Cost of Studying in Canada: Total Expenses to Study in Canada for International Students

When it comes to study abroad countries, Canada is an affordable choice. The cost of studying in Canada is high yet manageable owing to the fact that it offers ample ways to fund your studies. To talk of the total cost of studying in Canada for Indian students, Canada university fees for international students is the highest contributor. But it is to be noted here that tuition fees for international students in Canada is slightly less compared to other famous study destinations such as the US and Australia. Tuition fees depend on the type of universities in Canada, but the average cost of studying in Canada ranges from CAD 20,000 to CAD 60,000. This estimated total cost of studying in Canada depends on a number of other factors like housing, transportation, food and health insurance, etc. The Canadian city you choose to live in will determine your total expenses to study in Canada as well as your living budget. 

An Overview of Cost of Studying in Canada in Indian Rupees

Before we get into fine details of the total expenses to study in Canada, let us have a broad overview of the study in Canada in Rupees. The table below represents how much money required to study in Canada if you are an Indian student. Do keep in mind that these costs are estimates and that the total cost of studying in Canada will depend upon the university/college and lifestyle you choose.  

Let us now move on to the different expenses to study in Canada that you need tp bear as an international student: 

Pre Arrival Cost of Studying in Canada for Indian Students

Here we will cover the first phase of expenses to study in Canada that starts even before you physically step in Canada. These include:

1. Appear for language proficiency and other subject-specific tests
2. Arrange for proofs for the cost of studying and living in Canada
3. Application process for universities and colleges in Canada
4. Certificat d'acceptation du Québec (CAQ) to study in Quebec
5. Apply for a study permit
6. Appear for medical test
7. Book flight tickets

Let us discuss each of these expenses in detail:

• Appear for English Language Proficiency and Other Subject-Specific Tests

The table below will give you a glimpse of entrance exams to study in Canada, in any of which your dream university may require during your application process of studying in Canada.

• Arrange for Proofs for the Cost of Studying and Living in Canada
  
  Tuition fees for the first year of course: When you receive the letter of acceptance from a designated learning institute (DLI) in Canada, it may ask you to submit the tuition fees for the first year of your course. This fees for international students in Canada is dependent on several factors such as the university or college, the duration of your course, the field of study and whether it is an undergraduate or postgraduate course.
• Other fees: Along with the university fees for international students in Canada, one need to show proofs of enough funds. This is a part of obtaining your study permit. The minimum amount of funds you should have to support yourself as a student is summarized in the table below. These are other than the tuition fees. In total, both tuition fees and other fees as shown in the table below are needed to procure a Canadian student visa. Please note that these do not include funds if you are taking some family members with you to Canada for which there are additional charges.

These funds can be arranged by purchasing a Guaranteed Investment Certificate, taking an education loan or having a sponsor who can support you. 

• Purchase of GIC (Guaranteed Investment Certificate): This forms a part of documents required to get a student permit as a part of financial proofs. The students must buy a special guaranteed investment certificate (GIC) from any of the participating banks like Nova Scotia Bank, ICICI Bank, SBI Canada Bank, CIBC Bank for the amount of CAD 10,200 (INR 5,50,000/-) for the adjustment of the living expenses of the first year. Approx. CAD 200 (INR10,800/-) will be deducted as the administrative charges of Bank (It depends on Bank to Bank). 

• The student receives CAD 2000 (INR 108000) immediately after arrival in Canada. Next CAD 8000 (INR 440000) will be paid to the students in 12 equal installments as each month’s living expenses. 

• Education loan: You will have to submit proof that you will be able to fund your education for your entire course. One of the proofs can be an education loan. Just decide if you need it or not. 

3. Application Process for Universities and Colleges in Canada

Each institution has an application fee depending on the program you apply for. Different for Canadian citizens and international students, it may range from CAD 45 to CAD 200 (INR 2400 to 11000/-). You will have to submit your language proficiency test scorecard other than academic or work experience transcripts to each university while applying.

4. Certificat d'acceptation du Québec (CAQ) 

To study at universities in Québec, the international students, depending on their duration of study have to obtain permission to study from the governments of Quebec and Canada by applying to a certificate of acceptance. This includes application fees of CAD 114 (INR 6100/-) and charges for sending the documents to Quebec (approximately INR 2000/-).

5. Apply for a Study Permit

 Your fee for applying for a study permit in Canada is CAD 150 (INR 8000/-). Your fees for giving biometrics (fingerprints and photograph) is CAD 85 (INR 4500/-).

