A Complete Guide to the Cost of Studying in Canada

Canada is a great choice for students pursuing higher education, and for good reason! Living and studying in Canada is much more affordable compared to countries like the UK and USA. Canada offers a bustling city life with breathtaking sceneries, and a close-knit community of students. Canada has esteemed universities like the University of Toronto, the University of Alberta and the University of Winnipeg. We have provided a breakdown of the major living expenses for incoming students in the blog. Let us explore the exciting opportunities that the Great White North has to offer!

Average Cost of Studying in Canada

Paying for a university in Canada can be quite expensive, especially for international students. The study costs in Canada depend on many things, like the type of course you want to study, how internationally well-known your university is and the city where you'll be staying. The average tuition fees in Canada for international students can reach as high as CA$ 35,000 among the best colleges in the country! It’s advantageous to consider these education costs in Canada when planning your education here. Let’s have a look at them below.

Undergraduate Courses

Getting a Bachelor’s degree in Canada would mean paying an average of around CA$30, 000 per year. However, depending on the field of study, it can vary from CA$ 12,000 to CA$ 30,000. 

The average tuition fees in Canada for Engineering and Medicine programs tend to be a bit more expensive, approximately around CA$ 22,000. Meanwhile, courses such as Humanities, Business and Management are generally more affordable and range between CA$5,500 to CA$6,500.

Postgraduate Courses

Besides undergraduate studies, many students wish to pursue postgraduate or master’s degree programs such as MBBS, in Canada. For these programs, an average of CA$ 18,000 per year is expected to be paid by international students. However, management programs, like MBA, tend to be more costly. The average cost of studying in Canada for an Executive MBA course is CA$ 57,000, while the tuition fees in Canada for regular MBA programs is approximately CA$ 28,000.

University & College Application Fees

When applying to colleges or universities in Canada, international students should be aware of application fees. While Canada is known for its affordable education, most institutes charge application fees ranging from CA$50 to CA$ 250. However, it’s worth noting that an application fee is not required by only 5% of the universities and colleges in Canada. The process of applying to many universities would result in a significant amount of money being spent on application fees.So, it's important to factor in these costs when preparing your applications.

Other Expenses to Study in Canada

Besides tuition fees, several other expenses, including student loans, are important to consider when calculating the overall cost of studying in Canada. These expenses can significantly impact your budget and financial planning. Given below is a breakdown of the different expenses which are important to consider while calculating the studying and living costs in Canada per month and yearly.

Accommodation Cost

Accommodation expenses also play an integral part in the cost of living in Canada, other than the tuition fees. Although many universities offer off-campus residences, it is possible to choose off-campus living as well. The cost of living in Canada can differ based on the kind of rooms and apartments, with prices ranging from about CA$ 5,000 to CA$ 10,000 per year. Metropolitan cities in Canada, like Toronto and Montreal, have higher accommodation costs than others. When finding accommodation in Canada, international students can choose between living on-campus or off-campus. Also, students living on the campus can select from options like dormitories and townhouses, both falling within these two categories. On the other hand, off-campus housing in Canada include shared apartments, single apartments, condominiums, homestays or living with host families. 

Travel Cost

Canada’s extensive network of roads spans across the continent, reaching even the farthest points of the United States. However, money spent on both short and long-distance travelling in Canada is very costly. Thus students end up opting for the public transport system, which includes the subways, trains and buses, and the average cost ranges between CA$ 80 - CA$ 110 per month.

Health and Insurance Cost

As students must be insured before the beginning of the program, medical insurance is added to the final estimates of the cost of studying in Canada. The total cost per year can vary from CA$300 to CA$800 per year, contingent upon the type of policy preferred.

Student Visa and Application Cost

A Canadian study permit is required by students to apply for educational or professional training in any university. You need a study permit for courses that are longer than six months. That being said, students who are enrolling in a course of less than six months are advised to apply for a study permit as a precaution in case they plan to extend their stay. CA$ 150 is the Canadian student visa fee, while the application cost depends on the nationality and university you are applying to. Students are also expected to hand in proof of funds, together with the letter of admission and other documents. INR 6,00,000 or more is the minimum bank balance required to apply for a Canadian student visa.

Taxes in Canada

It is essential to file Canadian income tax returns depending on your residency position as a foreign student studying in Canada. It can be favourable to the students even though they may not want to earn citizenship in the country, as it includes various benefits like filing taxes, such as GST credits and Child tax benefits, or claiming a refund. Students must file an income tax report if they secure income from research internships, employment or teaching in Canada. Students must report their income, regardless of whether it comes from sources within or outside Canada.

Scholarships for Studying in Canada 2023

In order to encourage international students, the Canadian Government provides an abundance of scholarships for studying in Canada. Here are some of the top scholarships you should consider applying to cover your study costs in Canada.

