Introduction

The total cost of studying in Canada is CAD 30,000 (INR 19 Lakhs) to CAD 42,000 (INR 26 Lakhs), with CAD 56,000 (INR 35 Lakhs) being the average cost of studying. With strong academic quality, diversity, and a high quality of life, Canada is one of the most popular study abroad destinations in the world. There are more than 20 globally-ranked universities in Canada, like the University of Toronto and McGill University, offering excellent programs in business, technology, and healthcare. 

In this blog, let’s discuss the tuition, living expenses, and other fees you need to keep in mind while planning your education in Canada.

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Total Cost of Studying in Canada

The total cost of studying in Canada ranges from CAD 30,000 (INR 19 Lakhs) to CAD 42,000 (INR 26 Lakhs), depending on your program level, institution, and lifestyle. This includes both one-time costs, such as application fees, visa charges, flights, and language tests, as well as recurring expenses like tuition, rent, and living costs. 

Indian students applying through the SDS category also need a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) worth over CAD 20,000 (INR 12.5 Lakhs), making it one of the largest upfront expenses. Rent in major Canadian cities like Toronto can range from CAD 700 (INR 43,908) to 1,200 (INR 75,272) per month, adding to your total cost of studying in Canada. 

Here's a detailed table to help you understand the average costs:

Type of Expense

Estimated Cost (CAD)

Estimated Cost (INR)

IELTS/TOEFL Exam (one-time)

CAD 300

INR 18,000

University Application Fee

CAD 100 to 250

INR 6,040 to 15,090

Purchase of GIC (one-time)

CAD 20,635

INR 12.6 lakhs

Tuition Fees (per year)

CAD 16,600 to 83,300

INR 10 to 50 lakhs

Student Visa Application Fee

CAD 150

INR 9,050

Biometrics for Visa (one-time)

CAD 85

INR 5,130

Round-Trip Flight to Canada

CAD 1,000 to 1,500

INR 60,360 to 90,540

Living Expenses (per year)

CAD 20,000

INR 12 lakhs

Total Estimated Cost

CAD 60,000 to 126,000

INR 35 to 75 lakhs

Average Tuition Fee to Study in Canada

The tuition cost of studying in Canada can range from CAD 15,000 (INR 9.4 Lakhs) to CAD 30,000 (INR 19 Lakhs) per year. According to Statistics Canada, the average cost of an undergraduate degree in Canada is close to CAD 22,000 (INR 1.4 Lakhs) per year, while for a postgraduate, it is generally cheaper, at about CAD 17,000 (INR 11 Lakhs) annually. But this may change depending on your program, university, and other factors. 

Here is an overview of average program fees along with their usual durations.

Program Name

Average Fee

Duration (years)

Undergraduate

CAD 22,000 (INR 14 Lakhs)

3-5 years

Post graduate

CAD 17,000 (INR 10.7 Lakhs)

1-2 years

MBA

CAD 20,000 (INR 12.5 Lakhs)

1 year

Executive MBA 

CAD 42,000( INR 26.3 Lakhs)

1 year

UG Course Fees in Canada

UG course fees in Canada can range from CAD 22,000 (INR 1.4 Lakhs) to CAD 30,000 (INR 19 Lakhs). Humanities courses are usually cheaper, while STEM-related degrees are more expensive. Surprisingly, undergraduate business courses are cheaper than the national average, at CAD 6000 (INR 4 Lakhs). 

Below is a breakdown of yearly fee ranges for leading undergraduate universities, which will assist you in comparing fees as you plot your education path.

(Note: A typical academic year has 30 credits, but this may differ depending on various programs and universities).

