Studying in Canada has been a growing trend among Indian students due to the modern education system, and excellent placement opportunities. Canada is also a great choice since it is easy to get a visa. Moreover, Canadian colleges and universities rank consistently among the best universities in the world.
However, it can be a costly affair.
Studying in public schools ranges between $9500 and $17000 per year. Private day schools are significantly costlier and can cost you $15000 to $30000 yearly. Certain schools also charge extra for extracurricular activities. Average tuition fees in Canadian colleges range between $7000 and $22000 per year.
The fees may vary according to the programs and the institutions. On average, tuition fees for Canada are $6,834 per year for undergraduate courses. For graduate students, the tuition fees are approx—$ 7,437 per year.
Here is a list of some of the best colleges and universities in Canada that accommodate the highest number of Indian students –
|
Top Colleges and Universities |
Average Tuition Fees (USD) |
|
University of Toronto |
30,281 |
|
University of British Columbia |
25,741 |
|
McGill University |
20,444 |
|
McMaster University |
34,074 |
|
University of Montreal |
12,872 |
|
University of Alberta |
15,901 |
|
University of Ottawa |
18,930 |
|
University of Calgary |
28016 |
|
University of Waterloo |
30,282 |
|
Western University |
17,412 |
The average cost of bachelor’s programs is $6,834 per annum. However, the minimum value starts from $3,582 (Quebec) and can go up to $9,326 (Nova Scotia). Most of the leading provinces in Canada, like British Columbia and Ontario, are also quite costly. Students in these areas have to pay almost 30% above the average fees. But Nova Scotia remains the costliest with a staggering 36.5% high rate than the national average.
This table will show you the average cost of a major undergraduate course –
|
Name of the Subjects |
Course Fees |
|
Engineering |
8527 |
|
Business Management and Public Administration |
7207 |
|
Mathematics |
7012 |
|
Computer and Information Sciences |
7012 |
On average, the tuition cost can cost you $7,437 per annum. The minimum course fees for graduates start from $3,759 in New Foundland, Quebec, and Labrador. This can go up to $10,591 in Ontario or Nova Scotia.
There are six major professional programs in Canada. Here is a brief snapshot of how much each of these course cost –
|
Name of the Degrees |
Course Fees (In Dollars) |
|
Dentistry |
23963 |
|
Medicine |
15182 |
|
Veterinary Medicine |
14838 |
|
Law |
13222 |
|
Pharmacy |
12291 |
|
Optometry |
10389 |
The living cost in Canada is much lesser than in other countries like the USA or the UK. However, it is still a big financial burden for students coming from India. Yes, scholarships can reduce expenses significantly. But it is better to have the necessary financial backup.
Let’s check the aspects of living in Canada –
The accommodation cost in Canada varies depending on where you live. Big cities like Vancouver or Toronto are significantly costlier than a place in Calgary. Considering most of the reputed universities are located in major cities, you would have to stay nearby. This means higher living expenses.
You can get a detailed idea about the accommodation cost in Canada from this table –
|
City |
Average Cost of Living [In Dollars] |
|
Vancouver |
29,319/year |
|
Toronto |
28,185/year |
|
Calgary |
20,496/year |
|
Montreal |
19,046/year |
|
Ottawa |
15,237/year |
Keep in mind that personal flats will cost you more than hostels or dormitories. Your cost will also go up if you stay near the campus to cut down transportation expenses. We suggest twin or triple-sharing flats within the campus that offer heavily subsidized deals.
On average, you should look at something between 200-300 USD per month for food. The food expenses in Canada though high, can be manageable with the right plan. Most students eat out a lot after migrating to a new country. However, it is not only a costly affair but also unhealthy. So, once the initial excitement wears off, try making your own food.
Buying an electrical or induction oven can be economical in the long term. Canada has a large Indian population and most native Indian ingredients are easily available. You can start preparing your own food and lower these expenses to approximately 100-150 USD per month.
Keep at least 60-80 USD on you for your monthly transportation expenses. Most students staying in Canada prefer buses over Uber and Lyft. The cost of private cabs is quite high and can disrupt your monthly budget. However, Canada boasts of an extensive bus network. In fact, the bus network in Canada is large enough to connect all the major cities within Canada.
