Cost of Studying in Canada for International Students: Tuition Fees, Cost of Living & Other Expenses

Canada is known as one of the major destinations for international students. Canada is a great place to study because it has excellent schools and the education system is very competitive.

Canada has many universities, colleges and other educational facilities that offer various courses. The country also provides excellent opportunities for its students through scholarships, grants, loans and more.

Although the cost of studying in Canada may appear high to some, it is among the lowest in English-speaking nations like the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. However, students from Canadian universities perform very well in the global labour market, demonstrating the high quality of Canadian education. You can additionally check out the Best Ways to Secure Scholarships in Canada.

Cost of Studying in Canada for International Students

In Canada, universities are free to set their own tuition rates. The cost of studying in Canada vary depending on the course; international students often pay more than native students. Fees for undergraduate programs and the cost of living in Canada are often greater, while those for graduate programs are typically lower.

For tuition, you’ll probably need between C$20,000 and C$30,000 each year. This range is simply an average and will change depending on the university and program you are enrolled in.

Tuition fees for International Students by Feild of Study 

Affordable Universities in Canada 

The Canadian universities on the list below are some of the least expensive for international students, which will help them cut their tuition costs while studying there.

Cost of living in Canada for Students

Do not forget that there are additional expenses besides tuition that come with attending university. Budgeting is also required for things like books, living costs, and housing.

Prior to beginning your studies in Canada, Citizenship and Immigration Canada requires you to certify that you have the financial resources necessary to cover your expenses. Therefore, it’s crucial to start organizing your funds as soon as possible and to consider the potential of applying for a scholarship to assist pay for your education.

In comparison to other nations, Canadian living expenses are already higher than average. The great quality of life that is ensured here continues to be the cause for this. Students should add up the cost of living and university tuition to determine their cost of studying in Canada.

For provinces like Quebec, Montreal, and Ottawa, the students would require CAD 800 to CAD 1,500 (per month). However, living expenses might exceed CAD 2,000 for students studying in regions like Vancouver and Calgary, two of the priciest cities in Canada (monthly).

Accommodation Cost in Canada for International Students

In Canada, there are a lot of housing alternatives available to students, but the costs might be high. The cost of housing may be between CAD 5,000 and CAD 10,000. The well-known residence choices for students in Canada are

• Student housing costs between $300 and $700 CAD (monthly)
• On-campus: 637–800 CAD (monthly)
• Renting and sharing apartments costs between $300 and $800 CAD per month, depending on the neighbourhood and amenities offered. Over CAD 1,000 is required if students want to rent a studio or one-room accommodation (monthly).
• When students rent studio apartments, there are additional expenses related to housing. The price may roughly fall between
  • 200 CAD for essential services including power, water, heating, and garbage (monthly)
  • Internet: 50 to 80 CAD

Cost of Food 

In Canada, food costs are also reasonable. To purchase groceries and other necessities from the nearby stores, approximately CAD 350 (per month) is required. The Canadian Superstore, Walmart, No Frills, and other well-known and affordable stores are widely accessible across the nation. The cost of dinner at a restaurant, though, will cost the students about CAD 10 to 25. Additionally, a three-course meal for two in a typical Canadian restaurant costs between CAD 60 and CAD 75.

Cost of Transportation

The government-provided savings on public transportation are a great benefit to all students who are enrolled in a Canadian university and are between the ages of 18 and 25. When acquiring a monthly transportation pass, they are entitled to the following benefits:

• The transport pass costs between CAD 83 and 116. (monthly)
• One-way ticket: 3.25 CAD
• In addition to these, cab fares might range from CAD 2 to CAD 6 per km if students desire them.

Cost of Insurance

International students enrolled in Canadian universities and colleges must have health insurance. The price of insurance for international students differs depending on the area and the insurance company. The typical annual cost of health insurance for foreign students in Canada is between CAD 600 and 900.

Student Permit and Visa Cost 

To study in Canada, students require a specific student permit. They should apply for this permit before they arrive in Canada; it costs about CAD 150 per student. The following list includes some of the documentation that students must submit throughout the application process:

• A letter of acceptance from the university
• A valid passport and travel authorization
• Records attesting to the Canadian financial assistance process

Scholarships in Canada

• Government Scholarships
• Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship
• Canada Graduate Scholarships – Master’s Program
• IDRC Research Awards
• NSERC Postgraduate scholarships
• Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships Program
• Non-Governmental Scholarships
• International Student Scholarships at Humber College Canada
• McGill University Scholarships and Student Aid
• Queen’s University International Scholarships
• UBC International Leader of Tomorrow Award
• UBC Graduate Scholarships
• University of Alberta International Scholarships
• University of Calgary International Scholarships
• Anne Vallee Ecological Fund
• Trudeau Scholarships and Fellowships
• Scholarships by Universities
• Carleton University Awards for International Students
• Concordia University International Undergraduate Award
• Dalhousie University Scholarships
• Fairleigh Dickinson Scholarships for International Students
• HEC Montréal BBA Entrance Scholarships
• University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowships
• University of Saskatchewan International Student Awards
• University of Toronto Ontario Graduate Scholarship
• University of Waterloo International Funding
• Simon Fraser University Financial Aid and Awards
• Western University International Admission Scholarship
• York University International Student Program
•  Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship Program
• More Scholarships in Canada. 

Cost Calculator

Try the education and living cost calculator for students to estimate the cost of living in Canada and help you determine your overall expenses.