University

Avg Tuition (CAD)

Avg Tuition (INR)

University of Toronto

CAD 65,000 per year 

4 lakhs 

McGill University

CAD 5200 per credit 

3.26 lakhs/ credit 

University of British Columbia

CAD 63000 per year 

39 lakhs 

University of Alberta

CAD 1,358,73 per year

85 lakhs 

PG Course Fees in Canada

Generally, postgraduate courses are cheaper in Canada than undergraduate courses. The average cost of studying PG in Canada can range from CAD 15,000 (INR 9.4 Lakhs) to CAD 30,000 (INR 19 Lakhs). The cost may differ depending on credits. 

Below is a summary of the annual fee brackets and top institutions for major postgraduate programs to facilitate your next move.

University

Avg. Tuition (CAD/year)

Avg. Tuition (INR/year)

University of Toronto

CAD 32,000

20 lakhs 

McGill University

CAD 32,000

20 lakhs 

University of British Columbia

CAD 9800

6.15 lakhs 

University of Alberta

CAD 25000

15.7 lakhs 

Cheapest Universities to Study in Canada

Canada offers many cheap universities that give you an excellent education without breaking your bank. Some of these include the University of Prince Edward Island and the University of the Fraser Valley. While the cost is not dramatically different, they still offer cheaper alternatives. 

Check out the most affordable universities in Canada below:

University

Tuition Fee (INR)

Tuition Fee (CAD)

Memorial University of Newfoundland

INR 15 lakhs

20,790

University of Regina

INR 7 lakhs

9,520

University of Northern British Columbia

INR 18 lakhs

24,770

Brandon University

INR 7 lakhs

10,300

University of Winnipeg

INR 12 lakhs

16,700

Concordia University

INR 15 lakhs

19,580

University of Prince Edward Island

INR 6 lakhs

8,410

Simon Fraser University

INR 13 lakhs

17,520

University of Saskatchewan

INR 23 lakhs

30,480

University of Guelph

INR 11 lakhs

14,830

University of Ottawa

INR 14 lakhs

19,080

University of Calgary

INR 5 lakhs

6,860

Province-wise Tuition fees in Canada

The cost of education in Canada varies widely across provinces, depending on the differences in government assistance, institutional needs, and regional living expenses. One of the most expensive provinces for international undergraduate students is Ontario, where the average tuition fee is CAD 42,100 (INR 25 lakhs). Ontario is home to some of Canada’s top universities, such as the University of Toronto, the University of Waterloo, and Western University. 

In contrast, New Brunswick offers the lowest tuition fees for both undergraduate and graduate students. With undergraduate fees averaging CAD 16,400 (INR 10 lakhs) and graduate fees at CAD 13,100 (INR 7 lakhs), it is a popular choice for students seeking affordability without compromising educational quality.

The combination of resource-hungry programs (labs, clinical placements) and classroom-based programs impacts each province's mean, so you get the spreads you see in the table below:

Province

International Undergraduate (CAD/ INR)

International Graduate (CAD/ INR)

Ontario, ON

42,100/ 25 lakhs

26,200/ 16 lakhs

Alberta, AB

28,000/ 17 lakhs

15,200/ 9 lakhs

British Columbia, BC

31,000/ 19 lakhs

20,300/ 12 lakhs

Quebec, QC

27,400/ 16 lakhs

18,600/ 11 lakhs

Nova Scotia, NS

20,400/ 12 lakhs 

23,000/ 16 lakhs

New Brunswick, NB

16,400/ 10 lakhs

13,100/ 7 lakhs

Cost of Living in Canada

Indian students' living costs and tuition at Canadian universities are included in their overall cost of attendance. The Canadian university and the course you enroll in determine the fees. You must pay the university the Canadian tuition fees for your course after you get the university's unconditional offer letter. While some colleges may ask you to pay tuition fees for the entire first year, others may charge you per term.

The cost of living in Canada varies according to the city you live in and the lifestyle you choose. Need clarity on the factors influencing the total and average expenses of studying in Canada? Check the table below!

