Cost of education in Canada: Guide for International Students

Tables of Content:

  1. Top factors that influence the cost of studying in Canada
  2. Cost of education in Canada for students in 2025
  3. Cost of study in Canada for different electives
  4. Total cost of study in Canada for Indian and International students in different locations
  5. Accommodation or cost of house in Canada for Students
  6. How to Finance Education in Canada?
  7. Frequently asked questions

Canada is one of the most popular study destinations for the international student population because it is rich in scenery, vibrant, and offers diverse prospects. The country provides a best-of-both-worlds experience for anyone looking for quality education. Another benefit of studying in Canada is that tuition fees are higher than those of other preferred study-abroad countries.

Let’s dig in!

Top factors that influence the cost of studying in Canada

Several factors shape the overall expenses for international students in Canada. Below are the key determinants:

FactorDescription
Institution and ProgramTuition fees depend on the university, program, and level of study.
LocationCosts for living, accommodation, and transportation vary by city and province.
Scholarships and GrantsFinancial aid options like scholarships and grants can reduce tuition costs.
Currency Exchange RatesChanges in currency exchange rates can affect students’ living expenses.
Lifestyle ChoicesPersonal spending habits and lifestyle decisions influence overall costs.

Understanding these factors enables students to plan and budget more effectively for their education in Canada.

Cost of education in Canada for students in 2025: 

Study in Canada for student categories2023 / 20242024 / 2025
Current Dollars (CAD)
Canadian Undergraduate7,1527,360
Canadian Graduate7,5427,662
International Undergraduate38,25140,114
International Graduate22,11423,233

Cost of study in Canada for different electives

The tuition fee below depends on the specific program and the student’s status, domestic or international learner, level of learning, and undergraduate or postgraduate status. Courses like business, medicine, and engineering cost more than education, arts, and other fields.

Below is a breakdown of tuition fees by field of study:

Field of StudyUndergraduate Tuition Fee (CAD)Graduate Tuition Fee (CAD)
Dentistry$58,222$26,192
Veterinary Medicine$66,503$9,705
Law$38,110$18,852
Pharmacy$41,398$14,139
Engineering$37,377$22,480
Business, Management, and Public Administration$32,460$27,296
Mathematics, Computer, and Information Sciences$37,040$19,088
Education$23,591$17,583

These figures provide a general idea of tuition costs, helping students make informed decisions when planning their education in Canada.

Total cost of study in Canada for Indian and International students in different locations:

While Canada’s living cost is always more affordable than other English-speaking countries, the total price still varies between provinces. However, other costs might vary that sum into the overall expenses. For example, Toronto’s living expenses might be less than the tuition. 

Let’s delve into the expense rankings of some of Canada’s major cities in the form of a cost-of-living index: 

RankCityCost of Living IndexRent IndexCost of Living Plus Rent Index
1Victoria75.045.661.1
2Vancouver73.652.863.8
3Kamloops71.434.854.1
4Ottawa70.836.654.7
5Calgary70.833.753.3
6Toronto69.448.459.4
7Halifax67.935.852.7
8Quebec City67.523.546.7
9Saskatoon67.125.547.5
10Mississauga64.845.755.8
11Kelowna64.734.350.3
12Winnipeg64.225.746.0
13Montreal63.930.548.1

Accommodation or cost of house in Canada for Students

There are some challenges that Canadian students are likely to encounter when searching for on-campus university housing. 

However, students need to think constructively about whether residential status is related to their needs because living on campus fundamentally involves sharing the bedrooms, dining halls, restrooms, and facilities with other residents. This aspect shows that housing within campus ranges between prices set according to the site and the type of student accommodation.

Here’s the average cost of accommodation for international students based on type:

Accommodation TypeAverage Cost (CAD)
Homestays$400 – $800 per month
Dormitory$3,000 – $7,500 per school year
Renting$400 – $1,500 per month

How to Finance Education in Canada?

  • Scholarships & Grants: Explore university, government, or private funding opportunities.
  • Student Loans: Secure education loans from banks or financial institutions.
  • Part-Time Work: Work up to 20 hours/week during semesters.
  • Savings & Sponsorships: Use personal savings or family support.
  • Budgeting: Plan wisely for tuition, living, and miscellaneous expenses.

Frequently asked questions:

What is the public transport system in Canada like?

Canadian cities are closely knit together by an extensive network of underground and street transportation systems, which is one of the things that makes Canada attractive. The cost of transportation for local travel is, on average, between $85 and $120 monthly.

Are tuition fees in Canada lower compared to other countries?

Yes, Canada is often considered more affordable than countries like the US, UK, or Australia while still offering high-quality education.

Which programs are the most expensive in Canada?

Fields like medicine, dentistry, and veterinary sciences typically have higher tuition fees than programs like education or the arts.

Can I get financial aid or scholarships as an international student?

Yes, many Canadian universities and government programs offer scholarships, grants, and bursaries for international students.

Are there additional costs besides tuition?

Yes, students should also consider application fees, student health insurance, books and supplies, and administrative fees.

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