Canada has become one of the top destinations for international students because of its high-quality education, cultural diversity, and post-graduation opportunities. But before packing your bags, one of the biggest concerns you’ll face is understanding the cost of studying in Canada. From tuition fees and accommodation to food and health insurance, careful financial planning for studying abroad is crucial to ensure a stress-free academic journey.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the expenses you can expect as an international student, along with tips to manage your international student budget in Canada.
Why Canada is a Popular Study Destination
Canada offers world-class education, globally recognized degrees, and a student-friendly immigration system. Compared to other countries like the US, UK, or Australia, the cost of studying in Canada for international students is relatively affordable. Additionally, part-time work opportunities and scholarships make it easier to manage expenses.
But “affordable” doesn’t mean “cheap.” To make informed decisions, you need a realistic view of what it costs to study in British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec, or other provinces.
1. Study Permit Cost in Canada
Before you start studying, you need a study permit, which allows you to legally stay and pursue education in Canada.
- Application fee: CAD $150
- Biometric fee: CAD $85
- Medical exam (if required): CAD $100–$200
- Total average study permit cost in Canada: CAD $235–$350
This doesn’t include travel, but it’s the first expense to plan for when budgeting your studies.
2. Tuition Fees for International Students
Tuition is your biggest expense, and it varies by program, institution, and location.
- Diplomas/Certificates: CAD $13,000 – $18,000 per year
- Undergraduate programs: CAD $20,000 – $35,000 per year
- Postgraduate/Master’s programs: CAD $18,000 – $30,000 per year
- Professional programs (law, medicine, MBA): CAD $35,000 – $60,000+ per year
If you’re looking for the cheapest colleges for international students in Canada, some community colleges and polytechnic institutes offer diploma programs for CAD $10,000–$15,000 annually.
3. Cost of Accommodation in Canada
Where you live directly impacts your budget. International students typically choose between on-campus housing, off-campus rentals, or homestays.
- On-campus residence: CAD $6,000 – $10,000 per year (includes utilities)
- Shared apartment off-campus: CAD $400 – $800 per month per person
- Private rental apartment: CAD $1,000 – $1,800 per month (depending on city)
- Homestay with meals included: CAD $700 – $1,200 per month
Big cities like Toronto and Vancouver have the highest cost of accommodation in Canada, while smaller towns and provinces are more affordable.
4. Monthly Expenses in Canada for Students
Beyond tuition and rent, you’ll need to budget for everyday living costs. On average, monthly expenses in Canada for students are:
- Food & groceries: CAD $250 – $400
- Public transportation: CAD $80 – $120 (many cities offer student discounts)
- Utilities (if renting off-campus): CAD $100 – $200
- Phone & internet: CAD $50 – $100
- Personal expenses & leisure: CAD $100 – $300
Total monthly student expenses in Canada: CAD $700 – $1,200 (excluding rent).
5. Health Insurance for International Students
Health insurance for international students in Canada is mandatory. Some provinces like British Columbia and Alberta include students in their public health plans, while others require private coverage.
- Public healthcare coverage (if eligible): CAD $75 – $100 per month
- Private health insurance: CAD $600 – $1,000 per year
Always confirm with your college or university about the health plan included in your tuition fees.
6. Scholarships and Bursaries in Canada
To reduce costs, international students should explore scholarships and bursaries in Canada offered by universities, government bodies, and private organizations.
- Entrance scholarships: Awarded based on academic excellence (CAD $1,000 – $5,000)
- Need-based bursaries: For students with financial constraints (CAD $500 – $3,000)
- Government-funded scholarships: e.g., Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (up to CAD $50,000 per year for PhD students)
- Specialized scholarships: For research, athletics, or international community work
Scholarships significantly ease the international student budget in Canada and reduce reliance on part-time jobs.
7. Financial Planning for Studying Abroad
Managing costs requires strong financial planning for studying abroad. Here are some tips:
- Create a monthly budget that includes tuition, rent, food, and leisure.
- Work part-time (up to 20 hours per week during semesters, full-time during breaks).
- Open a Canadian bank account to avoid high transaction fees.
- Use student discounts for transportation, food, and entertainment.
