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Cost of studying in Canada for Indian students

By Haripriya Sivasubramaniam• Last updated: Nov 28, 2023
Cost of studying in Canada for Indian students
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Canada is a popular study destination that offers an outstanding academic experience for international students pursuing higher education. Finances play a vital role as the cost helps students finalise which study destination and university they can study.

Education expenses include your tuition fees, visa expenses, and other miscellaneous spending. Cost-effective planning will help you create an affordable financial plan while pursuing higher education abroad.

Canada is well-known for its quality education, globally recognised universities, and reasonable cost of studying. Indian students prefer Canada for their higher studies mainly for its affordability. Here, we break down every cost of studying in Canada for Indian students.

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Why study in Canada?

Before exploring the numbers and expenses, let’s see why Canada is considered an ideal study destination.

  • Canada provides world-class education and has high academic standards, offering the finest educational experience to students.
  • The country is home to several globally recognised universities with remarkable courses accepted by various companies, government bodies, and other sectors.
  • Canada’s inclusive culture provides a great space for international students to learn and grow professionally and ethically.
  • The country is known for its excellent employment opportunities for students to begin a remarkable career in their field of interest.

Also read: Study in Canada

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Types of expenditures while studying in Canada

Various financial components comprise a student’s expense plan for studying in Canada. While the costs vary with different locations, universities, and courses, here are the standard factors to consider while drafting your expenditures.

  • Education
  • Accommodation
  • Food and groceries
  • Travel
  • Visa processing
  • Transport and commutation within the country

Cost of studying in Canada for Indian students: Key highlights

Type of expenseCost (in CAD)
Education (per year)
  • Undergraduate: $36,100
  • Postgraduate: $21,100
  • Doctorate: $15,000-$45,000
Accommodation (per month)$800-$3,000
Food and groceries (per month)$400
Travel (one trip)$1,450-$2,400
Visa application$150
Transport and commutation within the country (per month)$80

Data updated as of November 2023

Note: The costs mentioned are a rough estimate of the expenses students can expect while studying in Canada. The numbers may vary with different locations and courses you pursue.

A breakdown of the cost of studying in Canada for Indian students

It is important for Indian students to plan their expenses according to their budget before moving to Canada for higher education. The costs vary with locations across the country, so verify if the figures meet their budget. Here’s a rundown of the various expenses for Indian students studying in Canada.

Education

Educational expenditures comprise most of the cost a student should pay while studying in Canada. Students apply for undergraduate, postgraduate, or doctorate courses to enhance their knowledge and skills to excel in their careers. Here are the costs for various study levels for Indian students in Canada.

Undergraduate course fees to study in Canada for Indian students

Undergraduate programAverage annual fee (in CAD)
Engineering$31,201
Arts$23,268
Medicine$30,051
Dentistry$20,297
Humanities$26,546
Law$30,738
Business and Management$10,367

Data updated as of November 2023

Cost of studying postgraduate in Canada for Indian students

Postgraduate programAverage annual fee (in CAD)
Engineering$17,859
Arts$13,651
Medicine$25,758
Dentistry$20,795
MBA$36,052
Law$15,970

Data updated as of November 2023

Doctorate course fees to study in Canada for Indian students

A doctorate or PhD course is the highest study level a student can pursue in the higher education sector—a PhD in Canada costs between CAD $6,000 and CAD $20,000 for international students.

Data updated as of November 2023

Also read: Understanding the higher education system in Canada

Scholarships and financial aid for Indian students in Canada

Scholarships are aids that ease the financial burden of students while studying abroad. These grants are a tool of encouragement to welcome international students for their education and career purposes. 

Here are some of the famous scholarships offered by top Canadian universities and the government that’ll help with the cost of studying in Canada for Indian students,

  • Vanier Canada graduate scholarships
  • Ontario graduate scholarship
  • Lester.B.Pearson International Scholarship program
  • International Leader of Tomorrow award
  • Trudeau foundation scholarships
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Top-ranked and affordable universities in Canada

Canadian universities offer excellent and affordable undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctorate programs for Indian students. Here’s a list of top-ranked Canadian universities and their average tuition fees to pursue higher education.

Average tuition fees at top-ranking Canadian universities

University nameTimes Higher Education ranking 2024Average annual fee(in CAD)
University of Toronto21$36,017
University of British Columbia41$29,499
McGill University49$23,734
McMaster University103$26,260
University of Alberta109$19,170
University of Waterloo158$31,444
Western University201-250$27,039
University of Calgary201-250$14,878
Queen’s University251-300$17,390

Data updated as of November 2023 | University list source: THE World University Rankings 2024

Note: The costs mentioned are a rough estimate of the expenses students can expect while studying in these UK universities. The numbers may vary with the different courses you take.

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Competitive exam costs for studying in Canada

Canadian universities require scores of exams like GRE, IELTS, GMAT, TOEFL and CAEL to assess your academic profile.

The scores of these exams will sometimes get the applicants scholarships and fee waivers, helping them manage and ease most of their expenses! So here’s a list of the examination fee details for the entrance tests.

Exam fees for various entrance tests

Exam nameApplication fee (in CAD)
GRE (General)$273
TOEFL$230
IELTS$241
GMAT$309
CAEL$181

Data updated as of November 2023

Accommodation

Accommodation is an essential factor for international students in Canada.

