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Cost of Studying in Canada 2024

Studying in Canada is a popular choice for many international students, including those from India, due to its affordability compared to other English-speaking countries like the USA, UK, and Australia. The tuition fees are notably less expensive, making education accessible to a broader range of students. Additionally, Canada’s picturesque campuses, vibrant cities, and tight-knit campus communities contribute to a holistic and enriching educational experience. Some of the most prestigious universities in Canada, such as the University of Toronto, University of Alberta, and University of Winnipeg, attract students from around the world.

When considering the cost of studying in Canada, several factors come into play. Pre-arrival expenses, including visa fees, travel, and initial accommodation, are part of the upfront costs. Academic costs, such as tuition fees, vary depending on the program and institution. Housing options range from on-campus residences to off-campus rentals, each with its associated costs. Transportation, basic utilities like food and internet, health insurance, and taxes are essential considerations that impact the overall study cost.

Pre-arrival Expenses
Health Insurance	INR 17,000 to NR 44,000 per year.
Study permit fees	INR 11,123
Flight Expense	INR 1,000,000- 2,000,000 per trip
University Application fee	INR 7700
Proficiency tests fee	IELTS- ₹14,700. GRE (general/subject)- ₹16,300/ ₹11,500 TOEFL iBT- ₹14,500 GMAT- ₹21,000 CAEL- ₹10,845
Purchase of GIC (one time)	₹6,00,000
Biometric fee	₹5000
Visa application fee	₹8,841

Average Cost of Studying in Canada

The cost of studying in Canada encompasses various expenses, with tuition fees being a significant component. These fees vary depending on the type of degree and the institution selected by the student. International students typically allocate between 7.63 lakhs to 20.55 lakhs INR towards tuition fees. At top-tier colleges, the average tuition fee can soar up to approximately INR 18,84,000. Additionally, the monthly cost of living in Canada is estimated to be around 66,785.17 INR, excluding tuition fees.

Below is a table displaying the weighted average tuition fees in Canadian dollars for full-time foreign students, categorized by the field of study:

Canada 2022-23 International Tuition fees by Field of Study in Canadian dollars
Field of Study	Undergraduate	Graduate
Education	₹13,437,891	₹11,991,864
Visual and performing arts, and communications technologies	₹26,723,135	₹9,586,281
Humanities	₹19,418,176	₹8,743,076
Social and behavioural sciences, and legal studies	₹19,208,425	₹9,742,008
Law	₹24,000,450	₹11,040,210
Business, management and public administration	₹19,278,339	₹15,837,553
Executive MBA	Not Available	₹4,350,264
Regular MBA	Not Available	₹2,374,582
Physical and life sciences and technologies	₹21,273,276	₹9,746,474
Mathematics, computer and information sciences	₹22,179,600	₹11,201,597
Engineering	₹22,480,116	₹13,486,628
Architecture	₹39,905,460	₹19,567,170
Agriculture, natural resources and conservation	₹17,479,156	₹8,903,358
Dentistry	₹33,823,582	₹15,747,569
Medicine	₹33,399,158	Not Available
Nursing	₹14,924,211	₹10,492,387
Pharmacy	₹23,963,794	₹8,676,432
Veterinary medicine	₹38,814,704	₹5,527,214
Optometry	Not Available	₹857,392
Other health, parks, recreation and fitness	₹15,239,100	₹12,422,443
Personal, protective and transportation services	₹15,538,383	₹6,673,164

Tuition Fees in Canada for International Students (University Costs)

Program Name	Average Fee (INR)	Duration (years)
Undergraduate	₹6,46,000- ₹16,15,000	3-5 years
Post graduate	₹9,54,000	1-2 years
MBA	₹8,80,400 – ₹29,35,000	1 year
PhD	₹5,23,300 – ₹11,21,400	3-6 years

The tuition fees for Canadian universities vary based on the program and institution you choose. On average, international undergraduate students can expect to pay around INR 19,41,000 per year, while international graduate students pay approximately INR 11,11,600 per year, as per Statistics Canada 2022 data.

These figures provide an estimate of the university tuition costs in Canada for international students pursuing undergraduate and graduate studies.

Undergraduate Courses Study Cost in Canada

The cost of studying for a bachelor’s degree in Canada varies depending on the discipline chosen. On average, the study costs for undergraduate programs range from INR 6,46,000 to INR 16,15,000.

Engineering and Medicine: These programs tend to be slightly more expensive, with an average tuition cost of INR 11,69,000.
Humanities and Business Management: The study costs for these courses range from INR 2,96,000 to INR 3,50,000.
Computer Science & IT: The tuition fees for bachelor’s programs in Computer Science & IT range from INR 1,535 to INR 55,500 per year.
Dentistry: For Dentistry programs, the average cost is around INR 21,717 per year.
Natural Sciences: Bachelors in Natural Sciences have study costs ranging from INR 1,780 to INR 53,000 per year.

