Study in Canada Cost: Tuition fees, Accommodation & Living cost

The study in Canada cost for international students includes the expenses for tuition, study permit, entrance exams, accommodation, food, travel, and other additional expenses for living in Canada. International students are required to calculate an estimated cost of living in Canada before moving to Canada for their higher education.

The undergraduate tuition fees at universities in Canada is approximately $29714 per year, while graduate tuition fees is $17744 per year. Courses in arts, humanities, education, etc are some of the most affordable courses in Canada. While, engineering, medicine, MBA courses are some of the most expensive courses in the country. 

Table of Contents

• Tuition Fees in Canada for International Students
• Cost of Living in Canada
• Cost of Living in Canada: City-Wise
• Accommodation Costs for International Students in Canada
• Canada Study Permit and Canada Student Visa Fees
• Additional Living Expenses in Canada
• Health Insurance and Support for International Students in Canada
• Taxes in Canada
• Top Scholarships in Canada for International Students
• Part-Time Jobs in Canada
• Affordable Universities in Canada

Tuition Fees in Canada for International Students

The tuition fees in Canada is the main expenditure for international students. Given below are the average tuition fees in Canada for international students at different levels of study.

The tuition fees vary depending on the course of study and the Canadian university in which the student is enrolled. The average tuition in Canada ranges between $13000 and $35000 per academic year at some of the most affordable universities in Canada. The courses such as arts and humanities, education are much more affordable than engineering and medical courses. Also, the tuition fee is higher for postgraduate courses depending on the selected program. The MBA fees in Canada are the most expensive. On average, the MBA fees in Canada ranges between $30000 to $42000 per year.

Cost of Living in Canada

A breakdown of the types of expenses that Indian students should take into account while calculating the cost of studying and living in Canada is shown below:

Cost of Living in Canada: City-Wise

The table given below shows the average annual cost of living in Canada for international students:

Accommodation Costs for International Students in Canada

Most Canadian universities provide on-campus accommodation to international students. Off-campus accommodation is also available for international students at affordable rates. However, on-campus housing is much cheaper as compared to off-campus accommodation. The cost of on-campus accommodation ranges between $8000- $10000 per year and living off-campus costs around $400-$700 per month. The accommodation costs vary for the different universities based on location and semester.

Canada Study Permit and Canada Student Visa Fees

International students require a valid study permit to be able to pursue studies in Canada. A Canadian study visa is required for staying in Canada for the duration of the course. International students are eligible to work part-time for up to 20 hours per week with a valid Canadian study permit. The Canada student visa fees for international students is $150 per application. International students are required to pay an additional $85 for biometrics along with the Canada student visa.

Additional Living Expenses in Canada

Additional funds are required for living costs in Canada for international students. The additional living cost in Canada for international students includes the expenses for grocery, shopping, book, supplies, and other emergency expenses. Approximately, an international student requires $15000 per year for additional expenses in Canada. Canada University fees are exclusive of these additional expenses incurred by international students. Some of the common expenses for international students in Canada are:

• Communication Expenses: International students in Canada are required to manage the budget to include phone bills and data expenses. Students should choose affordable data plans and student discounts to be able to stay connected within the monthly budget. The average cost for communication is $20 per month.
• Expenses for Books and Supplies: Buying textbooks in Canada is a little expensive. The average cost of engineering textbooks is $250- $350 and the textbooks for law, medicine and other courses cost much more. International students can manage the expenses for books and supplies by buying a library membership, or by buying second-hand books. International students can also opt for digital versions of the textbooks at a much lower cost.
• Transportation Costs: International students are required to bear the cost of transportation depending on the place of study. Buses, trains, and subways are available for transportation in Canada. The cost of commuting comes up to $110 per month for international students in Canada. Monthly passes are available which are an affordable option for students living in Canada.
• Miscellaneous Expenses: International students may need to set aside an additional budget for expenses such as laundry, dining, clothing, etc. This mainly depends on the standard of living of the students.

Health Insurance and Support for International Students in Canada

International students in Canada are required to have a valid health insurance plan before starting their studies in Canada. The health insurance costs between $600- $900 per year for international students. Students enrolled in universities located in British Columbia, Quebec, Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, etc are insured under the respective health plans depending on the length of their program.

Taxes in Canada

If you are an international student studying in Canada, you would be required to file a Canadian income tax return based on your residency status. While international students may not earn a living in the country, it can still be beneficial to file taxes such as GST credits, the Child Tax Benefit, etc. Students who get income from jobs or research assistantships in Canada need to file an income tax report. Moreover, students who receive their income from abroad are required to report their earnings.

Top Scholarships in Canada for International Students

There are numerous scholarships available in Canada for international students to help them ease their financial burden. Various factors are considered for these scholarships, including academic excellence, skills, and financial need. The requirements for each scholarship must be reviewed before applying. The top scholarships in Canada for international students are listed below:

• Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
• Ontario Graduate Scholarship
• Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship Program
• President’s Scholarship for World Leaders
• Assist-on Scholarship
• Trudeau Foundation Scholarships
• International Leader of Tomorrow Award
• University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowship (UMGF)

Part-Time Jobs in Canada

International students can work part-time to cover their daily expenses and ease their financial stress. To be eligible to work in Canada, students must have a valid study/work permit and attend a Canadian university full-time. Applicants must also be studying any professional, vocational, or academic course lasting more than 6 months and resulting in a certificate/degree. It is also possible to work on-campus or off-campus for 20 hours during the winter or summer breaks without a work permit. 

Affordable Universities in Canada

Following is the list of cheapest universities for international students who wish to study in Canada:

• University of Montreal
• McGill University
• McMaster University
• University of British Columbia
• University of Brandon
• Université de Saint-Boniface
• University of Guelph
• Memorial University of Newfoundland
• Simon Fraser University

Read More: Affordable Universities in Canada