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Canada has emerged as one of the most sought-after destinations for international students, offering world-class education, a welcoming multicultural environment, and excellent post-study work opportunities. But before packing your bags, it’s important to understand what it will actually cost to study in Canada in 2025. From tuition fees and living expenses to visa charges and miscellaneous costs, this blog post covers everything you need to plan your budget effectively.
Tuition fees are the biggest part of any international student’s budget. In Canada, these vary significantly based on the university, program of study, and province.
On average, international undergraduate students can expect to pay between CAD $18,000 to $35,000 per year. Here’s a general breakdown:
Arts & Humanities: CAD $18,000 – $28,000/year
Engineering & Technology: CAD $25,000 – $40,000/year
Business & Management: CAD $22,000 – $38,000/year
Medicine or Dentistry: CAD $35,000 – $65,000/year
Graduate program fees are slightly higher depending on the specialization:
General Master’s Programs: CAD $16,000 – $30,000/year
MBA Programs: CAD $30,000 – $55,000/year
Note: Public universities tend to offer lower tuition compared to private institutions. Scholarships and assistantships may be available to reduce costs.
Living expenses depend on the city and your lifestyle. Larger cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal are generally more expensive than cities like Winnipeg or Halifax.
Average Monthly Living Costs:
Accommodation: CAD $600 – $1,200
Food and groceries: CAD $250 – $400
Transportation: CAD $90 – $130
Internet & mobile: CAD $60 – $100
Health insurance: CAD $60 – $100
Miscellaneous (entertainment, personal items): CAD $100 – $200
CAD $12,000 – $20,000 per year
To save money, many students opt for shared housing or university dorms and take advantage of student discounts on transport and other services.
To study in Canada, you’ll need a Study Permit and possibly a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) depending on your country of origin.
Study Permit application fee: CAD $150
Biometrics fee: CAD $85
Medical examination (if required): CAD $100 – $250
Police clearance certificate (if applicable): CAD $25 – $50
You may also need to show proof of funds during the visa application process. As of 2025, students must demonstrate a minimum financial capacity of:
CAD $20,635/year (outside Quebec)
CAD $15,078/year (for Quebec)
This is in addition to your first-year tuition fees.
Health insurance is mandatory for all international students in Canada. Some provinces like British Columbia and Alberta offer government health coverage for international students after a waiting period. Others require you to purchase private health insurance.
CAD $600 – $1,000 per year
Always confirm with your chosen institution whether health insurance is included in your student services fees.
Depending on your program, the cost of books and academic supplies may vary. STEM and medical programs typically require more expensive textbooks and lab materials.
CAD $500 – $1,500/year
Many students reduce costs by purchasing used books, renting digital copies, or accessing library resources.
To offset expenses, international students in Canada are allowed to work part-time during the academic year and full-time during scheduled breaks.
Up to 20 hours/week during academic sessions
Full-time during holidays and summer breaks
On average, part-time jobs in retail, hospitality, or on-campus roles pay CAD $15 – $20/hour, which can amount to CAD $800 – $1,200/month, depending on hours worked.
Public transportation is the most economical mode of travel in Canadian cities. Many cities offer subsidized or discounted transport passes for students.
Monthly pass (with student discount): CAD $60 – $100
Biking or walking: Many campuses and downtown areas are pedestrian and cyclist-friendly.
Tip: Look for student ID-linked discounts at restaurants, events, tech stores, and more.
Flight Tickets (one-way from India): CAD $1,200 – $2,000
Winter clothing (first-time cost): CAD $300 – $800
Application & admission fees: CAD $100 – $250 per university
Bank account setup & transaction fees: Usually low, but check for student-friendly options
Use ISIC (International Student Identity Card) to avail global discounts
Find roommates to split rent and bills
Shop during seasonal sales (Black Friday, Boxing Day, etc.)
Cook at home instead of eating out
Leverage scholarships, grants, and bursaries offered by universities and provincial governments
Studying in Canada in 2025 offers an incredible return on investment. With affordable tuition compared to the US or UK, a high standard of living, and pathways to permanent residency, Canada remains a top choice for international students. However, proper financial planning is key.
By understanding the full scope of costs—including tuition, living, visa, and personal expenses—you can budget wisely and make the most of your student journey in Canada.
At Consultancy Guruz, we specialize in guiding students like you through every step—from shortlisting colleges and preparing documentation to visa application and post-arrival support. Reach out to us today for a free consultation and get expert help in building your dream future in Canada.
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Email: a.chauhan@consultancyguruz.com
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