Canada is a top destination for international students seeking diverse opportunities for personal and professional growth. Living expenses for international students in Canada are generally cheaper than in other popular destinations such as the UK, Australia, and USA. Studying in Canada is a worthwhile investment as students gain access to premier education and globally recognized degrees. Planning and considering expenses beforehand is recommended. Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) requires evidence of sufficient funds from candidates. Canadian universities provide a cost of living estimate, and students should have at least CAD 12,000 per year to live comfortably in Canada.
Canadian Education System
In Canada, the education system is divided into four levels: pre-elementary, elementary or primary, secondary, and post-secondary, and it is administered by provinces. Colleges in Canada mainly provide certificates, diplomas, and vocational training programs, while universities offer bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degree programs.
The unique culture, scenic beauty, extraordinary wildlife, excellent medical and healthcare facilities, and top-notch colleges and universities make Canada one of the best countries to live in. Every year, a significant number of people choose to migrate to Canada, and for good reason. The country’s many virtues and promises make it worthy of all the praise it receives.
Average Living Expenses for International Students in Canada
To manage the cost of living in Canada as an international student, it is important to budget for day-to-day expenses, such as housing, food, travel, health insurance, transportation, clothing, and entertainment. In addition, students can apply for an International Student Identification Card upon arrival for additional benefits.
Monthly Cost of Living in Canada for Students
| Expenses | Cost (CAD) |
| Accommodation (shared apartments) | $400 – $800 |
| Travel | $80 – $110 |
| Food | $300- $400 |
| Entertainment | $150 |
| Health Insurance (BC MSP Program) | $74 |
| Utilities (Electricity, cooling, water, heating, garbage) | $164.64 |
| Utilities (Internet – 60 Mbps or more) | $78.82 |
Cost of Accommodation for International Students in Canada
The cost of living for students in Canada depends on their lifestyle and whether they choose to live on-campus or off-campus. On-campus accommodation is offered by universities and may cost between CAD 8,000 and CAD 10,000 annually, while a shared condo may cost between CAD 400 and CAD 700 monthly. Rent for a two-bedroom apartment averages CAD 1,167 per month, but may vary by city. It is recommended that students apply separately for on-campus housing.
| Type of Accommodation | Average Cost (CAD) |
| On-campus | $8,000 $10,000 (annually) |
| Shared accommodation Off-campus | $400 to $700 (monthly) |
| 1 BHK in City Center | $1,332 (monthly) |
| 1 BHK Outside of City Center | $1,123 (monthly) |
City-Wise Average Rentals in Canada
| City | Average Two-Bedroom Rent/month |
| Vancouver | $1,8254 |
| Edmonton | $1,270 |
| Victoria | $1,571 |
| Calgary | $1,355 |
| Ottawa | $1,550 |
| Toronto | $1,666 |
Cost of Living for International Students: City-Wise
The cost of living in Canada for international students will vary depending on the province and city they choose to live in.
| City | Average Annual Cost of Living (CAD) |
| Calgary | $26,904 |
| Montreal | $25,000 |
| Ottawa | $20,000 |
| Toronto | $37,000 |
| Vancouver | $38,484 |
Travel Expenses
The cost of transportation for international students in Canada will depend on where they choose to live and their mode of transportation. For students who choose to use public transportation, one-way fares can cost a few dollars, while monthly passes can range from about CAD 80 to CAD 150. The exact cost will depend on the city and the transportation system in place.
| Factors | Average Monthly Cost |
| Subway | CAD 65 – CAD 99 (Monthly Pass) |
| Buses | CAD 100 – CAD 150 |
| Taxi (1km) | CAD 40 – CAD 50 |
Education Cost in Canada
The cost of education in Canada varies depending on factors such as the course, university, and tuition fees. Universities review their tuition fees for both domestic and international undergraduate and graduate students each year. Therefore, it is important for students to confirm the tuition fees before applying to a university. Here are the average education costs for different courses in Canada:
| Discipline | UG Course Average Fee (Per Year) | PG Course Average Fee (Per Year) |
| Pharmacy | CA$ 32,886 | CA$ 10,500 |
| Medicine | CA$ 33,000 | Not Available |
| Architecture and Related Technologies | CA$ 22,100 | CA$ 20,000 |
| Engineering | CA$ 26,582 | CA$ 15,800 |
| Nursing | CA$ 18,000 | CA$ 12,000 |
| Mathematics and Computer Science | CA$ 25,000 | CA$ 13,000 |
| Law | CA$ 27,056 | CA$ 16,549 |
| Business Management | CA$ 23,500 | CA$ 20,000 |
University Tuition Fees in Canada
In Canada, students can enjoy free public school up to the age of 18, similar to other developed countries. The cost of education in Canada is generally lower than that in the USA, while still maintaining a high-quality standard of education. To simplify the process of selecting the best college for your course, students can use upGrad Abroad. On average, a four-year graduate program in Canada costs $22,750 for students living in college residences and $11,330 for students living at home. However, more expensive universities can charge up to $135,000 and $65,000, respectively.
| Factors | Average Monthly Cost |
| Subway | CAD 65 – CAD 99 (Monthly Pass) |
| Buses | CAD 100 – CAD 150 |
| Taxi (1km) | CAD 40 – CAD 50 |
Tuition costs for undergraduate courses in Canada:
| UG Course | Tuition Fees |
| Business | $56,000 |
| Computer and IT | $55,000 |
| Engineering and technology | $55,000 |
| Social and natural sciences | $53,000 to $56,000 |
Tuition costs for postgraduate courses in Canada:
| PG Course | Tuition Fees |
| Business | $52,700 |
| Computer and IT | $52,500 |
| Engineering and technology | $52,500 |
| Social and natural sciences | $37,000 to $58,300 |
Average Tuition Fees in Popular Universities in Canada:
| University | Tuition Fees |
| Memorial University of Newfoundland | $11,460 per year |
| University of Regina | $20,050 per year |
| Athabasca University | $17,250 per year |
| Royal Roads University | $27,500 per year |
| Humber college | $29,500 per year |
| Thompson River University | $35,650 per year |
Health Insurance for International Students
International students in Canada are required to have health insurance, and the available medical coverage varies by province. In New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, British Columbia, and Saskatchewan, provincial health care plans are available to international students. However, the coverage is dependent on the duration of their stay. Students should review the health insurance policies on their university’s official website. Students studying in Nova Scotia, Ontario, Quebec, or Edward Island should arrange for private health insurance.
