Cost of MS in Canada (2026): Tuition Fee & Living Expenses

The total cost of an MS in Canada for Indian students ranges between CAD 51,000 and CAD 103,000 (INR 35 lakh to INR 71.5 lakh). Thesis-based research programmes generally cost less since Canadian universities charge higher tuition for professional, coursework-heavy master’s programmes such as data science, engineering management, and business analytics.

The table below provides an overview of the total cost of studying an MS in Canada for Indian students.

The cost of pursuing a Master of Science (MS) in Canada is influenced by several key factors, ranging from the choice of university and program to lifestyle and the city you live in.

• Tuition fee: Tuition is the largest expense and varies significantly based on the institution and program. Public universities generally have lower fees than private institutions, making them a popular choice among Indian students.
• Living expenses: Major metros like Toronto and Vancouver offer more job opportunities but come with very high living costs, especially for rent. In contrast, smaller cities like Montreal, Calgary, or Ottawa generally have more affordable living expenses, though tuition fees might vary independently of the city's cost of living.
• Lifestyle and Personal Expenses: Cooking at home is significantly cheaper than eating out or relying on university meal plans. Similarly, using public transport is generally more affordable than owning a car, which adds costs such as insurance, fuel and maintenance.
• Pre-arrival and post-arrival costs: Universities charge non-refundable application fees to process your admission, so applying to multiple institutions can increase your overall costs. You should also budget for initial settlement expenses, such as rental deposits, essential purchases and winter clothing, as these add significantly to your upfront budget.

Tuition for an MS in Canada depends first on the type of programme and then on the university. Canadian universities price research-based and coursework-based master’s programmes very differently, so the programme type should be identified before the total cost of an MS in Canada is estimated. At top MS universities in Canada, international tuition ranges from CAD 10,000 to CAD 45,000 (INR 7 lakh to INR 31 lakh) a year.

The table below lists international tuition fees at top universities in Canada to study an MS.

(Exchange rate used: 1 CAD= INR 69)

The average cost of living for an Indian student pursuing an MS in Canada ranges from CAD 13,680 to CAD 29,400 (INR 9.4 to INR 20.3 lakh) per year, excluding health insurance. Living expenses account for one-third to half of the total annual budget for studying an MS in Canada, with accommodation being the biggest expense.

The table below breaks down the cost of living for an MS in Canada 

Expert Insight: Choosing a university outside Ontario or British Columbia will significantly reduce your cost of living in Canada. You may find more affordable shared housing in Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Alberta, while Toronto and Vancouver generally have much higher rents for comparable student accommodation.

Beyond tuition and monthly living expenses, Indian students also need to budget CAD 24,800 (INR 16.6 lakh) for several one-time and annual costs when pursuing an MS in Canada. These expenses include application fees, visa costs, health insurance and proof of funds, which add significantly to your overall study-abroad budget.

Student Visa Fee

A Canadian study visa costs CAD 150 (INR 10,350) per applicant, and most Indian applicants also pay a biometrics fee of CAD 85 (INR 5,865). These fees are non-refundable regardless of the outcome of the application.

Application Fee

Universities in Canada charge an application fee that varies by programme and typically ranges from CAD 50 to CAD 150 (INR 3,450 to INR 10,350 ). Total application fees you pay for an MS in Canada will vary depending on the number of programmes you apply to.

Overseas Student Health Cover

Canada requires international students to obtain health insurance for the duration of their study. Health insurance is free through the provincial health plan in some provinces, while others, such as Ontario, require international students to purchase the University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP), which costs around CAD 790 to CAD 950 (INR 54,500-65,550) depending on the university.

Proof of Funds

Every Canada study permit applicant must show proof of financial support to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). From 1 September 2026, a single applicant studying outside Quebec must show at least CAD 23,448 (INR 16.2 lakh) to cover one year of living expenses, apart from the full first year's tuition and travel costs. Accepted documents include a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) from a Canadian bank, an education loan sanction letter, four months of bank statements, or a combination of these.

Applicants bringing family members need higher proof of funds, as shown in the table below.

Pre-arrival costs for an MS in Canada typically range between INR 17.5 lakh and 18 lakh. The GIC accounts for the largest share of this amount at around INR 16.2 lakh, while entrance exam, application, visa, and travel costs make up the remaining expenses.

The table below breaks down pre-arrival costs of an MS in Canada for Indian students.

Post-arrival costs for a Master’s in Canada range between CAD 25,500 and CAD 77,500 (INR 17.6 to INR 53.4 lakh) but can vary based on tuition fees, monthly expenses, and one-time settlement costs. Tuition and living expenses form the largest share of your budget, while furniture, temporary accommodation, and winter clothing add to your initial expenses. Budgeting for these costs in advance will help you avoid financial strain after arriving in Canada. 

The table below breaks down post-arrival costs of studying an MS in Canada.

A realistic estimate of the cost of an MS in Canada will help you plan your finances before you apply. You should account for tuition, living expenses, pre-arrival costs, and post-arrival expenses rather than relying on tuition figures alone. This approach helps you avoid unexpected financial pressure after you reach Canada. 

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