Cost of education in Canada
Studying in Canada for international students is expensive. We tell you how much a Canadian college and university education costs.
If you plan to study in Canada, be prepared to spend at least CAN$ 15,000 per year on college or university tuition and the same amount for daily needs. In addition, you will need money even before you start studying.
Before you start studying
Before applying to a college or university, you may have to take an English or French course for passing a language test. The cost depends on the school and the length of the study. For example, at Seneca College in Toronto, a 7-week intensive English course for foreign applicants costs about CAN$ 3,700, and at ILAC school in Toronto and Vancouver, a 10-week course (30 lessons per week) costs about CAN$ 4,100. These amounts include the registration fee and study materials.
But you do not have to travel to Canada to prepare for IELTS. ILAC provides online classes with Canadian teachers that are significantly cheaper.
Money to obtain a study permit
When applying for a study 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 cost.
| Persons coming to Canada | Amount of money needed per year | Amount of money needed per month | ||
| Quebec | Other provinces | Quebec | Other provinces | |
| You (student) | 13,134 | 10,000 | 1,095 | 833 |
| First family member | 4,000 – 6,200 | 4,000 | 350–510 | 333 |
| Each additional family member | 3,400 – 6,200 | 3,000 | 300–400 | 255 |
Thus, if you come to Canada to study outside of Quebec and bring your spouse and child with you, you must show at least CAN$ 17,000.
Education cost
Tuition fees for international students range from approximately CAN$ 15,000 to 25,000 per year, depending on the college and the academic program. Design and art programs tend to be more affordable, and dental majors are among the most expensive.
As for universities, the average tuition fee for international undergraduate students is CAN$ 25,000, and for postgraduate students, it is CAN$ 16,500. University MBA programs (Master of Business Administration) are the most expensive. For an MBA in Canada, international students pay between CAN$ 37,000 and 60,000.
Cost of living
Average living expenses for one year are around CAN$ 15,000-20,000 and include meals, rent, travel, and other expenses. That is how much international students in Canada spend on average per year (in Canadian dollars):
- textbooks and fees: $1,000;
- entertainment and clothes: $1,000 — 2,000;
- transport: $600;
- mobile connection and internet: $1,200;
- health insurance: $850;
- groceries: $3,600 — $7,000;
- accommodation on campus: $7,200;
- room rental: $5,000 — 10,000;
- apartment rental: $15,000 — $40,000.
Landlords often offer apartments close to student campuses. Keep in mind that you can cut your costs by sharing an apartment with other students.
Cost of studying and living in different regions
The most expensive provinces to live in Canada are Ontario and British Columbia, especially if you are going to study in Toronto or Vancouver. Alberta follows them. In Manitoba, New Brunswick, and Quebec, tuition and living costs are lower, while Saskatchewan and Newfoundland and Labrador are the most affordable for students.
Admission
We help with choosing a college or university and study program depending on your education, work experience, wishes, and budget, as well as with applying for a study visa. To do this, contact our company for a consultation.