7. Apply for a Medical test

You must pay all fees related to the medical exam when you’re in India, including the fee of the doctor, radiologist specialist, any special tests, investigations or treatment needed. You cannot get yourself tested by any doctor of your choice but have to choose one as per a panel suggested by the Canadian government. 

8. Book your Flight Tickets

It is time to fly to your dream country! You can choose a direct flight from India to Canada or with stop-overs. The cost of tickets varies accordingly and may range from INR 90,000 to 2 lacs. 

This video will tell you all about the cost of living in Canada including the tuition and program fees, visa fees, along with other expenses!

Post Arrival Cost of Studying in Canada for Indian Students

After arriving, there are certain expenses that are essential to have a smooth student life experience in Canada, like paying the tuition fees, food, travel and accommodation expenses. 

1.  Canada University Tuition Fees

The average fee for studying in Canada for undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) programs is shown in the table below. This is the average fees for international students in Canada per year, a part of which you would have paid at the time of admission and the rest has to be paid while you are in Canada. The figures in the table below are in accordance to 2021-22 Statistics Canada. 

Now let us see the total cost of study in Canada for Indian students for different courses:

As indicated in the table above, the cost of MBA for international students in Canada is around INR 36,00,000 which lies on the higher side compared to other postgraduate courses.

The table below shows the tuition fees in INR for Indian students for undergraduate and graduate programs. 

2. Cost of Living in Canada in Indian Rupees

Apart from the total cost of studying, you need to plan your cost of living in Canada budget too. This will include your accommodation, travel, health insurance and some other little things. Let us look into this one by one.

• Accommodation: It must be an exciting thought to live in Canada either in the university accommodation or outside it. It is a good idea to plan your stay according to your budget.

• Living inside the university or college campus: There is a term called 'living in residence' for accommodation on the campus or in nearby areas. These are furnished with beds, study desks and shelves. You can choose to add three-time meals to your cost of living in residence. If given an option, you may choose to share your room cutting down your cost immensely. This helps you save transportation cost. The cost of living in Canada tentatively ranges from CAD 3,000-7,500 (Rs. 1,62,000- 4,05,000/-) a year.

• Living in Private housing: If you prefer to live outside the campus for reasons like privacy or more freedom, do remember that you will have to pay a sum of money immediately before moving in - 2 months’ rent (first month and last month rent) and a damage deposit as demanded by the landlord. The cost of living in private accommodation in Canada can be near to CA$8,400 (INR 4,54,000/-) per year other than bills such as internet connection, electricity, cooking utensils, furniture among others.

• Other expenses: Some other expenses involved are mentioned below. Please note that these depend on your lifestyle and the city you live in. The figures in the table below are rough approximates.
   

• Health insurance: International students need to have a health cover in Canada providing 24-hours-a-day, 7-days-a-week medical assistance. Health insurance laws, however, are divided according to which provinces (states or geographical areas) you live in. A broad range of cost could be from CAD 600 to CAD 900 (INR 33,000 to 50,000/-) yearly. Universities in Canada take mental health seriously.

 We hope this blog post helps you in planning your studies in Canada and have a better understanding the total cost of studying in Canada. It is always good to plan your expenses before moving outside India. India is one of the largest contributors to international students in Canadian educational institutions. Thus, expecting a familiar environment wouldn't be wrong! Also check out the Yocket Premium Counselling Services to get better guidance on the cost of studying in Canada for international students, and explore the possibilities of turning the exhaustive studying abroad process a cakewalk. Book a 15-minute free consultation call with one of our counselors and learn how to get the services.

Frequently Asked Questions about Cost of Studying in Canada for International Students

Ques. How can I reduce my expenses to study in Canada?

Ans. Acquiring a scholarship is one of the best ways to cut on your cost of studying in Canada. Apart from that you may also opt for a student loan or engage in part-time jobs to earn some extra pocket money.

Ques. What are the general monthly expenses in Canada for students?

Ans. The monthly expenses in Canada for Indian students include utilities like rent (400-600 CAD), food(200-300 CAD), stationery (150-200 CAD), transportation costs (100-250 CAD), etc. 

Ques. How much money required to study in Canada for international students?

Ans. The total money required to study in Canada ranges from CAD 20,000 - CAD 60,000 per year. Hence, the study in Canada cost in Rupees is 11,70,000 - 35,10,000.

Ques. Is Canada university fees high?

Ans. The fees for international students in Canada is somewhat high, but it is affordable in comparison to other countries like USA, Australia and the UK.

Ques. What are the cheapest cities in Canada for students?

Ans. Although the cost of living in Canada for students in big cities is high, cities like Quebec, Ontario, Alberta, etc. are far cheaper while offering a pleasant experience of stay and study.