How Much Does It Cost To Study in Canada?
Choosing to study abroad, particularly in Canada, offers a host of opportunities for students from across the globe. Canada, known for its culture and high standard of education, has become a premier destination for overseas education. Whether it’s the pursuit of academic excellence in highly accredited universities or the allure of experiencing a multicultural environment, studying in Canada embodies a significant step towards achieving one’s educational and career objectives.
However, while planning to study in Canada the cost to study must be kept in mind to better plan the study journey. Let us take a look at the expenses associated with living and studying in Canada, to equip prospective students with the necessary knowledge to make informed decisions on their journey to international education.
In the coming sections, we will take a look at some of the most common but crucial expenses incurred while studying in Canada. These are important to note and prospective students must keep them in mind while planning their studies.
An overview of the tuition fees for international students, covering the range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and specialized courses across various universities in Canada
Detailed information on the average cost of living, including accommodation, food, transportation, and personal expenses, providing a monthly and yearly estimate for students
Insight into other expenses students should anticipate, such as health insurance, textbooks, and leisure activities, which can impact the overall budget
A comparison of tuition fees and living expenses at some of Canada’s top universities, highlighting how costs can vary significantly based on the institution’s prestige and location
Analysis of how the cost of education varies by field of study, including STEM subjects, humanities, business, and others, offering a clearer picture of what students can expect to pay based on their chosen course
Assessment of expenses incurred before arriving in Canada, such as visa application fees, travel expenses, and accommodation deposits, is essential for initial financial planning
There are several immediate expenses faced upon arrival in Canada, including setting up a mobile phone, purchasing winter clothing (if applicable), and initial transportation costs, these should be considered.
A look at how living costs vary across Canada’s most popular student cities, such as Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, and others, to help students choose a city that fits their budget.
The first step in planning a study in Canada involves accessing the tuition fees based on the budget of the student. Let us take a rundown at the expected tuition cost across Canadian universities.
Course name | Duration (in years) | Average annual tuition fee (CAD) |
Bachelor’s | 3-5 | CAD 15,000 – CAD 65,000 approximately |
Master’s | 1-2 | CAD 10,000 – CAD 54,000 approximately |
MBA | 1 | CAD 25,000 – CAD 1,20,000 approximately |
Ph.D. | 3-6 | CAD 8,000 – CAD 20,000 approximately |
Please note: The tuition fees listed here are subject to change and are at the discretion of respective universities. For the latest updates, check the official website of the desired university.
Living expenses in Canada for international students encompass accommodation, food, transportation, and personal expenses, varying significantly by city and lifestyle. On average, students should budget between CAD 800 to CAD 1,200 (INR 49,000 to INR 73,600) per month to cover these costs, ensuring a comfortable living experience while studying. Take a look at the detailed cost of living split to understand this better.
Expense type | Cost in CAD | Cost in INR |
Accommodation | CAD 5,000 – CAD 10,000 annually | INR 2,67,000 – INR 5,39,000 annually |
Transportation | CAD 80 – CAD 110 monthly | INR 4,300 – INR 6,000 monthly |
Food | CAD 300 – CAD 400 monthly | INR 17,000 – INR 44,000 monthly |
Entertainment | CAD 750 monthly | INR 43,770 monthly |
Books and supplies | CAD 1000 – CAD 2000 | INR 61,349 – INR 12,26,990 |
Please note: The expenses mentioned here serve as a point of reference. The actual amount may vary.
Beyond tuition and basic living expenses, international students in Canada should account for additional costs such as health insurance, textbooks, and supplies, which can significantly impact their overall budget. These expenses also include leisure activities, travel, and any unforeseen costs.
All students heading to Canada are required to secure medical insurance before starting their program. The cost for international student health insurance typically ranges from CAD 600 to CAD 900 annually (INR 36,809 to INR 55,214) approximately.
If you are staying in British Columbia, Quebec, Alberta, Newfoundland, Manitoba, Labrador, or Saskatchewan, you’ll be covered by the health plans of those provinces, depending on the duration of your stay.
Canada boasts several leading universities for prospective students to choose from. However, the decision to study in them can vary depending on their tuition fees and the student’s budget. To get a fair idea, here is the cost of studying at top universities in Canada.
Name of university | Annual tuition fees (CAD) |
University of Toronto | CAD 30,000 – CAD 65,000 approximately |
University of British Columbia | CAD 8,700 – CAD 47,000 approximately |
McMaster University | CAD 16,348 – CAD 45,000 approximately |
McGill University | CAD 18,000 – CAD 67,000 approximately |
Universite de Montreal | CAD 9,800 – CAD 23,400 approximately |
University of Alberta | CAD 9,500 – CAD 35,000 approximately |
University of Ottawa | CAD 25,000 – CAD 43,000 approximately |
University of Waterloo | CAD 21,000 – CAD 65,000 approximately |
Western University | CAD 11,245 – CAD 76,000 approximately |
University of Calgary | CAD 34,000 – CAD 40,000 approximately |
Please note: The tuition fees listed for each university are subject to change and are at the discretion of that particular university. For the latest updates, check the official website of the desired university.