Factors 

Cost

Accommodation

CAD 400 (INR 24,810) - CAD 600 (INR 37,210)

Food and Grocery

CAD 200 (INR 12,400) - CAD 300 (INR 18,600)

Transportation

CAD 100 (INR 6,200) - CAD 250 (INR 15,500)

Internet

CAD 30 (INR 1,860) - CAD 50 (INR 3,100)

Miscellaneous

CAD 600 (INR 37,210) - CAD 700 (INR 43,410)

City-wise Cost of Living in Canada

Vancouver and Toronto are the most expensive Canadian cities for international students due to high rents and other costs, often exceeding CAD 4,000 (INR 2.5) per month. On the other hand, cities like Winnipeg, Montreal, and Calgary offer significantly lower monthly expenses, around CAD 2,000 to CAD 2,400 (INR 1.2 to INR 1.4 lakhs), while still providing strong education infrastructure and quality of life. When choosing where to study in Canada, it's essential to look beyond tuition and factor in city-wise living expenses, which can have a major impact on your overall budget.

To get a general idea of the spectrum of prices across cities, refer to the table below:

City

Rent (1BHK, CAD / INR)

Monthly Expenses (Food, Transport, Utilities) (CAD / INR)

Total Cost of Living (CAD / INR)

Montreal

CAD 1,200 (INR 72,000)

CAD 1,000 (INR 60,000)

CAD 2,200 (INR 1 lakh)

Calgary

CAD 1,400 (INR 84,000)

CAD 1,100 (INR 66,000)

CAD 2,500 (INR 1 lakh)

Winnipeg

CAD 1,000 (INR 60,000)

CAD 900 (INR 54,000)

CAD 1,900 (INR 1 lakh)

Toronto

CAD 2,000 (INR 1 lakh)

CAD 1,500 (INR 90,000)

CAD 3,500 (INR 2 lakhs)

Vancouver

CAD 2,200 (INR 1 lakhs)

CAD 1,600 (INR 96,000)

CAD 3,800 (INR 2 lakhs)

Accommodation Costs in Canada

Monthly accommodation costs in Canada range from CAD 600- 2500 (INR 36,000- 1.5 lakhs). Where you decide to stay and how close it is to campus or the city centre can influence your rent a great deal, which is your biggest monthly expense. While some charge higher rents for ease of location, others have more affordable alternatives in quieter suburbs. 

The table below highlights the different monthly housing options to provide you with a better sense of how these variations affect your overall cost of living.

Accommodation Type

Monthly Cost (CAD)

Monthly Cost (INR)

On-Campus Residences (Dormitories)

600 - 1500

36,000 - 90,000

Shared Apartments/Rooms

400 - 800

24,000 - 48,000

Private Apartments (Single)

1000 - 2500

60,000 - 150,000

Homestays

600 - 1200

36,000 - 72,000

Canada Student Visa and Application Fees for Indian Students

If you are applying for a Canadian student visa as an Indian student, it will be around CAD 150 (INR 9000). The process of getting to Canada entails two sets of charges in the official domain. These are application fees and visa costs. 

To give you a clear idea of what to expect, each category has been broken down into the sections below:

Canada Student Visa

If you're planning on studying in Canada, getting a student visa is one of the most important things to do. The process has a few compulsory fees that pay for review of the application, verification of identity, and other procedures.

  • A processing fee of CAD 150 (INR 9000) for your study permit.
  • A biometrics fee of CAD 85 (INR 5100) is charged when they take your fingerprints and photo at your visa appointment. 

Application Fees for Indian Students

Each university in Canada has a different application fee. The fees are used for processing your application, examining your academic credentials, and providing admission decisions. 

While these costs vary across courses and universities, the following provides a general idea:

  • For the  Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC), there is a fixed fee of CAD 156 CAD/ INR 9500 with which you can select up to 3 courses. 
  • For additional courses, a fee of CAD 50 / INR 3050 is added per subject. As an international student, you also need to pay CAD 10/ INR 610 as a service fee.
  • For the applications of individual universities, you can expect to pay CAD 100 to CAD 250/ INR 6000 to INR 15,000 on average.

