Cost of Living and Studying in Canada

🇨🇦 Cost of Living and Studying in Canada (2025)

Canada is a top destination for international students due to its high-quality education, safe environment, and multicultural society. But understanding the total costs is essential for proper planning.

🎓 1. Tuition Fees

Tuition depends on the level of study, institution, and program:

Level of Study	Estimated Annual Tuition
Undergraduate programs	CAD 15,000 – CAD 35,000
Postgraduate (Master’s)	CAD 18,000 – CAD 40,000
MBA / Professional Degrees	CAD 30,000 – CAD 60,000+

💡 Tip: Engineering, Computer Science, and Business tend to cost more than Arts or Education programs.

🏡 2. Living Expenses

Living costs vary depending on the city and lifestyle, but here’s a general estimate:

Expense Category	Monthly Estimate (CAD)	Annual Estimate (CAD)
Housing (shared/apartment)	600 – 1,200	7,200 – 14,400
Food and groceries	300 – 500	3,600 – 6,000
Transportation (public)	80 – 150	960 – 1,800
Internet & Utilities	100 – 200	1,200 – 2,400
Health Insurance (UHIP, MSP, etc.)	600 – 1,000/year	600 – 1,000
Personal expenses	200 – 400	2,400 – 4,800

✅ Total Living Costs:

➡️ CAD 10,000 – CAD 18,000/year (average)

🧾 3. Application & Visa Costs

Item	Cost (CAD)
Application fees (per university)	CAD 100 – 200
Study Permit application	CAD 150
Biometrics	CAD 85
IELTS/TOEFL test	CAD 300 – 350
GIC (Proof of Funds for Visa)	CAD 20,635 (2025 update)

💡 Proof of Funds: As of 2025, international students must show CAD 20,635/year (excluding tuition) to cover living expenses under Canadian visa regulations.

🎓 4. Scholarships and Financial Aid

Many universities offer entrance scholarships, need-based aid, or research assistantships.
Popular external scholarships include:
- Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
- Ontario Graduate Scholarships (OGS)
- Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship (undergrad)

💼 5. Work While Studying

Students can work up to 20 hours/week during academic terms and full-time during breaks.
Average part-time wage: CAD 15 – 20/hour
Potential monthly income: CAD 1,000 – 1,200

💡 This can help cover living costs, but usually not tuition.

🏙️ City-Wise Cost Differences

City	Affordability (💲=low to 💲💲💲=high)
Toronto	💲💲💲 (expensive rent & food)
Vancouver	💲💲💲 (high cost of housing)
Montreal	💲💲 (relatively affordable)
Calgary/Edmonton	💲 (more budget-friendly)
Halifax/Winnipeg	💲 (lower cost of living)

📌 Estimated Total Annual Cost

Category	Range (CAD/year)
Tuition	15,000 – 40,000
Living Expenses	10,000 – 18,000
Total	25,000 – 58,000/year

If you tell me your intended program or university, I can give you a more personalized breakdown (including exact tuition, location-based living cost, and scholarships). Want help with that?

April 18, 2025 7:25 p.m. 103

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