Cost of Study in Canada: Canada has become one of the most sought-after destinations for international students due to its world-class education system, diverse culture, and welcoming environment. However, understanding the cost of studying in Canada is crucial for prospective students planning their academic journey.
Tuition fees, living expenses, and additional costs such as health insurance and student services vary depending on the institution, location, and program of study. In this guide, we break down the key expenses associated with studying in Canada to help you plan your budget effectively.
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Cost of Study in Canada: Tuition Fees
For international students, a large amount of the cost of studying in Canada is comprised of the tuition fees that colleges and universities charge. Tuition rates at some of Canada’s top universities can total up to CAD 35,000 on average. Check out the below table for each course and the average cost.
| Course | Average Tuition Fees per annum |
| Undergraduate Courses | CAD 12,000 – CAD 30,000 |
| Engineering & Medicine Courses (PG) | CAD 22,000 |
| Humanities, Business & Management (UG) | CAD 5,500 to CAD 6,500 |
| Postgraduate Courses | CAD 18,000 |
| MBA | CAD 28,000 |
| Executive MBA | CAD 29,000 |
| Law | CAD 10,000 to CAD 55,000 |
| Engineering | CAD 19,301 |
| Dentistry | CAD 22,472 |
| Nursing | CAD 47,800 |
| Visual and Performing arts | CAD 5,000 to CAD 5,000 |
Tuition Fees in Top Universities of Canada
Canada has many top universities with different tuition fees depending on the school and program. Here, we’ve listed the tuition costs for popular courses like engineering, business, and medicine to help students plan their budget and explore financial aid options.
| University | QS Ranking 2025 | MBA Tuition Fees (INR) | BE/BTech Tuition Fees (INR) | Location |
| University of Toronto | 25 | 19 L – 47 L | 35 L – 41 L | Toronto, Ontario |
| McGill University | 29 | 14 L – 60 L | 16 L – 40 L | Montreal, Quebec |
| University of British Columbia | 38 | 6 L – 43 L | 25 L – 35 L | Vancouver, British Columbia |
| University of Alberta | 96 | 5 L – 18 L | 17 L – 26 L | Edmonton, Alberta |
| University of Waterloo | 115 | 13 L – 42 L | 26 L – 42 L | Waterloo, Ontario |
| Western University | 120 | 9 L – 77 L | 22 L – 36 L | London, Ontario |
| University of Montreal | 159 | 13 L | – | Montreal, Quebec |
| McMaster University | 176 | 7 L – 41 L | 25 L – 38 L | Hamilton, Ontario |
| University of Ottawa | 189 | 14 L – 43 L | 26 L – 39 L | Ottawa, Ontario |
| Queen’s University | 193 | 8 L – 64 L | 19 L – 34 L | Kingston, Ontario |
Cost of Living in Canada
The cost of living in Canada in 2025 ranges from CAD 15,000 to CAD 20,000 (INR 9.03L to INR 12.05L). However, it can vary depending on the city you choose. A higher cost of living often means a higher standard of living. For international students, managing expenses is important, so understanding the average cost of living can help with better planning. Here’s a simple breakdown of the estimated living expenses in Canada.
| Category | Amount (CAD) |
| Accommodation (including electricity and gas bills) | 5,000 – 10,000 |
| Travel | 80 – 100 |
| Food | 300- 400 |
| Eating out at a restaurant (per person) | 16 |
| Loaf of bread | 2.86 |
| Cinema ticket | 13.50 |
| Monthly gym fee | 48.25 |
Available Scholarships for Studying in Canada
Many Indian students are applying to Canadian institutions, hence many facilities and waivers have been made available for their convenience. For international students studying in Canada, these scholarships assist in lowering living expenses. Scholarships are awarded based on potential skills, academic distinction, or merit. Students need to make sure they meet the requirements for each scholarship before applying. Check out the list of scholarships that Indian students can get in Canada is provided below.
- Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
- Ontario Graduate Scholarship
- Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship Program
- President’s Scholarship for World Leaders
- International Leader of Tomorrow Award
Visa and Application Fees
A Canadian study permit, which acts as a student visa for the period of your stay in Canada, is required to study there. If your course or programme lasts six months or less, you do not need to have a study permit in Canada. A study permit application is CAD 150. Depending on the university and your country, there are different application fees for Canadian universities. For example, undergraduate Canadian students at the University of British Columbia are charged CAD 70.50 whereas international students are charged CAD 118.50.
Other Costs of Studying in Canada
There are numerous additional expenses associated with studying in Canada, including application, work permit, study permit, and other fees. We will go over those expenses in the table below that students may not realise are important.
| Living Costs in Canada | Cost |
| Study Permit Fees | CAD 150 |
| Application fees | CAD 50 to CAD 200 |
| Work Permit Fees | CAD 155 |
| IELTS test Fees | INR 14,700 |
| Accommodation | CAD 5,000- CAD 10,000 |
| Travel Costs | CAD 80- CAD 110 |
| Health Insurance | CAD 300-CAD 800 |
| Food | CAD 300- CAD 400 |
| Entertainment | CAD 750 |
Taxes for Cost of Studying in Canada
Depending on your place of residence status, you may need to file Canadian income tax returns as an international student studying in Canada. International students are still able to benefit from paying taxes in terms of benefits like GST credits, Child Tax profit, or refund claims, even if they have not obtained citizenship in the nation. Students must file an income tax report if they receive money from investments, research assistantships, jobs in Canada, or teaching. Students must disclose their income, even if they are not Canadian citizens.
Student Jobs in Canada
If you would like to work part-time to support yourself while studying in Canada, you can work either on or off campus during university semesters for up to 20 hours a week and full-time during breaks. A work permit is not required. Below are the eligibility criteria:
- Should be a full-time student.
- You should possess a current study permit.
- Should be enrolled at the post-secondary level in a recognised educational institution.
- Should enroll in a six-month or longer academic, vocational, or professional training programme that will give you a degree, diploma, or certificate.
FAQs on Cost of Study in Canada
The cost of studying in Canada varies depending on the university, program, and location. On average, international students can expect to pay between INR 10 L to 50 L per year for tuition fees, with programs like MBA and Medicine being on the higher end.
With annual tuition costs ranging from CAD 12,000 to CAD 30,000, Canada provides affordable education.
You need between 10,000 CAD to 20,000 CAD.
Some of the courses include
-Postgraduate Diploma in Marketing Management
-Postgraduate Diploma in Project Management
-PG Diploma in Network Security
-PG Diploma in Web Development
-Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration
Yes, you can study for 30 lakhs in Canada.
Engineering programs in Canada typically cost between INR 16 L to 42 L per year, depending on the university. Top institutions like the University of Toronto and McGill University have higher tuition fees compared to others.
Besides tuition, students should budget for accommodation, food, transportation, health insurance, and study materials, which can cost an additional INR 7 L to 15 L per year, depending on the city and lifestyle.
Yes, many Canadian universities offer scholarships, grants, and financial aid based on academic merit, leadership, or financial need. Some popular scholarships include the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship and university-specific awards.
Some of the more affordable universities for international students include the University of Alberta, McMaster University, and the University of Montreal, where tuition fees are lower compared to other top-ranked institutions.
Yes, international students in Canada can work up to 20 hours per week during academic sessions and full-time during breaks to help cover their expenses. Many students take up part-time jobs on-campus or in local businesses.
Thank you for reading our blog. This blog is all about the cost of studying in Canada. Hope you liked it. For booking the best accommodation abroad to start your study abroad experience you can contact Fly Homes at 1800572118.
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