- Plan for emergencies (set aside CAD $500 – $1,000).
Good planning ensures you can focus on academics without constant financial stress.
8. Living Expenses in Canada for Students: City-Wise Comparison
The living expenses in Canada for students vary significantly depending on location.
| City / Province | Average Tuition (per year) | Average Rent (per month) | Monthly Living Expenses (excluding rent) |
| Vancouver, BC | CAD $22,000 – $35,000 | CAD $1,200 – $1,800 | CAD $1,000 – $1,200 |
| Toronto, ON | CAD $25,000 – $40,000 | CAD $1,200 – $1,700 | CAD $1,000 – $1,200 |
| Montreal, QC | CAD $15,000 – $25,000 | CAD $800 – $1,200 | CAD $800 – $1,000 |
| Calgary, AB | CAD $18,000 – $28,000 | CAD $900 – $1,400 | CAD $800 – $1,000 |
| Halifax, NS | CAD $15,000 – $22,000 | CAD $700 – $1,000 | CAD $700 – $900 |
As seen above, affordable colleges in smaller provinces help reduce the overall cost of studying.
9. Additional Expenses to Consider
Alongside tuition, rent, and food, don’t forget other costs:
- Books & supplies: CAD $500 – $1,000 per year
- Clothing (for winter): CAD $500 – $800
- Air travel (one-way ticket to Canada): CAD $800 – $2,000
- Visa renewal & document fees: CAD $100 – $200
10. International Student Budget in Canada: Sample Breakdown
Here’s an example of an annual budget for an international student in Canada:
- Tuition (undergraduate program): CAD $22,000
- Study permit & visa costs: CAD $300
- Accommodation (shared apartment): CAD $9,000
- Food & groceries: CAD $3,600
- Transportation: CAD $1,200
- Health insurance: CAD $800
- Books & supplies: CAD $700
- Personal expenses: CAD $1,500
Total yearly cost of studying in Canada: CAD $39,100 (≈ CAD $3,250 per month)
Conclusion
The cost of studying in Canada for international students may seem high, but when compared to the US, UK, or Australia, Canada remains one of the most affordable destinations for high-quality education. With options like scholarships and bursaries in Canada, part-time jobs, and careful financial planning for studying abroad, students can manage their expenses while enjoying world-class education.
Whether you choose a university in Toronto, an affordable college in Vancouver, or a smaller institution in Halifax, the key lies in planning your international student budget in Canada wisely. By doing so, you can focus on academics, build lifelong experiences, and set the foundation for a successful career.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to study in Canada for international students per year?
On average, international students spend CAD $20,000–$40,000 annually, including tuition, accommodation, and living expenses.
What is the cost of a study permit in Canada?
The study permit application fee is CAD $150, plus CAD $85 for biometrics and CAD $100–$200 for a medical exam if required.
Which are the cheapest colleges in Canada for international students?
Community colleges and polytechnic institutes like Seneca College, Centennial College, and Bow Valley College offer programs starting at CAD $10,000–$15,000 per year.
How much are monthly living expenses for students in Canada?
Monthly expenses (excluding rent) range from CAD $700–$1,200, covering food, transport, utilities, and personal needs.
Is health insurance mandatory for international students in Canada?
Yes. Depending on the province, health insurance costs CAD $600–$1,000 annually or CAD $75–$100 monthly.
How much does student accommodation cost in Canada?
On-campus housing costs CAD $6,000–$10,000 per year, while off-campus shared apartments range from CAD $400–$800 per month.
Can international students work part-time in Canada to manage expenses?
Yes. Students can work up to 20 hours per week during semesters and full-time during scheduled breaks to help cover costs.
What scholarships are available for international students in Canada?
Options include university entrance scholarships (CAD $1,000–$5,000), need-based bursaries, and government-funded programs like Vanier CGS (CAD $50,000/year).
Which Canadian city is the cheapest for international students?
Halifax, Calgary, and smaller cities in provinces like Nova Scotia and Manitoba are more affordable compared to Toronto and Vancouver.
How much should I budget for books and supplies in Canada?
Students typically spend CAD $500–$1,000 per year on books, study materials, and supplies.
