As an international student, there are several expenses that one needs to take care of. Health expenses, accommodation, living, and recreation are some of the areas which need advanced financial planning and budgeting.
For international students, Canada is one of the most preferred places to study and settle. This gives us a general idea that Canada might be a suitable place to reside. But apart from this generic information, we also need some information to make plans if willing to shift to Canada.
The average cost of living in Canada is around $400- $800. Of course, the factors differ based on lifestyle, yet this is the average cost. Going ahead further, we will break down the cost of traveling, eating, studying, and everything else related to Canadian expenses.
When planning to reside in another country, there are certain areas you should consider. A few of the important components to consider are the following:
When taking the initiative of studying aboard, having a financial plan and budgeting is vital. Those with poor plans can end up not saving money and facing an emergency crisis. Finial debts and loans are never an easy road and often come with tough consequences.
Hence, making plans to keep finances under check and not face any monetary disadvantage will be beneficial.
When students are going to study abroad then, apart from the educational aspect, there are also other factors to keep in mind, which is accommodation. There are various accommodation options for students willing to read in Canada. The accommodation costs about $700 on campus and $2200 per annum off campus. Dormitories are one example of living on campus, where students can live in single or shared rooms at very low prices.
Another kind of accommodation that you will find in most Canadian top universities is townhouses inside the campus. This has three or five shared rooms along with advanced features like Wi-Fi, TV, fridge, and more. Since so many benefits are provided, where the cost of living is slightly more than that of dormitories. Next, we have rentals. The cost of living in rentals can range from $300 -$1000 deeding on when you are residing and the features that you are getting. Polished rentals will cost more. Apart from this, additional money for electricity, food, water, and other expenses also has to be paid.
Students who want to reside with their families can go for the option of homestays which take around $400-$800 per month. A student who wants to stay with their families can choose this option. Homestays offer food and old living conditions. However, they need to pay for distance as most homestays are located on the outskirts.
The costs for rentals depend on where you decide to reside. Rental is a good option to know the city and get exposed to their culture and lifestyle.
Here is an idea of how much rentals would cost in different parts of Canada.
If you are overwhelmed by the prices, then here are a few tips that will help you find affordable accommodation which suits your needs in Canada:
Consider the distance from your accommodation to your college or university. A long-distance means higher travel costs.
The average cost of food for a woman from 19 -30 years is about $3564 per year, whereas, for a man, it would be $4,093. The numbers might fluctuate based if it is a family of two or more. Students willing to eat outside would have to pay somewhere around $12-14 and if it is fancy then it could go over $60 which is so much more expensive than eating at home.
The food inflation rate has also led to an increase in food prices by about 10.5% from the year 2021-2022. The prices also vary depending on the residential city. Quebec might see a rise of 11 % from average prices, while British Columbia will notice a decrease in prices by 9.2%.
Saving money on groceries is not hard if you know the right tactics. Food is an essential part of any human being, and once you master how to budget your meal plans you will stop overspending in this area without compromising with the nutritional value.
Here are some money-budging plans which you can follow:
Since Canada is quite big it comes with different communication means and people can pick one which suits them the most. There is an option of flying from one city to another by airplane. Apart from this, there are also buses and trains to commute which are comparably cheaper. The bus fare is $3.25 for a single ride. Ferry boats are also found in the coastal areas to transport vehicles and people. Taxis costing around $2 for 1 km, trams, and cycles are also common sites on the roads of Canada.
Public transports only cost about 20% of the middle house person's income which saves money on gas, parking, and maintenance.
Tips for Budget-Friendly Transportation If you want to keep the budget under control, then using railways is one of the best options. Rail tickets can get even cheaper if you book them in advance. If you are traveling somewhere nearby, then you can opt for buses or taxis. Most students do not opt for the option of flights as it is quite costly. The bus routes of Canada are also interconnected quite well. Buses come for $3.25 for a single ride. One can also make a monthly transportation card by paying $100.
Health insurance is like the peace of mind that everyone deserves. Getting sick can be quite expensive in a foreign country. Canadian top colleges have made it mandatory for students to have health insurance. For international students, the prices for health insurance can be around CAD 400-900 yearly, depending on the insurance company and region.
International students willing to study in Canada must have health insurance covering all their medical expenses. The longevity of this insurance should be similar to the duration of the course. Members accompanying the students need to have foreign health insurance separately. Students who receive scholarships might get their health insurance covered, and if not, one needs to pay for a private health insurance policy.
Remember that health policies in different parts of Canada vary. For example, health insurance in Alberta demands a 12-month course and residency, whereas British Columbia only demands a six-month study permit with no residency permit. Other places like Quebec and Ontario have no health insurance policies for international students.
There is a huge influx of international students in Canada because the finances involved in studying in Canada are quite cheap than in the UK, Australia, and other parts of the country. Tuition fees are around $61000- $67,430 in Toronto. On average, the tuition fees for undergraduate students will be around $36100 for international students, while for postgraduate students, it will be around $21,000.
Apart from educational tuition fees, there are also other expenditures like books and study supplies. If not managed, the cost can exceed $1000 for books, project essentials, supplies, and internet connection. To keep prices under check many opt for eBooks and second-hand supplies and ask for support from their friends and classmates.
Getting scholarships to keep the budget under wraps is one of the most sustained methods. Some students do not use the opportunity of getting grants and scholarships, which leads to over-expenditure.