1. York University International Student Scholarships
2. Jared J Davis Grant
3. CCSE Graduate Scholarships
4. The University of British Columbia Scholarships for International Students
5. Hani Zeini Scholarships
6. Erasmus Scholarship
7. Lester B. Pearson International Scholarships
8. Winnipeg President’s Scholarships for World Leaders
9. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
10. Carleton Prestige Scholarships
11. The University of Calgary International Entrance Scholarship
12. The University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowships
13. The University of Alberta– India First Year Excellence Scholarship
14. QS Undergraduate Scholarship
15. President Scholarship
16. Humber College International Entrance Scholarships
17. Ritchie- Jennings Memorial Scholarship
18. Ontario Graduate Scholarship
19. Women Techmakers Scholarship Program

Part-time Jobs in Canada

Part-time jobs are an excellent means of meeting your day-to-day expenses, and applying to various sources helps in lessening financial strain as well. It is important to have a valid study or work permit and be a full-time student at a Canadian University to be qualified for part-time jobs in Canada. You should also be registered in an academic, vocational or professional course that results in a certificate or degree lasting longer than six months. Without requiring a work permit, you can raise it to 20 hours per week during your winter and summer breaks or during university semesters!

City-Wise Cost of Studying in Canada

The city-wise average cost of living in Canada for international students has been given in the table below:

Most Affordable Universities in Canada

Looking to manage your studying costs effectively in Canada? It's essential to consider universities that offer quality education without breaking the bank. We've got you covered with a handy list of the top ten most affordable universities in Canada for international students. These institutions not only provide excellent academic programs but also make an effort to keep their tuition fees reasonable. By choosing one of these universities, you can significantly reduce your educational expenses. Let's dive into the details of these budget-friendly options:

1. University of Guelph

Location: Guelph, Ontario

QS Ranking 2023: #591-600

Most popular courses: 

1. Bachelor of Arts in Media Study
2. Bachelor of Science
3. Bachelor of Bio-Resource Management in Environmental Management
4. Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting
5. Bachelor of Computing in Software Engineering

2. University of Northern British Columbia

Location: Prince George, British Columbia

QS Ranking 2023: #1201-1400

Most Popular Courses:

1. Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology
2. Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
3. Bachelor of Science in Biology
4. Bachelor of Health Sciences in Biomedical Studies
5. Bachelor of Science in Chemistry

3. Concordia University

Location: Montreal, Quebec

QS Ranking 2023: #551-560

Most Popular Courses:

1. Bachelor of Arts in Political Science
2. Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical Engineering
3. Bachelor of Computer Science
4. Bachelor of Fine Arts in Design Art
5. Bachelor of Commerce in Marketing

4. Simon Fraser University

Location: Burnaby, Ontario

QS Ranking 2023: #328

Most Popular Courses:

1. Bachelor of Technology in Mechatronic Systems Engineering
2. Bachelor of Technology in Computer Engineering
3. Bachelor of Technology in Software Systems
4. Bachelor of Technology in Electronics Engineering
5. Bachelor of Technology in Sustainable Energy Engineering

5. University of Calgary

Location: Calgary, Alberta

QS Ranking 2023: #242

Most Popular Courses:

1. Bachelor of Education
2. Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
3. Bachelor of Business Administration
4. Bachelor of Science in Biology
5. Bachelor of Technology

6. University of Winnipeg

Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba

QS Ranking 2023: #651-700

Most Popular Courses:

1. Bachelor of Arts
2. Bachelor of Science
3. Bachelor of Business Administration
4. Bachelor of Education
5. Bachelor of Kinesiology and Applied Health
6. Bachelor of Indigenous Studies
7. Bachelor of Environmental Studies
8. Bachelor of Global Studies

7. University of Ottawa

Location: Ottawa, Ontario

QS Ranking 2023: #237

Most Popular Courses:

1. Bachelor of Arts
2. Bachelor of Commerce
3. Bachelor of Engineering
4. Bachelor of Education
5. Bachelor of Science
6. Bachelor of Business Administration
7. Bachelor of Health Sciences

8. University of Alberta

Location: Edmonton, Alberta

QS Ranking 2023: #110

Most Popular Courses:

1. Bachelor of Education
2. Bachelor of Science
3. Bachelor of Arts
4. Bachelor of Computer Science
5. Bachelor of Commerce
6. Bachelor of Engineering

9. Brandon University

Location: Brandon, Manitoba

QS Ranking 2023: #2112

Most Popular Courses:

1. Bachelor of Arts in English
2. Bachelor of Business Administration 
3. Bachelor of Education
4. Bachelor of Fine Arts
5. Bachelor of Music
6. Bachelor of Science in Nursing
7. Bachelor of Physical Education Studies

10. University of Saskatchewan

Location: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

QS Ranking 2023: #473

Most Popular Courses:

1. Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology
2. Bachelor of Science in Nursing
3. Bachelor of Commerce in Marketing
4. Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
5. Bachelor of Engineering in Chemical Engineering
6. Bachelor of Computer Science

Studying in Canada can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience, but it is important to be well-prepared for the costs associated with it as well. Financial aspects such as tuition fees, accommodation expenses, health insurance and application fees are important to consider, but don’t worry! Careful budgeting of your expenses, exploring scholarships and considering part-time work opportunities can help you manage your costs. Do research city-wise costs and apply for affordable universities to alleviate the financial burden. This blog is all you need to start your educational journey in Canada confidently. Best of luck with your studies!