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.
Table of Contents
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
The average cost of studying in Canada for Indian students
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: An average estimate
- Education (per year)
- Undergraduate: CAD 36,100
- Postgraduate: CAD 21,100
- Doctorate: CAD 15,000-45,000
- Accommodation (per month): CAD 800-3,000
- Food and groceries (per month): CAD 400
- Travel (one trip): CAD 1,450-2,400
- Visa application: CAD 150
- Transport and commutation within the country (per month): CAD 80
Data updated as of April 2024
Note: The costs 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.
Undergraduate average course fees to study in Canada for Indian students
- Engineering - CAD 31,201
- Arts - CAD 23,268
- Medicine - CAD 30,051
- Dentistry - CAD 20,297
- Humanities - CAD 26,546
- Law - CAD 30,738
- Business and Management - CAD 10,367
Data updated as of April 2024
Postgraduate average course fees to study in Canada for Indian students
- Engineering - CAD 17,859
- Arts - CAD 13,651
- Medicine - CAD 25,758
- Dentistry - CAD 20,795
- MBA - CAD 36,052
- Law - CAD 15,970
Data updated as of April 2024
Top-ranked and cheapest 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.
Canada study fees at top-ranking universities
| University name | Times Higher Education ranking 2024 | Average annual fee (in CAD) |
|---|---|---|
| University of Toronto | 21 | 36,017 |
| University of British Columbia | 41 | 29,499 |
| McGill University | 49 | 23,734 |
| McMaster University | 103 | 26,260 |
| University of Alberta | 109 | 19,170 |
| University of Waterloo | 158 | 31,444 |
| Western University | 201-250 | 27,039 |
| University of Calgary | 201-250 | 14,878 |
| Queen’s University | 251-300 | 17,390 |
Data updated as of April 2024 | 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 Canadian universities. The numbers may vary with the different courses you take.
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
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 (in CAD)
- GRE (General): CAD 273
- TOEFL: CAD 230
- IELTS: CAD 241
- GMAT: CAD 309
- CAEL: CAD 181
Data updated as of April 2024
Student accommodation in Canada
Accommodation is an essential factor for international students in Canada.
- Students spend more 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 Canada cost around CAD 3,000 to 7,500 annually.
Data updated as of April 2024
Also read: Student Accommodation in Canada
Other expenses to study in Canada
1. 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.
2. 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 travel expenses greatly vary during festival and vacation times. So plan your visit during less busy hours to save money.
3. 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 choose to stay on campus or rent a place near the institution to reduce these expenses. Students must spend a monthly average of CAD 80-110 to commute to their universities and other places.
4. Miscellaneous costs
- Utility bills (electric/gas/water) - CAD 108
- Clothing - CAD 200
- TV license - CAD 25
- Mobile phone - CAD 40
- Leisure, sports, and movies - CAD 75
Data updated as of April 2024
5. Taxes for international students
International students studying in Canada should file a Canadian income tax return during their stay there. 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.
6. Health insurance
Owning a health insurance policy is a mandatory requirement for international students staying in Canada. Your coverage will depend on the province you live in to pursue higher education.
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
Student visa and application cost
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.
In addition to the application fee, students should also pay around CAD 85 as a biometric fee. 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)
Also read: Which Canadian student visa do I need?
Cost of studying and living in Canada: A city-wise walkthrough
The cost of living, education, and other factors often tend to vary with every major city in Canada. So students should plan their budget according to the city and university they're travelling to. Here’s an expense breakdown of the major cities in Canada for higher education for international students.
| City name | Average cost of living per month | Average cost of studying per year |
|---|---|---|
| Toronto | CAD 1,900 onwards | CAD 13,000 onwards |
| Vancouver | CAD 1,575 onwards | CAD 11,000 onwards |
| Montreal | CAD 1,700 onwards | CAD 21,100 onwards |
| Ottawa | CAD 1,375 onwards | CAD 17,000 onwards |
| Calgary | CAD 1,900 onwards | CAD 20,000 onwards |
Data updated as of April 2024
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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?
| Visa | Cost |
|---|---|
| Canadian student visa | CAD 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 (IT)
- Accounting and finance
- Business administration
- Media and journalism
- Hotel management
- Agricultural science
- Food science and nutrition
How much does it cost to study in Canada for international students?
Various factors contribute to your budget to study in Canada. Here’s the average expense for studying in the country for international students.
- Education (per year)
- Undergraduate: CAD 36,100
- Postgraduate: CAD 21,100
- Doctorate: CAD 15,000-45,000
- Accommodation (per month): CAD 800-3,000
- Food and groceries (per month): CAD 400
- Travel (one trip): CAD 1,450-2,400
- Visa application: CAD 150
- Transport and commutation within the country (per month): CAD 80
Is it cheap to study in Canada?
Yes, Canada is one of the cheapest study destinations for international students to pursue higher education. From education to accommodation, the country offers affordable options for students from different places. On average, it costs around CAD 12,000-35,000 per year.
What is the cheapest course in Canada?
Here are some affordable courses for international students to pursue in Canada.
- Cybersecurity
- Digital marketing
- Health studies
- Social work
- Public health
- Psychology
- Business management
- Computer science
Is Canada costly for Indian students?
Canada is one of the most affordable options for Indian students to pursue their higher education. The country offers cheap options, from accommodation to education, and students always find a course they can afford. The cost of studying in Canada starts from INR 20,00,000 for Indian students.
Can I work in Canada while studying?
Canada has several part-time opportunities, on and off campus, for international students to earn and gain hands-on experience before entering the job market. According to the Canadian government, university students can work 20 hours a week during college weeks and full-time during university breaks.
What are the best courses in Canada for Indian students?
Here are some top courses for Indian students to pursue in Canada.
- Information Technology
- Business administration
- Engineering
- Computer science
- Psychology
- Business management
- Medicine and healthcare
- Media and journalism
- Accounting and finance
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