Hidden Costs of Living in Canada: Studying in Canada is a very dreamy and exhilarating experience. This is why, as of 2023, more than 3.2 lakh students from India have already enrolled in Canadian universities.The quality of education, lifestyle, high standards of living, and cultural experiences that the country has to offer are immense which justifies all the costs of living in the country.
But, a little disclaimer before we proceed to discover Canada’s study expenses. Apart from the mandatory/ fixed expenses that occur when pursuing higher studies in Canada, some costs are neglected and become hidden costs as we tend to forget when calculating the total costs of living. So, if you are one of those students planning to fly to Canada, let us reveal the hidden costs of living in Canada.
This Blog Includes:
Basic Costs of Living in Canada
The cost of living in Canada is high but lower than in countries like the US, the UK, and Australia. The average tuition fee in Canada ranges from CAD 21,000 to CAD 31,600 per year (INR 13 lakhs to INR 20 lakhs per year) for international students. The average cost of living in Canada is about CAD 12,000 to CAD 20,000 per year (7.46 lakhs to 12.44 lakhs).
This totals CAD 33,000 to CAD 51,600 (20.53 lakhs to 32.11 lakhs) annually. Now, these costs multiply by two or three depending if you are pursuing a 2-year degree course or a 3-year degree course. The costs also vary depending on the choice of city, course, university, and living standards. The lifestyle in Canada for international students is inclusive and promising which justifies all the costs of living in Canada.
Also Read: Check the Top 5 Safest Cities to Live in Canada and make your living experience worry-free.
Hidden Costs before departing to Canada include paying for expenses like the language proficiency test, application fee, visa fee, GIC account and others. Let’s discuss all these expenses-
The English Language Proficiency Test
You are required to clear the basic English language proficiency test to study abroad in Canada. These are different exams which need to be completed based on the course and university requirements.
| English Language Test | Cost (INR, 2024) |
| IELTS | INR 16,250 |
| TOEFL | INR 16,900 |
| GRE (general/subject) | INR 22,500/ INR 14,500 |
| GMAT | INR 20,465 |
| CAEL | INR 11,697 |
GIC (Guaranteed Investment Certificate)
Having a GIC Account when studying in Canada is a great option to secure your funds and adjust your living expenses. Students can open this account with one of the partnered banks (Nova Scotia Bank, ICICI Canada, SBI Canada Bank, or CIBC) with an amount of CAD 10,000 (INR 6.22 lakhs).
On arriving in Canada, students are given CAD 2,000 (INR 1.24 lakhs) immediately and CAD 8,000 (4.97 lakhs) monthly for 12 months to cover their living expenses.
Note: Banks deduct approximately CAD 200 (INR 12,500) as administrative fees and the amount you receive on arrival depends on the bank you open a GIC Account with.
Application Fee (University and Visa)
Applying to different universities involves filling out application forms. These universities charge between CAD 50- and CAD 250 (INR 3100- 15,500). These fees are non-refundable even if you are not selected.
Application for Study Permit
The cost of application for a study permit is CAD 150 (INR 9335). Other fees of up to CAD 90 (INR 5600) are there for biometrics like photographs and fingerprints.
Application for Medical purposes
When you apply for a visa, the Canadian government ask you to choose a doctor from a panel for the medical tests. You are required to pay doctor’s fees, for special tests and other treatment as required.
Booking Flight Tickets
This is the final expense before leaving for Canada. Flights can cost you between INR 80,000 to 1.25 lakhs depending on the time of departure, destination location, and the duration of your flight.
Also Read: Did you know that Canada has some seriously quirky laws in its law book? Check out these Weird Canadian Laws you probably didn’t know about.
Once you have arrived in Canada, accommodation expenses, health insurance, food and other miscellaneous expenses can take a toll on your pockets apart from costs you will have to pay to rent housing for students in Canada. However, managing them properly can also help you in cost-cutting and maintaining your finances accordingly.
Transportation Costs
Public transport is the most reliable means of transportation in Canada. Often transportation costs are included in tuition fees that allow students unlimited access to the city’s transportation system.
But sometimes, students buy their travelling passes that cost between CAD 60 to CAD 125. In cities like Montreal, the travel fare is lower than the cities like Toronto.
Food Costs
Most students get a meal plan within the campus, but those who live off-campus need to have a budget plan to cover the food costs. Here’s a gist of how much can essential items in Canada cost-
- Regular Milk- CAD 3.17 (INR 197)
- Regular Eggs – CAD 4.29 (INR 266)
- Local Cheese – CAD 4.79 (INR 298)
- Apples (1 kg) – CAD 5.06 (INR 314)
- Bananas (1 kg – CAD 1.86 (INR 115)
- Chicken Fillets – CAD 14.86 (INR 925)
Note: These are the basic costs of the items listed, factors like inflation can cause a change in these costs.
Health Insurance
Health Insurance for international students in Canada is important to cover the essential medical care needed during emergencies or otherwise.
Depending on which province the student is in, the health insurance can range from CAD 600-900 per year (INR 37.300- 56,000)
Other hidden costs of living in Canada include paying for cell phone bills which cost nearly CAD 50-70 per month (INR 3000-4300). To be safe from harsh winter conditions, students are required to purchase boots, jackets, socks, gloves, and hoodies which can sum up to CAD 300-400 (INR 18,500- 24,800), not to mention the sales tax which is 5-13%. Entertainment costs depend on how frequently you travel to the amazing cafes, and movie theatres, or visit museums in Canada.
Also Read: You can also check the best travel SIM cards in Canada.
To live comfortably in Canada, international students need CAD 33,000 to CAD 51,600 (20.53 lakhs to 32.11 lakhs) annually. Living with your family can multiply these costs immensely and would depend on the province you choose to live in.
The cost of living in Canada is high but lower than in countries like the US, the UK, and Australia. The average cost of living in Canada is about CAD 12,000 to CAD 20,000 per year (7.46 lakhs to 12.44 lakhs).
New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Labrador, Manitoba, Alberta, and Saskatchewan are some of the provinces in Canada that have the lowest costs of living in Canada.
The hidden costs of living in Canada include transportation costs, food costs, health insurance, phone and internet bills, and other entertainment costs.
Studying expenses start right from the beginning even before going to Canada. From the English proficiency tests, university application fees, visa costs, and booking flight tickets to accommodation costs, transportation costs, and tuition fees, the total expenditure required would be around INR 90 lakhs to 1 crore.
This was all about the hidden costs of living in Canada that students must know before planning their higher studies in the country. Considering the above costs right before leaving for Canada to land and live there, multiple costs are involved. Hope this blog gave you an idea about the basic and hidden costs of living in Canada.
For booking the best accommodation abroad to start your study abroad experience you can contact Fly Homes at 1800572118.
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