Most Canadian colleges and universities offer scholarships for international students. If you want, your accommodation, travel, and food expenses will be covered try for scholarships which lower the finances by a huge margin.
No matter how diligent a student is, we all have our modes of refreshment Entertainment is what we need to stay on track and avoid feeling exhausted. Canadians love their style and refreshment, and a survey estimated that major Canadian households spend over $3.1 billion on sports and recreation.
Canada offers loads of forms of refreshment with its vibrant environment. It offers options like dancing, singing, swimming, hiking, and much more. The average Canadian concert ticket ranges from $162- $98 depending on the artist and time of the year. Hover, it is still cheaper than the price rates in other countries. Canada is the hub for jazz music, and the place is full of fancy clubs and idyllic villages that most students want to visit at least once.
Those who are facing finical crunch but still want to experience it can try out these pocket-friendly alternatives. Visiting Niagara Hills or Stanley Parks is quite cheap and is one of the most tourist-worthy hubs of Canada. There are also fancy museums like the Museum of Illusion and markets like that of St. Florence which are on the bucket list of many visitors to have fun without overspending.
As per your budget, make a plan. There are many cool activities to do which would fit into student's budgets.
What are the Utilities & Communication Expenses?
The monthly expenses on utilities like water, electricity, garbage disposal, and heating depend on the lifestyle of the student and where they are residing. It found out that students in Canada spend an average of about $164.4 on utilities and $78.82 on mobile recharges. If the expense of paying the utilities seems too high, then one can always opt for living in college dorms which provide these for free at a very affordable rate.
In the time of the internet and digitalization, we all need access to smartphones, Wi-Fi, and computers. On an average monthly basis, comedians spend around $74.42 for their mobile phone plans. Canadian internet is a bit more expensive than that of other countries in the UK. However, the government is trying to bring down the costs.
There are really cheap mobile plans for which one can opt. Another easy way of reducing expenses on utility is by having shared rooms and dividing the expense amongst roommates. Utility payments for electricity, gas, and water are essential, and no one can deny that. Remember the utility rat do differ based on which city you are staying in.
Clothing and personal care is something which varies from person to person. Each individual has their own taste. Canada is quite popular for its thrift stores which are a good option for college students and people in general who want to reduce their clothing expenses.
As per research conducted in 2019, it was found that the average Canadian household spends over r$1384 on personal care, while on clothing and accessories, it is $3344. While eating apps like Uber Eats and other fancy apps looks favorable the charges of paying for delivery are quite high, which we as customers do not realize.
On average, a Canadian student spends about C$200-C$400 on food and drinks.
This figure would eminently vary depending on the student, their lifestyle choices, and the number of times they go to eat out and where. Personal expenses are again personal choices which means prices vary from individual. Simple steps like cooking a home rather than going out, using secondhand items, and having a list of things rather than impulsive shopping are the key.
Start by having a monthly or weekly plan and list down all your areas of expenditure, cut off all the unnecessary areas, and save your money by spending it on essentials. Keep track of your expenses and this will help you make better decisions for the future.
Students should definitely advise their parents or consult a financial advisor or counselor before making any rash decisions.
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International student's average living expenses in Canada are around 15,000 CAD to 20,000 CAD. However, it depends greatly on life choices, preferences, city, and university the student wishes to go to.
Students can save money by living in rentals or dormitories rather than fancy apartments. Cooking food yourself and using public transport can also decrease living expenses by a large number. Students can also opt for part-time jobs to earn and save more money.
The living costs vary in different cities in Canada. While in Toronto, the annual cost of living is around $37000, while in Vancouver is around $ 38, 448.
The fees of living abroad and other expenses involved are quite high. International students work for 20 hours, but part-time jobs pay minimum wage, which can offer financial aid for a few expenses but not enough for all.
The Canadian government offers scholarships, loan programs, and financial schemes for international students. However, there are a few eligibility criteria that students must meet to access these aids.
To find accommodation in Canada,
Start by researching online platforms like -
Consider options like -
Reach out to local real estate agents and student housing offices for assistance.
There are various affordable accommodations available in Canada for international students. Options include –
You must research different cities and areas for budget-friendly choices.
The cost of living varies by location and lifestyle. On average, international students might budget around CAD 15,000 to 20,000 per year for living expenses, covering -
You can consider the following cities if you are looking for a low cost of living -
These cities are often considered more affordable for students, with lower rent and living costs compared to larger urban centres.
Yes, many Canadian universities offer on-campus housing options, including dormitories and residences. These provide convenience and a chance to engage with fellow students.
The cost varies by city and region. On average, renting a room might cost around CAD 400 to 800 per month. Major cities like Toronto and Vancouver tend to have higher rates.
Student-friendly neighbourhoods include -
Make sure to research local amenities, transport, and safety when considering options.
You can check out the following steps to apply for university dormitories in Canada -
Some institutions offer dormitory placements upon acceptance, while others require a separate application.
You can check out the following steps to find roommates to share accommodation costs in Canada -
You can check out the following steps to secure student accommodation before arriving in Canada -
Yes, as an international student in Canada, you can typically work part-time (up to 20 hours per week) during the academic year and full-time during breaks.
Common part-time jobs for students include -
Make sure to look for opportunities on campus or in local businesses.
Yes, full-time work is allowed during scheduled breaks, like summer and winter holidays. However, during the academic year, you are generally limited to part-time hours as an international student.
