Canada is regarded as one of the best destinations for international students seeking higher education. The country offers high-quality education topped with job and internship opportunities and liberal government policies related to post-study work, PR and immigration. Luckily, compared to countries like the UK and the USA, the average cost of studying in Canada is less expensive.
Average Cost of Studying in Canada: Overview
Knowing the amount of money required at each step helps prepare students to study in Canada. But, before planning to study in Canada, aspirants must clearly view expenditures related to tuition, accommodation, health coverage, travel and others, and get a clear picture of the average cost of studying in Canada. For example, to cover tuition expenses, a candidate might need CAD 13,000 to CAD 35,000 annually and an additional CAD 15,000 for personal expenses.
This blog is the ultimate guide for understanding the average cost of studying in Canada, miscellaneous costs, scholarships and all the other pivotal details.
Average Cost of Studying in Canada: Bachelor’s
The average cost of studying in Canada is mainly determined by the tuition fee based on discipline for undergraduate studies –
| Field of Study | Average tuition (in CAD) |
| Education | 20,875 |
| Humanities | 28,676 |
| Visual and performing arts, & communications technologies | 25,127 |
| Law, legal professions & studies | 33,192 |
| Social & Behavioural sciences | 27,647 |
| Business management & public administration | 26,680 |
| Physical and life sciences & technologies | 31,536 |
| Engineering | 33,703 |
| Mathematics, computer & information sciences | 33,012 |
| Architecture | 26,457 |
| Agriculture, natural resources & conservation | 26,208 |
| Medicine | 32,450 |
| Dentistry | 56,621 |
| Personal, protective & transportation services | 20,332 |
| Veterinary medicine | 63,323 |
| Pharmacy | 40,960 |
| Nursing | 21,922 |
| Other health, parks, recreation & fitness | 24,626 |
Average Cost of Studying in Canada: Master’s
There are abundant colleges in Canada, and choosing the best one for you could be one heck of a task.
Start your study abroad journey with LeapScholar and discover the most suitable university. Book a free session right now!
An average cost of studying in Canada based on discipline for graduate studies is given below:
| Field of Study | Average tuition (in CAD) |
| Education | 15,764 |
| Humanities | 13,667 |
| Visual and performing arts, and communications technologies | 14,737 |
| Law, legal professions & studies | 17,237 |
| Social and behavioural sciences | 15,032 |
| Regular MBA | 38,950 |
| Executive MBA | 66,665 |
| Business management & public administration | 24,693 |
| Physical and life sciences and technologies | 15,421 |
| Engineering | 19,301 |
| Mathematics, computer and information sciences | 16,647 |
| Architecture | 23,992 |
| Agriculture, natural resources & conservation | 14,452 |
| Medicine | 2,150 – 58,300 |
| Dentistry | 22,472 |
| Personal, protective and transportation services | 17,744 |
| Veterinary medicine | 10,099 |
| Pharmacy | 12,876 |
| Optometry | 14,014 |
| Nursing | 16,168 |
| Other health, parks, recreation and fitness | 18,551 |
As studying abroad is expensive, candidates can opt for available scholarships to fund their education. These scholarships provide compensation for studies for deserving candidates.
Average Cost of Studying in Canada: Scholarships
There are two types of funding in Canada, scholarship and fellowship. A scholarship is given to students to help them with their graduation studies. In contrast, a fellowship is given to research scholars to help them research in a particular field after they have completed their graduation or post-graduate studies.
The most important thing to consider when applying for a scholarship is academics. But, the availability and eligibility of a scholarship also depend on the subject, level of study and designation. But, few scholarships also require extra-curricular activities and volunteering experience as an add-on. Start your scholarship search by choosing your country and degree. LeapScholar’s scholarship finder provides a free, up-to-date, comprehensive list of scholarships, grants and other awards available to international students from different parts of the world.
The top 20 scholarships available to decrease your average cost of studying in Canada are –
- Lester B. Pearson International Scholarships
- Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute
- York University International Student Scholarship Program
- Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan
- University of British Columbia Scholarships for International Students
- Ontario Graduate Scholarship Program
- Carleton Prestige Scholarships
- National Research Council of Canada (NRCC)
- Calgary International Entrance Scholarships
- Quebec Provincial Government Scholarship
- Winnipeg President’s Scholarships for World Leaders
- Ontario Trillium Scholarship
- Humber College International Entrance Scholarships
- Partnership Grants by Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada
- University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowships
- Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships
- University of Waterloo Master’s Awards of Excellence
- Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
- University of Calgary Graduate Awards
- Trudeau Scholarships and Fellowships
Average Cost of Studying in Canada: Living & Accommodation
The cost of living and accommodation is a crucial component of the average cost of studying in Canada. The type of accommodation you opt for forms the most significant part of the living expense. Let’s discuss the rental for accommodation, which is included in the total cost of studying in Canada in Indian rupees.
