International students choose to study in Canada for various reasons, including the generally less expensive tuition rates. The education system has a great reputation and affordable prices, also topped with work and internship opportunities that make it an amazing destination for students. International students find Canada a safe place with a very welcoming society, and people from various parts of the world migrate to Canada because of the better work and study opportunities.
Studying in Canada gives you a quality education while allowing you to save a lot of money compared to other countries. The average tuition cost of studying in Canada for international students is CAD 20,000 – CAD 30,000 per year. Today, Canada hosts over half a million international students.
International Student Tuition in Canada
As an international student, you might wonder how much it costs to study in Canada. Well, tuition fees at Canadian universities are comparatively more affordable than in other developed countries. They also vary from the program you’re studying, whether you’re an international or home student, and if you’re studying at the undergraduate or postgraduate level. Programs in medicine and engineering are likely to be more expensive, while education and arts programs are cheaper.
Here’s the cost of studying in Canada according to the field of study:
| Field of Study | Undergraduate 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 |
| Architecture | $32,285 | $26,061 |
| Nursing | $24,283 | $16,774 |
| Education | $23,591 | $17,583 |
While tuition fees in Canada are lower, you still might want to apply for scholarships since there are many scholarships available to international students.
International Student Tuition in Canadian Provinces
Canada offers more affordable tuition fees than other English-speaking countries, but that varies from the province. The most expensive provinces to study in are Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, and Quebec. The cheapest provinces are Newfoundland and Labrador, New Brunswick, and Manitoba.
Here’s the cost of studying in Canada according to province:
| Province | International Undergraduate Tuition | International Graduate Tuition |
| Ontario | $42,185 | $26,236 |
| British Columbia | $30,903 | $20,295 |
| Alberta | $28,014 | $15,167 |
| Quebec | $27,406 | $18,557 |
| Saskatchewan | $22,197 | $7,583 |
| Prince Edward Island | $20,417 | $10,564 |
| Nova Scotia | $20,397 | $23,048 |
| Manitoba | $17,786 | $11,887 |
| New Brunswick | $16,458 | $13,123 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | $12,037 | $4,082 |
Books and Supplies
When you plan your finances, you will also need to include the cost of books, electronics, and other educational supplies in your budget. The amount you pay will vary from year to year. When it comes to textbooks, you might want to look into e-books, used books, or rental books to help reduce costs.
You might want to save at least $1,000 per year for books and additional school equipment.
Here are the top five Canadian universities and the average price spent on books:
| University | Average Spent on Books |
| University of Montreal | $479.70 |
| McMaster University | $682.75 |
| McGill University | $572.05 |
| University of British Columbia | $749.19 |
| University of Toronto | $707.22 |
Accommodation Costs
Finding on-campus housing at Canadian universities can be a bit difficult. Students should consider whether on-campus housing is convenient for them, as they have to share their bedroom, dining room, bathroom, and other facilities with other students. Prices vary on the location and the sort of accommodation.
Here’s the average accommodation cost for international students according to type:
| Accommodation Type | Average Cost (CAD) |
| Homestays | $400 – $800 per month |
| Dormitory | $3,000 – $7,500 per school year |
| Renting | $400 – $1,500 per month |
- Homestays. This type of accommodation offers a friendly and secure environment for international students coming to study in Canada. It also helps improve your English and meet new people. Homestays provide a private room, and the school arranges meals.
- Dormitories. Dorms are usually located near their school campus. You can have a private or shared room, and they’re separated by gender. Usually, the bathroom, kitchen, and other facilities are shared by everyone living in the dormitory.
- Renting. Renting varies in quality, price, and availability. Students share their accommodation to keep the costs down. You can rent different places such as suites, apartments, or houses.
Living Costs
When studying in Canada, you can live on-campus or off-campus. You can socialize and make friends if you choose to live on-campus, and you’ll get an opportunity to buy a meal plan. Universities prioritize first-year students for on-campus housing.
The average monthly cost of living in Canada for international students is between CAD $600 and $800 for groceries and other daily expenses, excluding accommodation. Generally, the cost of living will depend on your lifestyle as an international student in Canada and your spending habits.
Here’s the average cost of living expenses for international students in Canada:
| Living Expenses | Average Cost (CAD) |
| Foods and groceries | $300 – $400 |
| Restaurants | $12.00 – $35.00 |
| Transportation | $100.00 – $150.00 |
| Utilities | $92.00 – $322.00 |
| Rent per month | $941.67 – $2,250 |
| Clothing | $25.00 – $80.00 |
You should budget in any other expenses you’ll need for living and studying. For example, paying for your mobile phone, internet, or personal care items.
If you live on-campus, you won’t have transportation costs at all. Living off-campus can be one way to save money on rent, but you should budget the transportation expenses.
Discounts for International Students in Canada
As an international student in Canada, you’ll find deals and discounts all around restaurants, stores, and public transportation. Telecommunications providers also have discounts for students. To enjoy these discounts, you’ll need an International Student Identification Card.
Some of the industries that offer student discounts in Canada are:
- Retail: Adidas, Topshop, GAP, Nike, H&M
- Traveling: Air Canada, Booking.com, Viator, Flight Center
- Gadgets: Apple, HP, Lenovo, Samsung
- Food: Subway, McDonald’s, Burger King, KFC
- Cosmetics: MAC, Urban Decay
Budgeting Tips for International Students in Canada
As an international student, you must always budget so that you do not spend more than you planned. Budgeting is a great way to save money and make wise financial decisions.
Here are a few budgeting tips for international students in Canada:
- Keep track of your money. Create an accurate budget and set saving goals.
- Understand the difference between needs and wants. You do not have to buy new clothes every month, cut out on stuff you can live without. Use your money for things you need rather than the things you want.
- Make a list of your incomes and expenses. Set aside the money you want to spend on clothes, groceries, rent, and transportation. Restrict yourself from spending more and stick to your plan.
- Search for earning opportunities. You can participate in market research, work as a freelance writer, become a blogger or social media manager, or do online tutoring.
You should also save money for social activities, entertainment, or emergencies. When living in another country as a student, keeping track of your money is better, so you don’t overspend.
Leave a Reply