Taxes in Canada
When students begin studying in Canada and wish to work, they need to obtain a Social Insurance Number (SIN). This number allows them to work up to 20 hours per week during academic sessions and full-time during vacations. If they choose to work during the academic period, their income will be subject to taxation.
Affordable Cities in Canada for International Students
A crucial step for international students in managing their living expenses in Canada is to gather comprehensive information about the cities they plan to live in and the cost of living in those cities.
| City | Average Living Cost (per person) |
| London, Ontario | $1,013 |
| Regina, Saskatchewan | $1,124 |
| Calgary, Alberta | $1,154 |
| Edmonton, Alberta | $1,183 |
Factors Affecting Cost of Living in Canada for Students
When international students decide to study in Canada, there are several factors that can impact their cost of living. Some of the major factors that may affect their living expenses include:
Based on educational institutions
The cost of living in Canada for international students is heavily dependent on the city in which their university is located. The living expenses for each college will vary based on the university that the student chooses to attend. To determine which university would best meet the needs of the student, continue reading.
Big suburban areas vs city
The cost of living is higher in urban centers compared to the suburbs. On-campus housing is a preferred option for many students, although it may not always be the most affordable choice. Vancouver and Toronto are the most expensive cities to live in Canada, and Toronto’s housing costs have continued to skyrocket due to a shortage of affordable housing.
Cost of Utilities (Monthly) in Canada
On average, the cost of basic utilities such as water, electricity, heating, cooling, and garbage in Canada is around C$180 per month, while internet expenses typically amount to C$80 per month. However, as a student or working professional moving to Canada, you will also need a local SIM card, and this is where CanadianSIM comes in as the ideal choice.
Designed specifically for students and professionals relocating to Canada, CanadianSIM provides exceptional value for money. With SIM cards that offer coverage across Canada, CanadianSIM ensures that you can stay connected wherever you are. Additionally, CanadianSIM plans offer high-speed LTE data and free calling and texting to anyone in Canada, ensuring that you can easily stay in touch with family and friends. Choose CanadianSIM for a hassle-free and cost-effective way to stay connected while in Canada.
Canada vs Other Countries
To make an informed decision about studying abroad, international students must conduct a comprehensive comparative analysis of various destinations, taking into account factors such as the cost of education and accommodation. One crucial aspect that varies across countries is the cost of accommodation for international students. Let’s explore the average accommodation costs for international students in different countries.
| Country | Accommodation Cost |
| Canada | On-campus – Rs. 4,75,007 to Rs. 5,93,759 annually Shared Off-campus – Rs. 23,750 to Rs. 41,563 every month |
| UK | On campus- Rs. 41,120 – Rs. 61,681 every month Off-campus – Rs. 61,694 – 2,05,648 every month |
| USA | On-campus- Rs. 7,27,559-8,24,072 annually Shared Off-campus- Rs. 33,408 every month |
| UAE | On campus: Rs. 51,025 annually Off-campus- Rs. 63,640- Rs. 1,74,850 every month |
| Germany | Rs. 25,000 – Rs. 60,000 every month |
| Australia | On-campus- Rs. 5,488 – Rs. 13,970 every month Off-campus- Rs. 4,500 – Rs. 21,953 every month |
Frequently Asked Questions about the Cost of Living in Canada for Students
What is the cost of living in Canada for students?
The cost of living in Canada for students varies depending on the city, but on average, students should budget between C$15,000 to C$20,000 per year for living expenses, including accommodation, food, transportation, and other personal expenses.
How much does accommodation cost in Canada for students?
The cost of accommodation in Canada for students varies depending on the city and type of accommodation. On average, students can expect to pay between C$600 to C$1,500 per month for accommodation.
What are the transportation options for students in Canada?
Canada has an extensive public transportation system, including buses, trains, and subways. Students can purchase monthly or yearly transit passes at a discounted rate, which can help save on transportation costs.
How much does food cost for students in Canada?
The cost of food in Canada for students depends on the type of food and where it is purchased. On average, students can expect to spend between C$200 to C$400 per month on groceries, with eating out at restaurants costing around C$15 to C$25 per meal.
Are there any scholarships or financial aid options available for international students in Canada?
Yes, there are various scholarships and financial aid options available for international students in Canada. These include scholarships offered by the Canadian government, universities, and private organizations. Students should research and apply for these opportunities as early as possible.
What are the options for part-time work for international students in Canada?
International students in Canada can work up to 20 hours per week during the school year and full-time during scheduled breaks. There are various part-time job opportunities available on and off-campus, including jobs in retail, food service, and administrative positions.
Are there any additional expenses that international students should be aware of when living in Canada?
Yes, in addition to the cost of living, international students should also consider expenses such as health insurance, textbooks, and personal expenses when budgeting for their time in Canada. It is important to research and plan for these expenses ahead of time to avoid financial difficulties.
One practical thing before you fly: your bank, your university portal and most housing applications need a Canadian mobile number, and an Indian one will not receive their codes. You can set the number up before you leave India so it works the day you land.