How Much It Costs To Study in Canada

Study in Canada is a top choice for students worldwide when it comes to international education. In fact, in recent years, it has become a more popular study destination than the US, which was a favorite among international students.

Canada offers a variety of opportunities and experiences for students. In addition, it has placed a lot of importance on its education system. For example, 26 of Canada’s Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) are featured in the latest QS World University Rankings. This makes it a key focus for students looking to study abroad and even for those seeking the best study abroad consultant services.

As an education agent, knowing a lot about the study destination you are promoting is crucial. If you want to promote Canada, you should also be aware of the cost of studying in Canada. This includes not only the tuition fees but also the students’ living expenses. That way, you can help students choose the best place to study and create a sound budget plan.

How Much It Costs To Study in Canada

Tuition Fees
Despite having a high quality of life, Canada’s tuition fees are still relatively cheaper compared to other English-speaking study destinations in the world. Although tuition fees are usually set by institutions, here’s an estimate of the tuition fees that students have to pay while studying in Canadian institutions. This cost aspect is important to consider, especially when planning for upcoming intakes in Canada.

College and vocational schools usually cost less than the top universities in Canada. This is because some programs are shorter than the ones offered at universities. Moreover, tuition fees vary depending on the program chosen and the location of the institution. Students may have to pay a tuition fee of around CAD 2,000 to 18,000 per year. In some institutions, they offer students free tuition.

Universities cost more than colleges and vocational schools. However, many universities also offer scholarships in Canada to provide financial aid to the students. A university education may cost around CAD 1,800 to 20,000 a year for undergraduate degrees.

Graduate School tuition fees vary depending on the location of the institution and the student’s program of choice. A master’s degree program in Canada may cost around CAD 18,000 a year, while a Ph.D. may cost around CAD 2,500 to 17,000 a year.

Language School
Canada is a bilingual country, and you can either learn English or French in its language schools. The price varies depending on the institution’s location, and not on the chosen language. A 12-week language program in Canada’s major cities costs around CAD 3,500 to 4,000. Students looking to improve their English proficiency might also explore various English proficiency tests, such as the PTE, IELTS, or even the Duolingo exam, depending on the requirement of their chosen institution.

Living Costs

Aside from tuition fees, international students have additional expenses while studying in Canada, such as accommodation, food, transportation, books, traveling, and entertainment. As an education agent, you should explain these expenses to students. Although the cost of living calculator can be helpful to determine the cost of living but it varies depending on the location, living in Canada may cost around CAD 12,000 per year. Below are the average prices for each type of expense, per Numbeo:

Food (restaurant)	CAD 17.71
Utilities (electricity, heating, water, cooling, garbage)	CAD 164.56
Movies	CAD 14.00
Accommodation Rent (1 bedroom)	CAD 1,109 to CAD 1,319
Transportation (1-way ticket)	CAD 3.25

Other Expenses

Health Insurance
Canada does not have a national healthcare plan, so students are required to have health insurance as part of the requirements to study in Canada. Health insurance costs around CAD 600 to 800 a year. Each province and territory offers its own health insurance, and institutions may also partner with health insurance companies, such as Alberta Blue Cross.

Student Visa Cost
To study in Canada, students must apply for a Canadian study permit, which costs around CAD 150.

Ways Students Can Fund Their Education in Canada

Financial constraints can be a major hindrance to studying abroad. Fortunately, there are several ways students can fund their education in Canada. As an education agent, you can assist students by directing them to the right channels, helping them with the requirements, and providing them with the right advice. 

Financial Aid and Scholarships To Study in Canada
Students can apply for financial aid from the Canadian government, their chosen institution, or private organizations. Some famous financial aid programs include:

• Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships: For postgraduate students in natural science, social science, and health research.
• Canada Graduate Scholarships: For master’s or PhD students at Canadian universities.
• NSERC Postgraduate Scholarships: For outstanding students in natural science or engineering.
• IDRC Research Awards: For students from developing countries undertaking postgraduate research at Canadian institutions.
• Organization of American States (OAS) Academic Scholarship Program: For students from OAS member states.
• Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship Program: For doctoral students who want to study at a Canadian university.

Other scholarships and financial assistance include:

• Anne Vallée Ecological Fund: For doctoral-level animal research at universities in British Columbia or Quebec.
• Canada Memorial Scholarship: For British postgraduate students at accredited Canadian institutions.
• Surfshare Privacy and Security Scholarship: Open to all nationalities; students must submit an essay to qualify.
• Trudeau Scholarships and Fellowships: For foreign PhD students at selected Canadian institutions.

Part-Time Work in Canada
Foreign students are allowed to work part-time if their study permit states so. Assistance can include helping students find proper jobs, counseling on job application steps, organizing documentation, and assisting with CV writing.

Why Students Should Study in Canada

Canada is a more affordable study destination compared to other English-speaking countries, such as the US and Australia. Its consumer prices are lower by 7.31% compared to the United States and 10.84% compared to Australia.

Canada also offers world-class education, which is evident in the global rankings of its universities, making it a preferred choice for study abroad programs. Furthermore, Canada provides excellent opportunities for work and immigration. There are pathways that allow students to work and eventually apply for permanent residency.

Canada is a diverse country. As of 2011, 20.6% of the population was foreign-born. For students who wish to experience this diversity, they can choose to study in provinces like Ontario, British Columbia, Quebec, and Alberta.

Want to learn more information about Study in Canada you can use as an agent? Check out MSM Unify’s article.