Various universities offer on-campus residences, but you can live off-campus as well. Depending on the accommodation type, the cost may range from CAD 5,000 to CAD 10,000 per annum. But, the accommodation cost in big cities like Toronto and Montreal can be higher than in other cities. Students can also opt for options such as dormitories and townhouses. Off-campus options are single apartments, homestays, condominiums or living with host families.
| Accommodation Type | Cost in CAD (per month) |
| Shared Apartment | 400-800 |
| Townhouse | 250-650 |
| Dormitory | 350-600 |
Average Cost of Studying in Canada: Miscellaneous Costs
Sometimes you need help to predict the expenses that occur while studying abroad. Knowing the overall cost is vital when preparing to study abroad. Calculate study abroad costs more accurately with Leap Scholar. Our most efficient cost calculator estimates your study abroad expenses customised as per your course preference, university, living cost, country and lifestyle.
Apart from the tuition fee and living expenses, there are a few other miscellaneous expenses that you will incur as an international student in Canada. A detailed breakdown of the miscellaneous costs to determine your average cost of studying in Canada is given below –
| Type of Expenditure | Cost in CAD |
| Flight | 1642- 4930 |
| Study Permit | 180 |
| Work Permit | 182 |
| Accommodation | 4390-8825 |
| Travel Costs | 60-90 |
| Food | 287-380 |
| Health Insurance | 280-720 |
| Entertainment | 719 |
| IELTS test Fees | 240 |
Average Cost of Studying in Canada: Overview of Taxes for International Students
One of the most important questions international students ask is about the tax liabilities in Canada. International students in Canada must file a tax return if they are liable for taxes or if they want to claim credits or tax benefits.
International students should note that the average cost of living in Canada falls under taxable income in Canada, including employment with a Canadian company. So, if an international student starts working with a company, they must file a tax return.
Also, international students, who developed significant residential ties with Canada, are considered residents. This includes ties related to home, living with a spouse or dependents, owning a Canadian Bank account or a driver’s licence or other significant social ties. Like other residents of Canada, international students are eligible for tuition carry-forward credits, GST credits, and other provincial credits or tuition rebates.
Students who stayed less than 183 days in Canada and lack residential ties in Canada are not considered residents, and they are not eligible for tax benefits and credits. This condition applies to deemed non-residents who have developed significant social or residential ties in Canada but are residents of other countries in which Canada signed a tax treaty agreement.
To know a residential status, it is best to consult Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), as they develop residency status case-by-case basis.
Scope of Jobs in Canada
Canada has a booming job market for jobs in a variety of sectors. International students studying in Canada can take advantage of the following jobs in the Canadian market.
- University Professor and Lecturer
- Human Resource Manager
- Software Engineer
- Aerospace Engineer
- Registered Nurse (RN)
- Optician
- Business Development Manager
- Project Manager
- Web Developer
- Accountant
- Industrial Electrician
Apart from these jobs, other emerging job opportunities are –
- Information systems testing technicians.
- Data scientist
- Systems auditor
- Cybersecurity specialist
- Cyber forensic investigator
- Chief experience officer
- Automation engineer
- 3D architect.
- Artificial intelligence researcher
Studying abroad is costly, but deserving candidates can decrease the average cost of studying in Canada by opting for scholarships. Experts advise that it is best to know the scholarships in detail from the official website or an official source.
There are many ways to fund your study abroad. Leap Finance provides collateral-free loans for education at interest rates as low as 8.5%. Get funding for your tuition fees, transportation, and personal expenditures up to 100% within 10 minutes. Click here to begin the loan application process now.
With the above information on the average cost of studying in Canada, you can gain an in-depth understanding of individual costs. But, the actual cost for an individual depends on the choice, college, city, accommodation and standard of living. The first step to getting right is choosing the right course and a recognized university. If you require guidance in making this decision, feel free to reach out to Leap Scholar’s counsellors anytime. Book a free session right now!
Frequently Asked Questions
-
What are the types of accommodation available for international students in Canada?
International students in Canada can avail themselves of townhouses, dormitories, shared apartments, homestays, and furnished or unfurnished apartments.
-
What are the most affordable courses in Canada?
There are diploma and one-year -PG courses that are cheaper compared to bachelor’s or master’s courses. Canadian universities offer several specializations under these courses, which students can opt for.
-
What is the bank balance limit required for a Canadian student visa?
The minimum bank balance required to apply for a Canadian visa is INR 6,00,000 or more for a year. The minimum balance is the proof of funds that students will need to survive in the country.
-
How much money does it require to live in Canada as an international student for a month?
The cost of living in Canada is very affordable compared to other study destinations. The cost of living in Canada varies depending on the city. Monthly expenses can be around CAD 1500-2000, depending on the city and your expenditure.
-
Which city in Canada offers the highest job opportunities?
Most high paying jobs can be found in the provinces like Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia, and Alberta.
-
How much show money do you need to get a Canada Student Visa?
Apart from the tuition fee, a student needs to show around CAD 10,000 annually for a Canada student visa.
-
What province in Canada has the lowest cost of living?
Quebec is the lowest-cost-of-living province in Canada, with an estimated cost of CAD 1600 per month. The city has the lowest rents in Canada and subsidized medical care.