How much does it cost to pursue education in Canada?
While studying abroad can be a substantial investment, Canada stands out as a country where high-quality education is available at tuition rates that are comparatively lower than many other nations. However, it's essential to consider various expenses such as accommodation, food, health coverage, and travel, in addition to tuition fees, when estimating the overall cost of studying in Canada. This comprehensive approach will aid in effective budget planning.
Cost of Education in Canada
The expenses for tuition fees are contingent on the type of qualification and the institution you select. On average, you can expect to spend approximately CAD 13,000 to CAD 35,000 per year. Typically, courses in humanities, education, and arts tend to be more affordable, while disciplines like medicine and engineering may incur higher costs. Postgraduate level programs generally have higher tuition fees, with variations based on the specific program. Similar to many other countries, MBA programs often rank among the most expensive, with average costs ranging from CAD 30,000 to CAD 42,000.
| S.no. | Study program | Average annual fee |
| 1 | Undergraduate program | $13,000 to $20,000 |
| 2 | Postgraduate master's degree | $17,000 to $25,000 |
| 3 | Doctoral degree | $7,000 to $15,000 |
| 4 | Masters of Business administration (MBA) | $30,000 to $40,000 |
*Please note all fee figures are indicative
You can apply to various Canadian scholarships as well to bring down your educational expenses.
Scholarships to study in Canada
Here are some popular government-funded scholarships available for International students to study in Canada:
| S. No. | Name of the scholarship | Description |
| 1 | Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute | Offers various fellowships at different levels from graduate to post-doctorate and from research to training fellowships |
| 2 | Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan | This scheme identifies students with high intellect from Commonwealth countries applying to programs of advanced study and research at the Master’s and Ph.D. level |
| 3 | Ontario Graduate Scholarship Program | This scholarship is for graduate students in a wide variety of disciplines. |
| 4 | National Research Council of Canada (NRCC) | Research associateship is offered to master’s degree holders in engineering and Ph.D. holders in natural science or engineering disciplines |
| 5 | Quebec Provincial Government Scholarship | This scholarship is for students studying in Quebec. |
| 6 | Ontario Trillium Scholarship | First announced in November 2010 for doctoral students from around the world to study in Ontario |
| 7 | Partnership Grants by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada | This scholarship is for Ph.D. candidates. |
| 8 | Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships | This is offered by the Canadian government to international students to pursue postgraduate programs within natural science, social sciences, or healthcare research. |
| 9 | Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships | This scholarship is awarded by the Government of Canada to meritorious students who aspire to pursue a doctoral degree at a Canadian institution |
Living Expenses in Canada
Undoubtedly, there is a notable contrast between living in Canada and your home country. It is crucial to familiarize yourself with the Canadian way of life and the cost of living in the specific location you intend to reside. Quebec stands out as one of the most economical cities in Canada, featuring a cost of living significantly lower than many others.
Additionally, when applying for your student permit, it is imperative to demonstrate to the Canadian government that you possess sufficient funds to cover your financial obligations. Therefore, it is essential to consider this aspect.
When devising your budget, make sure to incorporate the following expenditures:
- Communication Costs: Allocate a portion of your budget for phone and data expenses, especially if you plan to communicate frequently with friends and family back home. Explore cost-effective calling plans and take advantage of student discounts. On average, the monthly cost is around CAD 20.
- Textbooks and Supplies: Purchasing textbooks can be a considerable expense. For instance, books related to engineering courses may range from CAD 250 to CAD 350. Costs for courses like law, medicine, and pharmacy can be even higher. You can manage this within your budget by opting for used books, digital versions, or utilizing library memberships.
- Personal Expenses and Incidentals: Daily spending on laundry, toiletries, clothing, dining out, and other miscellaneous items will depend on the lifestyle you choose.
How much does it cost to pursue studies in Canada?
