What is the cost of studying in Canada?

Yes, we do agree with you that Canada is one of the incredible places to study abroad in Fall.

Since you are so eager to study in Canada – I’m sure you must be working hard and doing your homework to figure out the cost of studying in Canada, including the Canadian university fees.

Canada is one of the most peaceful countries in the world as per the Global Peace Index 2021. Canada's exciting immigration policies and stay back options are encouraging enough for any international student to consider it as a preferable study destination. Take a look at the below list that explains the cost of studying both bachelors and masters programmes, along with the living and other basic expenses, at some of the top-notch universities in Canada.  

Canadian university tuition fees for bachelors and masters courses

Undergraduate programmes in Canada typically last between 3 and 5 years. Postgraduate courses last between 1 to 2 years. Here are the costs of different subjects in Canada:

Cost of living in Canada for Indian students

The living cost will entirely depend on the way and where you choose to live in Canada.

Food: It would cost nearly CAD 450 - the minimum amount of money needed for food, for one person.

Accommodation: It will cost between CAD 6,000 and 7,500 per year for on-campus accommodation. Remember that when we talk about the cost of a stay, it could vary depending on what type of housing you prefer and which region it is.

Fine Dining: You must also consider your outing and dining expenses at any restaurant in Canada – Don't you want to treat your palate once in a while? According to Numbeo.com, a meal for 2 people at a mid-range restaurant would cost between CAD 60 and CAD 150.

Here are the other expenses:

1. Electricity - nearly CAD 116
2. Internet - Between CAD 30 and 170, depending on the provider and internet speed you opt for
3. Movie - CAD 8–13
4. Prepaid local mobile call - CAD 0.10 – 0.50
5. Groceries - CAD 150–250
6. Books and supplies - CAD 1000 per year
7. Transportation: 

• One-way ticket (local transport) - CAD 2.50 – CAD 4.0
• Monthly pass - Around CAD 100
• Taxi (normal tariff) - CAD 1.55 – CAD 4.0

Finally: You need to get enough warm garments to maintain your sanity during winters, for which you will have to set aside a good sum of money!

1 CAD = INR 61.96 as of 8 June 2022. Please remember that living expenses will be high in cities like Vancouver and Montreal.

What else do you need to consider?

1. Application fee: Besides the tuition costs, you need to see how much you will be spending before getting enrolled at a university in Canada, that is, the cost of application. The total cost of the application fee, courier charges and the amount you pay for the IELTS exam (or an equivalent English language test) will vary depending on which place you belong.

2. The visa cost: A Canadian student visa from India will cost CAD 150. You will be asked to produce proof of sufficient funds during your visa interview. You must have CAD 10,000 per year for your stay. This is apart from the tuition fee. The amount is subject to vary based on where you live. And to prove this, you will have to produce documents like bank statements, bank drafts, proof of payment of tuition fees, a letter from any person or any institution who will be sponsoring a part of your education, etc. 

3. Air tickets: Non-stop flight tickets from major cities in India to Canada will cost between INR 1,30,000 and INR 1,45,000.

Check this very helpful website by the Government of Canada which gives a comprehensive list of prices for almost all your basic requirements while living in Canada.     

4. Health/medical insurance: CAD 300–1500 per person/year. Irrespective of wherever you go to study abroad, it is better to have health/medical insurance. In Canada, health insurance coverage for international students varies from province to province, for example, the provinces of Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, etc. provide provincial health care plans for international students whereas students studying in Quebec, Nova Scotia, Ontario, etc. should arrange for their private health insurance.  

5. Learning French: Another cost that you would like to consider is for learning French (out of curiosity or if you feel it might benefit you), either after reaching Canada or before leaving your native place. Both English and French are official languages in Canada, so you don't need to take the latter too seriously.

This information should suffice, to help you plan your budget to study in Canada. Want more info on the above topic? You can always speak to our study abroad experts. Every day several students raise requests to receive a call from our experts. All you have to do is to fill out the form on this page and our experts will get in touch with you. All the best with your study abroad journey.

Editor's note: This article was originally published in February 2017. Our content writer Roshna Mohan has edited it to include up-to-date information and made it comprehensive.

Source: Statistics Canada. Table 18-10-0204-01  Electric power selling price index, monthly, Finder.com, Numbeo.com