Studying in Canada is like a dream for many students across the world. It’s not just about getting a top-quality education but also about the welcoming culture, safe environment, and opportunities for work after graduation. But before packing your bags, it’s important to know exactly how much it costs to study and live there. Let’s break it down in a very simple, human-like way so you know what to expect.
Tuition Fees – The Biggest Expense
Let’s start with the most obvious cost: tuition fees. This is what most of your money will go towards. The fees depend on what you study and where.
Generally, universities in big cities like Toronto, Vancouver, or Montreal cost more than those in smaller cities. Also, programs like Medicine, Engineering, and MBA are more expensive than courses like Arts or Humanities.
Here’s a quick table to give you a clearer idea:
| Program Type | Average Annual Fees (CAD) | Average Annual Fees (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate Programs | 15,000 – 35,000 | 11,000 – 26,000 |
| Postgraduate Programs (Master’s) | 17,000 – 40,000 | 12,500 – 29,000 |
| MBA Programs | 30,000 – 60,000 | 22,000 – 44,000 |
| PhD Programs | 7,000 – 25,000 | 5,000 – 18,000 |
| Diploma or Certificate | 10,000 – 18,000 | 7,000 – 13,000 |
Some public universities like University of Manitoba, Memorial University of Newfoundland, and University of Saskatchewan offer lower tuition fees compared to popular ones like University of Toronto or UBC.
Tip: Always check if the program offers scholarships or assistantships; they can reduce your costs significantly.
Cost of Living – Your Daily Life Expenses
Living in Canada can be affordable or costly depending on your city and lifestyle. Big cities like Vancouver and Toronto are expensive, while smaller cities such as Winnipeg, Halifax, or Quebec City are much cheaper.
Here’s an approximate monthly breakdown of common expenses:
| Expense Type | Average Monthly Cost (CAD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | 600 – 1,500 | Depends on location and sharing |
| Food & Groceries | 250 – 400 | Cooking at home is cheaper |
| Transportation | 80 – 120 | Student passes can save money |
| Internet & Mobile | 50 – 100 | Check student plans |
| Miscellaneous | 100 – 200 | Entertainment, clothes, etc. |
So overall, the total monthly cost of living can range from CAD 1,000 to CAD 2,300, which means roughly CAD 12,000 to CAD 25,000 per year.
Accommodation Options – Where You’ll Stay
You can live on-campus or off-campus. Each has pros and cons:
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On-campus housing: Convenient and safe but slightly expensive. Average cost: CAD 800–1,500/month.
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Off-campus shared apartments: Cheaper, especially if you share with friends. Average cost: CAD 500–1,200/month.
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Homestay: Living with a local Canadian family. Costs around CAD 700–1,000/month, and meals are often included.
Pro Tip: If you’re new to Canada, staying on-campus for the first semester can make life easier until you get familiar with the area.
Food and Groceries – Eating Smart
Food costs depend a lot on how and where you eat. Eating out every day will burn your budget quickly. Cooking your own meals can save a lot.
| Food Option | Average Cost (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Restaurant meal | 15 – 25 per meal |
| Fast food combo | 10 – 12 per meal |
| Monthly groceries | 250 – 400 |
| Coffee (regular) | 2 – 5 |
A simple tip: Buy in bulk from stores like Costco, Walmart, or No Frills, and shop during discounts.
Transportation – Getting Around
Most Canadian cities have excellent public transportation systems. Students often get discounts through student ID cards.
| City | Monthly Student Pass (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Toronto | 128.15 |
| Vancouver | 45 – 100 |
| Montreal | 57 |
| Winnipeg | 80 |
| Calgary | 82 |
You can also buy a used bicycle or walk if you live near your university.
Health Insurance – Mandatory but Useful ❤️
All international students in Canada must have health insurance. The coverage depends on the province you live in. Some provinces (like British Columbia or Alberta) include students in their public health care plan, while others require private insurance.
| Province | Health Insurance Type | Average Annual Cost (CAD) |
|---|---|---|
| Ontario | Private | 600 – 900 |
| British Columbia | Public (MSP) | 75/month |
| Alberta | Public | Free for students |
| Quebec | Private/Public | 500 – 800 |
Always check with your university about health coverage before arrival.