Master's Degree Programs in Canada

In addition to bachelor’s studies, postgraduate (master’s) programs in various disciplines are highly sought after in Canada. Many students pursue programs such as:

Master of Technology (MTech)
Master of Fine Arts
Master of Arts (MA)
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Master of Science (MSc)
Master of Engineering
1-year Master’s programs in Canada
Postgraduate Diploma

Postgraduate Courses Study Cost in Canada

Choosing the right postgraduate course in Canada can significantly impact your career trajectory. The tuition fees for postgraduate programs in Canadian universities are generally lower compared to undergraduate programs and vary based on your chosen field of study.

Master’s in MBBS: For international students, the average tuition fee is around CAD 18,000 (INR 9,54,000) per year.
MBA Programs: MBA programs are often more expensive, with regular MBA tuition averaging around CAD 28,000 (INR 14,75,000) per year and Executive MBA programs costing approximately CAD 57,000 (INR 30,31,000).
Masters in Computer Science & IT: Tuition fees for these programs range from CAD 2,150 to CAD 52,500 per year.
Masters in Social Science: The average tuition fee for this program is approximately CAD 2,150 to CAD 37,000 per year.

Universities in Canada & College Application Fees

While Canada offers affordable education, international students are typically required to pay an application fee when applying to universities and colleges. These fees can range from INR 2,842 to INR 14,208, depending on the institute. The application fee varies based on the university and the applicant’s country of origin. For instance, the University of Calgary charges INR 8,263 for international students and INR 7,099 for undergraduate Canadian students. However, only a small percentage (5%) of Canadian universities waive the application fee requirement for students. Here are some of the best Canadian universities along with their average tuition fees:

University of Toronto – INR 12.65 lakhs
University of Ottawa – INR 8.57 lakhs
McGill University – INR 6.03 lakhs
McMaster University – INR 5.71 lakhs
University of British Columbia – INR 2.86 lakhs

Province-Wise Tuition Fees for International Students in Canada

Choosing a university often involves considering the budget and tuition fees. Here’s an approximate average tuition fee for undergraduate and postgraduate programs across different provinces in Canada for international students:

Program Name	Average Fee (INR)	Duration (years)
Undergraduate	₹6,46,000- ₹16,15,000	3-5 years
Post graduate	₹9,54,000	1-2 years
MBA	₹8,80,400 – ₹29,35,000	1 year
PhD	₹5,23,300 – ₹11,21,400	3-6 years

Other Essential Expenses to Study in Canada

Apart from tuition fees, there are several other essential expenses that students need to consider when planning to study in Canada. These include housing, flight costs, transportation, and health insurance, all of which contribute significantly to the overall cost of studying in Canada. Below is a breakdown of essential expenses when calculating the cost of living in Canada, sourced from Numbeo, along with study cost details:

Expense Factors	Estimated Cost
Accommodation	INR 2,67,000 – INR 5,39,000 per annum
Food	INR 17,000 – INR 44,000 monthly
Travel Costs in Canada	INR 4,300 – INR 6,000 per month
Entertainment	INR 43,770 monthly
Work permit fees	INR 11,943
On Campus Parking	INR 36,604.76 and more
Books and School supplies	INR 56,840 – INR 113,680

Flight Costs from India to Canada

Flights from India to Canada are offered by airlines such as Air India, Indigo, Vistara, Go Air, and Spicejet. Direct flight costs typically range between INR 1,000,000 and INR 2,000,000, with variations based on the season. Prices may be higher during peak travel months like August and September.

Accommodation Cost

Accommodation expenses significantly impact the overall cost of living in Canada. While many universities provide on-campus residences, students also have the option of off-campus living. The cost of accommodation can range from INR 2,67,000 (CAD 5,000) to INR 5,39,000 (CAD 10,000) per year, depending on the room type and location. Cities like Toronto and Montreal may have higher accommodation costs compared to other cities.

For on-campus living, students can choose from options like dormitories and townhouses. Off-campus living options include shared apartments, condominiums, single apartments, homestays, or living with host families. Renters also need to budget for additional monthly expenses like utilities (electricity, internet, home phone, cable television), and renter’s insurance.

Transportation

Your mode of transportation in Canada depends on factors like your place of stay and distance from college. If you live close to campus, walking or biking may be feasible. In larger cities, students often rely on public transportation such as buses, subways, commuter trains, or ferries. One-way public transit fares can be expensive, ranging from INR 4,300 (CAD 80) to INR 6,000 (CAD 110) per month on average for monthly passes. Many transit providers offer student discounts, making public transit more affordable.