Canada stands out as a country where high-quality education is available at tuition rates that are more affordable than those in many other nations. Nevertheless, as you plan your departure from your home country, it is crucial to consider additional expenses such as accommodation, food, health coverage, and travel, alongside your tuition fees, when estimating the overall cost of studying in Canada. This comprehensive approach will aid you in effectively planning your budget. The amount you allocate for tuition fees depends on the type of qualification and institution you choose, with an estimated range of approximately CAD 13,000 to CAD 35,000 per year.
Calculating Accommodation Costs:
Many Canadian universities provide on-campus residence options for international students. Alternatively, you can explore off-campus accommodation, such as shared apartments with other students. On-campus accommodation costs may vary from CAD 8,000 to CAD 10,000 annually, while residing in a shared apartment can range from CAD 400 to CAD 700 per month, depending on your location and the time of year. It's important to note that rental rates differ from city to city.
Another accommodation option is a homestay, where you live with a host family in Canada. This typically involves a placement fee of CAD 200 and a monthly fee of CAD 750 to CAD 950, covering meals and accommodations. Participating in local activities with the host family provides an opportunity to closely experience Canadian culture.
Cost of Student Visa and Permit:
Initiating your study journey in Canada requires obtaining a valid study permit, which comes with associated costs (approximately CAD 150). For the latest updates and information on the visa application process and related costs, feel free to consult with your IDP counselor.
Costs of Living:
While pursuing your studies, it's essential to allocate funds for groceries, social activities, and unforeseen emergencies. Managing your expenses conscientiously is crucial to prevent overspending while residing as an international student in a foreign country. Considering various expenditures and the general cost of living in Canada, an estimated budget for a single student is around CAD 15,000 (indicative). When planning your budget, take into account the following common expenses:
Communication Expenses:
As an international student, staying connected with friends and family back home is important. Allocate a portion of your budget for phone bills and data expenses. Look for cost-effective calling plans and student discounts to ensure that you can stay in touch within your monthly budget. On average, a phone plan may cost around CAD 20 per month.
Books and Supplies:
Acquiring textbooks can be a significant expense. For example, books for engineering courses may range from approximately CAD 250 to CAD 350. For specialized fields like law, medicine, and pharmacy, the costs can be higher. To manage this within your budget, consider options such as purchasing second-hand books, opting for digital versions, or obtaining a library membership.
Personal Expenses and Incidentals:
Your daily expenditures will encompass items like laundry, toiletries, clothing, and dining out. The extent of these costs depends on the lifestyle you choose for yourself.
Health Support and Insurance:
It is mandatory for all students traveling to Canada to obtain medical insurance before starting their program. International student health insurance in Canada typically ranges between $600 and $900 per year (indicative). In provinces such as British Columbia, Quebec, Alberta, Newfoundland, Manitoba, Labrador, or Saskatchewan, you will be covered under the respective provincial health plans based on the duration of your stay.
Transportation. Know how much it will cost to move around
Unless your institution provides a shuttle service to-and-fro from your lodging, you’ll have to rely on the available public transport.
| For short distances | Make use of regional trains, buses, and subways. Metropolitan cities like Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal offer buses and subways. Smaller cities may or may not have subways, but you can always avail buses, commuter trains or local taxi service. Commuting cost can range anywhere between CAD 80 and CAD 110 for a month (indicative). It is a good idea to get monthly passes for commuting to college as they come in fairly cheap |
| Park and Ride service | If you live far from the bus stop, some cities give you the option to drive down to a special parking area where you can park your car and then take a train or bus. You can also rent a car by getting an international driver’s license. Your commute expense will vary accordingly. |
| For long distances | For travelling between different cities, you can avail long-distance buses, railways, and flights. |
Do not overlook your tax responsibilities:
International students enrolled in Canada with a Social Insurance Number (SIN) have the privilege to work up to 20 hours per week during academic sessions and full-time during vacations. If you opt to work concurrently with your studies, the income you earn in Canada will be subject to taxation. Additionally, any scholarships or assistantships received from your institution may be subject to federal and state taxes.
It's crucial to note that fluctuations in exchange rates can impact your budget. We recommend exploring part-time employment opportunities while studying in Canada or applying for scholarships at the universities you are interested in. This proactive approach can significantly reduce the overall cost of studying abroad.
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