Study Materials – Books and Supplies
Books can be expensive! Depending on your program, you might spend CAD 500 – 1,500 per year.
Tip: Buy used books, borrow from the library, or look for online PDFs to save money.
Application Fees and Visa Costs
Before you even start your studies, there are some costs you must handle:
| Item | Average Cost (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Application fee per university | 100 – 250 |
| Study permit (visa) | 150 |
| Biometrics | 85 |
| Medical examination | 100 – 200 |
| Flight tickets | 900 – 2,000 (depending on your country) |
You might also need to show proof of funds for your visa. The Canadian government requires students to have at least CAD 20,635 (as of 2025) in their bank account, excluding tuition.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
Good news — Canada offers many scholarships for international students. You can apply for:
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Government scholarships (like Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships or Canada-ASEAN Scholarships).
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University scholarships (like UBC International Leader of Tomorrow Award or University of Toronto’s Lester B. Pearson Scholarship).
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External scholarships from organizations or foundations.
These can cover tuition, living costs, or even full study expenses.
Tip: Maintain good grades and participate in community activities — many scholarships look at both academics and extracurriculars.
Part-Time Work – Earn While You Learn
International students can work up to 20 hours per week during the semester and full-time during breaks.
| Job Type | Average Hourly Pay (CAD) |
|---|---|
| On-campus job | 14 – 18 |
| Off-campus (restaurant, retail) | 15 – 22 |
| Internships (program-related) | 18 – 30 |
If you manage your time well, you can cover your monthly living costs through part-time work.
Total Estimated Cost Per Year (CAD)
| Expense Category | Low Range (CAD) | High Range (CAD) |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition Fees | 15,000 | 40,000 |
| Living Costs | 12,000 | 25,000 |
| Health Insurance | 600 | 900 |
| Books & Supplies | 500 | 1,500 |
| Miscellaneous | 1,000 | 2,000 |
| Total (Approx.) | 29,100 | 69,400 |
So, on average, a student can expect to spend around CAD 30,000 – 50,000 per year, including everything.
Hidden Costs Many Students Forget
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Winter clothes: Canada gets cold! Expect to spend CAD 300 – 600 on proper jackets and boots.
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Bank charges: Small, but they add up (CAD 5 – 10/month).
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Student fees: Universities charge extra fees for sports, libraries, or health centers (CAD 300 – 800/year).
Ways to Save Money as a Student
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Use student discounts everywhere (transport, cinema, restaurants).
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Share your apartment or meals.
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Use public libraries and free campus Wi-Fi.
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Cook at home instead of eating out.
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Look for second-hand furniture and books.
Small habits like these can save you hundreds of dollars each month.
Is It Worth the Cost?
Absolutely! Studying in Canada is an investment in your future. You get world-class education, global recognition, and a chance to live in one of the safest and most diverse countries. Plus, with post-graduate work permits and the chance to settle permanently, many students see Canada as more than just an education destination — it’s a life-changing opportunity.
FAQs
Q1: How much does it cost to study in Canada per year?
A: It usually costs between CAD 30,000 and 50,000 per year, including tuition, housing, and living expenses.
Q2: Is Canada cheaper than the USA or UK for international students?
A: Yes, on average, Canada is more affordable than both the USA and UK, especially when it comes to tuition and health insurance.
Q3: Can international students study for free in Canada?
A: Yes, but only if you win a fully-funded scholarship. Many universities and the Canadian government offer these opportunities.
Q4: Can I work while studying in Canada?
A: Yes, you can work up to 20 hours per week during classes and full-time during holidays.
Q5: Which are the cheapest universities in Canada for international students?
A: Some affordable options include University of Saskatchewan, Memorial University of Newfoundland, and Brandon University.
Final Thoughts
Studying in Canada may not be cheap, but it offers great value for money. With proper planning, budgeting, and maybe a part-time job or scholarship, you can manage your expenses smartly. The education, experiences, and exposure you gain will be worth every penny.
If you plan wisely, Canada can be your gateway to a bright and successful future — and that’s something no price tag can define.
