Many Indian students hope to go abroad for their education, and Canada ranks highly as one of the top destinations for them. The popularity of Canada amongst Indian students is down to its leading universities, excellent education system, diverse range of cultures and welcoming attitude toward international students. Canada receives thousands of students from around the world every year.

However, one of the most common questions we get at Superb Study Abroad is – “How much does it cost to study in Canada?”

In this blog, you will find the full breakdown of expenses, including tuition, living expenses and fees for visa, insurance and travel. Therefore, if you’re considering studying in Canada, continue reading to understand the costs involved.

Many foreign students are choosing Canada, and it’s not hard to understand why. The country offers quality learning, relatively low fees, and attractive job opportunities. Before we understand the costs involved, let's understand why students prefer to study in Canada;

• Globally Recognised Degrees - Degrees from Canada are recognised all over the world. The University of Toronto, McGill University, and the University of British Columbia are some of the top institutions in Canada that are famous for their strong research focus and excellent academics.
• Affordable Compared to Other Countries - The cost of both education and living in Canada is comparatively more affordable than in the US, UK or Australia, so you can enjoy a high quality of life and education without spending too much.
• Post-Study Work Opportunities - Once students graduate, the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) lets them get employment in Canada for three years, along with the option to apply for permanent residence.
• Safe and Diverse Environment - Canada’s strong reputation for safety, multiculturalism and its warm welcome to international students makes it easy for international students to feel at home immediately.
• Scholarships Available - Canadian universities provide scholarships for international students based on their academic achievements or their financial situation.

Besides earning a degree, studying in Canada provides you with valuable experience and diverse opportunities for a global career.

Let’s break down the cost of studying in Canada. One of the biggest chunks of total expenses is the tuition fees. The amount paid as tuition fee varies greatly depending on the course, level of education (undergraduate, postgraduate, etc), the university and the city. Here are some figures for average tuition costs in Canada;

Undergraduate Programs

• Average Tuition cost - CAD 15,000 to CAD 25,000 per year
• In general, BBA, BA, BSc and BCom usually fall in this range.
• Technical courses like engineering or medical can go up to CAD 30,000-40,000 annually.

Postgraduate Programs (Master’s)

• Average cost - CAD 17,000 to CAD 30,000 per year
• On average, MBA or specialist Master’s degrees can be much more expensive at CAD 35,000 to CAD 50,000 each year.

Diploma or Certificate Programs

• These courses are widely offered across Canada in colleges like Seneca, George Brown, Humber, etc. Diploma programs are suitable for students looking for skill-based or shorter programs.
• Average cost - CAD 10,000 to CAD 15,000 per year

PhD Programs

• Average cost - CAD 7,000 to CAD 15,000 per year
• A perk of pursuing PhD abroad is that many students receive full or partial research funding.

Note: Make sure to check the tuition costs from the university’s official site. And don’t forget, tuition is only one part of the total cost.

Budgeting each month for housing, food, transport, and other miscellaneous expenses is necessary. And while Canada may offer a lot of benefits, the total cost of these expenditures can add up to a significant amount.

Accommodation

Students moving to Canada usually have three options when it comes to accommodation;

• On Campus - The cost of living on campus in Canada can range anywhere between CAD 6,000 and 8,000 a year.
• Off-campus shared apartment - It is also a popular choice amongst students and costs vary between CAD 500 - 800 per person every month.
• Homestay - If you choose a homestay, meals are provided, and you would pay between CAD 700 and 1,000 each month.

Food and Groceries

• You should budget between CAD 200 and 300 for your food purchases each month.
• You’ll save more money if you cook at home instead of dining out regularly.
• A lot of students pick stores like Walmart, Costco and No Frills for their shopping for the opportunity to buy in bulk and save big.

Transportation

• A pass for a month, depending on which city you are in, can cost from CAD 80 to 120.
• Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal all provide good public transport systems.
• The university may give students a discounted train or bus pass.

Other Expenses

On average, international students living in Canada will spend about 800-1000 CAD per month on living expenses which can add up to 10000-12000 CAD annually.

International students living in Canada are required by law to have health insurance. The cost incurred for health insurance will vary depending on the province. Health insurance in Canada can cost, on average, from CAD 600 to CAD 900 a year.

In provinces like British Columbia and Alberta, students can avail of public health insurance, while they will need private health insurance in some provinces like Ontario. Get in touch with your institution for more information. Certain universities add health insurance as part of the tuition cost.

International students will need to obtain a Canadian Study Permit to be able to study in Canadian institutions. Here is a detailed chart of all the costs involved;

Students can expect to spend around 400-500 CAD for the visa and study permit.

Many educational institutions across Canada offer scholarships to international students who achieve academic excellence. Popular options you can pick include:

• Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
• Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)
• Some scholarships are created by universities such as the University of Toronto International Scholar Award.
• Need-based aid is available at some universities.

If you want a better chance at securing scholarships, you should work on your grades and submit your application as early as possible.

To help reduce the financial burden on students, they are allowed to take up various part-time jobs. Generally, students in Canada are allowed to work;

• Up to 20 hours each week when schools are open
• Students can take up full-time work during their breaks like summer or winter vacations

Average pay - CAD 14 - 20 per hour

Depending on where you are staying in Canada, which university you have selected and what course you are studying, for Indian students, the cost can vary greatly, ranging from 28,000 CAD to 55,000 CAD in the first year. There are certain one-time costs also included in this, however, this price should give students a clear idea about the costs incurred.

Note: These are just estimated costs, and actual costs may vary depending on different factors.

Students from all over the world consider Canada to be a top study-abroad destination because of its high-quality institutions, a good mix of culture and a welcoming environment. However, when dreaming of studying abroad in a destination like Canada, it is important to consider the finances of such a move.

You must carefully think about tuition, housing, visa and insurance for studying abroad. On average, studying in Canada might cost you from CAD 28,000 to CAD 55,000 each year. But if you budget well and get the necessary guidance, you will be able to handle these costs seamlessly.

Our team at Superb Study Abroad is dedicated to making this process easier for our students. We’re here to help, right from choosing a program to getting scholarships and going through your visa process. Financial costs shouldn’t stop you from achieving your study abroad dreams. With the right preparation and our expert support, your dream of studying in Canada is absolutely achievable!