  • Students spend a lot of time in their chosen accommodation, so they had to ensure it suits their requirements.
  • Accommodations near the institution ease students’ transportation expenses and save time from long commutes.
  • Students living off and on campus can witness Canada’s diverse culture and have the finest study-abroad experience.

Student private accommodation costs per year range from  CAD $8,500 to $10,000, depending on the location and the type of residence.

On-campus accommodations are less expensive than off-campus options. University dormitories in the UK cost around CAD $3,000 to $7,500 per year.

Cost of accommodation for Indian students in Canada

Type of accommodationCost of living per year (in CAD)
On-campus$3,000-$7,500
Off-campus$8,500-$10,000

Data updated as of November 2023

Also read: Student Accommodation in Canada

Food and groceries

Students must carefully plan a budget for groceries and food while studying abroad. Canada has affordable food options and outlets with delicious cuisines for you to treat your taste buds with dishes from across the globe.

Students usually spend around CAD $300-$450 per month for food and groceries in Canada. The expense numbers may vary with different locations, but this is the average amount you get to spend during your stay in the country.

Travel

Visiting your home country while studying abroad requires you to set aside a large amount of money as flight tickets are often expensive for travelling overseas. A flight ticket from India to Canada or vice-versa costs around CAD $1,450-$2,400.

Keep in mind that the travel expenses greatly vary during festival and vacation times. So plan your visit during less busy hours to save money.

Visa processing

A study permit is mandatory for students planning to pursue their studies in Canada. The study permit lasts six months, and if a student is pursuing a course longer than the given period, it is always advisable to extend their access.

The application fee for a Canadian visa costs CAD $150, and the processing fee varies according to the student’s nationality and the university they are applying.

Students should also ensure they submit document proofs required by the Canadian government.

Documents required for Indian students to apply for a visa in Canada

  • Your current passport
  • Proof of acceptance from your course provider
  • Proof of financial support
  • Letter of explanation (explain your purpose and requirement for a visa)
  • Custodian declaration form (if the international student is under 18)
  • Immigration Medical Examination (IME) results
  • Attestation of issuance of the Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ)

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Transport and commutation within the country

Travel expenses comprise a significant part of the financial plan for students living away from their university. You can opt to stay on campus or rent a place near the institution to reduce these expenses. Students must spend an average of CAD $80 to $110 a month to commute to their universities and other places.

Miscellaneous costs

MiscellaneousCost in CAD (per month)
Utility bills (electric/gas/water)$108
Clothing$200
TV license$25
Mobile phone$40
Leisure, sports, and movies$75

Data updated as of November 2023

Taxes for international students studying in Canada

International students studying in Canada have to file a Canadian income tax return during their stay in the country. Your residency status determines your eligibility to pay taxes in Canada. There are four residential statuses in terms of income tax returns in the country.

  • Resident
  • Non-resident
  • Deemed resident
  • Deemed non-resident

Students’ residency status depends on their residential ties to the country. In this case, international students might have secondary residential ties to Canada, where they own a bank account, a Canadian driver’s license, or health insurance issued by the country.

Health insurance cost for international students in Canada

It is mandatory for international students to have a health insurance policy while staying in Canada. Your coverage will depend on the province you live in to pursue higher education.

Highlighted quote: “The average cost of health insurance for international students studying in Canada ranges between CAD $600 to $900 annually.

Provincial health plans are available if your school is in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Quebec, Newfoundland, Labrador, or Saskatchewan. Students living in other places must arrange their private health insurance policy. It is advisable to consult your university admin at the time of admission.

Also read: International student's guide to healthcare and health insurance in Canada

Frequently asked questions

Is it worth studying in Canada for Indian students?

Canada is considered an ideal study destination for Indian students because of its world-class education, state-of-the-art facilities, and affordable costs.

How much does it cost to go to Canada from India to study?

The cost of studying in Canada for Indian students is more flexible and affordable than in any other country. Generally, the tuition fee ranges from CAD $5,000 to $80,000, based on the program you want to pursue. One can also apply for scholarships while studying there.

What are the cheapest cities in Canada for international students?

Some affordable and student-friendly cities in Canada for international students include St. Catharines-Ontario, Abbotsford-British Columbia, Moncton-New Brunswick, Laval-Quebec and Sherbrooke-Quebec.

How much is the bank balance required for a Canadian student visa?

While applying for the visa, an Indian student should show at least six lakhs INR to prove their financial stability while studying abroad.

How much does a four-year degree cost in Canada?

Studying for an undergraduate degree in Canada costs around CAD $5,000-$14,000.

What are the visa fees in Canada for Indian students?

VisaCost
Canadian student visaCAD $150

Is Canada expensive for Indian students?

Canada is considered one of the most affordable countries for international students to pursue higher education. The country offers cheap housing options and affordable courses for students to study abroad at low costs.

Can I study in Canada for 30 lakhs?

The average cost of education in Canada for Indian students ranges between 10 lakhs and 40 lakhs INR. So yes, you can study in Canada for 30 lakhs.

What are the best courses in Canada for Indian students?

  • Healthcare
  • Engineering
  • Computer science and information technology
  • Accounting and finance
  • Business administration
  • Media and journalism
  • Hotel management
  • Agricultural science
  • Food science and nutrition

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