Cost of Studying in Canada for International Students 2025

Studying in Canada offers international students a world-class education at a relatively affordable cost compared to countries like the USA, UK, or Australia. This guide details the costs for 2025, including tuition, living expenses, health insurance, and other fees, to help you plan your budget. Always verify costs with universities and official sources.

Disclaimer: Costs vary by institution, program, and location. Check official university websites or contact admissions offices for the most accurate information.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees vary by program, institution, and province. Below are average costs for international students in 2025:

Undergraduate Programs: $20,000–$40,115 CAD/year, with programs like medicine ($59,000 CAD) and engineering ($22,000 CAD) at the higher end, and arts/humanities ($5,500–$6,827 CAD) at the lower end.
Graduate Programs: $17,744–$23,000 CAD/year, with regular MBAs at $27,397–$43,755 CAD and executive MBAs up to $68,224 CAD.
College/Vocational Programs: $7,000–$22,000 CAD/year, depending on program length and type.
Language Schools: $340–$425 CAD/week for English/French courses.
High School Programs: $9,500–$17,000 CAD/year for public schools; $15,000–$30,000 CAD for private schools; $63,000–$83,000 CAD for private boarding schools.

            Pro Tip: Tuition in provinces like Newfoundland,
            New Brunswick, and Manitoba is generally lower than in Ontario,
            British Columbia, or Quebec.
          

Living Expenses

Living costs depend on the city, lifestyle, and accommodation type. On average, expect $15,000–$20,635 CAD/year for a single student, excluding tuition.

Accommodation:
- On-Campus Housing: $8,000–$10,000 CAD/year.
- Off-Campus Shared Apartment: $400–$2,000 CAD/month, with higher costs in cities like Toronto ($1,500 CAD/month per student) and Vancouver ($1,850 CAD/month per student).
- Homestays: $750–$950 CAD/month, including meals, plus a $200 CAD placement fee.
Groceries: $600–$800 CAD/month for daily expenses.
Utilities: $150 CAD/month for electricity, heating, water, and internet in off-campus housing.
Transportation: $80–$150 CAD/month for public transit passes, with student discounts available.
Miscellaneous: $50–$65 CAD/week for food, $30 CAD/month for mobile plans, and $45–$75 CAD for social activities like dining or entertainment.

            Save Money: Opt for shared apartments or homestays
            in affordable cities like Edmonton or Halifax to reduce living
            costs.
          

Health Insurance

Health insurance is mandatory for international students and varies by province:

Provincial Coverage: Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Labrador, and Saskatchewan include international students in provincial health plans, subject to stay duration.
Private Insurance: Required in Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Yukon, costing $600–$900 CAD/year.
University Plans: Some institutions mandate their own insurance, often $600–$1,000 CAD/year.[](https://www.shiksha.com/studyabroad/cost-of-living-in-canada-for-international-students-articlepage-544)

Additional Costs

Study Permit: $150 CAD, plus $85 CAD for biometrics.
Application Fees: $50–$250 CAD per university/college application.
Books and Supplies: $600–$1,000 CAD/year for textbooks and materials.
Travel Costs: Flights from India to Canada range from INR 100,000–200,000, depending on the season.
Extracurricular Fees: Small fees for clubs, sports, or field trips at high schools or colleges.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

To offset costs, international students can explore:

University Scholarships: Merit-based or need-based awards (e.g., University of Alberta’s International Admission Scholarship, up to $5,000 CAD).
Government Scholarships: Programs like Canada-ASEAN Scholarships offer full funding.
External Scholarships: Over 900 scholarships listed on platforms like Studyportals.
Part-Time Work: Study permits allow 20 hours/week during the academic year and full-time during breaks, helping cover living expenses.

            Pro Tip: Apply for scholarships early and check
            eligibility for provincial tuition exemptions in Quebec for lower
            rates.
          

Proof of Funds for Study Permit

To obtain a Canada study permit, you must show sufficient funds:

Outside Quebec: $20,635 CAD/year for living expenses, plus first-year tuition and travel costs.
Quebec: $11,000 CAD/year for living expenses, plus tuition and travel.
Documentation: Bank statements, scholarship letters, or financial guarantees.

Tips for Managing Costs

Choose Affordable Provinces: Study in Newfoundland, New Brunswick, or Manitoba for lower tuition and rent.
Apply for On-Campus Housing: Secure dormitory spots early for cost savings ($8,000–$10,000 CAD/year).
Use Student Discounts: Access discounts on transit, food狸:0⁊
Work Part-Time: Earn income through on-campus or off-campus jobs (up to 20 hours/week).
Budget Wisely: Track expenses for groceries, transportation, and social activities to avoid overspending.

            Save Money: Share off-campus housing with roommates
            to split rent and utilities in expensive cities like Toronto or
            Vancouver.
          

Plan Your Study Budget for Canada

The cost of studying in Canada in 2025 ranges from $30,000–$60,000 CAD/year, including tuition and living expenses. With careful planning, scholarships, and part-time work, you can manage these costs effectively. Contact university financial aid offices or careerfinderlife8@gmail.com for personalized guidance.