How Much Does It Cost to Study in Canada as an International Student?
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Canada has become a top destination for international students for so many years. Canadian universities and colleges offer world-class education with a vibrant multicultural experience. Whether you are drawn to its cutting-edge research facilities, renowned universities, or welcoming atmosphere, studying in Canada is a life-changing opportunity. But before packing your bags, one major question looms: How much does it actually cost?
Beyond tuition fees, students must consider accommodation, daily expenses, and the overall cost of living. This article will explore the approximate study and living costs at some of Canada's leading universities for an international student.
McGill University
Located in Montreal, McGill University is a global leader in education and research, renowned for its diverse community and academic excellence. With students from over 150 countries, McGill offers a rich, multicultural experience and competitive tuition, scholarships, and financial aid for international students.
Program Estimated Tuition (2024-2025)
Arts CAD 47,281.69
Commerce CAD 70,894.37
Engineering CAD 66,327.91
Cost of Living Estimated Expenses
Off-campus Rent CAD 2,300/month for a 2-bedroom
(CAD 1,150 per student)
Why McGill?
- Ranked #1 research university in Canada for over 15 years (Maclean's)
- #29 in the world (QS Top Universities, 2025)
- #1 in scholarships & bursaries for 13+ years (Maclean's)
- Top medical doctoral university in Canada (Maclean's, 2024)
University of British Columbia (UBC)
The University of British Columbia (UBC) is a world-renowned institution known for excellence in teaching, research, and global impact. Since 1915, UBC has welcomed students from 140+ countries, and its alum network spans 370,000+ members worldwide, including Nobel laureates and Rhodes Scholars.
UBC is the first North American university to adopt the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Its main campuses are located in Vancouver and Kelowna, and additional learning centers are located throughout British Columbia.
Program Estimated Tuition (2024-2025)
Arts CAD 47,189.40
Commerce CAD 61,061.10
Engineering CAD 60,622.65
Cost of Living Estimated Expenses
Off-campus Rent CAD 3,700/month for a 2-bedroom
(CAD 1,850 per student)
Why Choose UBC?
- Ranked #38 in QS World University Rankings 2025
- 68,000+ students from 140+ countries
- 8 Nobel laureates, 71 Rhodes Scholars
- Focus on equity, diversity, Indigenous rights
- 370,000+ alums globally
University of Alberta
Ranked in the top 100 universities globally, the University of Alberta offers a wide range of undergraduate programs and is known for its research-intensive environment. Home to over 44,000 students and 13,000 staff across five campuses, including rural and francophone sites, the U of A excels in learning and research through 17 faculties and three colleges.
Program Estimated Tuition (2024-2025)
Arts CAD 33,968.40
Commerce CAD 40,300.80
Engineering CAD 45,482.40
Cost of Living Estimated Expenses
Off-campus Rent CAD 1,650/month for a 2-bedroom
(CAD 850 per student)
Why Choose the University of Alberta?
- Ranked #96 in QS World University Rankings 2025
- Top 5 in Canada
- #6 in QS WUR Ranking by Subject
- #28 in QS Sustainability Ranking
- Secures over $550 million in research funding
- Boasts a global alum network of over 300,000 members
Dalhousie University
Founded in 1818, it features 13 academic faculties and attracts a diverse community of students, scholars, and researchers. It ranks as the largest university in Atlantic Canada.
A proud U15 Group of Canadian Universities member, it emphasizes innovation through labs, studios, and fieldwork. Dalhousie is dedicated to supporting evidence-based solutions through its teaching and research initiatives, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for 2030.
Program Estimated Tuition (2024-2025)
Arts & Social Science CAD 33,814.00
Commerce CAD 37,418.00
Engineering CAD 43,248.00
Cost of Living Estimated Expenses
Off-campus Rent CAD 2,649/month for a 2-bedroom
(CAD 1,325 per student)
Why Dalhousie University?
- Located in a vibrant region, offering urban amenities and scenic landscapes.
- Ranked #275 in QS World University Rankings 2025.
- Recognized in the QS WUR Ranking by Subject (#51-100).
- Focused on sustainability, ranked #109 in QS Sustainability Rankings.