Standardised & Language Proficiency Tests Fees

As an international student, you have to submit English proficiency test scores along with your application to a Canadian university.  Depending on the stream of immigration, one might have to sit for certain versions of standardised tests such as IELTS, CELPIP, or PTE. Here is a brief test version requirement and fee comparison.

Test

Required Version

Fee (INR)

Fee (CAD approx.)

Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program

CELPIP-General

12500 + taxes

208

International English Language Testing System

IELTS General Training

18000

300

Pearson Test of English

PTE Core

17000

283

Other Essential Costs Of Studying In Canada

As an international student, you will also need to pay certain miscellaneous fees, such as the overseas student health cover and GIC (guaranteed investment certificate). These add up to your total cost of studying in Canada. 

Let’s discuss them in detail below:

Certificat d’acceptation du Quebec (CAQ)

To study at universities in Québec,  you need permission from the governments of Québec and Canada. It can be done by applying for a certificate of acceptance based on the course duration. This requires you to pay an application fee of CAD 124 (INR 7,500) and charges CAD 31.98 (INR 2000)  for sending the documents to Quebec.

Overseas Student Health Cover

The average yearly cost of health insurance premiums varies between CAD 600 (INR 37,210) to CAD 900 (INR 55,820). Having health insurance as an international student is obligatory. Some provinces in Canada offer free health care, make sure you check them.

It is also mandatory to have health insurance coverage before you apply for your Canadian student visa. The insurance certificate must be produced for your university before you begin your term.

Proof Of Funds

You need to submit proof of funds to get a student permit in Canada. This also depends on the region, so make sure to check the requirements of the universities and the provinces you’re applying to. 

GIC (Guaranteed Investment Certificate)

This form is a part of the documents required to get a student permit as part of the financial proof. The students must buy a special guaranteed investment certificate (GIC) from participating banks like Nova Scotia Bank, ICICI Bank, SBI Canada Bank, and CIBC Bank for CAD 20,635 (INR 12 lakhs), which adjusts for the living expenses of the first year. Approximately CAD 200 (INR 12,400) will be deducted as administrative charges of the bank.

Scholarships for International Students to study in Canada

As an Indian student, you can avail many scholarships to study in Canada, like the Ontario Trillium Scholarship and the York University International Student Scholarship. These can offer up to CAD 70,000 (INR 44 lakhs) and cover your tuition as well as living expenses. 

The Canadian Government, different universities, and even private sources recognise the need to offer financial aid. These scholarships and grants are both need-based and merit-based. 

As studying on a scholarship significantly lessens your economic burden, we strongly recommend pursuing and applying for the scholarship choices outlined below.

Scholarship Name

Offered by/ School Name

Amount/Benefits

Eligibility Criteria

Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships

Government of Canada

(PostDoc)

CAD 70,000 per year (INR 43.4 lakhs)

  • Must have a completed PhD
  • Apply through a Canadian host institution.
  • No GPA requirement stated, but top-tier research background and publications expected.

Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships

Government of Canada

(PhD)

CAD 50,000 per year (INR 31 lakhs)

  • Must have a nomination with Vanier quota from a Canadian institution.
  • Minimum GPA requirement is  3.5/4.0 GPA or 75 %+ in master’s.
  • Strong research background and leadership qualities required.

Ontario Trillium Scholarship

Ontario Government

(PhD)

CAD 40,000 per year (INR 24.8 lakhs)

  • Enrolled in an Ontario university.
  • Minimum GPA required is 8.0/10 in Master’s 
  • Must be an international student, studying full-time.

Trudeau Scholarships and Fellowships

Trudeau Foundation

(PhD)

CAD 40,000 per year (INR 24.8 lakhs) plus research allowance

  • Enrolled in a PhD program at a recognised university.
  • Strong leadership and public engagement record.
  • No fixed GPA, but high academic standing expected (≥ 75-80% in master’s).

Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)

Ontario Government

(PhD/ PG)

CAD 5,000 (INR 3.1 lakhs) per term

  • Must be a student at a participating Ontario institution.
  • The minimum GPA expected is 75% in the last two years of study.
  • International students are eligible at certain institutions.

Lester B. Pearson International Scholarships

University of Toronto

(UG)

Covers tuition, books, incidental fees, and full residence support for four years.

  • Must be in the final year of high school (Class 12).
  • Minimum Class 12 score is 90 %+ (school’s topper preferred).
  • Demonstrated leadership and creativity.
  • School nomination is mandatory.

York University International Student Scholarship

York University


(UG/ PG)

CAD 2,500 to  CAD 37,500 (INR 1.5- 23.2 lakhs)

UG:

  • Class 12 marks: 85-90%
  • Strong extracurriculars and leadership activities.

PG:

  • Minimum 7.5/10 GPA in bachelor’s.
  • Relevant experience and references may be required.

UBC International Leader of Tomorrow Award

University of British Columbia


(UG)

Varies based on financial need.

  • Class 12 score: 90 %+.
  • Display financial need and leadership.
  • Apply to UBC directly and be nominated by your school.

How to Reduce the Cost of Studying in Canada

Studying in Canada as an international student can be expensive. But there are multiple ways to budget in order to save money, by applying for scholarships and financial aid, using student discounts wherever applicable, and sharing accommodation with flatmates/roommates. 

The following are some intelligent, practical tips to assist you in stretching your dollars and getting the most out of your student experience:

Apply for Scholarships & Financial Aid

Several Canadian universities provide generous scholarship opportunities to international students. With these, you can wipe off much of the expenditure on tuition and travel. Early and proper applications pay off, quite literally.

Share Accommodation to Cut Costs

As a student in Canada, your largest monthly expenditure will be on housing. You will find that sharing an apartment can bring your rent down by  CAD 600 (INR 36,000), which is half the amount you would pay for a one-bedroom apartment, CAD 1,200 (INR 73,000). Utilities such as heating and the internet also become cheaper. 

Make the Most of Student Discounts

From travel and technology to food and clothing, most Canadian merchants and service companies provide discounts of as much as 20% for students. Presenting your student ID is all it takes to tap into bargains that keep living easy without sacrificing enjoyment.

Work Part-Time on Campus

Foreign students in Canada can work for a maximum of 20 hours a week during term time.  On-campus jobs pay approximately CAD 13- 15 per hour (INR 700-900). This amount can greatly increase your purchasing power while you get some local experience and interact with people.

Purchase Used Textbooks

Books for courses are unexpectedly pricey, but you don’t need to pay the full price every time. Most campus bookstores and websites offer second-hand or electronic copies at a 50% discount or more. 

Use Public Transport 

Some cities, such as Vancouver, provide monthly student transit passes for around CAD 98 (INR 6000), which provide you with unlimited travel on buses, subways, and trains. It's a secure, efficient, and cost-effective alternative to taxis or ride-shares.

From the Desk of Yocket

Throughout this blog, we've dissected every dollar you need to budget for studying in Canada, from tuition and living costs between provinces and cities to visa and application fees, test fees, and smart ways to cut down your expenditure. You've learned which universities have affordable programs, discovered top scholarships, and realised what makes the cost higher than other places. Now you have a clear blueprint for planning your finances and making smart decisions along the way.

Ready to make insights into action? With Yocket Premium, you receive personalised, one-on-one counsel customised for your budget and ambitions. Our savvy advisors assist you in narrowing down universities and cities based on your goals, developing effective scholarship plans, and staying on track with reminder notifications. From application to landing in Canada, we will make the entire process easy, streamlined, well-informed, and actually fun.

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