There are both regional and national bus operators that make moving across Canada a hassle-free experience. So, always try to avail the bus route for the cheapest and easiest transportation option around Canada. For extra discounts, try applying for a student id card. This card can allow students to avail of additional student discounts while traveling anywhere within Canada.
The Canadian government offers multiple health policies for students. Many provinces even offer free medical aid to students. Consult with study abroad consultancies to find out the best health insurance plan. Usually, most of the insurance premiums in Canada range between 230 to 610 USD per year. Be thorough in checking all the terms and conditions of the insurance before paying the first premium.
You would want to do touristy things or visit a café in a new country. Moreover, you also need to buy books and stationeries once in a while. Books and stationeries can cost about 150-200 USD. At the same time, a Netflix subscription or a ticket to an ice hockey game can cost you about 200-300 USD. A night in an average pub or restaurant in Canada can cost you approximately 100-150 USD.
The best way to keep your expenses in check is by earning scholarships. For that, you need a stellar academic record.
Merit-based scholarships are awarded to only those students with outstanding grades. Some scholarships also consider granting money based on special skills and talents. These are the best merit-based scholarships you can apply to in Canada –
The Canadian Government also has the provision to grant scholarships to meritorious students who don't have the financial capability to study anymore. The students need to have exceptional academic records, along with financial proof. Sometimes, students may also need to agree to do some additional volunteering work to get the scholarship apart from their results. Here are some of the notable need-based scholarship programs to check out –
Grants and bursaries are a form of financial support that helps students to pursue their education. This is a non-repayable form of financial support that many universities, private and public organizations grant to meritorious students. There are different forms of grants and bursaries popular in Canada, with average financial support of 1000-5000 USD. Some of the best grant programs in Canada are –
There are various financial aid programs that help students get the financial help they seek. Usually, these programs are fully funded by the government. So, students can do part-time jobs to sustain their living expenses while studying. These are the five of the most in-demand work-study programs in Canada right now –
Most of these scholarships cover only a part of the total expenses. Only a handful can cover the total academic and residential expenses of the student. So, research them beforehand, and start preparing for them accordingly.
Sustaining in a costly country like Canada without a source of earning is quite difficult. The Canadian government gives international students ample opportunity to try their hands at various professions while studying. Here we have listed down a few high-paying part-time jobs you can consider –
Students can work both on and off campus without any official work permit. However, according to the rule, they can work for a maximum of 20 hours a week during the semesters. During the holidays, they can work according to the full hours if they want.
Every person in Canada falls under the jurisdiction of the CRA when it comes to taxes. The Canada Revenue Agency ensures that every person earning on Canadian soil pays their taxes on time. Although, the students are exempted from paying any taxes. So, if you are a working student, you need to declare to the CRA that you are a student to avail yourself of any tax benefits. CRA has specific qualifying student criteria, and you can only enjoy the benefits if you tick those boxes.
Despite being a student, you may need to pay a certain amount of tax depending on various factors. Students who earn from investments, research assistants, teaching, or any business have to pay a Canadian income tax. But students can earn a few tax credits to ease the burden of the taxes.
Here are a few ways you can save taxes –
Apart from all these, there are a few extra expenses that every student should consider –
The fee for a Canadian student visa is 150 CAD or 114 USD. This rate is stated in the CIC and doesn’t take the cost of any additional services into account.
To get a study permit in Canada, you need to shell out 150 USD per person, including extension charges. For example, if you want to pursue a Master's in Canada after graduation, you don't need to pay anything extra again. But, if the permit expires, you will have to restore your permit status yet again. Restoring your status can cost you another 200 USD.
Before taking an examination in Canada, you need to fill up an application for the same. Each of these applications requires an examination fee. Depending on the exam and the subjects, the fees may differ. You can click on this guide to know all the details about the examination fees in Canada.
