costs of travelling back home during semester breaks or holidays. | 500 to 2,000 (per trip) |
How to Fund the Costs of Studying in Canada?
Scholarships are one of the most reliable ways to reduce the cost of studying in Canada. They are often merit-based, need-based, or program-specific. Many Canadian universities offer scholarships tailored for international students. Examples include entrance scholarships, graduate fellowships, and program-specific awards.
You can also apply for some of the popular external scholarships. One of them is the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships, which offer CAD 50,000 per year for doctoral students. Another one is the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship. This covers full tuition coverage for outstanding international undergraduates.
International students in Canada are allowed to work while studying, which helps offset living costs. Students can work up to 20 hours per week during academic sessions. Full-time work is also allowed during scheduled breaks (e.g., summer and winter holidays). Hourly wages range from CAD 12 to CAD 20, depending on the job and location. Common jobs for students include retail, food service, tutoring, and campus roles. However, make sure to keep in mind the rules related to tax for international students in Canada.
This was all about the costs of studying in Canada. Canada offers excellent education opportunities, but understanding the costs involved is crucial for effective planning. While studying in Canada may seem expensive, scholarships, part-time work, and affordable living options can make it manageable. With proper budgeting and financial planning, you can make your dream of studying in Canada a reality.
To learn more about education loans, the best bank accounts for students, forex, banking experience for global students, or international money transfers, reach out to our experts at 1800572126 to help ease your experience with studying abroad.
FAQs
Tuition ranges from CAD 13,000 to CAD 40,000 annually, depending on the program, level of study, and institution. Medicine and MBA programs are more expensive.
Living costs vary by city but typically range from CAD 10,000 to CAD 15,000 annually, covering accommodation, food, transportation, and personal expenses.
Hidden costs may include health insurance (CAD 600–900/year), study materials (CAD 500–1,000/year), visa fees, and unexpected personal expenses like medical care or travel.
On-campus housing costs CAD 8,000–10,000 annually. Off-campus options, including shared apartments, range from CAD 400 to CAD 1,500 per month, depending on the city.
Students must show at least CAD 10,000 for living expenses annually, in addition to tuition fees. For Quebec, the amount is CAD 11,000.
Yes, international students can work up to 20 hours/week during semesters and full-time during breaks, earning CAD 12–20/hour on average.
Yes, scholarships like the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship and university-specific awards are available. Eligibility varies by merit, need, and program.
Health insurance costs range from CAD 600 to CAD 900 annually. Some provinces offer subsidized plans, while others require students to purchase private insurance.
Monthly transit passes cost CAD 80–150, depending on the city. Many cities offer student discounts, significantly reducing transportation expenses.
Apply for scholarships, choose affordable cities like Halifax or Winnipeg, live in shared housing, and cook meals at home to save on living expenses.
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