Cost of studying in Canada

If you plan to study in Canada, be prepared to spend from CAD 15,000 per year on college or university tuition and about CAD 20,000 on daily necessities. You will also need money before you start studying.

Before you start studying

Before you apply to a college or university, you may need to take an English or French language course to pass a language test. The cost depends on the school and the length of the course. For example, at Seneca College in Toronto, a 7-week intensive English course for international applicants costs about CAD 3,500, and at ILAC in Toronto and Vancouver, a 10-week course (30 lessons per week) costs about CAD 4,200. These amounts include the registration fee and study materials.

But you don't have to travel to Canada to prepare for IELTS or to take the University Pathway program, which allows you to get into many of ILAC's partner universities without taking language tests like IELTS and TOEFL. ILAC offers online classes with Canadian teachers, which are much cheaper.

Proof of funds for study

When applying for a student visa, you must also prove that you can support yourself and the family members who will come with you. This amount must be in addition to the tuition fees.

It's worth talking about Quebec separately because this province has its own requirements. To obtain a student visa to Quebec, you must demonstrate that you have CAD 13,134 in your account for the year, plus CAD 4,000 — 6,200 if an additional family member is traveling with you, and CAD 3,400 — 6,200 for each additional family member.

So if you traveled to study in Canada outside of Quebec and brought your spouse and child with you, you need to show about CAD 31,600.

Tuution fees

College tuition for international students ranges from about CAD 7,000 — 22,000 per year, depending on the college and your program of study. More often you will find figures around CAD 15,000 — 18,000. However, there are some good budget colleges where tuition costs around CAD 10,000 per year or even less. Design, art and liberal arts programs tend to be more affordable, while medical, dental, and engineering majors are among the most expensive.

As far as universities are concerned, the average tuition fee for international students for a bachelor's degree is CAD 36,100, and CAD 21,100 for graduate programs. University MBA (Master of Business Administration) programs are the most expensive. To earn an MBA in Canada, international students pay between CAD 37,000 and CAD 60,000 for tuition. But there are also more affordable programs, for example at University Canada West. An MBA at UCW costs CAD 38,700, and a very solid scholarship is available to students from some countries.

Cost of living

Living spending for one year average around CAD 15,000 — 21,000 and include food, rent, transportation, and other expenses. However, living expenses are very individualized and can be much higher or lower. In many ways, the determining factors are the kind of accommodation you choose — a rented apartment, a rented room, homestay, or a dorm room at the university — and the university in which city you choose.

How much and what international students in Canada spend on average per year:

• textbooks and fees — approximately CAD 2,600;
• recreation and entertainment — CAD 600 — 2400;
• clothing — CAD 1,900;
• local public transportation (pass) — CAD 1,260;
• phone — CAD 785;
• Internet — CAD 1,050,
• health insurance — CAD 600 to 900;
• groceries — $3,600 — CAD 4,100;
• on-campus housing: CAD 3,000 — 7,500;
• apartment rent: CAD 15,000 — 34,800.

Landlords often offer apartments near college campuses. Keep in mind that you can reduce your costs by sharing an apartment with other students.

Cost of tuition and accommodation in different regions

The most expensive provinces in Canada to live in are British Columbia and Ontario, especially if you are going to study in Toronto or Vancouver. They are followed by Alberta. In Quebec, Nova Scotia, Saskatchewan, tuition and living costs are already lower, while Manitoba, Newfoundland and Labrador, and New Brunswick are the most affordable for students.

Enrollment assistance

We can help you select a college or university and program of study based on your education, work experience, wishes and budget, as well as apply for a student visa. If you need professional support in applying to Canadian universities, contact us for consultation.