Canada has a course to offer to every student irrespective of their choice of field of study. From medicine to education, Canada sees students taking admissions for various courses from across the globe. The breakdown of the cost of education course-wise is below:
Field of study | Cost in CAD for the Bachelor’s degree course(per year) | Cost in CAD for the Master’s degree course(per year) |
Education | CAD 20,000 – CAD 45,000 approximately | CAD 12,000 – CAD 40,000 approximately |
Humanities | CAD 21,000 – CAD 30,000 approximately | CAD 8,000 – CAD 28,000 approximately |
Law | CAD 15,000 – CAD 28,000 approximately | CAD 9,000 – CAD 40,000 approximately |
Business management and public administration | CAD 20,000 – CAD 60,000 approximately | CAD 21,000 – CAD 76,000 approximately |
Executive MBA | NA | CAD 40,000 – CAD 135,000 approximately |
Regular MBA | NA | CAD 30,000 – CAD 130,000 approximately |
Engineering | CAD 40,000 – CAD 70,000 approximately | CAD 25,000 – CAD 50,000 approximately |
Architecture | CAD 10,000 – CAD 55,000 approximately | CAD 15,000 – CAD 80,000 approximately |
Medicine | CAD 25,000 – CAD 65,000 approximately | CAD 15,000 – CAD 55,000 approximately |
Please note: The tuition fees listed here are subject to change and are at the discretion of respective universities. For the latest updates, check the official website of the desired university.
Pre-arrival costs for students planning to study in Canada encompass expenses such as visa processing fees, study permit applications, and travel arrangements. These preliminary expenses are key for ensuring a smooth transition to Canada, with total costs potentially exceeding several hundred dollars depending on individual circumstances and travel plans.
Cost type | Cost (CAD) |
TOEFL iBT | CAD 236 |
IELTS | CAD 264 |
GRE (General/Subject) | CAD 265/ CAD 187 |
GMAT | CAD 342 |
CAEL | CAD 176 |
Flight tickets (one-way) | CAD 1630 |
Study permit | CAD 145 |
Biometric fee | CAD 81 |
Please note: The expenses mentioned here serve as a point of reference. The actual amount may vary.
Along with the aforementioned costs, there are additional expenses that the prospective student needs to bear after arriving in Canada. Some are listed below:
Expense type | Cost in CAD |
Work permit fees | CAD 155 |
On-campus parking | CAD 644 |
Incidental fees | CAD 1,885 |
Tuition deposit | CAD 500 |
Please note: The expenses mentioned here serve as a point of reference. The actual amount may vary.
Living expenses in Canada can differ significantly depending on the location and lifestyle of the students, with larger cities typically incurring higher costs. To secure Canada’s student visa, a minimum of CAD 10,000 (INR 60,863) along with tuition fees is necessary, but it’s advisable to allocate enough to accommodate the variable cost of living. The table below provides an overview of the average living expenses for international students across various Canadian cities.
City name | Average cost of living (annually) in CAD |
Toronto | CAD 33,000 – CAD 37,000 approximately |
Vancouver | CAD 36,000 – CAD 40,000 approximately |
Calgary | CAD 24,00 – CAD 28,000 approximately |
Montreal | CAD 25,000 – CAD 26,000 approximately |
Ottawa | CAD 19,000 – CAD 22,000 approximately |
Please note: The expenses mentioned here serve as a point of reference. The actual amount may vary.
The best part about choosing to study in Canada is that the students can avail of many scholarships to mitigate their financial stress in their study abroad journey. Some of the popular scholarships in Canada are:
Scholarship name | Amount in CAD |
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships | CAD 50,000 per year |
Humber College International Entrance Scholarship | CAD 2,000 (during the first two semesters) |
Ontario Trillium Scholarship | CAD 40,000 per year |
Ontario Graduate Scholarship | CAD 5,000 (per session) |
Waterloo Merit Scholarship | CAD 1,000 (one-time) |
Please note: The scholarship amounts listed here are subject to change and are at the discretion of respective universities. For the latest updates, check the official website of the desired university.
Cost to study in Canada
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It ranges from CAD 10,000 – CAD 60,000 approximately per year, depending on the course and the institution.
Tuition fees for Indian students range from INR 6,46,000 to INR 29,35,000 approximately per year. The actual cost will depend on your chosen course and institution.
A master’s degree costs approximately CAD 10,000 – CAD 54,000 annually. The actual cost will depend on your chosen course and institution.
MBA courses cost CAD 25,000 – CAD 1,20,000 approximately. The actual cost will depend on the chosen institution, course curriculum, and other crucial factors.
The minimum tuition cost for international students is around CAD 8,524 per year.
Estimated monthly living expenses range between CAD 800 and CAD 1,200. The actual costs will depend on the area you are living in, your preferences, lifestyle, etc.
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