Health Insurance

Health insurance coverage is a requirement for students in Canada and varies from province to province. The cost of health insurance depends on the type of policy chosen and typically ranges from INR 17,000 (CAD 300) to INR 44,000 (CAD 800) per year. For detailed information about health (medical) coverage, students can visit university websites and the websites of provincial ministries of health.

Taxes in Canada for International Students

International students studying in Canada are required to file Canadian income tax returns based on their residence status. Even though they may not be citizens or permanent residents, filing taxes can bring several benefits. Some of these benefits include:

GST Credits: International students may be eligible for Goods and Services Tax (GST) credits, which can provide financial assistance.
Claiming a Refund: Filing taxes allows students to claim refunds for taxes withheld from their income, which can result in a financial return.
Child Tax Benefit: For students with children, filing taxes can make them eligible for the Child Tax Benefit, providing additional financial support.

Income tax reporting is mandatory for students who earn income through teaching, employment in Canada, investments, research assistantships, or receive income from sources outside of Canada.

Canada Student Visa (Study Permit) and Application Fees

Students planning to study in Canadian universities will need a Canadian Study Permit, which acts as a student visa for the duration of their stay. If the course or program lasts for less than 6 months, a Canadian study permit is not required. However, if students plan to extend their stay beyond this period, they must apply for a study permit. The cost of a Canadian study permit is CAD 150 (INR 8,542), and the application fee may vary depending on the university and the student’s nationality.

When applying for a student visa, international students must submit proof of funds, along with an admission letter and other required documents. The minimum bank balance required to apply for a Canadian student visa is INR 6,00,000 or more for one year. For detailed information about Canadian student visa requirements, students can refer to official resources.

Cost of Living in Canada: City-Wise

The cost of living in Canada varies significantly based on the city of residence and individual spending habits. Generally, living in larger cities tends to be more expensive. While Canadian student visa requirements specify a minimum of INR 60,863 (CAD 10,000) on top of tuition fees, it’s advisable to budget a higher amount to cover living expenses comfortably. Below is a table displaying the city-wise average cost of living in Canada for international students:

Expense Factors	Estimated Cost
Accommodation	INR 2,67,000 – INR 5,39,000 per annum
Food	INR 17,000 – INR 44,000 monthly
Travel Costs in Canada	INR 4,300 – INR 6,000 per month
Entertainment	INR 43,770 monthly
Work permit fees	INR 11,943
On Campus Parking	INR 36,604.76 and more
Books and School supplies	INR 56,840 – INR 1,13,680

Scholarships for International Students in Canada 2024

Financial aid opportunities such as scholarships, grants, and bursaries are available for international students pursuing studies in Canada, both at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Many universities also offer their own scholarships, which may include awards for sporting achievements, academic excellence, and specific subject areas. It’s essential for students to carefully review the eligibility criteria for each scholarship and plan their applications accordingly.

Here is a list of scholarships available in Canada:

Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
Ontario Graduate Scholarships
President’s Scholarship for World Leaders
Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship Program
International Leader of Tomorrow Award
University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowship (UMGF)
Assist-on Scholarship
Trudeau Foundation Scholarships

Part-time Jobs in Canada for Students

Canada offers a range of popular part-time job opportunities for international students. While pursuing their studies, students can apply for these roles to manage living costs and alleviate financial stress. International students are permitted to work on or off-campus for up to 20 hours per week during university semesters. They can also work full-time during summer or winter holidays without requiring a separate work permit.

To qualify for part-time work in Canada, students should:

Have a valid study permit or work permit.
Be enrolled as a full-time student at a Canadian university.
Be enrolled in a professional, vocational, or academic course with a duration of 6 months or more, leading to a degree, diploma, or certificate.

Canadian SIM Card for International Students

Arranging your Canadian SIM card and phone number before your departure can streamline your transition to studying in Canada. Our exclusive plan offers unlimited Canada-wide calling and international texting, ensuring you stay connected with ease. What sets our service apart:

No Activation Fees: Unlike many Canadian carriers that charge between INR 1,421 to INR 3,425 for account setup, our activation is completely free.
Competitive Plans: Choose from affordable plans like Rogers’ INR 2,27,360 for 100GB or Fido’s INR 1,88,540 for 75GB, providing ample data for your communication needs.
Canada-Wide Coverage: Our service offers extensive coverage across Canada, ensuring connectivity wherever you go. Caller ID & Voicemail: Enjoy features like Caller ID and voicemail to manage your calls efficiently.
No Contract: Our plans are contract-free, giving you flexibility and freedom without long-term commitments.

Having a reliable SIM card and phone number upon arrival can simplify your settlement process and ensure you stay connected seamlessly throughout your stay in Canada.