You can apply for various English language proficiency tests like TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, or Duolingo English Test before moving to Canada. The application fees for the various tests are given here –
|
Name of the Test |
Fees [In Dollars] |
|
IELTS |
309-335 |
|
TOEFL |
190 |
|
PTE |
228 |
|
Duolingo |
46 |
Creating a solid budget is the first and foremost thing you should do before even boarding the flight to Canada. Residing in a foreign country can be a pain without a foolproof financial plan. So, keep this snapshot handy to create an accurate financial plan for studying in Canada –
|
Item |
Cost Estimate [In Dollars] |
|
Food and Groceries |
240-280 per month |
|
Housing and Accommodations |
500-2000 per month |
|
Utilities and cable |
100 per month |
|
Phone |
60-80 per month |
|
Internet |
50-100 per month |
|
Health Insurance |
75-120 per month |
|
Travel Health Insurance |
230-610 per year |
|
Transportation |
80-150 per month |
|
Entertainment |
120-150 per month |
Moving to Canada for higher studies is a lifelong dream of most Indian students. The thought of studying at the best universities and reputed faculties is a tempting proposition. However, the cost of studying outside the home and in a leading university can put a dent in your pocket. Hence, go through this blog to get all the details you will need before you arrive in the land of Maple Leaf.
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The tuition fees for colleges and universities vary depending on the school and the courses you choose. The course fee for a 2-year MBA course will most likely be lower than a 4-year Medicine course.
The average cost of living for international students in Canada is approximately 11000-15000 USD.
Yes, there are many scholarships available for international students. Students should always consult with academic consultants and educational institutions to know their eligibility for a scholarship program.
Yes, students can work part-time in Canada without any work permit. But according to the government rules, you can work for a maximum of 20 hours while the semester is in session. You can work beyond this time limit during the holidays.
The health insurance for international students in Canada varies depending on the insurance company. On average, health insurance premiums costs approximately 230-610 USD per year.
Students usually don’t have to pay any taxes on their income in Canada. However, if their yearly earning exceeds $15000, they would be liable to file a tax return. There are many other additional expenses, like exam application fees, permit fees, visa fees, etc., that you should be aware of.
Yes, you need to incur additional expenses if you want to enroll in the English proficiency tests. Tests like TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, or Duolingo are essential to become eligible to study in Canada. For example, you need to spend $190 for TOEFL registration, while Duolingo registration costs $46.
The financial requirements for a study permit differ according to where they prefer to study in Canada. On average, someone over 18 years of age should cost approximately 10,000 USD to apply for a study permit.
The best place to learn how to plan your budget is by visiting the financial aid office. Consulting with your seniors, people who live in Canada, or an experienced consultant will surely help you to plan your finances while studying in Canada.
The average tuition cost for international students in Canada costs around $36,100 per year for undergraduate students. For graduates, the cost is $21,100 per year.
The cost of attending a university depends on the programme and institution you select. So if you are planning for Canada, the average cost of undergraduate tuition for international students is $36,100 per year. Apart from that, you must know that one of the best and most affordable education is possible in Canada. Hence, international students can confidently travel to Canada for further education.
The typical annual tuition for an MBA programme in Canada is between $30,000 and $40,000, which is more inexpensive than in other study-abroad nations. Note that these costs are only for tuition fees. Full-time scholarships like the Ontario Graduate Scholarship Program and Quebec Provincial Government Scholarship cover your MBA in Canada.
The costs for studying psychology in Canada varies. The annual fee normally ranges from 5,000 to 20,000 CAD, depending on the institution. To give you a precise idea, here is an estimate idea -
● Bachelor's Degree - 20000 CAD to 60000 CAD
● Master's Degree -18000 CAD to 48000 CAD
● PhD - 17000 CAD to 57000 CAD
In Canada, the tuition fee for Masters ranges from 1,075 to 65,000 CAD/year. The most expensive degrees are Masters in Business, Computer Science, and Law. However, you are not required to select the most expensive curricula because better education isn't usually associated with higher expenditures. You may also use scholarships as an alternative option or go for institutions like the University of Regina with affordable options.
In Canada, the average cost of undergraduate tuition for international students is $36,100 per year. In addition, the sort of institution you choose will impact your tuition costs. Hence, you will require between CAD 13,000 and CAD 35,000 annually to pay for this. But the courses will be less expensive for humanities, education, or arts.
The cost of tuition after the 12th, i.e. for undergraduate courses, varies between regions and programmes in Canada, specifically for international students. To give you a brief idea, the following are the undergraduate tuition fee for different streams -
The main concern of most Indian students planning to study in Canada is the cost of tuition. The type of qualification and your chosen institution will affect your tuition fees. But in general, you require around 7,000 and 35,000 CAD annually for tuition fees. Apart from that, the average cost of living in Canada would be between INR 3,50,000 and 19,00,000.
