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
Postgraduate Programs
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/College | QS World University Rankings 2025 | Avg. Tuition Fees (Annually) |
---|---|---|
University of Toronto | 25 | CAD 30,000 to CAD 60,000 |
McGill University | 29 | CAD 30,000 to CAD 60,000 |
University of British Columbia | 38 | CAD 40,000 to CAD 60,000 |
University of Alberta | 96 | CAD 31,089 to CAD 45,523 |
University of Waterloo | 115 | CAD 30,000 to CAD 40,000 |
Western University | 120 | CAD 30,000 to CAD 50,000 |
Université de Montréal | 159 | CAD 30,000 to CAD 50,000 |
McMaster University | 176 | CAD 25,000 to CAD 50,000 |
University of Ottawa | 189 | CAD 25,000 to CAD 35,000 |
Queen’s University at Kingston | 193 | CAD 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
Expenses | Average Cost of Living in Canada Per Month |
---|---|
Accommodation | 400 CAD – 600 CAD |
Food | 200 CAD – 300 CAD |
Transportation | 100 CAD – 250 CAD |
Internet | 30 CAD – 50 CAD |
Miscellaneous | 600 CAD – 700 CAD |
Additional Expenses
Expense | Avg. Cost |
---|---|
Health Insurance | CAD 600-900 per year |
Study permit fees | CAD 150 |
Flight Expense | CAD 800 to CAD 1,500 |
University Application fee | CAD 50 to CAD 250 |
Proficiency tests fee | IELTS- CAD 371,. GRE (general/subject)- CAD 375 TOEFL iBT- CAD 280 GMAT- CAD 420 CAEL- 278 |
Biometric fee | 85 CAD |
Best Cities in Australia for Students
City | Avg. Cost of Living |
---|---|
Montreal | CAD 1,500 |
Toronto | CAD 2,000 – CAD 3,800 |
Vancouver | CAD 2,350 – CAD 3,750 |
Ottawa | CAD 1,500 – CAD 2,500 |
Quebec | CAD 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 Type | Average Cost Per Month in CAD |
---|---|
Hostels | CAD300 – CAD600 ($10 – $20 per night) |
Private Apartment | CAD 400 – CAD 1500 |
Shared Rental | CAD 250 – CAD 700 |
Homestay | CAD 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
- Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
- Global Affairs Canada (GAC)
- Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships
- Canada Graduate Scholarships – Master’s Program
- Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute (SICI) Scholarships
University-specific scholarships for Indian Students in Canada
- Simon Fraser University (SFU)
- Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU)
- Royal Roads University (RRU)
- Lakehead University
- Thompson Rivers University (TRU)
Other Scholarships to Study in Canada
- Commonwealth Scholarships for Developing Commonwealth Countries
- 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
- Teaching Assistant (TA): Assist professors in conducting classes, grading assignments, and providing student support.
- Research Assistant (RA): Contribute to research projects under the guidance of faculty members.
- Library Assistant: Help with library operations, such as shelving books, assisting patrons, and managing the library’s digital resources.
- Campus Tour Guide: Showcase the campus to prospective students and their families.
Off-Campus Jobs
- Retail and Hospitality: Work in cafes, restaurants, retail stores, or hotels.
- Customer Service: Provide customer support through call centres or online platforms.
- Tutoring: Leverage your academic strengths by tutoring fellow students.
- Delivery Services: Work for food delivery or courier services.
- 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.
How do tuition fees vary between provinces in Canada?
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.
What are some ways to save money on living expenses as a student in Canada?
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
How much can a student earn from part-time jobs in Canada?
In Canada, you can get a minimum wage of $11.5 per hour to $15 per hour, depending on the provinces where you work.
Can international students get loans to study in Canada?
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.
How much should I budget for accommodation in Canada?
As an international student in Canada, you should budget between CAD 500 – CAD 1,000 per month for accommodation.
Can I work while studying in Canada to cover my expenses?
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.
Are there scholarships available for international students in Canada?
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.