University of Manitoba
The University of Manitoba, founded 140 years ago, is Western Canada's first and largest research-intensive university in the heart of the country. The university has a diverse community of nearly 30,000 students, 8,700 faculty and staff, and about 190,000 alums, including 13% international students from around 104 countries.
Program Estimated Tuition (2024-2025)
Arts CAD 19,100
Business CAD 25,300
Engineering CAD 25,600
Cost of Living Estimated Expenses
Off-campus Rent CAD 1,698/month for a 2-bedroom
(CAD 850 per student)
Why Choose the University of Manitoba?
- Ranked #661-670 in QS World University Rankings 2025.
- Offers over 100 degrees and diplomas, including professional fields
- Strong focus on research and collaboration across disciplines.
- #101-150 in QS World University Ranking by Subject
- #=579 in QS Sustainability Ranking
University of Toronto (UoT)
UoT is one of Canada's most prestigious institutions, ranked 25th in the QS World University Rankings for 2024. Known for its research and diverse programs, it offers over 700 academic options across three campuses.
As Canada's leading institution for learning and research, the University of Toronto fosters innovation and discovery. Renowned for its multidisciplinary approach, the university offers students exceptional opportunities to engage with distinguished faculty and a vast alum network. Over 560,000 graduates make a positive impact globally.
Program Estimated Tuition (2024-2025)
Arts CAD 61,720
Commerce CAD 61,720
Engineering CAD 67,370
Cost of Living Estimated Expenses
Books & Equipment CAD 1,000 per year
On-campus Living CAD 8,000 - 15,000 per year
Off-campus Rent CAD 3,000/month for a 2-bedroom
(CAD 1,500 per student)
Why University of Toronto?
- One of the top public universities in Toronto, Canada
- It is placed at #25 in the QS World University Rankings for 2025
- The university boasts a #5 ranking in the QS WUR Ranking by Subject, showcasing its strength in various disciplines.
- Committing to sustainability, it leads the way as #1 in the QS Sustainability Ranking.
University of Saskatchewan (USask)
The University of Saskatchewan (USask), established in 1907 and located in Saskatoon, is one of Canada's oldest and most prestigious institutions and a member of the U15 Group of Canadian Research Universities.
As the largest institution in Saskatchewan, the University of Saskatchewan is well known for its research programs and international student community. USask is. With vibrant campus life and a scenic setting, USask fosters a collaborative environment that prepares graduates for success, including notable alums like Nobel Prize winners and leaders in various fields.
Why the University of Saskatchewan?
- Offers 130+ programs across 13 colleges
- Diverse student body of 26,000+ from 130 countries
- Home to the world's largest university-led freshwater research program and advanced facilities
- Beautiful campus with green spaces and historic architecture.
- Over 171,000 global alumni are making impactful contributions.
- Ranked #=340 in QS World University Rankings 2025.
- #51-70 in QS World University Rankings by subject.
- #=89 in QS Sustainability Ranking.
Program Estimated Tuition (2024-2025)
Arts & Science CAD 36,527
Business CAD 44,557
Engineering CAD 54,953
Cost of Living Estimated Expenses
Off-campus Rent CAD 1,475/month for a 2-bedroom
(CAD 737 per student)
University of Waterloo
For 25 years, the University of Waterloo has been recognized as Canada's most innovative university. It hosts the world's most extensive co-operative education program, allowing over 16,000 undergraduates to alternate between classes and work terms with top employers like Google, Facebook, and Amazon. Situated about 110 km west of Toronto, the university welcomes students from 120 countries, fostering a diverse and dynamic community.
Program Estimated Tuition (2024-2025)
Honours Arts CAD 57,000
Global Business & Digital Arts CAD 55,000
Engineering CAD 73,000
Cost of Living Estimated Expenses
Off-campus Rent CAD 2,350/month for a 2-bedroom
(CAD 1,175 per student)
Why the University of Waterloo?
- A leading public university in Waterloo, Canada
- Offers a diverse learning environment with a strong focus on co-operative education
- Ranked #115 in QS World University Rankings 2025
- #21 in QS WUR Ranking by Subject
- #68 in QS Sustainability Ranking
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