In Canada, you can work 20 hours every week. You must also note that you are eligible for a part-time job once your course program begins, not before that. Also, exceeding the 20-hour limit each week is against the terms of your study permission. If you do this, you risk losing your student status and risk having future requests for a study or work permit.
The best economical option for Canadian college students is to choose on-campus housing. In fact, below are some of the affordable options for campus-based housing you can choose from -
● McGill University - Studio Apartment/dormitories - CAD 932- CAD 1,090 per month
● University of Toronto - Single Room/Double Room - CAD 14,000 — CAD 16,000
● Western University - Single Room Double Room - CAD 9,000 - 8,000
Depending on your preferences and programme requirements, you can set aside at least $1,000 per year for books and additional funds for a computer or other equipment. Now, the cost of these will change from year to year, depending on several variables. So, to cut the cost of course textbooks, you can opt for alternatives like e-books, textbook rentals, or second-hand books.
Yes, you can pay your tuition fee in the instalment system. In fact, you can pay the fees of one course across two tax years. This means you have one tax year from the start of the academic year to claim a reduction on your tuition fee instalments. For example, the University of Calgary offers a Payment Plan for students to pay their fees in instalments.
Yes, the complete tuition and required incidental expenses paid for the current academic year will be refunded who initiate a voluntary withdrawal by the refund deadline, less the non-refundable deposit. However, you might be eligible for a partial refund if you sign up for class but decide to drop out once it has begun. That's why you should read the terms and conditions before applying.
In Canada, the idea of on-campus jobs or placements does not exist. In fact, most Canadian universities have a cell called the Career Services Centre that aids in job hunting and interview preparation. You can also get an off-campus work permit when your course begins. But, there is no guarantee that you will get a job directly from the campus once you graduate.
The cost of transportation depends on what medium you prefer and your living location. Large cities like Vancouver and Victoria have high transport costs, while Quebec City has lower costs. The monthly travel pass typically costs between 70 and 135 CAD. You also should include the cost of airline tickets to and from your native country when calculating transportation costs.
There are always special benefits for top-performing students. If you enter Canada already with a great GPA, chances are you will get the top scholarships. Even after graduation, there are numerous full-time work prospects in Canada for aspirant students. Many businesses provide appealing and well-paying job packages to aid international students in beginning their careers. So, there will be endless scopes for toppers in countries like Canada.
The cost to apply for a Canadian study permit is $150. You must also know that the students require a study permit in addition to their visa, essentially the same as a Canada visitor visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTa). Therefore, the Canada student visa combines an eTA and a study permit or a visiting visa and a study permit.
Finding affordable housing is a very difficult task for international students. You can, however, find a wide range of affordable accommodation options in nations like Canada. In fact, off-campus housing costs between $3,000 and $7,500 and on-campus housing costs between $8,000 and $10,000 a year. Here are a few options you can choose from -
● University Housing/On-campus dorms
● Shared housing
● Co-living spaces
Usually, the hidden costs involve obscuring or omitting additional fees, charges, or costs until students are well into the purchasing or sign-up process. But there is nothing to worry about when you apply for institutions abroad. But you must be careful if you hire third-party software or an agent with poor paperwork. They may charge you without any notice.
Below are the primary steps to open a bank account as an international student in Canada -
● Passport
● Study permit
● Letter of acceptance
● Travellers' cheques
● Then select a bank/credit union
● Choose your account type(s) - Chequing account, Savings account or Foreign currency account
Apart from that, for a detailed procedure, you can also reach the experts of AbroAdvice.
Here is what you must do to open a GIC account -
● Select a bank to open a GIC account within Canada & sign up for an email address.
● Apply for the GIC programme online and upload your passport copy and admissions letter.
● Deposit a minimum of CAD 10,000 and a processing charge between CAD 150-200 into your account.
● Get your Certificate of Investment and Investment Balance Confirmation.
You can manage proof of funds with these simple steps -
● Official bank statement.
● Balance of funds in the checking and savings accounts.
● Balance of total funds.
● Signature of authorised bank personnel.
These steps will not bother you much, and you can arrange them in advance so that you do not have to rush at the end moment for verification.
It is generally advised to present a consistent and stable financial history throughout at least one to six months when providing bank statements as proof of finances. This shows that the money is actually accessible and not just a temporary deposit or loan. To prevent the gap in your records, you can manage a diary yourself so that it turns out as a routine.
