The Cost of Studying in Canada

Nov 08 2023

Universities with cheap costs and with high cost of tuition fees are present in Canada. As per the World University Rankings created by THE (Times Higher Education), more than 30 universities in Canada are ranked topmost among the different institutions around the globe. The tuition fees, living expenses, and financial support are discussed further for students who aspire to study in Canada.

Cost of tuition for international students in Canada

Compared to other popular study destinations such as the UK, Australia, USA etc., the tuition fees in Canada are cheaper. However, tuition fees in Canada differ according to location and the program chosen. For example, the tuition fees for universities in Ontario are high, while tuition fees for universities in Newfoundland are low. The tuition fees can also change yearly.

For students to have a general idea about the cost of Studying in Canada, below discussed are popular Bachelor's and Master's courses in Canada and the tuition fees range. However, high tuition fees do not mean superior education; similarly, a university with low tuition fees does not assure gratifying education. Therefore, before finalizing a university, students must find the perfect balance between the cost, program, university, and quality of education.

Bachelor's Degree/ Undergraduate programs - Tuition Fees

The tuition cost for programs, especially in Social Science, Medicine, and Engineering, are more expensive than other programs. For example, the tuition fees for Bachelor's programs can range between CAD 550 – CAD 30,000 per year.

Some of the popular Bachelor's programs and their respective tuition fees:

Bachelors in Engineering & Technology: CAD 1,350 – CAD 55,000 per year

Bachelors in Computer Science & IT: CAD 1,535 – CAD 55,500 CAD per year

Bachelors in Business & Management: CAD 550 – CAD 56,000 CAD per year

Bachelors in Natural Sciences: CAD 1,780 – CAD 53,000 CAD per year

Bachelors in Social Sciences: CAD 1,025 – CAD 56,000 per year

Master's Degrees/Postgraduate programs - Tuition Fees

The tuition fees for Engineering, Law, Computer Science and Business programs are more expensive than other programs. For example, the tuition fees for Master's programs can range between CAD 1,075 – CAD 65,000 per year.

Some of the popular Master's programs and their respective tuition fees:

Masters in Engineering & Technology: CAD 2,150 – CAD 52,500 per year

Masters in Computer Science & IT: CAD 2,150 – CAD 52,500 per year

Masters in Medicine & Health: CAD 2,150 – CAD 58,300 per year

Masters in Business & Management: CAD 2,150 – CAD 52,700 per year

Masters in Social Sciences: CAD 2,150 – CAD 37,000 per year

Low-cost universities in Canada

The cost of Master's degree programs in disciplines such as Law, Dentistry, Business, etc., even in universities with low tuition fees, can be more than CAD 30,000 annually. Master of Business Administration (MBA) can cost more than CAD 50,000 annually.

University of Regina – tuition fees: CAD 1,715 – 20,050 per annum

Athabasca University – tuition fees: 1,625 – 17,250 CAD/year

The Memorial University of Newfoundland – tuition fees: 2,150 – 11,460 CAD/year

Royal Roads University – tuition fees: 3,750 – 27,600 CAD/year

University of Saskatchewan – tuition fees: 4,110 – 24,000 CAD/year

Cost of Living for students in Canada

Canada offers high standards of living, and the cost of living in Canada can vary in different provinces. For most provinces like Montreal, Ottawa and Quebec, the cost can range between CAD 800 – 1500 per month. However, living costs in cities such as Calgary and Vancouver can go up to CAD 2,000 per month.

Accommodation Cost

The students can choose from different accommodation options. There are both expensive and cheap housing choices. The primary accommodation options available include:

University-arranged homestays: CAD 400 – CAD 800 per month
Student residences: CAD 250 – CAD 625 per month
Rent & shared apartment: CAD 300 – CAD 700 per month
Rent a studio/one-room apartment - more than CAD 1,000 per month

Rent costs can vary according to the facilities available and the location. Also, additional costs are charged for essential utilities (electricity, heating, water, waste disposal) along with rent in apartments and studios, which can come to around CAD 150 per month. Internet charges can range between CAD 50 -CAD 70 per month.

Transportation cost

Students between 18 and 25 studying in the universities can avail discounts on the monthly transport pass they buy. CAD 90 per month is the total cost of the pass, and 3 CAD is the one-way ticket price. Taxis fares can range between CAD 2 – CAD 6 per km.

Food Cost

Dining from restaurants can cost from CAD 10 – CAD 25. In a comparatively mid-range restaurant, the cost of food for two can be CAD 50 – CAD 65. There are cheap supermarkets in various places in Canada, like Walmart, No Frills and Canadian Superstore. Buying from groceries and other local shops can cost around CAD 300 per month.

Scholarships and funding options

The universities in Canada offer different types of scholarships for international students. Below given are a few of the scholarships offered to students in Canada:

University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowships

Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships

University of Waterloo Master's Awards of Excellence

Lester B. Pearson International Scholarships

Carleton Prestige Scholarships

Calgary International Entrance Scholarships

Student permit and visa in Canada

To study in Canada, you should get a student permit; you must apply for the permit before you get to Canada by providing the necessary documents and paying CAD 150. The documents which you must submit while applying to include the following: