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The True Cost of Studying in Canada

Planning your budget for studying in Canada? Get a clear breakdown of tuition fees, living costs, and other expenses to make smart financial decisions.

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    Studying in Canada offers high-quality education at competitive costs. International undergraduate students pay between CAD 20,000 and CAD 30,000 per year in tuition fees. Postgraduate programs are generally more affordable, with average tuition fees of around CAD 17,744 annually. Living expenses, including housing, food, and transportation, typically range from CAD 13,000 to CAD 40,000 annually, depending on the city and lifestyle. It’s important to note that tuition fees can vary significantly based on the program and institution. For instance, programs in medicine and engineering tend to be more expensive than those in humanities. Despite these study cost in Canada for Indian students, many students find that Canada’s high academic standards and vibrant multicultural environment make it a worthwhile investment.

    Tuition Fees

    Below is the total cost of studying in Canada in Indian rupees:

    The tuition fees for universities/colleges in Canada vary depending on several factors:

    Undergraduate Programs

    University tuition costs around CAD 36,100 (INR 21.6 lakhs) per year.

    Postgraduate Programs

    University tuition costs around CAD 21,100 (INR 12.7 lakhs) per year.

    Note: These are average figures and the actual costs may vary.

    Top Canadian Universities Fees

    Below is the cost of studying in Canada for Indian students:

    University/CollegeQS World University Rankings 2025Avg. Tuition Fees (Annually)
    University of Toronto25CAD 30,000 to CAD 60,000
    McGill University29CAD 30,000 to CAD 60,000
    University of British Columbia38CAD 40,000 to CAD 60,000
    University of Alberta96CAD 31,089 to CAD 45,523
    University of Waterloo115CAD 30,000 to CAD 40,000
    Western University120CAD 30,000 to CAD 50,000
    Université de Montréal159CAD 30,000 to CAD 50,000
    McMaster University176CAD 25,000 to CAD 50,000
    University of Ottawa189CAD 25,000 to CAD 35,000
    Queen’s University at Kingston193CAD 30,000 to CAD 40,000

    Contact Transglobal Overseas today to know the total cost to study in Canada from India.

    Cost of Living in Canada

    ExpensesAverage Cost of Living in Canada Per Month
    Accommodation400 CAD – 600 CAD
    Food200 CAD – 300 CAD
    Transportation100 CAD – 250 CAD
    Internet30 CAD – 50 CAD
    Miscellaneous600 CAD – 700 CAD

    Additional Expenses

    ExpenseAvg. Cost
    Health InsuranceCAD 600-900 per year
    Study permit feesCAD 150
    Flight ExpenseCAD 800 to CAD 1,500
    University Application feeCAD 50 to CAD 250
    Proficiency tests feeIELTS- CAD 371,. GRE (general/subject)- CAD 375 TOEFL iBT- CAD 280 GMAT- CAD 420 CAEL- 278
    Biometric fee85 CAD

    Best Cities in Australia for Students

    CityAvg. Cost of Living
    MontrealCAD 1,500
    TorontoCAD 2,000 – CAD 3,800
    VancouverCAD 2,350 – CAD 3,750
    OttawaCAD 1,500 – CAD 2,500
    QuebecCAD 1,500

    Accommodation Costs in Canada

    The major part of living expenses in Canada goes to accommodation costs. There are several accommodation options available for international students in Canada and some of them are listed below:

    Accommodation TypeAverage Cost Per Month in CAD
    HostelsCAD300 – CAD600 ($10 – $20 per night)
    Private ApartmentCAD 400 – CAD 1500
    Shared RentalCAD 250 – CAD 700
    HomestayCAD 400 – CAD 800

    Taxes in Canada

    International students might need to file a Canadian income tax return, even if they don’t have any income.

    Scholarships for Canada

    Various scholarships are available to students who want to study abroad in Canada. Here are just a few of the most popular options:

    Government Scholarships in Canada for Indian Students

    1. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
    2. Global Affairs Canada (GAC)
    3. Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships
    4. Canada Graduate Scholarships – Master’s Program
    5. Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute (SICI) Scholarships

    University-specific scholarships for Indian Students in Canada

    1. Simon Fraser University (SFU)
    2. Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU)
    3. Royal Roads University (RRU)
    4. Lakehead University
    5. Thompson Rivers University (TRU)

    Other Scholarships to Study in Canada

    1. Commonwealth Scholarships for Developing Commonwealth Countries
    2. Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships.

    Part-time Jobs in Canada for Students

    Canada offers several opportunities for international students to work part-time while pursuing their studies. Here are some popular options:

    On-Campus Jobs

    1. Teaching Assistant (TA): Assist professors in conducting classes, grading assignments, and providing student support.
    2. Research Assistant (RA): Contribute to research projects under the guidance of faculty members.
    3. Library Assistant: Help with library operations, such as shelving books, assisting patrons, and managing the library’s digital resources.
    4. Campus Tour Guide: Showcase the campus to prospective students and their families.

    Off-Campus Jobs

    1. Retail and Hospitality: Work in cafes, restaurants, retail stores, or hotels.
    2. Customer Service: Provide customer support through call centres or online platforms.
    3. Tutoring: Leverage your academic strengths by tutoring fellow students.
    4. Delivery Services: Work for food delivery or courier services.
    5. Freelancing: Utilize your skills in writing, editing, graphic design, or programming to earn money online.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What are the average tuition fees for different programs in Canada?

    The average tuition fees for international students in Canada were $36,100 per year for undergraduate students and $21,100 per year for graduate students.

    Tuition fees in Canada vary significantly between provinces. Some provinces like Quebec have significantly lower tuition costs compared to others like Ontario and British Columbia.

    You can use these tips to save money on living expenses in Canada:

    • Avail student discounts
    • Work where you shop
    • Plan your meals
    • Cook at home
    • Apply for external scholarships
    • Use public transport
    • Buy used textbooks
    • Use public transportation
    • Look for affordable accommodation options
    • Track your spending

    In Canada, you can get a minimum wage of $11.5 per hour to $15 per hour, depending on the provinces where you work.

    Yes, international students can get loans through private lenders to study in Canada. Some international students are also eligible for financial aid from the Canadian government.

    As an international student in Canada, you should budget between CAD 500 – CAD 1,000 per month for accommodation.

    Most international students are eligible to work while studying. You can work up to 20 hours a week in an academic year, and full-time during break.

    Yes, there are a variety of scholarships available for international students in Canada. Some examples include the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship and university-based scholarships.

    45,000+ students realised their study abroad dream with us

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      45,000+ students realised their study abroad dream with us

      Take the first step today.

      Talk to an expert for FREE